“Usually, there’s a story I’ve told that leads up to why I’m singing the song. The whole concept of the show was about being authentic and connecting with these songs. The best way to do that was in a room with an audience and for people to listen to that.”

I wouldn’t do my roles if I really hated it. I’ve done things I hated, but I didn’t go into them thinking I would hate them. I want to have fun. I don’t want to go to work and not enjoy it.

I’ve actually found – especially doing my cabaret show – I’m connecting with people in a way I haven’t connected with them. I’ve found that when you’re open and honest, people respond to that, whatever you’re being open and honest about.

He … knew, in that instant, that his life would not be an easy one-he was different, he looked different, he thought differently.

If they’re not seeing that their society sees gay people as equals, how could you tell them what they’re doing is wrong?

I think American actors are much more intimidated by Shakespeare. I actually want to do this Shakespeare play in New York, but I think it’s interesting that there’s this gaping hole in the repertoire in the American theater, which is Shakespeare.

So the experts think we could have an AIDS-free generation in Africa by 2015, even if the mothers are positive.

Pantomime is a big thing in the cultural calendar of my country, you know. So subtlety’s not my forte.

In my first year at drama school, I did this kids’ show called ‘Let’s See.

I think people deny themselves by putting themselves into categories.

Once in a while it’s good to challenge yourself in a way that’s really daunting.

It’s interesting, for me sappy means sentimental and something that gets you in your heart, gets you emotional. That’s what I mean. Also, of course, it means that I’m slightly setting up the audience that there’s a bit of fun involved, as well.

Sometimes people do you a favour when they drop out of your life.

I’d been depressed before, of course. But I’m talking about really depressed. Not just feeling a bit down or sad, a depression that has something to do with biorhythms. I’m talking about the kind of depressed that floats in upon you like a fog.

I come more to Scotland than I ever used to, so I feel more connected to it, more part of the zeitgeist. You know when you realize you have a choice and I’m choosing my homeland. It’s funny: when you get older these things creep up to you.

It’s actually quite a good ethos for life: go into the unknown with truth, commitment, and openness and mostly you’ll be okay.

So if I’m swirling around on some wires, talking to Fred Flintstone, I make it the funnest I can. I also want to be good at it. I don’t want to be a crap cartoon character. I want to be proud I’m a vitamin!

I spend most of my life naked. In fact, I often have to be told by the people around me that it’s inappropriate to be as naked as I am.

I’ve been told I sold 110m albums and singles. If that’s the case, I should’ve come here in a space rocket.

She’s going, to be honest, Dad, most of my friends aren’t into Kiss. But they’ve all been told that it’s the greatest show on Earth.

Don’t Let Him Know is a rich, evocative and brilliantly told tale of family, of loyalties, and of love that must stay secret.

[What she told herself before interviews:] I am the way I am; I look the way I look; I am my age.

If I were to shot a film in France or elsewhere it would only be because the story that was being told was something that concerned me, and that really called me or needed to be shown on the screen.

A tale is told of a man in Paris during the upheaval in 1948, who saw a friend marching after a crowd toward the barricades.

Derek (Jeter) told me the ghosts would show up eventually!