Richard Thompson

To stand up on a stage alone with an acoustic guitar requires bravery bordering on heroism. Bordering on insanity.

Well, first of all it's entertainment. That stops us becoming too pretentious or thinking we're great artists.

I want people to come to my music without prejudice. I want them to get the music first. And who I am isn't that important. If they like the songs to me that's a good thing.

Acting is an uncomfortable business because you have to make yourself vulnerable.

Most detective story readers are an educated audience and know there are only a certain number of plots. The interest lies in what the writer does with them.