Donald Sinden

James Agate, a great critic of the day, advised me that the way to learn your job properly was to learn Shakespeare, so I went to Stratford. It really sorts out the men from the boys.

Whatever part I'm playing, I always carry with me something that's been used by an illustrious predecessor. I'm a great believer in a touching of hands. I have daggers belonging to Henry Irving and Sarah Siddons.

Being a non-swimmer, I've never been excited by the sea so avoid it on holidays.

You come across quite ordinary, nondescript people in daily life, and I don't see why you should be subjected to them on the stage, too.

I'm really not livable with when I'm rehearsing because I'm living the character.

An actor who knows his business ought to be able to make the London telephone directory sound enthralling.

I've been very fortunate. I've been in theater, films, television, radio, tragedy, comedy, farce - I've been in a musical and in music halls, in pantomime. I was once ringmaster in a circus.