Rhys Ifans

I'm a sporadic reader. I have moments when I can't stop... then I kind of forget that I can read. But then I go, 'Oh God, yeah, books!'

I've reached a point in my career when I can demand certain conditions, and one of them is a weekend break every three weeks during the shoot.

I never think career.

Acting is a tough, difficult job with long unsociable hours, although it can be a brilliant job, too. I don't want to complain too much, as nurses, farmers and teachers are out working long hours.

A pub can be a magical place.

I come from a culture where the pub is the centre of the community. The pub is the Internet. It's where information is gathered, collated and addressed.

Film and stage are very different; I don't necessarily prefer one over the other. Every few years, I get a big itch to go back to the theater. To learn humility, to learn bravery and to remind yourself that the pistons that drive your craft are working on full power. And to remind yourself how badly paid actors can be.

When you act, you've got to be like a poet or a musician. It's not about evidence before court. It's not a forensic subject. It's poetry; it's a completely different place.

After you have been incarcerated for so long, whatever story is told in the aftermath is beautiful.

Shyness is invariably a suppression of something. It's almost a fear of what you're capable of.

I am essentially very shy. Which, I guess, is why I'm very good at not being shy.

Being on tour is a giggle.