Premiering a new opera is probably one of the hardest things in the world to do, and opening nights of any opera are always pretty stressful.

I think the minute you mention death, people run for the hills - unless it's heavy metal. People do not like death.

There's no life without humour. It can make the wonderful moments of life truly glorious, and it can make tragic moments bearable.

I believe a lot of our lives are spent asleep, and what I've been trying to do is hold on to those moments when a little spark cuts through the fog and nudges you.

Life is a game and true love is a trophy.

I've developed into quite a swan. I'm one of those people that will probably look better and better as I get older - until I drop dead of beauty.

I'm your knight in shining armor. I'm here to save you from Linkin Park.

Cigarettes and chocolate milk These are just a couple of my cravings Everything it seems I like's a little bit stronger A little bit thicker A little bit harmful for me.

I am always writing; if you want to survive in this business, you need to keep working, keep creating and never stop the output.

Being uncool is being pretty much the coolest you can be.

I like to make the mundane fabulous whenever I can.

I covet truth

Were revolutions ever really what we thought them to be?

That’s the problem with following all the rules—somebody else is eventually going to get ahead by breaking them, and then where will you be?

Actors are athletes of the heart.

I really like 'This Side of Paradise' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I think it's a cool description of a character.

God's voice is still and quiet and easily buried under an avalanche of clamour.

Like drinking a cup of tea, all the simple things in life are the real things that make us happy!

I love art. I love music. It's more about the lifestyle you yourself have - that's the most inspiring thing. The way you share relationships with the people around you.

Render any politician down and there's enough fat to fry an egg.

I know there are some voices calling for a punitive deal that punishes Britain. That would be an act of calamitous self-harm for the countries of Europe, and it would not be the act of a friend.