He says that he has the job of his dreams, which is the greatest joy that I can feel, is to have my child say he has the job of his dreams.

We always tried to share experiences with them. It was a little more difficult for them after the astronaut business, but they’ve responded well. All three are happily married, with their youngsters. And they’re not just happy homemakers. They’re all involved in little projects of their own, because they are challenged by wanting to help local charities, or wanting to start a business. I think they have turned out reasonably well.

You have kids and you’re forced to remember that time actually extends. The world extends, policy extends, stakes extend past your own life.

I love being a father. I think there’s a great lie that we tell kids that pleasure creates happiness. Young people think: “Oh, if I get this, I’ll be happy.” But in a lot of ways it’s meeting your responsibilities that makes you happy. For me, I’ve just found that feeling like I’ve done a good job with the kids is a real source of happiness for me.

I love making jam. Plum is best.

All good dramatists are scared of the audience.

Because I loved it when I was young.

The End Of The Affair by Graham Greene.

I get to airports ridiculously early. It’s an uncontrollable urge.

My university tutor Raymond Williams.