“The strange thing about directing, for me, was that opportunities aros...” — Sean Mathias Quote

“The strange thing about directing, for me, was that opportunities arose; I'd had some nice roles as an actor, but it just never happened with any kind of ease. So directing seemed like serendipity.”

“In your 20s, 30s, early 40s, you work with such a lot of different people, and then suddenly you just can't retain all those names, and you just start calling everyone 'dahling'. I only realised that when I got old enough to find out.”

“One still gets a sense from some people that I got this or that gig only because I'm Ian McKellen's ex, which isn't the case. But I just have to deal with that. I don't want to come across as a victim. I feel lucky to have known him. He's an amazing person.”

“I tell stories, and I do it through writing, through acting, through my stand-up, and through directing. All the hats I wear - producing as well - ultimately, I am a storyteller.”

“It's natural for any actor that segues into directing to be an actor's director. You know how to relate to the actors.”

“I'm very happy to be directing though. It's a challenge, and it's a lot of fun for me to be on set.”