We must have belief in BAME artists and have total trust in their work.

History is a Pandora's box. We've opened it now, we can't pretend stuff doesn't exist.

When I was 14 I was really taciturn - I hardly said a word - but then I auditioned for Shylock. With Shakespeare's words in my mouth I suddenly felt I had a lot to say.

There was nothing around me that would have given me heroes who happened to be Black. And I don't think anybody can understand how that feels, unless you are that person. It's very difficult to understand what it's like to be shut out of a narrative.

Comedy and sci-fi are two areas where you can be larger than life, without the charge of overacting.

It does good things to one, to feel that you are included in the story of your nation.