“Often for me, if I hear a song I know, it clicks for me and I hear it in a different way and I think, "I could sing that song. I've got something to say about that song. Wanting to connect with an audience and wanting them to rethink songs; it is actually important to do songs they're familiar with. Also, I love those songs. In a way, I think I've changed people's perceptions of what a cabaret show like this could be.” PeopleIfsThinkingKnowsWayImportantDifferentShowsSongAudienceChangedPerceptionFamiliarDifferent WaysClicksI've ChangedCabaret Author:Alan Cumming
“I think American actors are much more intimidated by Shakespeare. I actually want to do this Shakespeare play in New York, but I think it's interesting that there's this gaping hole in the repertoire in the American theater, which is Shakespeare. It's hardly ever done, compared to how often it's done in other companies, not just Britain. Someone from the Roundabout Theater Company - I said, "You never do Shakespeare." And he said, "Yes, we're not very good at it." And I thought, "What a terrible thing to say.".” ThinkingDoneInterestingTerribleVery GoodIntimidated Author:Alan Cumming
“I've actually found - especially doing my cabaret show - I'm connecting with people in a way I haven't connected with them. I've found that when you're open and honest, people respond to that, whatever you're being open and honest about. You could then, when you lay that as the groundwork, say, "Here I am. This is what I think. I come in peace." Then you're able to push out, to be able to talk about more things. And that's been a really heartening thing about my life, actually.” PeopleThinkingHonestHonest PeopleCabaret Author:Alan Cumming
“I wouldn't do my roles if I really hated it. I've done things I hated, but I didn't go into them thinking I would hate them. I want to have fun. I don't want to go to work and not enjoy it. So if I'm swirling around on some wires, talking to Fred Flintstone, I make it the funnest I can. I also want to be good at it. I don't want to be a crap cartoon character. I want to be proud I'm a vitamin!” ThinkingDoneCharacterHateFunEnjoyProudI HateBe GoodHaving FunHatedCrapBe ProudCartoonWireCartoon Character Author:Alan Cumming
“So the experts think we could have an AIDS-free generation in Africa by 2015, even if the mothers are positive.” IfsThinkingMotherInspiringGenerationsPositiveAidsExpertsMothers Day Author:Alan Cumming
“I don't avoid anyone but I always think some people hate me.” PeopleThinkingHateHate Me Author:Alan Cumming
“I think people deny themselves by putting themselves into categories.” PeopleThinkingDenyCategories Author:Alan Cumming
“It's about how you exist as a person in the world, and the idea that your work is more important than you as a person is a horrible, horrible message. I always think about a little gay boy in Wisconsin or a little lesbian in Arkansas seeing someone like me, and if I cannot be open in my life, how on earth can they?” IfsThinkingWorldLittlesPersonsImportantIdeasEarthBoysSeeingGayMessagesHorribleLike MeWisconsinArkansasWisconsin Weather Author:Alan Cumming
“Romeo is the most misunderstood character in literature, I think. He's hardcore to play because he's displaying the characteristics of Hamlet at the beginning, and, well, then everything else happens.” ThinkingWellsPlayCharacterHappensLiteratureCharacteristicsMisunderstoodHardcore Author:Alan Cumming
“For example, Americans seem reluctant to take on Shakespeare because you don't think you're very good at it - which is rubbish. You're missing out here.” ThinkingSeemsMissingExampleVery GoodReluctantRubbishMissing Out Author:Alan Cumming
“It is not hard to feel like an outsider. I think we have all felt like that at one time or another.” ThinkingFeelsHardFeltOne TimeOutsiders Author:Alan Cumming
“Nowadays people don't know how to handle it if all the ends aren't tied up and they're not told what to think in films. And if they're challenged, they think it's something wrong with the film.” PeopleIfsThinkingKnowsEndsFilmKnow HowHandleTiedTied Up Author:Alan Cumming
“I think directing in a team is a really good idea because it stops the cult of the director as God straight away, and also you're discussing things on set so it opens it out to everyone and it becomes a totally collaborative thing. And you have someone who supports you when you're feeling a bit insecure.” ThinkingIdeasFeelingsBitsSupportTeamDirectorsGood IdeasCultInsecureDiscussingSupport You Author:Alan Cumming
“My mum always told me I was precious, while my dad always told me I was worthless. I think that's a good grounding for a balanced life.” ThinkingDadMy DadBalancedMumWorthlessBalanced LifeGrounding Author:Alan Cumming
“I think American actors are much more intimidated by Shakespeare.” ThinkingActorsIntimidated Author:Alan Cumming
