claytoncast

It's the time of year that I like; the cardigans are coming out. Last weekend saw the arrival of two of my cardigans, Richard's parents, and a trip to an English vineyard for lunch with 30 people. When I met Mr Richard Howle nearly 17 years ago and our eyes locked across the Telegraph crossword in the green room of the Arts Theatre Cambridge, I didn't see the large, varied, and fertile family sitting right behind him. As an only child, adopted by my parents after two failed attempts at having their own child,  I have always associated family life with a remarkable degree of isolation. I'd like to think that the long hours I amused myself as a child are a part of the reason for my fertile imagination. Richard has always been part of a larger group. It's probably why he is so genuinely at ease with people, and yet also I know how he values our time alone. This weekend we have managed to get two whole days together for the first time in ages. This evening, Sa

I've never had any regrets about the fact that being a gay man means that I won't have children. For one thing I don't think I have the patience and for another it means that I choose to invest in the future in different ways. Watching my many friends bring up their children with love and care makes it clear to me just what a difficult job it is and I  don't think I'd be up to it. I have some fantastic godchildren, some great friends in the children of my friends,  and  I've acquired a complete set of nephews and nieces from my partner Richard. I do think it's very important however,  to try and help play a part in shaping things for the future, to pass on experience, and to give young people opportunities that perhaps weren't available for oneself. For the last two years I have been in charge of the Alan Bates bursary award at The Actors Centre where I am chair of the board. It's an award set up in memory of the actor Alan Bates to help on