James Marsters

What part of acting do you prefer, when you feel like you are another person different from yourself, or when you see your performance fooling the audience?

I feel best about my performance when I’m revealing my true self and not fooling anyone. Then it is truly dangerous.

What is your most eccentric habit?

I use my fingernails as dental floss.

What is your perfect holiday - apart from sleeping?

Watching election returns. Unfortunately it only happens every four years.

Your fans are well acquainted with your love of Macbeth, but I’ve never heard you speak about any of Shakespeare’s comedies. Are you more drawn to his tragedies? If so, why?

Definitely drawn to his tragedies. His comedies have so many references that many of his audience members don’t understand. Too many of the jokes can fall flat; well, except when Kenneth Branaugh and Emma Thompson are doing it. I did do a pretty funny Sir Aguecheek inTwelfth Night in a blonde wig – I looked like Andy Warhol. I did it in repertoire along with Macbeth.

Would you rather people say you’re naughty or nice?

Naughty, naughty, naughty!!!

Macbeth! When was the first time you read it?

When I did it at the Intiman Theatre in Seattle in 1998.