If you had to be stuck in a lift with someone, who would it be and why?

The Culture Secretary, Sajid Javid. He has legitimised secondary ticketing - selling tickets at a vast mark up - and yet also blames subsidised venues for not making shows cheaper for people. I'm annoyed by touts reselling my tickets at up to 500 per cent mark-ups and have written to him about it, but he will not reply to my emails. So, if he was in the lift I could ask him how he is able to argue for two opposite things at the same time.

What is your biggest fear?

That the environment will collapse, and there will be a global war for resources.

Do you have any superstitions?

No. I leave 1p coins on standing stones, but I don't believe it does anything. I just want them to feel wanted.

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

I would rather go deaf than have to do this.

What is the most expensive thing you've bought, not including property?

A copy of a letter from Nancy Mitford, which I bought for my wife. It was £120.

What is the best piece of advice you've been given?

Don't try and compete and don't try and fit in. Richard Thomas, the composer from Jerry Springer the Opera, told me that.

What is your indulgence?

Buying records and books.

What item could you not live without?

Nothing. Everything can go.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would like to lose about four stone.

Where are you next going on holiday?

I'm not telling you because people will stalk and track me. It’s a log cabin somewhere in England for four days.