By Helen Mirren

"I had always wanted to work on the stage in New York. American Actors were a great inspiration to me and New York was what London must have been to Puss in Boots, or medieval York to a rural serf. Glittering, powerful, dangerous, unattainable.

For many years, although theatres invited me to work, I couldn’t because Equity or immigration wouldn’t allow it. Then finally, I got my green card, Todd Haimes at the Roundabout asked me to do A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY and at last I had the opportunity to join Equity, which I did with great pride.

It all came together at last and I became part of that incredible city, working in Times Square no less, the ventricle of the heart of Broadway. I have never been happier."