The Critics: Overheard

My whole early career was spent running to the bathroom and taking off as much as I could get away with. It was still grotesque, but it was a heck of a lot better than the mouth they put on me first.

Kim Novak, star of Vertigo, on her battles with the Columbia makeup artists, Daily Telegraph

Pregnancy brings problems, it brings disorders.

Dieter Flurie, principle flautist with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, asked why there are so few women members of the orchestra, Telegraph

If you don't want them to see your cellulite, wear tracksuit bottoms. If you don't want them to take pictures of you in your living room naked, draw the curtains.

Debbie Currie, wannabe pop star, recounting her mother, Edwina's, advice on dealing with the press, Telegraph

Of course I drank and took drugs and had sex while I was in Take That, I was doing all that stuff before I joined the band, so I wasn't going to stop...Interviewers ask you what you did last night, and you have to say: 'Oh, me and the boys stayed in and watched a movie and did each other's hair' when what you really want to say is: 'I had the maddest night ever last night; I was the Zorro of beer and good times.'

Robbie Williams, on the disparity between the image and the reality of erstwhile boy band Take That, Times

I'm not into making films for old gits - simple as that.

Kevin Allen, director of Twin Town, responding to criticism of his film from the Welsh cultural establishment, Telegraph

There's only ever been a tiny audience for poetry.

Les Murray, TS Eliot prizewinner, Telegraph

New Orleans is a unique experience. They have one of the highest unsolved murder rates in America. It's got a really corrupt police department and really corrupt politicians. And it's below sea level so that's why everyone is so crazy.

Jill Cunniff, singer and guitarist with all women US band Luscious Jackson, Independent

"I don't know of any artist today who would dare do a show of flowers and faces. Which is exactly why I'm doing it."

David Hockney. ibid.

"Photography has let us down. It was always hailed as the truthful art, but I see it as being fraudulent."

David Hockney. Telegraph.

"I have been called an anti-modernist. That is going too far. I am having a conversation with modernism."

ibid.

Touring is like childbirth. At some point during the full horror of the act, your body releases chemicals into your brain which makes you forget the awfulness of what you've been through.

Kirsty McColl, musician, on life on the road, Guardian