As I approach my 88th birthday it's become apparent to me that my eyes and ears among other appurtenances aren't quite what they used to be. The prospect of long flights to wherever in search of whatever are not quite as appealing.

The first guitar I ever got was for my 13th birthday.

I'm over the moon to be involved in the 'Doctor Who' Christmas special. I can't quite believe it as it's a part of the family tradition at the Jenkins household. I heard the news that I got the role on my 30th birthday and it was the best birthday present ever.

The Queen of Crafts herself Martha Stewart and I have the same birthday. I prefer to think it's the glue-gun wielding perfect-tart-producing Martha and not the copper pan-throwing jail-going Martha. But I suppose if I am going to share a calendar square with some of Martha I have to share it with all of Martha.

I'm a summer baby so I usually have my birthday as a good summer memory.

Since graduation I have measured time in 4-by-5-inch pieces of paper four days on the left and three on the right. Every social engagement interview reading flight doctor's appointment birthday and dry-cleaning reminder has been handwritten between metal loops.

My second play The Birthday Party I wrote in 1958 - or 1957. It was totally destroyed by the critics of the day who called it an absolute load of rubbish.

I tend to foster drama via bleakness. If I want the reader to feel sympathy for a character I cleave the character in half on his birthday. And then it starts raining. And he's made of sugar.

It is ironic that the one thing that all religions recognize as separating us from our creator our very self-consciousness is also the one thing that divides us from our fellow creatures. It was a bitter birthday present from evolution.

I had been offered a Hollywood contract before my 18th birthday. It gave me the spark I needed.