Where is your favourite place?

London. It's big and old and beautiful. I love walking around it - it blows my mind every day. I love all the people drinking on the pavement. I love the cobble stones and the brief bits of sunlight. I love the conversations and the big parks. I love the statues and the flowers and the red buses and the excellent pedestrian culture.

What draws you to it?

At present, the ability to work there with amazing literary people who make me better at what I do. The notion of story is important to them and rich. And I feel constantly challenged and informed by the history and the intellect.

Are there particular memories it brings to mind?

Living in Hackney in 2006 was amazing as it felt like things were changing an an incredible sense of creativity and force was coming through the east. Now it's like a cartoon version of this time when you go there. My play opening on the west end, and running round Victoria Park in the rain.

How would you spend your perfect day there?

A bit of Tate Modern, followed by lunch at Bocca Di Lupo, and some beers at the French House. Then I might see a play at the Almeida in Islington and walk home through Regents Park. 

Any recommendations if we were visiting?

Walk the gardens at Regents Park. Go to one of the White Cube galleries, have a coffee at Bar Italia in SoHo and watch the maniacs stroll past.