Home & Rhys-Ent News Page

 

   

This Web Site is Dedicated to Rhys Thomas A UK Comedy Actor/Writer

 

Website Updated Sept 2nd 2010


 

You can catch Rhys on TV:

"The Law of The Playground" on Sky "4Music" Channel Sept 13th, but watch out as he also pops up in other episodes possibly on the Sept 6th & 7th. (remember to check dates & Times for schedules).

He is also n Sky "Dave" Channel "Rob Brydons Annually Retentive" Sept 9th at 11.00pm.. 

(Please note These Episodes are repeats) 

(Updated 02/09/2010)

 

 For anyone who missed Rhys on "Hot Gossip" BBC Radio Two 10:00pm Saturday 21st August 2010, you can catch it again on the BBC Radio 2 web site with the listen again feature, remember this will only be available until Friday Aug 27th. Follow this link 

"Hot Gossip".. 

(Updated 22/08/2010)

 

 You can Catch Rhys on "Hot Gossip" BBC Radio Two 10:00pm Saturday 21st August 2010 

Claudia Winkleman hosts Radio 2's irreverent comedy panel show. The last programme in the series features Jenny Eclair, Rhys Thomas and Ben Miller..  

 

(Updated 15/08/2010)

 

 

The Following Lucky People have won our "Beyond The Pole" DVD & Poster Competition and they are:

 

 

Dawn Pickering, Daniel Oakley, Emma Barker (we are still waiting for the fourth winner to reply).

(Updated 12/08/2010)

 

 

The "Beyond The Pole" DVD & Poster Competition HAS NOW CLOSED... The Winners will be notified Shortly..

 

Now for an Update from Rhys:

He is currently writing the sleeve notes for all 15 "Queen Albums" which are being re-released next year plus working on a Queen documentary to mark the 40th Anniversary. 

Also he is writing a new science fiction sitcom pilot for BBC 1 called "Space Spanners" (that may change). It's basically about the RAC in space. He came up with the idea a few weeks ago and he is writing it with Stephen Burge. Also working on my film for Warp Films, the film company behind "Four Lions" and "Shane Meadows" films.

Raven still in development with Tony Jordan's company and he has been asked to appear on "The Wright Stuff" again for a week in September, dates to be agreed.. 

(Updated 10/08/2010)

 

 DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

This Morning Interview - On Set - Norwegian Impro - LA Q&A - Trailer - Online Ad - Don't Be Impotent - Brian and Mark Deleted Scenes

Another EXCLUSIVE, we have 4 DVD's of  "Beyond The Pole" to give away in a and a SIGNED Poster from some of cast., courtesy of Simon Gayton at Brightspark Productions

 

Brightspark Productions have an upcoming DVD release of a new title "Beyond the Pole" a comedy in which Brian Tongue (Rhys Thomas - Bellamy's People) and Mark Bark Jones (Stephen Mangan - Green Wing) are setting out on the first Carbon Neutral, Vegetarian, and Organic expedition ever to attempt the North Pole.  As a world first they have high hopes of getting into the Guinness Book of Records and, if all goes well, of saving the planet from Global Warming. 

Unfortunately they have not done anything like this before, and they hadn't reckoned on the polar bears, the cocky gay Norwegians, played by True Blood's Alexander Skarsgård and Lars Arentz-Hansen, or on Mark's rapidly loosening grip on reality.  Directed by David L. Williams, with Helen Baxendale excelling both on camera as documentary director Becky, and off camera as Executive Producer, the multi-award winning 'BEYOND THE POLE' will make it's highly anticipated U.K. DVD and Blu-ray debut on 5th July 2010.

Adapted from Paul Barnhill and Neil Warhurst cult Radio 4 series, 'BEYOND THE POLE' is Touching the Void with laughs, and Withnail And I on ice.  Funny and subversive it's the story of two men trying to find their place in the world before the end of the world.  And it asks one question of us all: how far would you go to save the planet?

Question:1....

What was the name of Character Rhys Thomas Played in Beyond The Pole..?

Question:2....

Which Comedy Series did Rhys write and appear in as Percy Thomas ?

Please enter via the "Contact Page" on this site...

With: The Answers the the 2 Questions,

Your Full Name & E-Mail Address.

Winners will be notified after the closing date of Monday August 9th 2010

Good Luck everyone....

 

If you find you can't wait for the DVD and live in the UK Dave TV are screening Beyond the Pole Saturday July 17th at 10:00pm "DAVE"

 We have just received from Rhys a NEW EXCLUSIVE BRIAN PERN TRAILER, on the BBC Comedy Website, just follow this link... 

"Brian Pern Returns"...

(Updated 12/07/2010)

 

 For any BBC Radio 6 fans out there you can catch Rhys on BBC Radio 6 Wednesday July 7th from 7.00am on the Shaun Keaveny Breakfast Show..

."Shaun Keaveny Breakfast Show"..

(Updated 06/07/2010)

 

 

 

We have just found out the the DVD release of "Bellamy's People" has been put back to Jan 24th 2011.....

 

 

(Updated 03/07/2010)

 

 

 

Yet another interview, this time by Rhys Himself, just follow this link to....."Film Shaft.Com".. 

 (Updated 02/07/2010)

 

 

 

EXCLUSIVE "Beyond the Pole" Interview With David Williams, check out this link to "Hey Guys.co.uk" ..Also Another Competition, good luck..

 (Updated 01/07/2010)

 
 

 Want to wind a DVD of "Beyond The Pole", well pop over to

"Obsessed With Film.Com" 

Packed full of sidesplitting adventures, BEYOND THE POLE is certainly a film not to be missed this summer and to celebrate its release they are giving away 3 copies of the film on DVD.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question

Stephen Mangan starred in which hit TV series ?

1. Green Fluff
2. Green Wing
3. Green Zone

Send your answers to contest@obsessedwithfilm.com, with the subject header: "Beyond the Pole DVD". You must include your name and address in the e-mail, otherwise you won't win. Competition is only open to U.K. residents over the age of 18.

Closing date is July 14th. The dvds will be shipped out to the winner on that day. Good luck!..

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALSO @...

 "Future Movies.co.uk"

WIN Beyond the Pole on DVD

 

Three copies of the comedy documentary to be won!

The multi-award winning Beyond the Pole will make it's highly-anticipated DVD and Blu-ray debut on Monday, July 5th.

Brian Tongue (Rhys Thomas - Bellamy's People) and Mark Bark Jones (Stephen Mangan - Green Wing) are setting out on the first carbon neutral, vegetarian, and organic expedition ever to attempt reaching the North Pole. As a world first they have high hopes of getting into the Guinness Book of Records and, if all goes well, of saving the planet from Global Warming.

Unfortunately they have never done anything like this before, and they hadn't reckoned on the polar bears, the cocky gay Norwegians, played by True Blood's Alexander Skarsgård and Lars Arentz-Hansen, or on Mark's rapidly loosening grip on reality. Watch the trailer below

Packed full of sidesplitting adventures, Beyond the Pole is a hilarious spoof documentary and to celebrate its release they are giving away three copies of the film on DVD.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question:

Stephen Mangan starred in which hit TV series 

?

 

 

Green Fluff
Green Wing
Green Zone

Click here for the entry form

Entries must be received before Monday, July 12th 

 (Updated 29/06/2010)

 

 If you want to see Rhys on TV you can catch him This coming Thursday July 1st on UK Channel 5 TALK SHOW: The Wright Stuff, 09:15am to 10:45am

Matthew Wright hosts the topical debate show with panellists Anne Diamond and Nihal Arthanayake with guest comedian Rhys Thomas...

(Updated 26/06/2010) 

 Watch This Space.... Hopefully coming soon we have a "Beyond the Pole" competition to win DVD's and a signed Poster from some of the cast, see the DVD review below.......................... 

Brightspark Productions have an upcoming DVD release of a new title "Beyond the Pole" a comedy in which Brian Tongue (Rhys Thomas - Bellamy's People) and Mark Bark Jones (Stephen Mangan - Green Wing) are setting out on the first Carbon Neutral, Vegetarian, and Organic expedition ever to attempt the North Pole.  As a world first they have high hopes of getting into the Guinness Book of Records and, if all goes well, of saving the planet from Global Warming. 

Unfortunately they have not done anything like this before, and they hadn't reckoned on the polar bears, the cocky gay Norwegians, played by True Blood's Alexander Skarsgård and Lars Arentz-Hansen, or on Mark's rapidly loosening grip on reality.  Directed by David L. Williams, with Helen Baxendale excelling both on camera as documentary director Becky, and off camera as Executive Producer, the multi-award winning 'BEYOND THE POLE' will make it's highly anticipated U.K. DVD and Blu-ray debut on 5th July 2010.

Adapted from Paul Barnhill and Neil Warhurst cult Radio 4 series, 'BEYOND THE POLE' is Touching the Void with laughs, and Withnail And I on ice.  Funny and subversive it's the story of two men trying to find their place in the world before the end of the world.  And it asks one question of us all: how far would you go to save the planet? .(Updated 22/06/2010) 

 

 

Update from Rhys..... he is on "Something For The Weekend" 10am on BBC 2 (Sunday June 13th), Promoting "Beyond the Pole' DVD ", If you miss it check out the BBC I-Player later this week...

He is also Developing a film script with Warp, the film company behind Four Lions (Chris Morris' film) and Shane Meadows..

(Updated 13/06/2010) 

 

 

For anyone who missed the "Listen Again Feature for Worldplay "Roaring Trade" you can catch it again on the "Audio Clips" page..........

Also "Beyond the Pole" DVD due for release July 5th 2010 will also be available at Amazon, just follow this link....."Beyond the Pole" Amazon

(Updated 10/06/2010) 

 

 

The 2010 Worldplay season is an annual collection of plays from broadcasters around the world, all based on one theme.

This year's theme is money and the plays have been made by BBC World Service and broadcasters in Australia, New Zealand, America, Canada and Ireland. 

Roaring Trade has been described by The Times newspaper in the UK as "the liveliest satire on the city since Caryl Churchill's Serious Money 20 years ago."

This witty and candid play looks at the personal and professional relationships between traders - and how rivalry in the city can spiral out of hand.

Starring Rhys Thomas (Down the Line; Bellamy's Law), Claudie Blakley (Larkrise to Candleford) Danny Webb (Land Girls), Joseph Kloska and Annabelle Apsion.

 

Director: Marion Nancarrow, BBC World Service, just follow this link and click on the "listen Now" button..Be quick as this option will soon go.. 

  "Worldplay Roaring Trade".. (Updated 26/05/2010)

 Please help us "Bring Back Bellamy's People" with the BBC petition, please follow this link and add your comments 

 "Bring Back Bellamy's People Petition"..(Updated 26/05/2010) 

A Further Update from Rhys, he has kindly put together a Showreel Compilation, just follow this link, we think you will like it.

We have also another small Compilation from Rhys, take a look on the "Video Clips Page" under "Various" (Warning, there is a little bit of swearing).. "RHYS THOMAS SHOWREEL" . (Updated 22/05/2010) 

 Updates from Rhys, he is working 'Sleep Walk' a new comedy, for the BBC ..(Updated 21/05/2010)  

 Bellamy's People fans, Please can you all join this Facebook page as we need your support, We need to campaign to get this fantastic Show a Second chance, Please Please!! all  fans We need you all to EMail the BBC, and  join the Facebook link below, created by Neil Kennedy...

"Bring Back Bellamy's People"

...(Updated 16/05/2010) 

 For all you "Beyond the Pole" fans.. The DVD is Due for release July 5th 2010 (If the date changes we will let you know), follow this Link to Play.Com "Beyond the Pole"..(Updated 16/05/2010)

 

 We have just Received some Sad News from Rhys that Bellamy's People has been axed by the BBC. So we would like you to fight! and  help  it get a Second Chance , So follow this link,

 "I Loved The Living Shit Out Of Bellamy's People"...

or e-mail the BBC at the following.... "BBC Points of View"

(Updated 16/05/2010)

We have just put "The Roland Darvele Hotel, Pub and Murder Guide" on the "Audio Clips", Hope you all like it.......

Also the Very First Episode of "Bellamey's People" on the "Video Clips" page, hope you like that too, remeber the DVD is planned to be out September 6th 2010 follow this link to Amazon.co.uk

"Bellamey's People DVD" .. (Updated 25/04/2010) 

 At long last we have added the Very First Episode of 

"Fun at The Funeral Parlour", just Pop over to the "Video Clips Page", you can't miss it.......


Also Coming Soon, The Fist Episode of Bellamey's People".. keep watching... (Updated 22/04/2010).

For anyone who missed the BBC 2 Radio Broadcast "The Roland Darvelle Hotel, Pub and Murder Guide", just follow this link (But be quick it may soon be gone) to the BBC I-Player Web Site,

 "The Roland Darvelle Hotel, Pub and Murder Guide"

..(Updated 18/04/2010)  

 

 Don't forget to Listen to BBC Radio 2 10:00pm Saturday April 12 for.....

 

 Latest News from Rhys... They have been nominated for a second "Sony Award" for the "Down the Line Credit Crunch Special". 

He is working with Tony Jordan (Life in Mars, Hustle, Eastenders co-creator) and his production company on "Raven", a new version of Rhys's drama series.

Plus he is writing a pilot for the BBC. 

And "Above their Station" still hangs in the balance.

Also he is doing a radio play for the BBC called "Rogue Trader", recording this week (April 12th to 16th).

Voiced the latest "Kwik Fit" radio ads and written some sketches for the new series of "Harry and Paul".

Rhys would also like to tell his readers to ask for their support in "Brian Mays' campaign to keep the ban on fox hunting, the only way to do that is to not vote for The Conservative Party...(Updated 14/04/2010) 

 Don't forget to tune into BBC Radio 2 Saturday April 17th at 10:00pm for "The Roland Darvelle Hotel, Pub and Murder Guide" See the link for the Radio 2 website The Roland Darvelle Hotel, Pub and Murder Guide,  if you miss the show remember to use the listen again feature on the website for one week only following the programme...(Updated 12/04/2010) 

 ABOVE THEIR STATIONS - BY RHYS THOMAS: Another 250,000 combined watched at 0.50 am and 03.50 am on the repeats last Saturday morning. Amazing. Thanks again. That pushes us up to 661,000 - which is almost 700,000 which is virtually 1,000,000. Let's hope it gets a series as Rhys says he will make that better..(Updated 30/03/2010) 

 Rhys has Written and stars in a RADIO TWO sitcom pilot starring Michael Kitchen, Miriam Margolyes, Lucy Montgomery, Alex Lowe, Matt Berry, Debbie Chazen and Felix Taylor and Nelson Mandela on SAT NAV. It's a spoof of all of those 'Midsommer Murders', 'Rosemary and Thyme', 'Pie in the Sky' type crime dramas on ITV. It airs Sat April 17th 10.00pm, hope you all like it.. (Updated 26/03/2010) 

 For anyone who missed them there are some TV Shows Rhys has appeared in and are being shown again, here are the times and dates.... 

"Would I Lie to You", on Sky Dave Channel 111 Friday 26th March 22:20 to 23:00 & Sat 27th 00:20 to 01:00 

"Above Their Station" On: Sky BBC 3 Channel 115 Saturday 27th March 00:50 to 01:20 & 04:20 to 04:50 

 Some Great News about ABOVE THEIR STATIONS Pilot, it got 411,000 Views,on BBC3, Very High figures for them greater than expected ..(Updated 14/03/2010)

 Last Chance to see the Last Episode of "Bellamy's People Thursday March 11th, don't forget the DVD is released on September,6th this was April but has now changed Follow the links on the "Merchandise Page"... (Updated 11/03/2010)

 Be Quick this snip of the Lets Dance for Sports Relief won't be here for long.. Enjoy.. follow this link.."Rehearsals"...

.(Updated 06/03/2010)

Latest news - Rhys is rehearsing Let's Dance for Sport Relief, it's official, he and Lucy Montgomery will be representing Bellamy's People on Saturday night March 6th, so tune in at 7.30 BBC One....follow this link to the BBC 1 Website for "Lets Dance for Sports Relief"..."BBC1 Sports Relief"

He is writing a new sitcom for the BBC and editing his radio 2 comedy/detective pilot called "ROLAND DARVELLE'S HOTEL AND MURDER GUIDE". Starring Michael Kitchen, Miriam Margolyes, Lucy Montgomery, Rhys Thomas, Matt Berry, Debbie Chazen, Alex Lowe and Richard Madele, .(Updated 01/03/2010) 

ADDITIONAL.......Check out this Youtube link to the Glasgow Film Festival with their footage of Questions and Answers after the film Screening.."BEYOND THE POLE"

We have put some camcorder footage of the "Questions & Answers" recorded at the Glasgow Film Festival just after the screening of Beyond The Pole 21st Feb 2010 .. Follow this link."Beyond the Pole Q&A's GFF" .(Updated 25/02/2010)
For anyone who missed the Making of "Bellamy's People" you can catch it again on the BBC Comedy Website, just follw this link.."BBC Comedy"  ..(Updated 19/02/2010)
"Above Their Stations" has an article in this weeks "Radio Times", recognition even for BBC 3....(Updated 17/02/2010) 

 

 

"Above Their Stations", a sitcom pilot written by Rhys about Community Support Officers goes out on BBC THREE on FEB 22 at 9.30, there is a small trailer on the Above Their Station Page

 "Above Their Stations Teaser"

"Beyond the Pole" Facebook can be seen on the following link.... Please join, hopefully this may help distribution Nationwide .

"Beyond The Pole - Facebook"

You can now see Rhys on "The Wright Stuff" Channel 5 early morning chat show, just folow the links (1 to 6)

"The Wright Stuff Part 1" "The Wright Stuff art 2" "The Wright Stuff Part 3"

"The Wright Stuff Part 4" "The Wright Stuff Part 5" "The Wright Stuff Part 6" 

Beyond the Pole interview with Rhys on Channel Five is on the following link "Live From Studio Five", also in the "Links" Page. 

Bellamy's People interview from BBC Breakfast News is also on the Links Page..  (Updated 09/02/2010)

"Beyond the Pole" Facebook can be seen on the following link.... Please join, hopefully this may help distribution Nationwide .

"Beyond The Pole - Facebook"

Write up in the "Times on Line", follow the link..

"The Times On Line"

Also, another article from

"Eye For Film.."Eye for Film with David Williams"

..(Updated 07/02/2010)  

Just a Reminder that "Beyond the Pole" Screenings and show times can be found at the "ICA Website, just follow this link. 

Beyond the Pole - ICA Screen Times....

..(Updated 06/02/2010) 

Bellamy's People is out on DVD April 26th 2010, see the link to the "Merchandise Page".. (Updated 05/02/2010) 

Rhys is appearing on the Ian Wright Show Channel 5, 6.25pm Thurs Feb 4th...

(Updated 04/02/2010) 

Website updated with the "links and Merchandise" pages 

 "Links" & "Merchandise"...

(Updated 03/02/2010)

 If missed "Bellamy's People" you can catch it again om the BBC I-Player, but you have to be quick as it changes to the most recent episode week to week, follow the link.."Bellamy's People - BBC i-player"..(Updated 31/01/2010)

Rhys is appearing on Channel Five "The Wright Stuff" Tuesday Jan 26th between 09:15 and 10:45 for a "Bellamy's People" interview..Link to Mathew Wright, Channel 5 "The Wright Stuff"..(Updated 23/01/2010)

Another page has been added on the site to capture any Media Articles newspapers or magazines etc, just follow this link or see the page on the left.."Media Articles"..(Updated 20/01/2010)
We have just uploaded the BBC Breakfast News Interview with Rhys & Paul Whitehouse for "Bellamy's People", Hope you like, we did, follow this link  " Bellamy's People BBC News Interview" ..(Updated 18/01/2010)

Rhys is appearing on the early BBC Breakfast News on Monday January 18th.Dont forget to watch 'Bellamy's People' on Thursday January 21st,Rhys has created a facebook page, follow this link. 'Bellamy's People Facebook'(Updated 17/01/2010)

There are some Great Reviews in this weeks TV Magazines for "Bellamy's People", below are a few we scanned for the show, Starting in the UK on Thursday Jan 21st (1 on 8) BBC 2 10:00 to 10:30. The original "Down the Line" Radio Show is also being repeated if you want to listen again on BBC Radio 7 the same night right after this show finishes...

 

 We have a "Beyond the Pole" Review, the link will follow but here is a good one from "Variety"..

Beyond the Pole

 (U.K.)

A Shooting Pictures production, in association with Polite Storm. (International sales: HanWay Films, London.) Produced by David L. Williams, Andrew J. Curtis. Executive producer, Helen Baxendale. Co-producer, Dean O'Toole. Directed by David L. Williams. Screenplay, Neil Warhurst, Williams, based on a radio series by Paul Barnhill,
Calling itself "the world's first global-warming comedy," cheeky low-budgeter "Beyond the Pole" brings a breath of satirical fresh air to a topic that's rapidly approaching media suffocation. Mockumentary about two fumbling Brit amateurs who want to save the planet by walking to the North Pole plays like a cross between "The Office" and a "Touching the Void" parody set in the Arctic. Sending up earnest documentary cliches as well as eco-warriors, this modest but good-looking item goes out digitally in Blighty in February (following offshore fest screenings last year) and will play equally well on the smallscreen.
Style is rooted in alternative Brit TV comedy, where leads Stephen Mangan ("Green Wing") and Rhys Thomas ("The Fast Show") both made their names. The two team well here: Mangan (channeling Jeremy Clarkson crossed with a young Elliott Gould) takes the lead as the barking Mark Bark-Jones, and the more diminutive Thomas plays his bewildered, more working-class sidekick, Brian Tongue.
Chucklesome intro, with a deadly serious v.o. by docu director Becky (Helen Baxendale, who also exec produced), has the duo sporting "Don't Be Impotent. Be Important" green T-shirts as they tell how they want to be the first carbon-neutral, organic, vegetarian team to make it to the North Pole unsupported (i.e. on foot). They're also unsupported by any sponsorship, apart from packets of vegetarian suet, though they are accompanied by a Scottish cameraman, Steve (Clive Russell), who's an experienced hand. Their "polar HQ" is a tatty caravan in an English field manned by overweight radio ham Graham (Mark Benton).

It's unclear how walking to the pole will save the planet, but it soon becomes clear that Mark is more interested in getting into the Guinness Book of Records. His absent wife (Zoe Telford) and brother (Patrick Baladi) both think he's nuts, while Brian's secretly pregnant partner (Rosie Cavaliero) reckons the whole idea is suicidal.

Pic quickly gets to the main course as the team hits the Arctic, where they only manage to walk a mile and a half on the first day. Three weeks later they bump into two gay Norwegians (Alexander Skarsgaard, Lars Arentz-Hansen) with the same idea and much better equipment, which triggers growing madness in Mark as the expedition spirals into deadly chaos.

With considerable experience in both comedy and genuine docus, helmer David L. Williams ("Flyfishing"), who co-adapted the script from a radio series by Paul Barnhill and Neil Warhurst, knows exactly the filmmaking cliches he's spoofing, as well as the deadpan comic timing needed to stretch this over feature length. Aside from a midway dip and some overextended drama near the climax, the pacing stays alert, with a comically cherishable twist at the end when all seems hopeless.

Mangan and Thomas have to carry the movie on their shoulders, and Williams and editor Rob Miller give them just enough space to convey a sense of comic improv without letting the momentum sag. Further marginal trimming of some of Mangan's rants would further improve the picture.

Supporting roles, notably by Benton and Cavaliero, are spot-on in their reality-program sendups. HD lensing by Stuart Biddlecombe of Greenland and Iceland snowscapes is both photogenic and highly convincing.

Camera (color, HD), Stuart Biddlecombe; editor, Rob Miller; music, Guy Michelmore; production designer, Lisa Marie Hall; art director, Amy Simons; costume designer, Nikkie Alsford; sound, Peter Gaudino; arctic expert, Kristjan Fridriksson; assistant directors, Richard Bird (Greenland), Ken Thompson Marchesi (U.K.); casting, Jenny Duffy. Reviewed on DVD, London, Jan. 8, 2009. Running time: 87 MIN. (English, Norwegian dialogue)..."Variety Link"..(Updated 12/01/2010)

 Tickets for "Beyond The Pole" Starring Rhys & Steven Mangan are on sale at the ICA Website.... Follow this link.."Beyond the Pole"...(Updated 10/01/2010) 

Rhys has informed us that the January edition of the "Radio Times" (Jan 2nd to 8th) has an article for the "Top 10 for 2010" (see page 19)... it's also below if anyone missed the magazine...(Updated 30/12/09) 

 Another link and more informatin to the "British Comedy Guide" Website, a few clips of the forthcoming "Bellamy's People" "All about Gary Bellamy" & "All posts on "BBC Comedy Blog" by bellamy's people"...(Updated 26/12/09)....

 

FULL ARTICLE BELOW....

Bellamy's People will see Gary travel the length and breadth of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, meeting the people of Britain and trying to find out what makes them tick.

But before he sets off in his Triumph Stag 'personality vehicle': what makes Gary tick?

Gary Bellamy: A biography

For as long as he can remember, Gary Bellamy has been obsessed with talking, first on the radio and now on TV. It was listening to the radio, however, that really started him on the career path that has led him to the groundbreaking TV series Bellamy's People (of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland).

"I used to pretend to host radio shows in my bedroom when I was meant to be doing my homework," he says. "And I used to record whole programmes on my tinny little cassette recorder."

When other kids were watching television, Gary would be listening to the radio.

"Radio is an amazing format," says Gary. "You can listen to the radio anywhere; while you're cooking, while you're doing the gardening, in bed, in the bath, in your car. As a kid I would tune in my old set to whatever radio stations I could find, the more obscure the better! I'd be listening to radio, literally, from all around the word. Sometimes I'd hear these foreign voices and not have a clue what they were talking about, but it made me think about other people, other cultures, and realize that there was all this amazing stuff going on in the world around us. Radio is a truly democratic medium; anyone, anywhere, can listen to it. And I love talk radio most of all. I grew up listening to the likes of Robbie Vincent, Mike Allen and of course, the great Brian Hayes on LBC. These people were my heroes, not footballers or pop stars. A good phone-in show is like a huge discussion in which anyone in the country can take part. That's what radio should be about - building a community."

Gary Bellamy began his radio career at Basildon Hospital at the tender age of 16, helping out on the hospital radio station - On The Mend - and occasionally filling in for the regular DJ. He went on to do a BA in Media and Communication Studies at Brighton University, where he wrote his dissertation on the history of talk radio.

In Brighton he was very involved in the college radio scene and from there he went straight to the BBC where he served what he has called his 'apprenticeship', as a researcher on the Today programme.

"You can say what you like about the BBC, but the standards are the best in the world. I learnt more in one week at Radio 4 than I did in three years at University."


It was a lucky break in 1995 that really kick-started Gary's career, however. He decided to take a year out and see a bit more of the world.

"So many young kids today go straight from college into broadcasting and they have nothing to bring to the table, no experience of the real world. People in England can be very insular. I guess it comes from living on an island."

His first port of call was Toronto and little did he know that his world tour would start and finish there. He had gone to stay with a friend from his Brighton days who was hosting a show on a small local independent rock station - ZZZFM. Gary stepped in to cover for him one night, taking calls from local rock fans.

"By the end of the show I realized that I hadn't played a single record and I thought I was going to get a rocket from the station manager."

But he was such a hit that instead he was offered his own slot. Thinking he might stay for a few weeks, Gary ended up at ZZZFM for two years, before graduating to Radio 1. No - not BBC Radio 1, but CBC Radio 1 in Canada. His show - The Gary Bellamy Show - won three prestigious Molson awards for talk radio and the Travis Bickle broadcasting silver medal of 1998, transforming him into something of a local celebrity.

Much as he loved Canada, however, his heart was always in England and he wanted to return and prove himself here.

"Canada's a huge country with a small population," says Gary. "Whereas Britain is a tiny country with a huge population (a country like France, I suppose, would be somewhere in between). Everyone wants to be a hero in their own home town. I am no exception."

He soon found, however, that whilst he may have been big in Canada he was completely unknown here. He had to start at the ground floor and climb his way back up again. He went to work for a number of stations in a backroom capacity building up contacts and trying to get his name talked about. (His stints included a short time at Virgin Megastore FM, Heart FM, Melody Radio, and he was at XFM while Ricky Gervais was there.)

But it proved to be a frustrating time for Gary and he was on the verge of quitting radio when he got a call from Radio 4. Matt Weston had been a fellow researcher on Today and was now a radio producer, he remembered Gary as a lively and energetic character who always had something to say. Matt was putting together the first ever phone-in show for the channel and was looking for somebody very experienced who was also a fresh new voice for British radio. Gary seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

Matt said at the time of Gary's appointment "Gary's time in Canada has given him a broader worldview, and we feel that he can look at England and the English almost as an outsider. We think you'll agree that Gary's is a unique and uniquely exciting voice, and that he's a welcome addition to the Radio 4 team. "

Gary himself said, "After a two year break from hosting my own show, I'm literally raring to go!"

Gary's Radio 4 show Down The Line, despite ruffling some feathers, was an instant hit with the listeners and garnered more awards for Gary. And when the BBC was looking for someone to present a television series about the British people Gary was the first person they approached after Adrian Chiles pulled out. Gary's qualities of enthusiasm, fearlessness and curiosity combined with his great rapport with people both great and small and his global outlook make him the perfect guide to modern Britain.

As Gary said when he found out he'd go the job of presenting Bellamy's People (of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) - "After two years hosting my own radio show, I'm literally raring to go!"

Want more Bellamy? Starting this week, Gary and his producer Ben Mycroft will be writing about the making of Bellamy's People here on the Comedy Blog, featuring exclusive video clips you won't see in the show itself.


PROFILE

Born: December 12th, 1975, Billericay, Essex.

Education:  Beauchamp's, Wickford, Essex. Sussex University.

Lives:  North London.

Favourite Film: Pink Floyd's The Wall. "I saw this at a very impressionable age, and it seemed to sum up a lot of things I was feeling at the time, about people being put in boxes and building walls around themselves. Plus the music is absolutely brilliant."

Favourite TV: Anything with David Attenborough.

Hero: "I have to say Chris Evans. People knock him, but he's a terrific radio broadcaster, and he changed the face of talk radio in this country."

Favourite band: British Sea Power. "They're amazing! I must have seen them at least 3 times live."

My Secret Luxury: Black Cabs. I spend a small fortune on them, but they are fantastic. They can use bus lanes, they always know where they are going and they are legal, you'd never get attacked in one. I always tell my girlfriend, Michaela, "get a black cab", so she does.

 Came across this link to the "British Comedy Guide" Website, there is a short clip of the forthcoming "Bellamy's People" "The British Comedy Guide"   "'Bellamy's People' Video Clip" 

 

 

..(Updated 16/12/09)

  More news.... There is now a "Facebook" Fan Page set up by "Shooting Pictures" those nice people who Made "Beyond the Pole".. Just follow this Link..(Updated 04/11/09) 

"Beyond the Pole - Facebook Fans Page"

 Latest News from Rhys.. He has just finished filming 8 new Brian Pern 'webisodes' 

for BBC Comedy Online.This time they have guest stars, Paul Whitehouse, Lucy Montgomery, Tony Way and acting legend and star of Foyle's War - Michael Kitchen as Brian's manager, they are due to air later this year.

Beyond The Pole is to show on December 5th at 6.30 pm at the  Prince Charles Cinema as part of the London United Film Festival..(Updated 25/10/09)

Another update from Rhys and with his kind permission we have added a teaser for "Above their Stations" written by & staring Rhys see the Link "Above Their Stations"

Currently he is editing Bellamy's People and filming a new batch of "Brian Pern" episodes with Simon Day, Michael Kitchen, Lucy Montgomery and Paul Whitehouse in guest star roles.

Also about to start work on Vigilantes - a comedy drama he was working on before Above their Stations.. (Updated 12/10/09) 

 We have just come across this article from the "Broadcast" website for "Bellamy's People", hope you like it, follow this link "Broadcast - Bellamy's People" .

(Updated 20/09/09)..

 We have just added a promotional DVD clip for Queen, Greatest Video Hits on the "Video Clips" Page, follow this link Queen DVD Advert  it's a few years old now but a dream come true for Rhys, as he wrote / co-produced it.

 

At the moment for Rhys is working on.....

Bellamy's People (Down the Line) still editing, the series begins in January 2010 and runs for 8 weeks

He is writing a BBC 2 sketch show called 'Don't Watch With Mother', a TV adaptation of the radio show that was recorded last year and he is also making a new Queen DVD/documentary 'Live At Hammersmith 1975.'

He has written a forth Above Their Station script. He will know in a few weeks for sure if they get a series (Updated 02/09/09)..

 At the moment Rhys is editing Bellamy's People, which is currently due out in Jan 2010. He has also been working on some more "Brian Pern", see new links below (Keep checking as we will add more as they come in)....

(Updated 01/08/09)

[Brian Pern] Award

[Brian Pern] Button Moon 

[Brian Pern] Attention all Brian Pern fans!

[Brian Pern] Fedge 

[Brian Pern] Bees

This Web Site is Dedicated to Rhys Thomas A UK Comedy Actor/Writer

 We have just moved the Video clips of Rhys to another web host (Vimeo), we hope you will like the new format (Updated 29/06/09).. 

 

Video Clips  

Trailer Park is back on the go again, for BBC One Wales, 

although it's not official yet and  some exciting casting details to come...we plan to film a pilot in the Autumn.

Bellamy's People filming was completed in May and is now  editing, due to air in Nov/Dec 2009.

Brian Pern.com is launching very soon, and the BBC have asked for  more, so more news on that soon. 

Still waiting to hear about Above Their Stations.

Trailer Park is back on the go again, for BBC One Wales, 
although it's not official yet and  some exciting casting details to come, we plan to film a pilot in the Autumn...(updated 09/06/09)

Episode 2 of Winging It can be seen on this Megavideo link, well done Spin Jackson...(Updated 16/05/09) 

Link to Wining It page

Keep watching, coming Soon the next episode of Winging It

If you missed episode 2 of Winging It you can still watch it on the BBC i-Player web site, while it lasts, see the link below.  

Winging It - Episode 2

You may also be interested to know that episode 5 (also with Rhys) will be shown Saturday May16th on UK BBC2 at 12.40pm.. (Updated 14/05/09) 

Rhys is starring in 'Winging It' this Saturday on BBC2 at 12.45

 At the moment he is filming Bellamy's People.

Brian Pern goes online in May on the BBC Comedy Website..(Updated 20/4/09)

Rhys is currently waiting to hear about "Above Their Stations."

He is about to direct-write "brianpern.com" , a new project for BBC Comedy  Website starring Simon Day, this will go online sometime this Summer.

At the moment he is in pre-production on "Bellamy's People", and hopes to start filming in April...(Updated 23/03/09)  
Rhys is filming a new thing called 'Winging It' for BBC 2 at present and Bellamy's People in April.  That will be hopefully on TV in the Autumn...(Updated 22/02/09)  
Just another update for the site, Rhys is recording "Above Their Stations" and next on the horizon is " Bellamy's People"........ See the links...... (Updated....15/02/09)
 
We have just attended the Pilot Recording of "Above Their Stations" and we really enjoyed the evening. The sit-com is well written and has a brilliant cast, well done to everyone.. (Updated 10/02/09)
 We have just been told Rhys will not be making an appearance in Casualty as Dr Doom...(Updated 04/01/09)
  

All Other Material Has now been moved to the Archive area