Material - Articles - Q&A's from Rhys (Archives)
He has also also re-recorded Don't Watch With Mother and may find out in January if they get the series.
That's all he is working on at the moment and then in March/April he will film Bellamy's People, the `Down The Line' spin off 2009...(Updated 02/12/08).
Rhys is filming his Pilot of 'Above Their Stations' in early January 2009, and at the moment he is currently in pre production...(Updated 02/11/08).
We have some Great News, "Above Their Stations" written by Rhys has been Commissioned and a Pilot is being filmed sometime in Nov/Dec 2008...(Updated 16/10/2008)
Down the Line is to be made into a BBC2 Series Called "Bellamy's Kingdom" and is due to start Filming in the Spring 2009..(Updated 19/09/2008)
Rhys has just finished working on some NEW Video for the Queen +Paul Rogers Tour..
If you see the tour all videos are Rhys &Co
Rhys has just finished filming a pilot for''Down The Line' called Bellamy 's Kingdom in October..
He has also just finished writing episode 3 of "Above Their Stations" for the BBC..
Rhys is filming an episode of "Casualty" this month Dr Doom is back stay tuned
He is working on "Brian Pern" with Simon Day, "Trailer Park" for BBC Wales and Vigilantes for ITV. Also he has updated and edited the TV ads for the New Album "Cosmos Rocks" with his old pal Simon Lupton who produced Fun at the Funeral Parlour...(Updated 19/09/2008)
We have just added the latest media clip of Rhys from "Would I Lie To You", hope you like it, please follow the link "Would I Lie to You".. (Updated 23/08/08)
Just a reminder, that you can see Rhys in Series 2 of "WOULD I LIE TO YOU" this Friday August 22nd at 9pm on BBC 1..(Updated 13/08/08)
Rhys has just finished a New Draft of 'Above Their Stations'.
They are filming a Pilot for 'Down The Line' on TV in October.
He is also making another Pilot for 'Dont Watch with Mother Sketchbook, this time more of a documentary.
Rhys will also be returning as Dr Doom in 'Casualty' filming two, maybe three episodes next year.
He has also just done some work for the New Queen + and Paul Rodgers Tour..
We have had a little re-design of the web site hope you all like it..(Updated 29/07/08)
Rhys is appearing in Series 2 of "Would I Lie To You" on August 22nd at 9pm on BBC1...(Updated 14/07/08)
We have just added another Clip From "The Wall" It's a Compilation of the Best Bits from the last episode (See the Link), Enjoy "The Wall" (The Best Bits)..(Updated 05/07/08)
Rhys Sitcom Script 'Above Their Stations' for the BBC is likely to be filmed as a Pilot this Autumn and Hopefully a Series next year.
He is still working on 'Vigilantes' and 'Trailer Park' at the moment, which is taking up alot of time.
He is also working on a New Project 'Brian Pern.com'. Its an idea Spoofing Rock Stars for BBC Online Comedy.
He is also working on the very early stages of Queen Greatest Hits 3 DVD for next year.....(Updated 29/06/08)
Rhys has just finished Filming "Beyond The Pole" with Steven Mangan, Mark Benton and others, formely known as "Bono Bob Brian and Me".
We have added a clip of Rhys in the first episode of 'The Wall' (see the link) "The Wall" (Part One) Hope you enjoy it..(Updated 01/06/08)
Tonight was the last episode of 'The Wall' on BBC Three. Coming Soon! We will be adding a clip of the Best Bits, on the Media Clips Page..(Updated 27/05/08)
Congratulations to Rhys and all the "Down The Line" Team for winning a Gold Award in the Best Comedy Category in the Sony Radio Academy Awards 2008, Well Done....(Updated 12/05/08)
If anyone wants to watch the LIVE 2008 Sony Radio Academy Awards on may 12th you can follow the Webcast link here 2008 Sony Radio Academy Awards..(Updated 11/05/08)
Rhys is working on 2 more shows of 'THE WALL' until May 26th
Down the Line is up for a SONY RADIO AWARD next week.
He will also be filming a TV Version of ' Down the Line' next year.
Rhys is off to Iceland to finish off some filming for 'BEYOND THE POLE' ( formerly known as Bono, Bob, Brian and Me) with Steven Mangan. .
He is also having a read through of his sitcom script (Above Their Stations) for the BBC in June, hopefully a Pilot will come out of that. ..(Updated 07/05/08)
We have just added the BBC Radio 4 show "Don't Watch with Mother" which was broadcast April 21st, you can now listen to the show on the Audio Clips Page, enjoy....(Updated 22/04/08)
Check out the NEW Sub Pages on the Media Player Clips, we hope these are more easier and quicker to view, enjoy..(Updated 19/04/08)
Coming soon to this Site BBC Radio 4 "Don't Watch With Mother", Check out the Audio Clips Page, Broadcast due April 21st..
Check Our The Radio 4 Site) Don't Watch With Mother.. ..(Updated 18/04/08)
We have just returned from a recording of "The Wall", We had a great night at the show, well done to Rhys, the cast and all the crew..(Updated 15/04/08)
Hi Everyone, last night was the first showing of 'The Wall'
We have created a New thread on the Rhys Thomas Forum entitled ' The Wall' so please join in and tell us what you think about the Show. Myself Sally and Jim thoroughly enjoyed the first episode last night.
Check out "The Wall" BBC Three Web Site (The Wall) which shows a picture of Rhys and Alexa Chung..(Updated 02/04/08)
The First Broadcast date for "The Wall" has been confirmed as: The Wall
Tuesday 8 April
11.00-11.45pm BBC THREEThe WallInformation from the BBC Press office site BBC Press Office (Scroll down)..(Updated 29/03/08)
We can confirm that BBC Radio 4 will be broadcasting "Don't Watch with Mother (Formerly known as "Idiot Pebbles) on Monday April 21st, see the link to the BBC Radio 4 Press Office Release page "Don't Watch With Mother" ..(Updated 29/03/08)
Additional Date for "The Wall:
Mon. April 28th Time 19.15..(Updated 29/03/08)
We have the Show dates here for 'The Wall'.
Mon. April 7th Time 19.15
Mon. April 14th Time 19.15
Mon. April 21st Time 19.15 ..(Updated 27/03/08)
It looks like 'The Wall 'will be shown this April on BBC Three(see link to BBC Page BBC The Wall ) ..(Updated 23/03/08)
Down the Line 2 will now be available on CD from April 7th 2008, see the link The Merchandise Page for Amazon and Play.com..(Updated 23/03/08)
We have now returned from the "Idot Pebbles" recording. It was a great night and as soon as we know the Broadcast date stay tunned it will be posted on here... (Updated 21/03/08)
Great News, It's OFFICIAL, Rhys will be hosting the 'THE WALL'BBC Three's LIVE New Comedy Show in April 2008.(updated 15/03/08).
Well at long last we managed to capture Rhys in all his glory from the Law of the Playground series, we hope you like his school day memories, see the link on the Media Page "Law of the Playground - 2008" The Media Page.. (Updated 09/03/08)
Here is an EXCLUSIVE interview with Rhys from the BMI Voyager Web Site .The BMI Voyager Web Site
The BMI Voyager (Updated 02/03/08)
Well the 6th and Final "Down the Line" Episode is now available to hear on Audio Clips Page Hope you enjoy them all, we certainly did .. (Updated 15/02/08)
If anyone missed Rhys in Casualty (Feb 9th) you can now view the Episode (Sex and Death) in Three Parts click on the link The Media Page
"Sex and Death" Casualty Part one
"Sex and Death" Casualty Part Two
"Sex and Death" Casualty Part Three
Enjoy .. (Updated 11/02/08)
Clip Five of "Down the Line" Series three, is now on the Audio Clips page, Enjoy..(Updated 07/02/08)
Rhys is appearing in this weeks Episode of 'CASUALTY' Called "Sex and Death" Saturday Night Feb 9th BBC1 at 8.35pm..(Updated 06/02/08)
We have now added the Fourth clip of "Down the Line" Series three, onto the Audio Clips page, Enjoy..(Updated 03/02/08)
A New Series of ' Law of the Playground' starts this week on Friday 1st Feb on Channel 4 at 10.50pm. Rhys is appearing in the show ,along with various other TV Celebrities..
We have now added another clip of "Down the Line" Series Three, Episode Three onto the Audio Clips page, Enjoy..(Updated 27/01/08)
We have now added "Down the Line" Series Three Episode Two onto the Audio Clips page, Enjoy..(Updated 20/01/08)
Some Good News for Rhys, he has just had the comedy show for radio 4 '"THE IDIOT PEBBLES" Commissioned. They are recording a radio pilot in March and it will go on air approximately in April on Radio 4, then hopefully a series to follow. It's written by Rhys, Tony Way, Steven Burge, Lucy Montgomery, Glynne Wiley. Starring: Rhys, Lucy and Tony and more cast TBC.
Rhys has also just recorded some interviews for "HEROES OF COMEDY" : LUCAS and WALLIAMS. This goes out on Channel 4 on Feb 24th. He talks about working with them in the early days, along with talking heads like David Tennant, Vic and Bob, Ulrika and Charlie Higson.. (Updated 18/01/08)
"Down the Line" Series three is now available to hear on the Audio Clips page.
Each week there will be another chance to hear the show on Radio 4 "listen again" web site, but if you miss the show just check out the Rhys Web site to catch programme again..(Updated 07/01/08).
Rhys has got a part in a film called "The Plan" it's a caper heist film set in Australia and it's a lead role. At the moment They are waiting for funding, and will keep us posted about it.
Rhys has also just finished writing a script with Lucy Montgomery, Tony Way and Steve Burge for Radio 4 called "Idiot Pebbles'"
He is still waiting to hear about VIGILANTES, so news not concrete but prospects are all good..(Updated 07/01/08).
Just came across this information for the NEW Series of Down the Line BBC Radio Four Thursday 10th January 2008 Time: 18:30 to 19:00
Spoof phone-in show starring Rhys Thomas as Gary Bellamy. With Amelia Bullmore, Simon Day, Felix Dexter, Charlie Higson, Lucy Montgomery and Paul Whitehouse, be sure to tune in..(Updated 12/12/07)
Rhys has Just filmed an episode of Casualty - He has a Guest Star role as Dr Doom in Episode 25, which goes out in February next year.
Rhys is writing 'Above Their Stations' and a Radio Series. He is also working an a new project for BBC Wales called 'Trailer Park' with Dave Cummings, who wrote the Fast Show, Happiness (with Paul Whitehouse) ..
We have made a few changes to the Audio clips of 'Down the Line' So you can now hear them , incase you had any difficulty in listening to them before.. (Updated 01/12/07)
Rhys has been recording 'Down the Line 3'.He is Guest on 'Would I Lie To you' Hosted by Angus Deayton which is to be broadcast next year in April on BBC One. Other Guests on the show are David Mitchell, Lee Mack, Vic Reeves. and Shane Ritchie..(Updated 16/11/07).
Here are our EXCLUSIVE Photos of the "Last Fast Show Live", you can view then in "Photo Gellery 2" Hope you like them (Updated 11/11/07).
Rhys and the cast of the 'Fast Show 'Performed a Brilliant Live onstage Last ever one off Show on Sunday Night Nov 4th at the Dominion Theatre in London, New Photos coming soon (Updated 06/11/07).
Rhys has just come back from honeymoon and extended holiday..
At the moment he is still working on 'Above their Stations' a Sitcom about Community Support Officers.
Rhys is working on a Fast Show Live, and starts re hearsing next week for a One Night Only Show in London on November 4th, this is to promote the NEW DVD, "The "Ultimate Fast Show" (See the on the Mechandise Page and the link to buy it)..
He will also start working on a 'Down the Line 3 this month..
'Vigilantes' a script that Rhys has written ( which you can read on the Script Page ) is looking up. ITV are keen and working on it..
Rhys is writing a radio series provisionally entitled ' The Idiot Pebbles Sketchbook'.
It's a Spoof of all these retrospective sketch shows on at the moment ie. The Two Ronnies/ Smith and Jones/ French and Saunders Sketchbook. The programme looking back over 30 years of the Idiot Pebbles career from 1977-1999. Of course the Idiot Pebbles never existed, but they will and we will play them..(Updated 16/10/07)
Another update for anyone who missed "Down The Line".
Radio 4 will be repeating the series from October 9th, here is the link the the Radio 4 web site http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/ There will also be a listen again feature but limited for about a week after the show is broadcast .
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/progs/listenagain.shtml
BBC Radio Four Date: Tuesday 9th October 2007 Time: 18:30 to 19:00
Date: Tuesday 16th October 2007 Time: 18:30 to 19:00 (Updated 01/10/07)
Just a reminder, you can now view in full the scripts (on the Script Page) Rhys has kindly sent us, just scroll down the page, (Updated 19/09/07)
We have added a clip of Rhys as Jeremy Kyle from the Christmas Series of Chrissy Tittybangbang on the Media Player Clips Page (Updated11/09/07)
The Official Rhys Thomas Website would like to Wish Rhys and Lucy Congratulations on there forthcoming marriage this month.
Rhys will be back in October after the honeymoon, then he will start Rehearsals in November for a Fast Show (Updated 01/09/07)
We have now created a New Script Page where you can now Read some of Rhy's Scripts that he has kindly sent us to put on his Website(Updated 27/08/07)
Just a reminder that "Blunder" is due out in the UK September 10th, as you can see the DVD Cover looks good, check out the Merchandise Page for the link to buy the DVD (Updated 23/08/07).
We have just noticed that Play.com (see the Merchandise Page for this and other Rhys Material, DVD & CD) are advertising "Down the Line CD", Well Recomended (Updated 13/08/07).
We had added a few more clips of Rhys in "Law of the Playgound",
Check out the "Media Player Clips",
Enjoy (Updated Aug 10th).
In this weeks Star Stories (Friday Aug 10th) Rhys plays Simon Fuller and Gareth Gates, we have a sneak preview here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTr-DBzw3tk
Rhys has just recorded an audio commentary for a new Fast Show DVD boxed set out this September - everything the Fast Show has done in one boxed set. He also edited together some behind the scenes material he filmed at the time in 1997/2000. Also, there are still plans to do a one off live Fast Show, reuniting the cast, to promote the release of the DVD and 'Down The Line' on CD. But this is in the very early stages.
Rhys has also Written a script called DANSON for MTV with Tony Way and Stephen Burge. Produced and script edited by Bob Mortimer, waiting to hear back on this (Updated 05/08/07).
Some Good News
Rhys has just had a New Script commissioned for BBC Three called 'Above Their Stations' a Studio Sitcom about Community Support Officers, and he is going to write and Star in it. It will be Produced by Simon Lupton who Produced ' Fun at The Funeral Parlour'..
Also DEATH IN THE VALLEY'S has now been sent to BBC WALES
So Fingers Crossed it will be commissioned..
Rhys is also going to make an appearance in Tittybang Bang Series 3 as Jeremy Kyle and maybe a few other Cameo roles..
Don't forget to watch Rhys in the Second Series of Star Stories where he plays The Fonz, Keither Sutherland, Daniel Day Lewis, the Welsh Aliens who visit Tom Cruise..
Stay Tuned! , More News to follow Shortly.. (Updated 02/08/07)
Also Check out the Channel 4 advert for Star Stories Two on YouTube, follow this link:
Promo for Star Stories 2 With Rhys Thomas
(Updated 20/07/07)
We have compiled a series of clips showing Rhys in the First Series of Star Stories. You can view them on the "Media Player Clips" Page, Hope you enjoy it (Updated 18/07/07)
You can see the New Series of Star Stories 2 Starring Rhys.
Channel 4 Date: Friday 27th July 2007
Time: 21:30 to 22:00 Duration: 30 minutes.
Gary Barlow Productions Presents: The Take That Story.
Celebrities beware! Star Stories, winner of the Best New Comedy award at the 2006 British Comedy Awards, is back. From the makers of Peep Show, the Star Stories team once again throw open the doors of the closely guarded world of celebrity and present their version of the Take That story (Updated 13/07/07)
Rhys has just finished filming 'Winging it', then he is going back to do re shoots in August for 'Bono Bob Brian and Me ' now titled ' North by North North,' as they didnt get chance to film two scenes due to bad weather conditions..
He is also writing a New Studio Sitcom Pilot for the BBC about Community Support Officers called 'Above theirStations'...
We have also added a link of Rhys in a Deleted Scene from "Torchwood", it's on the Links Page..(Updated 09/07/07)
Rhys has kindly sent us some NEW Photos of himself, you can view them on the "Photo Gallery Two Page", hope you like them.
We have also added a "Down the Line Special" on the "Audio Clips" Page, hope you can hear it OK, (Updated 27/06/07).
We have just received news that "Death In The Valleys" has been turned down at present by BBC 2 , (not enough slots).....
On the brighter side E4 are bradcasting "Law Of The Playground" with many
stars giving their renditions and antics in their school days, including Rhys....
Starts 28/06/07 and follows on 05/07/07 & 12/07/07 (Updated 24/06/07)
We came across this Radio 4 "Down the Line Special" for BBC Radio 4.
18:30
Down the Line
27 June 2007
Rhys Thomas stars in a special edition of Gary Bellamy's live phone-in show on the legacy of Tony Blair.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/schedule/2007/06/27/day/
No doubt BBC Radio 4 will have their "Listen Again" feature.
So if anyone missed te show you can hear it again...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/progs/listenagain.shtml Updated 23/06/07
Rhys is appearing on 8 out of 10 Cats this Friday Night on Channel 4 at 9.30pm June 22nd.So Fans in the UK Be sure to watch him..
Also,next Rhys is doing a Programme for BBC3 called 'Winging it' a kind of Faking it for Comedians..
As you will be able to see above we have now created a New Forum for this Web Site. For those of you who posted on the old Forum, DON'T Panic, as your comments have been transfered to the NEW Forum. Please feel free to register on the forum and add your posts (please keep it clean). Any posts we find unrelated to the site or subject or abusive may be edited or deleted... Hope you enjoy,
Just came across this article from Channel4 web site (link below) for the New Series of Star Stories 2
http://www.channel4sales.com/programming/c4/seasonal?genre=2
If anyone is interested the first Series of Star Stories is being released on DVD in July 30th 2007
http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/3336258/Star-Stories-Season-1/Product.html
(Updated 15/06/07)
OFFICIAL News, We have just had confirmation that Blunder will be released on DVD in September 2007 (Updated 03/06/07)
Channel4 in the UK are running a repeat of Star Stories Series 1. The first broadcast is Tuesday June the 5th at 11.45pm to 12.15pm followed be Tuesday 12th of June at 11.30 to 12.00am (midnight), as far as we know Channel4 are running at least four episodes, as soon as we know the rest of the dates and times we will add them to the site (28/05/07)
Check out the NEW page for "DEATH IN THE VALLEYS", Rhys has very kindly sent this script, Episode One is now available to see, WE would also like to stress that although Michael Kitchen is attached and keen, he hasn't given a definite 'Yes', so we could maybe say that Rhys has written it for Michael Kitchen who is very interested and will hopefully star in the series if it gets commissioned
We have also added a new link to the Shooting Pictures site for a mini taster of Bono, Bob, Brian and me, looks good and we can't wait to see more, here is the link:
http://www.shootingpictures.co.uk/bbbm/promo90.html (25/05/07)
Additional information Rhys is Still filming Star Stories 2 -finish next month, then a 'Down The Line' Special and series 3 (24/05/2007)
Rhys has finished filming in Greenland and is back home in the UK.
Latest information about "Death In The Valleys" with Michael Kitchen, this is in the current Offers Rounds with BBC2 - so we will hear in a month or two. (21/05/2007)
We has just added a small clip of Rhys in a BBC3 TV Show called"Annually Retentive with Rob Brydon". We think it may have been recorded earlier this year. The full version is just under 30 minutes long and we had to edit the clip to show Rhys in the show, so therefore the show jumps in parts.
The Clip is on the Media Clips Page, there is also a Photo of the team from the show on the Photo Gallery 2 Page. We hope you like it.
We came across this article from the Metro.UK. the link is below but we have also put the full article on the site, also an article from The Times, see below (Updated 21/04/07)
Link to Metro
Helen goes green with new film
Helen Baxendale has revealed that she is joining the effort to make the country more climate aware - by making a film about green issues.
The Cold Feet actress's production company Shooting Pictures started filming the feature in Greenland this week.
"At the moment the working title is Bono, Bob, Brian And Me and it's a comedy about two men who walk to the North Pole to raise awareness of green issues," she said. "I've been involved in its development for quite a long time."
As the first Carbon Neutral, Vegetarian, Organic, Unassisted expedition ever to be attempted, the men are being followed by Adventure Plus, a cable channel who are pretty sure things will not go quite according to plan and want to make sure that whatever happens is caught on film.
Cast members include The Green Wing's Stephen Mangan, Rhys Thomas from The Fast Show, Northern Lights actor Mark Benton and Feston star Ulrich Thomas.
"I won't be joining them in Greenland for filming," Helen adds. "But I'll definitely be at the shoot in England."
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/article1483945.ece
Closing credits
Funding cut receives icy reception
The British film industry was rocked by a surprise announcement from Her Majesty's Treasury last Friday that it is to close a tax scheme that had been expected to raise hundreds of millions of pounds of film funding. Up to 90 films are likely to be affected, but the situation is particularly grave for productions due to start shooting soon.
One such film is Bono, Bob, Brian and Me , a comedy about global warming starring Green Wing 's Stephen Mangan, and Rhys Thomas from The Fast Show . The producer Andrew J. Curtis explains: "The time constraints are dictated not only by cast and crew but also by the fact that the location will melt if we don't get there by April 5. It's a mockumentary about global warming, so it's ironic that we might not be able to shoot it because the ice is melting."
The producers have given themselves ten days in which to raise the shortfall of £250,000, after which the production, which has been three years in development, will stop. "As a sweetener, we're working to make it a more tax-efficient investment," Curtis says. He describes the Treasury's move as "unfriendly to business".
You can see a promo for Bono, Bob, Brian and Me at www.shootingpictures.co.uk/bbbm/promo90.htmlWENDY IDE
Congratulations to Rhys and all of the Down The Line team on winning an Award for
Radio Programme of the Year
Down The Line (Down The Line production for BBC Radio 4)
Held on March 23rd (See Link)... Updated 27/03/07....
http://www.broadcastingpressguild.org/awards/2007.html
We have now put an additional mp3 clip(s) on the Media Clips Page from Down The Line, where you can listen to Rhys as Gary Bellamy. We have now added ALL Six Episodes (Updated 05/04/07)....
What's Rhys Up to Now (At The Moment 16/03/07).....
Rhys Thomas vs. Bullseye! (15) 20:45 / Nicko & Joe's Bad Film Club 6 February 2007 Cinema 1 Tickets: £11 full price/£9.50 concessions subject to availability sold out Description / Bad Film Club / Who are Nicko & Joe?
So bad it's good… Nicko and Joe's Bad Film Club returns by popular demand to Barbican Film with an extraordinary evening of interactive cinema combining comedy, bad film and guest curator Rhys Thomas, star of The Fast Show, Nathan Barley and Torchwood. Rhys Thomas will join Nicko and Joe to give a live DVD-style commentary to the woefully hilarious mad-cap-comedy-spy-caper Bullseye! Michael Caine and Roger Moore play low life con-men and their nuclear scientist doppelgangers! However, a dire plot, appalling jokes, ridiculous make up and a botched cameo from John Cleese are the real stars in this hatchet job from director Michael Winner. 1990 UK/USA Dir. Michael Winner 95min. 'No actor comes out unscathed from this stinker.' Time Out For more information visit Nicko and Joe's Bad Film Club website here and remember, it's got to be bad to be good!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/comedy/downtheline.shtml
The uncompromising phone-in show hosted by award-winning talk radio DJ, Gary Bellamy. More about Gary... Listen to the latest edition Watch the film! Watch a behind-the-scenes film of the making of Down the Line (available in Real Media and Windows Media formats) Featuring interviews with Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson, Simon Day, Lucy Montgomery, and Rhys Thomas. Performances from all of these, plus Amelia Bullmore and Felix Dexter. Digital viewers can press red from any BBC TV channel to watch this film. * 29 Jan - 09 Feb. Schedule times vary during this period. About the Show Down the Line is a unique chance for Radio 4 listeners to let off steam about whatever's bothering them this week. It's an exciting and ground-breaking phone-in, brought to you by the creators of The Fast Show, and hosted by triple Molson award-winning talk radio DJ, Gary Bellamy. Now in its second series, Down the Line has proved itself to be thought-provoking, controversial, intelligent, well-informed and funny as the average Radio 4 listener. Hot topics up for discussion range from satellite navigation and plastic surgery to immigration and String Theory.
Rhys Thomas Interview Wednesday, December 6 2006, 09:56 GMT By Ben Rawson-Jones, Entertainment Reporter
You may not know the name Rhys Thomas, but you'll know the face if you've watched much comedy in the last few years. A veteran of such programmes as The Fast Show, Star Stories and Nathan Barley amongst many others,
Thomas is currently starring in Channel 4's brand new Friday night sketch show Blunder.
Featuring an array of Britain's finest young comedy talent, Blunder is notable for Thomas's fine performances as Frank, a man whose bodily functions are hard to control - and the devilishly randy Malibu Man, who entices unsuspecting ladies from the audience and asks to see their Spaniel.
We caught up with the man himself to discuss the show... How did the Blunder team get together? "I did Nathan Barley, and Channel 4 said to me 'do you want to do a sketch show?' and I'd already worked with David Mitchell on something else before - Fun At The Funeral Parlour - and it was one of my first two things really. He was in between doing things - Robert Webb was doing The Smoking Room, so he was free. We said 'we'll work together'. I'd seen Nina Conti a few years ago, so I wanted her as well, and then Tony Way is a friend of mine from school, and we'd been working together a long time. So that was the main four to begin with, and then Simon Farnaby and Tom Meeten, who had been working at Ealing, and Channel 4 said 'he's really good, they've done an Ealing pilot and it didn't come off, but those two were the best thing in it'.
So we met them, and they completed the team, really. We were kind of put together in the sense that we had our team and then they came to us." In terms of the team, are you quite democratic when it comes to content of the show and what goes in? Or is there a dictator amongst you who calls the shots? "That's funny - to start with, Joe Cornish directed the pilot, and me and Joe initially, because it was my idea, I wrote more than everyone else in the whole thing, and I wrote more for other people. So I kind of wrote more, but in the end it was down to Channel 4, they chose more what went into it, if you see what I mean? We would all agree anyway, and for the pilot and series we filmed lots and lots of stuff.
We filmed about another four hours of material probably, and then what we've got is what Channel 4 thought was the best. So, yeah, what was in the final show was mainly down to Channel 4 - we filmed a lot [more] stuff. It is fairly democratic, but as democratic as it can be when you have Channel 4 saying to you - they want Friday nights to work really well, and in a good way, they're hands on the whole way through it. If you work for the BBC, they kind of leave you alone, and you just deliver it, they give you notes at the end. Channel 4, all the way through they're watching it and seeing what's going on, obviously they have to because they need to make money from advertising and they want a good programme. So really, what we say, kind of, is irrelevant.
We do the material and they sort of pick it." The show's filmed in front of a studio audience. Do you prefer it that way? "Yeah, I do, because I was a bit sick of sketch shows, like Man Stroke Woman, Spoons and things like that, which are all about relationships and all single camera. I always think they're quite flat and they feel unfinished. By doing it in front of an audience, it was just fun to do, it was good.
Simon and Tom had come from a live background, so they were used to doing monologues in front of an audience, and I'd done more sitcoms and things like that, so I'm used to it in a different way. But altogether you get an immediate response, which is nice, and we wanted it to be fun. At the end of the day it's not the cleverest show in the world, a lot of people are going to hate it, but it was never intended to change the world, it was just supposed to be a stupid, funny programme and that's it, really. People go into too much detail about what's funny and what's not.
This was just supposed to be a laugh." On the show you play Frank, Malibu Man and Tollund Man. Do you have a favourite? "I like Frank, cos that's based on - I'm from Essex, and me and my friend Tony, he makes me laugh. That's the most fun to do because basically we play thickos. Malibu Man's alright, but I prefer Frank the most. I like the way he talks, the way he looks…" And the way he farts! "Yeah! As the story as it goes on, he starts to do more things - what he thinks he's doing is right, but is the worst possible thing to do.
David Mitchell plays the man in a bowler hat. He's a mythical figure, he appears, and then there's the music to Schindler's List over the end of it. There's a lot of layers that some people won't get. Maybe it's just rubbish, I don't know!" Well, it made me laugh. Especially the bit where Frank farts popcorn into a young girl's face! "We're influenced by Reeves and Mortimer as well - the farting Frenchmen."
With Malibu Man, you lure an unsuspecting lady from the crowd. Did it ever go wrong? "Every week no one would know, it was all mainly improvised - I'd sort of know roughly what I was going to say, but I used to get a bit drunk. We'd always do that towards the end of the night, and so I'd have a bit to drink - not Malibu - but other drinks. I needed to in order to give myself a bit of confidence. A lot of the other ones, Simon and Tom and the others took it all very seriously, and didn't drink beforehand, were very meticulous about their performance.
That's probably why Tom's going to become very successful and do better than the rest of us because he works hard on his performance. Whereas I just drank a bit. It did go wrong once in the very last show. "It's not even in it now unfortunately - we had a girl come up and she didn't like it at all, she was very awkward, and she wouldn't play ball at all, really.
It was the night of the World Cup final and we didn't think anyone was going to turn up, but what did happen was lots of people turned up but really pissed. I was sitting in the bath as Malibu Man, I pulled the girl in, she wasn't very happy. I thought 'this is going really badly wrong'.
So I said 'does anyone else want to get in the bath with me?' and this bloke just ran up and got in! He was really drunk and I snogged him! I'm not gay or any of those things, but when you're desperate to get a laugh, and you think it's all falling away under your feet, you'd do anything. So I kissed him with tongues, and everyone laughed - then I said 'anyone else?' and then another bloke came in and I kissed him too! My girlfriend was there and everything, she understands, she works in comedy as well - she's an actress/comedienne - she sort of understood, but I had to explain afterwards that I didn't really like doing what I was doing. Also, my brother's gay, and you can't have two in the same family!" Now what if one of the ladies you pull up did actually show you her 'spaniel'? as Malibu Man puts it? "
I would run away, run a mile, I wouldn't want to. I'm frightened of them, I really am, especially big ones!" Which of the characters played by other people on the show makes you laugh the most? "I like Boswellox. He's like an alien who comes and orders food. He's got a load of men with him, he's like something from Flash Gordon, but he just comes and does mundane things.
He's played by Tony Way - he's really funny. I do like David's character with the vet. He's not supposed to be a vet, but everyone thinks he is. He kills people by breaking their necks, or puts them down like an animal. I think that's a funny idea. They're probably my favourites." Is there much competition between the cast over whose character gets the most laughs? "Yeah, there definitely is.
The thing that's come out of it mostly is The Baron and Karate Johnson. At the time we were thinking - he just gets his balls out, there's got to be more to it than that. But you can't avoid the fact that the build up is very funny. We all want centre of attention, all of us, and so yeah, there is that competitive streak in all of us. The best thing to do is as the series goes on - the first two episodes aren't really showing the show off to its proper light.
As it goes on, there's a lot more one off sketches, it's much more balanced. With the first episode, it feels like it's all Tom Meeten and David Mitchell - but that was because we wanted to put a lot of that at the top in the first one. So there are a lot more stand alone sketches, more ensemble sketches, where you get to have us all together rather than just one person on their own doing a sketch. So as it goes on, we're all working together rather than against each other, trying to be funnier than the other one."
Ricky Gervais, via Extras, recently had a dig at comedy shows that use catchphrases. What's your take on that? "Well, the funny thing is that he's written the best catchphrase ever without realising it! Which is 'are you having a laugh?' I think it's dodgy to slag off other comedy and say 'catchphrases are rubbish', but to be completely honest, we said when we started to write this that we didn't want to have any catchphrases at all, and what happens is, they just come about. Like with [the character] Frank - he was never intended to have a catchphrase, and [Malibu Man's] 'Oh blow' - he was never...we did that once, twice with me going 'Old Blow, it's Malibu Man'. It was never supposed to be a catchphrase. They come about naturally, you know? We didn't intend to do that. I don't think there's anything wrong with catchphrases. If they're funny, it's good. If they're not, they're not. I think [Gervais] is just very rich and successful and can say what he likes."
What do you have lined up for after Blunder? "I'm doing a spoof radio show right now with Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Higson. It's called Down The Line. I play a radio talk show host from somewhere like LBC or London Live, Nick Ferrari and all that, and all the callers are Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson and Lucy Montgomery, who was in Tittybangbang.
They all ring up and do funny phone calls. I'm doing that, and we're talking about - there might be a Fast Show film in development. I'm writing a film as well, and I've written a thing for a sitcom for ITV. They're trying to do more comedy, I've written a sitcom about crime-fighting undertakers, which I'm waiting to hear about. So yeah, that's the plan - and another series of Blunder, I think that's going to happen, and Star Stories, which I did, is coming back. So quite a bit."
Can you say anything about the Fast Show film? "It's kind of...no, no, no, I can't really, no, I can't really. But they're writing it at the moment and it's going to be good. It's not sketches or anything. I think it's written by Paul and Charlie, and a lot of people from the Fast Show. It's not going to be like Fast Show, it's just got people from the Fast Show in it. It's nothing to do with the Fast Show really apart from that, no characters from it and stuff." Thanks for chatting, Rhys
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Today Siobhan Fahey came into Lush, celebrities are following me!
postCount('108767711246659390'); Comments
postCount('108750700457811341'); Comments
Vernon Kaye, what can I say!?
To those of you that know of my fondness for this perfect package of man, sense of humour and floppy hair, you will know that my dreams were realised when I went to the London Studios yesterday to meet my destiny, or Vernon Kaye, as he is named.
On meeting the ledgend I took his hand and said "I love you!" which scared the bejesus out of him, but broke the ice nicely.
All the production people were really friendly and helpful and nice! Rachel who was assigned to us did an excellent job of hostessing us and showing us around and calming us. The other contestants were lovely too! There was Victoria who brought her sisters to watch and Vern kept teasing her that she looked like Faye Tozer, there was Rima who was my opponent and was placed with Mark Durden Smith (not me!!) and Cherise who had had a baby only FIVE days before hand, it was the first time she left her newly born baby!!
When it came to recording our show, Vernon and I had a bit of banter cos he got my name wrong and pronounced it Myra, and I couldn't stop giggling. It really hard to think what to do with my hands and face cos I was so conscious of the camera on me at all times. The guy I was placed with was a comedian called Rhys Thomas who was lovely and also shit hot on the buzzer so at the end of the game we were winning 38 to 7 or something ridiculous like that!
This meant that I got to Headjam with Vernon. Ooo I like that sentence. So Vernon and I stood facing each other as he asked me 8 questions I was supposed to remember in order and recite them back. I failed in my task but was rewarded as Vernon leant over to kiss me not once, but twice on the cheek!!! I know I should have looked sad at losing but I had THE biggest smile ever as Vernon moved in! Wonder how they'll cut that!
After the show, we went off to the green room for some beers and an aftershow chat. Mark said he was very proud of me and his friend Bill and trusty Tristan who both came to watch all enjoyed it too. Then we were driven all the way home, back to Shepherds Bush to watch a video (thanks Sean) of Emma & Michelle being dropped back into the Big Brother house.
I am still all giggly and happy and smiley today as it was such a wicked, wonderful and exciting day.
It just goes to show, sometimes, dreams CAN happen.
PS We were also treated to various sightings of the legendary Keith Barron around the building. Life just doesn't get better than this.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ask Rhys Thomas and Simon Lupton Transcipt. This event took place Monday 5thFebruary 2001
Question from Daniel Connor: One of the highlights of 'Fun at the Funeral Parlour', for me, is the level of attention to detail paid to odd food and drink. Items such as 'Pikey Pops', 'Crackerbarrel', 'Malt Loaf', 'Fondant Fancies' etc. I just wondered if Mr Rhys Thomas had any particular favourites, and if there are any things from time gone by that he wishes he could purchase today? I hope this question isn't too freaky.
Rhys: Garibaldi - a strange biscuit, soft inside, maybe fig based... Also, Viscount is an interesting biscuit to taste again, but I wouldn't be too tempted by Blue Riband - a cheap biscuit for a cheap boy at school. There's a lot of fun to be had in old sweets and foods!
Question from Tony Carter: Why Shaking Stephens?
Rhys: Why not? He's a Welsh icon, and sadly missed. He had the ability to bend his knees like a stipple!
Question from Jessica Smith: What is with the idea of the gate shutter?
Simon: That's Feral Boy, whose sole purpose is to uphold the Country Code. We don't actually know what happened to him.
Rhys: Or what he is...
Question from Dan Connor: Is that the last we'll see of Thomas,Thomas, Thomas and Thomas?
Simon: No. Keep your eyes peeled for series two, hopefully in September.
Rhys: It'll be better than this one because we've learnt from our mistakes.
Simon: Shut up! Rhys: No, let's be honest with our public.
Question from Graham Webster: My father-in-law is a funeral director and it is nothing like your documentary, which firm is it based on?
Rhys: There was a programme on Channel 4 called Undercover Britain - I got the idea from that. They weren't as bad as us - I just exaggerated it.
Simon: Like all comedy, you take something based in reality to ridiculous extremes. It's not actually based on any one firm, and it's not a documentary!
Rhys: Does your father-in-law have any ideas for the next series?
Question from Lisa Baker: Was that episode the last one? t'was very saaaaadd and final-ish.
Rhys: Well, we decided, when we made the series, we'd like to end it as if it was the only series. We thought it wouldn't be coming back. So we wanted to tie up all the ends so it existed by itself. We didn't want a cliffhanger, in case it didn't come back - it would have been embarrassing! And we like sad endings. I hope you cried!
Question from Stephen Hillier: The show is bloody ********,
Rhys, is it out on video or DVD soon?
Rhys: No, not yet, it probably won't come out on DVD or video unless it becomes a huge cult success. But I'd love to do an audio commentary for DVD!
Question from Joy Less: We so enjoy your lively banter and wit. It there any chance of a nationwide tour?
Rhys: Sadly no, but we'd love to do something like that.
Simon: We're hoping for a Center Parcs tour in the new year!
Question from Dan Connor: Are the Thomases based in any way on Rhys' own family?
Rhys: Ivor the dad's sense of humour is roughly based on my dad, who is Welsh, and a lot of his catchphrases and sayings are like what my dad says.
Question from Gary: My favourite thing in the whole series was 'Gwynne'. When he wasn't on the screen I was always wondering, 'where's Gwynne'? Are there any plans for a spin off just featuring 'Gwynne'? It could be called something like 'Gwynne'!
Rhys: Hahaha! Simon: Negotiations with BBC Choice are in advanced stages!
Rhys: And if that is you, Tony Way, don't push your luck!
Question from James G: What's Tom Baker like to drink with?
Simon: He bought all the drinks so we love him!
Rhys: I can honestly say, he was a really nice man. I'm a big Doctor Who fan, and it was a pleasure to work with him. He was really funny, he grabbed everyone's attention, and he likes a Boddingtons!
Question from Debbie Taylor: What's your favourite programme that you've acted in?
Rhys: The Fast Show - the last one, was really nice. I used to be a runner on the Fast Show, and an actor. On the last series, I was promoted and I was just an actor, and because they all knew about my sitcom, they had a respect for me, and I felt like one of them, and it was great. But Fun at the Funeral Parlour was the highlight of my career so far. I can't believe I've done it at 22.
Question from Lisa Baker: Was Brian Blessed mad?
Simon: Only in the very nicest possible way.
Rhys: He was a lovely mad man.
Simon: He was with us for two days and exhausted us all with his amusing stories.
Question from Tony Carter: I think the show's great but how has it been received in the corridors of the Beeb?
Simon: BBC Choice are absolutely delighted with it and commissioned the second series straight away. The rest of the entertainment department has been really supportive and we've had nothing but positive feedback.
Rhys: We had a very low budget, and everyone's been very impressed with how the end product transcended the money it cost.
Question from Lisa Baker: On a scale of 1-10 how Welsh are you normally?
Rhys: My dad's Welsh and I consider myself Welsh all the time. The only thing that stops me from being Welsh is my Essex accent. But I'd say 10! I look Welsh, and I wanted Wales to win on Saturday - it was a washout!
Simon: I'd been to Wales once before we'd started filming, so I'm probably a 4...
Question from Jamie Hawke: Would you have Thomas, Thomas, Thomas and Thomas to do your funeral? And if so, the cheap, medium or expensive?
Rhys: Good question. I feel like I'm on Saturday Superstore! I'd go for the most expensive because I'm a big fan of pink fondant fancies.
Question from Stephen Hillier: How much for the Fiat Panda?
Rhys: You can have it. Simon: No you can't! We're hoping that will become as much of an icon as the Trotters' three wheeler Rhys: B******s!
Question from Jessica Smith: Do you like the Stereophonics?
Rhys: Yes! We'd love them to make some music for us and sing our theme tune. I used to work for a radio station called XFM and played them all the time. I was sacked because I swore on the breakfast show. They're a fan of William who plays Ivor who starred in the film Twin Town. The Stereophonics liked that film.
Simon: Apparently he can't walk the streets of Cardiff without being mobbed!
Question from Tony Carter: My favourite moment from 'Fun at the Funeral Parlour' was when Ivor asked for a wafer in his pint. What's yours?
Rhys: Mine is the giant cat at the end of episode three.
Simon: Mine is the opening to episode two where the vicar is mauled by a wolf. BBC Host: My fave moment was when Brian Blessed did his Flash Gordon...
Question from Stewart Holbrook: Is it true that David Icke was originally going to play the Tom Baker Part? Rhys: Yes!
Simon: Due to divine intervention he was unavailable.
Question from Helen Weeks: Unfortunately I don't have BBC Choice (aww) but I was wondering what it was like to work with the likes of Charlie Higson, Paul Whitehouse and Mark Williams? Are they as funny in real life as they are on screen?
Rhys: Yes. I've been fortunate to work with them in the Fast Show and Fun at the Funeral Parlour. They did Fun at the Funeral Parlour as a favour, to support me, really. They're the nicest three people in comedy, and they are funny in real life, and I admire them greatly.
Question from Jessica Smith: Do you prefer football or rugby? Which team do you support?
Rhys: I don't really like any sport. I'd rather watch a good film. But I support Wales when they play rugby.
Simon: Arsenal - who else is there?
Rhys: Football is for children!
Simon: Rugby is for men! But you do neither, so what does that make you, Rhys?
Rhys: A lady! A beautiful lady!
Question from Lisa Baker: On a scale of 1-10 how high maintenance is Bill Oddie?
Rhys: Not at all. He was great. As long as you give him a few birds to look at, he's happy!
Simon: You mean the feathery kind.
Rhys: Yes, of course. He was really nice, and I think he was glad to do comedy, and willing to set himself up, after spending so much time doing nature programmes.
Question from David Singleton: What do the folk from the the town think of you - is it going to be another Royston Vasey?
Simon: The locals in Nant-y-moel, where we filmed most of the series, couldn't have been nicer. I think they enjoyed having us there, and made us feel very welcome.
Rhys: As for Royston Vasey, it's got considerably more viewers and awards, but you never know, one day perhaps we'll be bigger. But I don't want to compete with them - they're brilliant.
Question from Stewart Holbrook: Which celebrities are you going to have in the second series?
Rhys: We don't really know yet. But we have a wish list, but we can't give any away. We'll probably have appearances from the Fast Show gang again. I'll give you a clue - the director of Peter's Friends!
Question from Ross on Wye: Has anybody accused you of being anti-Welsh?
Rhys: No, because we're not anti-Welsh, far from it.
Simon: The Guardian accused us of being anti-funny, which we're quite proud of!
Question from Julie Smith: Where did the inspiration come from to use a funeral parlour?
Rhys: I'll be completely honest. No-one had set a comedy in a funeral parlour for a long time, so I thought it was about time we did. There's also a lot of humour to be had from the emotions of death and sadness.
Question from Dan Connor: Does Rhys harbour a desire to be a pop star?
Rhys: Yes. I would like to be Freddie Mercury and to entertain the masses with my stage prowess. Unfortunately I can't sing very well and my teeth are too small!
Question from Margaret: What was it like to dress up as Freddie Mercury?
Rhys: It's one of the best feelings in the world - you should try it!
Question from Tony Carter: Are you working on any other projects besides Funeral Parlour?
Rhys: Yes. I'm writing an animation series for the BBC, and another sitcom idea for the BBC. I also have a film in development with Working Title Films who made Four Weddings and a Funeral and Bean - a great film from 1997 starring Rowan Atkinson!
Question from Joy Less: Rhys how do you see your career developing over the next five years?
Rhys: Another Saturday Superstore question! I love writing and acting and stuff, and I like to make people laugh. So, in five years' time, I'd like to be the new Angus Deayton of TV! Or maybe Alistair McGowan, I could do impressions! (joke) But I like what Charlie Higson does. I'd like to do that.
Question from Stephen Hillier: Who made the wolf?
Simon: Our wonderful designer, Scott Todd, and his team.
Rhys: He also slept with it afterwards! Simon: She's called Lisa, and is available for after-dinner speeches / barks.
Question from Bob: Iechyd da! Is that for real?
Rhys: Yes. It means good health, I think.
Question from Julie Smith: Which do you rate as the funniest episode?
Rhys: Episode three, Bill Oddie, and six.
Simon: Two and four are quite good. Which ones did you like?
Question from Joy Less: Rhys, do you see your future in acting rather than as a comedian?
Rhys: Well, I'm not a trained actor, and I need help in that area. I don't really want to be a David Jason-style acting funnyman. I like to do comedy acting if I can.
Question from Vicky D: Simon, which was harder to deal with: all the luvvie guest stars, or precocious writer Rhys?
Simon: Rhys, without question! He's like an over-enthusiastic labrador puppy, and he wears me out! BBC Host: And with that, Simon threw a stick for Rhys and they were gone.
Check out the "Media Player Clips" Page, we have now added a great compilation of Rhys from "Star Stories" Part 2 .(Updated 18/08/07).