I've just been to see Lee Mack live - he was ace! Did loads of venue and town specific stuff, and was really sharp.
His physical style reminded me of Lee Evans - he's like Lee Evans, if he was funny and not a twat.
Met him after, got the usual autograph - would have gone for a picture but I didn't want to hold him up. Happy to stop and chat which is always good.
I've just heard about our two nominations at the (untelevised?) British Comedy Awards - Best New Comedy and Best TV Comedy Actor for Lee. This makes me very happy indeed, and will surely help our third-series case.
I think there's a good chance that it will win the new comedy award (fingers crossed) but I'm not sure that Lee can beat the mighty David Mitchell in the acting category.
I think David plays Mark brilliantly, but maybe he's just playing himself though? I also think Lee is a brilliant character. Again, doesn't seem like much of a stretch.
If I had to pick a winner, I would have to go for David at the moment, because I'm more familiar with his character and besides they are two completely different characters, so it should be a good fight.
Good luck!
I never really 'got' Peep Show, so I'd definitely vote for Lee if it were possible.
Spot on to see NGO getting the recognition it deserves though....
Quote: Andrew Collins @ November 7, 2007, 11:09 AMI've just heard about our two nominations at the (untelevised?) British Comedy Awards - Best New Comedy and Best TV Comedy Actor for Lee. This makes me very happy indeed, and will surely help our third-series case.
You should let them borrow the title for the night.
Just to say, I had the honour of attending 3 of the recordings of Not Going Out series 2 at Teddington Studios in September-October - "Babies", "Gangster" and the Christmas special featuring the classic Timonthy Good as Tim and Kate's dad.
I confess I never actually saw the first series of "Not Going Out" before I saw the recording of "Babies". I was immediately hooked. This is the best British sitcome for years, and in fact already one of my favourites of all time.
The quality of the writing, the gags, performances and a good plot combine to make something very addictive. Andrew Collins - I know you read this forum - yourself and Lee have done a magnificent job. This is one of those sitcoms that will be repeated for the next two decades, and hailed as a classic. At the end of the day people watch situation comedies for a bloody good laugh. Or otherwise they would just watch soaps. The other intriguing element is what's going on in Lee's mind. And that's where Katie comes in. So when you're not laughing at the tremendous quality gags, you're drawn into the plot. And that's the beauty of NGO and why it will become timeless. The time Andrew, Lee and the other writers have invested, under enormous pressure, in writing this series has provided a big pay-off. For my own part, some of the most enjoyable nights of my life have been at Teddington Studios at the recording of NGO - a brilliant show, hilarious out-takes and fine warm-up from Alan Cochrane (series 2) and Gordon Southern (Christmas special). Thank you again. Phenomenal talent all concerned.
Well said Pete, just hope the powers that be give them a green light for a third series and beyond.
Quote: Pete Park-Walker @ November 10, 2007, 6:54 PMThe other intriguing element is what's going on in Lee's mind.
Yes, it certainly gives him more depth then it would first appear.
Quote: Pete Park-Walker @ November 10, 2007, 6:54 PMFor my own part, some of the most enjoyable nights of my life have been at Teddington Studios at the recording of NGO - a brilliant show, hilarious out-takes and fine warm-up from Alan Cochrane (series 2)
What's your favourite gear change then? 
Seeing the recording/read throughs are always great - you get to see the out-takes, the bits that didn't quite make it, Lees intro at the start and a plethora of Tims one liners. Maybe for one episode of series 3 the entire audience will be made up of people from here 
Quote: Pete Park-Walker @ November 10, 2007, 6:54 PMChristmas special featuring the classic Timonthy Good as Tim and Kate's dad.
*cough* Lucy.
*cough* Timothy West.
(But yes, well said.)
Andrew, when are you expecting to know either way regarding a third series?
Quote: Aaron @ November 10, 2007, 9:36 PM*cough* Lucy.
*cough* Timothy West.
Sorry I meant to say "the classical actor Timothy West"!
As for Lucy, as I mentioned, I hadn't seen the first series so I don't have the "baggage" of considering Lucy to be a disappointing substitute for the female lead - as some posters seem to think!
I feel the chemistry between Lee and Lucy works very well and she's a credible sister for Tim.
I'd just like to add that my enjoyment of the recordings themselves (with out-takes and fine warm-up supplementing the entertainment) haven't coloured my judgement on the second series of NGO whatsoever. For someone who'd never seen it on television I was instantaneously drawn into the scenario, helped along by excellent quality and quantity of gags.
During the recording of the Christmas episode, Lee came out and entertained the audience during a costume change. He was drinking a can of lager dressed as a policeman. Enough said! He invited questions and someone asked if there would be a third series. A worried look came over his face and my heart sank. Surely this can't be the end of the road for the best mainstream sitcom the BBC have commissioned for over a decade? Certainly the Montreux Rose and the recent comedy nominations should help influence the BBC positively despite the current vicious axe wielding.
Quote: Pete Park-Walker @ November 11, 2007, 4:51 AMSorry I meant to say "the classical actor Timothy West"!
As for Lucy, as I mentioned, I hadn't seen the first series so I don't have the "baggage" of considering Lucy to be a disappointing substitute for the female lead - as some posters seem to think!
They're bitter. Very, very bitter, for a number of reasons!
Quote: Pete Park-Walker @ November 11, 2007, 4:51 AMDuring the recording of the Christmas episode, Lee came out and entertained the audience during a costume change. He was drinking a can of lager dressed as a policeman. Enough said! He invited questions and someone asked if there would be a third series. A worried look came over his face and my heart sank. Surely this can't be the end of the road for the best mainstream sitcom the BBC have commissioned for over a decade? Certainly the Montreux Rose and the recent comedy nominations should help influence the BBC positively despite the current vicious axe wielding.
Yes, was there myself. I've come to the conclusion now that Auntie would actually have to have flipped her lid to not commission more. Was an interesting response though!
