Russ Abbot interview
Starring in Boomers is seen by many as the long-awaited comeback to primetime television for Russ Abbot...
Hi Russ. This is one of the first TV roles you have accepted in a while?
I've been very busy doing West End theatre, which I love, but when I saw this script and the cast it was impossible to say no!
Writer Richard Pinto describes John as outgoing and more gregarious than he is which makes him fun to write 'as he does things I couldn't'. What drew you to the part?
It's very funny, very true to life and the script is very good indeed. John is a bit of a jack-the-lad, up for a laugh. He's a retired plumber, self-employed, who had his own company. He and Maureen are very happily married - largely because he does as he is told! He's very settled and happy. His wife is incredibly glamorous - he's very proud of her and they really do understand each other.
How does he get on with her mum?
It's more cope with her than get on with her! He can get frustrated, especially if he wants to go fishing and he can't because she's got lots of chores that need doing. He's anything for a quiet life with his mother-in-law, so he looks after her just to keep the peace. But if there's any chance of some fun, he'll be the one trying to organise it.
Do you see anything of yourself in John?
Well, we're the same age! I know nothing about plumbing though. I think John is a nice guy and I'd like to think I am too.
How is John finding retirement?
It's early retirement for us all - we're just setting off into the terrain and we're getting used to the idea. In some ways the three couples have a love-hate relationship as they're stuck with each other because they're all in the same boat. They tend to invite each other to every event because of that, and everyone goes, regardless of whether they actually want to or not!
How did you get on with the other actors?
It's been fantastic. We all get on so well. All through filming there has been lots of joking and banter but also a lot of mutual respect. Being the three guys together is an absolute joy. The writing leaps off the page and we all bounce off each other very naturally. Six characters, all equal, all different - never a dull moment!
How is is working with Stephanie Beacham - she says she has learnt a lot from you over the last few weeks!
Stephanie is a wonderful actress with a terrific track record. She is also very glamorous. It is a challenge in a sense. I'm up against a powerful lady who makes her mark - and she's very well suited to her character! If I can tag along and bring the fun out of her, then that's great.
How about the legendary June Whitfield?
June is remarkable and her style of acting - she is so experienced and gifted, with wonderful comedy nuances and her character enjoys a little tipple - or three... She's remarkable and we're very fortunate to have her.
Was acting in your family?
No - I don't know where it came from, and although I am a bit of a practical joker, I never dreamed that I could make a living out of comedy. I'm the fifth of six sons so we were all constantly vying for attention. My parents Donald and Betty met when my salesman father played cornet in a bluecoat band for a party at the Duke of Westminster's estate in Chester, where my mother was a ladies' maid for the Duke's household.
So when did you start acting?
I played drums with a band called The Black Abbots so I guess I got some of the performance gene from my father. We failed to land a recording deal, so we turned to comedy and I created characters close to home like CU Jimmy, the belligerent Scot. My mum was Scottish and whenever we were driving up the motorway in our Ford Prefect to spend a holiday in Falkirk, her accent got stronger and stronger. Once I got the acting bug, I never looked back really. And although I am known for comedy, I have also done straight theatre and drama which I'd love to do more of.
How important is music in the series?
Music plays a big part and I can relive some of my youth through the classic tracks in the series. When I was with the Black Abbots in the '70s we had three singles released on the Decca label. Elton John helped us out on the keyboards on one - before he was Elton John! Davey Jones of the Monkees wrote a song for us and his cover version charted.
How have you found getting older?
I've had a sensational career and it's very nice when people come up to you and say that your show was part of their growing up and that for them you're a legend. I've never felt pressurised. I think the the only pressure you feel is the pressure you put on yourself. It's not so much other people you're competing with, it's your last show. You have to strive to be as good as, if not better than, your last show. Although comedy is my business I do take my work incredibly seriously. I do vocal warm-ups and a series of stretches to avoid any damage. I pace myself through the day. I've been married to Trish for coming up to 48 years (I met her backstage at a Black Abbots gig) and we have four children - Erika, Richard, Gary and Christopher - and three grandchildren to keep us busy. I'm really enjoying the grandchildren - especially as you can give them back at the end of the day! And we're a big family, so I look forward to family reunions.
You are one of the last generation of comedic talents to have emerged from the once thriving circuit that included summer season, pantomime and television light entertainment?
I think we badly miss people of the experience of somebody like Bernard Delfont. He acted as his own Watch Committee and he made sure that he gave the public clean family entertainment that was skilful, safe and value for money. Not that I don't like strong material. Billy Connolly uses it with such skill and timing and adult humour can be robust without becoming offensive. Of today's generation I think Peter Kay is a funny man and my kids were always nagging me to watch Michael McIntyre and John Bishop, both of whom I enjoy immensely.
What do you do to relax?
I still really enjoy playing the drums. I'm not a fisherman like John in the series, but I am a keen golfer and get out onto the golf course whenever I can. My wife and I play together a lot, although she frequently beats me... I'm also a bit of a dab hand at concocting recipes at home. I enjoy all sorts of cuisine. A perfect day off would feature a round of golf, some pottering around in the garden and perhaps a steak au poivre and a glass of good red wine to finish. Come the winter we normally head off to Barbados to escape the cold.
Any downsides to getting older?
I am a bit of a worryguts and I find myself stressing about the smallest things. Even after all these years I worry about the child standing too close to the platform edge or whether something I have said will be taken the wrong way. I can't help it. But I don't worry about what is next career-wise although it's good to be back in primetime comedy. I never wanted to go away, but the right vehicle didn't come along until now - and I hope to carry on for a long time yet, both acting and on and off the golf course...
Boomers is all about long-standing friendships. Who is your longest-standing friend?
Well, other than my wife Trish, who I've known for almost 50 years, it would be my manager Mike Hughes. We met over 40 years a go and he probably knows me better than almost anyone. We have a great understanding and I trust him implicitly both with my career and as a friend.
Are you forgetful?
I'm not great with names. I can remember what happened 20 years ago but not so good on what happened yesterday.
How do you cope with learning lines?
Funnily enough that has never been a problem. I think if a script is good then for me the lines come pretty naturally. I probably have a selective memory.
Do you embrace modern technology?
Well I think you have to to a certain extent if you want to be part of modern life. There is an awful lot that is good about it - I don't do Twitter, but emails and Skype are great for keeping in touch especially with people in different countries and time zones.
Who do you think Boomers will appeal to?
I think it will go across the board. It's witty and relevant but also family entertainment so that you can watch it with your kids or your grandmother and not feel awkward or embarrassed.
What would be your epitaph?
'Goodbye and thank you. It's been a pleasure entertaining you.'