Matt Lucas interview
Matt Lucas is an Executive Producer on Bull, and guest stars in the first episode...
What drew you to this project?
I love the script. It's really original and very funny from the off. It's a high standard to aim for, but I see some kinship with Father Ted. The approach is "let's take a traditional sitcom and go silly with it". You can tell this was born out of a real love of sitcom. I'm the Executive Producer, too, and it's been a real pleasure to be involved with it from the beginning.
Please describe your character to us.
Mr Richards is an avuncular, jovial, sweet Welshman who's a big fan of bossa nova. He's having some Fabergé eggs restored by Bull for his 30th wedding anniversary and his wife's 60th birthday. But unbeknownst to Mr Richards, his very favourite Fabergé egg has been served up and eaten.
What has it been like working with Robert Lindsay?
I've been marvelling at how good he is. I love bouncing off what he's doing. I get a real thrill from that. He's one of my all-time favourite actors. I punched the air when I heard he'd agreed to do this.
I'm a total fan boy. I remember watching him do Me and My Girl on the Royal Variety Show. I also saw him on stage in The Entertainer and in Becket. But the big one for me was G.B.H., which is still my favourite British TV drama. I remember watching him in that when I was 16 - he was absolutely mesmerising. He's one of the greatest actors in Britain.
Robert is terrific in comedy as well, isn't he?
Definitely. I loved him in Citizen Smith and in Nightingales. He was also wonderful in Bert Rigby, You're A Fool. I had a copy on VHS from the video shop where I used to work. Robert didn't have a copy, so I sent it to him.
I'm a bit of a groupie when it comes to his work - I'm a proper Robert Lindsay fan. He's probably the finest comedy performer of his generation. So it's great to see him back doing something silly like Bull.
How do you find the role of Executive Producer?
I really enjoy it. It's a very important role. When I was 18, I met Vic & Bob, and they very much helped nurture me comedically. They gave me confidence and a platform. I don't want to sound grand, but I do feel a responsibility to do that now. Life would be easier if I just did writing and acting, but I really enjoy working with new people. I get excited about that.
Does it also add variety to your career?
Yes. I like wearing several different hats. They key is to try and keep as busy as you can. Executive producing is another string to my bow. When everyone is fed up with looking at me on screen, hopefully I'll have another career off screen!
What have your experiences with TV channel Gold been like?
Excellent. It's great that they're putting money into new comedy and encouraging new writers. They know their audience and they've really guided us well.
Could Bull run for further series?
There's definitely mileage in it. I think people will really enjoy spending time with these characters. I want to see more of them and find out what happens to them.
What do you hope audiences will take away from Bull?
I've learnt not to have too many expectations, but this is a really fun, unpretentious comedy show. It feels very distinctive. It has a traditional vibe that's a nod to another age. That's not something we've seen much of recently. But it's also very modern and warm and silly, and I hope viewers will really enjoy that silliness.
Finally, can you talk us through the scene you have with Tim Brooke-Taylor...
It's been hilarious. Who in their life hasn't at some point dreamt of doing a bossa nova choreographed by Rosemarie Ford in a hot studio with Tim Brooke-Taylor whilst avoiding breaking the hundreds of real eggs on the set around you?