Cast interview
I'm Spazticus is a Channel 4 sketch show in which disabled performers prank able-bodied members of the public. Here's a BCG interview with Director Jamie O'Leary and blind actor Tim Gebbels, dwarf actor Maxwell Laird and wheelchair-bound actor Peter Mitchell.
Could we start by asking you to explain the premise behind I'm Spazticus?
Jamie: The premise of the show is to use disability as, 1) a smokescreen to prank people, and 2) to play with people's misconceptions about disability and disabled people. And use the great pool of untapped disabled on-screen talent we have, where on this gig their disability is a firm advantage - and to try and make an original comedy show.
I'm Spazticus was first shown in 2005 as a pilot but didn't go any further at that stage - but now, after a break of seven years, it has been resurrected. It must be an odd feeling to return now?
Tim: It wasn't particularly odd, you often go back and do repeats of jobs you've done before. It was nice when Jamie called up and said that I'm Spazticus was going to have another life.
The title is pretty provocative. Do you think some people might find it offensive?
Peter: It'll get people's attention which is good! You need a good title to draw the public in to watch and when they see 'I'm Spazticus', I'm sure they'll be curious to see what the show is all about. The title was inspired by disabled singer Ian Dury's 1981 protest song, Spasticus Autisticus and first and foremost it's a comedy and I think people will enjoy it.
The show aims to highlight the public's reactions to disability - how did people, in general, respond to the set-ups, and yourselves?
Max: All of the set-ups for the sketches went pretty well and we got the reactions that we were hoping for. You don't know how the members of the public who are being pranked will react until you get into character but generally we got a good reaction and it's entertainment - it's funny!
What was the favourite prank you were involved in?
Max: My favourite prank probably was the gym, getting all buffed up and basically walking into this hardcore gym with these huge blokes lifting God knows how much, and me coming along training for the Dwarf Olympics! I was quite nervous but once I got into it, I really enjoyed it.
Tim: One of my favourites is when I'm going into the wrong shop wanting to change something that I bought from the adult shop - that's quite funny. Those sketches work best as you have to play it straight and stay in the moment. From an acting point of view, they're the most technical and you have to go with it.
Peter: My favourite prank was hanging from a tree. It's not every day that you see a guy in a wheelchair hanging from a tree! Seeing people's different reactions was brilliant, some of them were quite concerned, some were baffled and some were actually scared. I really enjoyed this one but it was quite challenging to stick to the storyline!
What next for yourselves? Are there enough screen acting opportunities for disabled actors to move onto?
Peter: I think we all agree that unfortunately, there is not enough disability representation on TV. Hopefully when this goes out it will encourage more programmes and genres and create more opportunities for disabled talent.
I'm Spazticus is on Channel 4 daily from Sunday to Wednesday. You can also catch-up on episodes via 4oD