Theo Barklem-Biggs interview
Theo Barklem-Biggs plays Ricky in Sliced. He says it was a lot of fun filming the show with his friend Samson Kayo.
Set the scene for Sliced and introduce us to Ricky...
Okay, so it's two very close friends, both not the smartest in the box, but my character Ricky especially: he thinks he's a step ahead of everything but he's actually probably two steps behind. Yet in some weird, intuitive, roundabout way he seems to figure things out.
It's about two mates and they're both pizza shop boys. Basically, they deliver pizzas, they've been friends all their lives and it's just about their relationship and all the ridiculous characters that they come across.
Ricky isn't just a complete idiot, is he?
No, he does have self-reflective moments, but he's just a go-with-the-flow guy in a way and he's a very positive person to be around. He's not cynical.
What's the nature of Ricky and Joshua's friendship?
It's a bromance. They're both very close, very loyal to each other, they help each other out, they get annoyed. They're best friends, they've grown up together - it helps that me and Samson have known each other for a good eight years now and have mutual friends too.
How did you and Samson meet?
It was in 2011. I believe it was at the Soho Theatre but then we became close. We had a lot of mutual friends from his area and just people that I'd come across bizarrely, so we had lots to share in that regard. We got on and then we ended up working on a pilot the next year and we've just stayed in touch ever since then.
And when did he first tell you about Sliced?
About three years ago. I remember I was working on a market stall at the time in between jobs. He came to show me the script and I was like, "This is great," but part of me being cynical I wasn't sure if it would go anywhere, do you know what I mean? Still, I felt quite flattered that he asked me to do it. He says he's always thought of me for the role and that was flattering as well.
What was sliced like to film?
Phil Bowker and Samson have a long-running relationship with this project, and I think it helps. There was a lot of tinkering on the day - Phil might feel a certain way, Samson might too, I might offer something up so there was room for tinkering. Mostly though it was well scripted, and we didn't have to. We were filming in Penge which was very convenient for Phil and Samson!
Did making Sliced give you an insight in to what being a delivery driver must actually be like?
Yes I suppose, but it's heightened as well. I think Samson's speaking from some sort of experience with all of these characters. We all know what they're like basically: it's those kind of B-rate chicken shops.
There's a really funny character that David Mumeni plays called Mario who is an Arabic guy that wants to be Italian essentially. There's just all these funny characters and it's really diverse as well. It's a good place to set something because you must meet some odd people as a delivery driver. I just think there is a lot of scope with that idea.
Did Samson have all of the episodes planned out from the start?
It definitely evolved as it went along. There were ideas that he might have written in the pilot that ended up in the third episode and stuff like that. There was always some sort of idea and framework that he wanted to lean towards, but yes there were bits added throughout for sure. But I always knew Samson had his ideas: a lot of them have just come to life in a great way.
What's it like working on a comedy with your mate? Was it tough getting stuff done?
I have to say Samson is a terrible, terrible, terrible corpser. I thought I was bad man and then I met Samson, but it's a lot of fun.
Even with the crew, there was a lot of laughter. I've had people that worked on the job come up to me and say how fun it was to work on. There were a couple of moments when we were behind and we were close to the bone, yes, but we got through it.
Who or what kept cracking you up?
David Mumeni again. He plays this character Mario and there's a bit where he basically shows us his balls. We couldn't stop laughing at that whole scene. Samson couldn't keep it together that day. I think we had two days on that. But when you're laughing it's not a problem really, you know what I mean? It's supposed to be funny.
You've got three episodes in the can. Is there further to go with these characters do you think?
Yes, definitely. There's a lot that Samson has planned and relationships to grow in directions that you might not expect.
Last question: it's a comedy about pizza. Where do you stand on the hawaiian pizza debate?
I'm for pineapple sometimes, I don't mind it. I'm a pizza progressive. My favourite is always Pizza Express American Hot with mushrooms on. I like them quite a lot. I might put a bit of Tabasco on it. That's usually my go-to pizza. If I'm really pigging out and I want two, which I've done before, then Hawaiian would be my second choice. A bit of ham, some pineapple... it's gorgeous man.
You've worked on several successful comedies. How does this compare?
What makes it stand out? I think the central relationship is really strong so there are sweet, lovely moments that I don't think you find in a lot of comedies actually. It's also a laugh every six seconds. You know they say, "A laugh a minute?" Well this is constant.