MESSENGER INTERVIEW 2008...

Rick Bowen of The Messenger posed a few questions for Buzz Hawkins before the Garrick Theatre show 2008

 

Q. What can we expect from the new show?

A right good laugh - even if I have to drag your socks off and tickle your feet. Having spent half a lifetime with The Bradshaws, I’ve got loads of stories with which to fan the nostalgia flames, as well as some of the catchiest chorus comedy songs ever. These include the North’s remedy for all ills “Eeeewellyafterlafantyer”, and a special outing of the recent Eurovision entry (failed) from the Isle Of Earwax – plus a condensed course for boys loosely entitled “How To Make A Paper Aeroplane With One Hand Whilst Tucking Your Frock In Your Knickers With The Other”

 

Q. What alterations do you need to make to the format of the Bradshaws when performing live?

That’s an interesting question (for me anyway).. the difference is timing. I have to be aware that the audience may want to laugh so, just in case, I adjust the pace and allow some space. You’ve no doubt heard the old chestnut ‘comedy is all about timing’ which I had explained to me by the late Bernard Manning. A long time ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth and I was just starting out, I dared to try some comedy whilst performing at his Embassy club. After my first gag didn’t get a titter I immediately hit them with another, and another. Not even a smile came back. Bernard told me later that, as he didn’t put water in his beer, the customers may need a bit longer to think about the punch lines and I should “shut up and wait” after a gag. “It’s timing, son!”. The following night I shut up and waited – it worked!

 

Q. Would you ever consider introducing new characters into the comedy mix. i.e. other than Alf, Audrey and Billy?

Actually, in the Bradshaws radio comedies there are lots of other characters: Michael Morris, Winfred Dutton and Norman Hinchcliffe (Billy’s pals), Betty Morris (Audrey’s friend), Ada and Joe Woods (from up the street), Granddad, Uncle Wally One-Ball, Father Fanakerpan, Net Curtain Nelly, and quite a few others. Although I admit they don’t all speak, their presence is felt! And all those and many more will be seen on the TV series when it’s time!

 

Q. If those roles were ever played by real actors, e.g. for TV, which actors would you have playing them and why?

You’ve got me thinking with that one! Hand on heart, I can say that the two actors who played Alf and Audrey in the 1994 Granada Television series of The Bradshaws, and who toured the theatres with me for twelve years, are the only ones for me: Lyn (stage name Rick) Hudson and Debbie Torr. Sadly, Lyn died suddenly two years ago and Debbie very bravely performed without him in my last year’s show at the Lowry. I just can’t imagine anyone else doing it.

 

Q. Do you find it comforting that shows like The Bradshaws can still be so successful on radio? I feel people don’t use their imagination enough these days.

Good radio uses ‘theatre of the mind’ to paint pictures and to entertain, intrigue, and inspire listeners. Thankfully the BBC still make the effort but, thanks to the mad misguided rush by Blair and his mates to offer ‘more choice’ with hundreds of radio and television channels whose only source of income is advertising, commercial stations have their work cut to pay their minimal staff, let alone invest in quality. I suppose that’s where independent producers like me score by offering ready-made programmes – well, that’s my theory anyway!

 

Q. Who are your comedy heroes?

Alphabetically and in no particular order of preference, and for lots of unique reasons, my comedy heroes include: Woody Allen, Dave Allen, Hylda Baker, Ronnie Barker, Charlie Chaplin, Cheech and Chong, John Cleese, Billy Connolly, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Dame Edna, Ken Dodd, Lee Evans, The Goons, Roy Hudd, Barry Humphries, Spike Milligan, Monty Python, Morecambe and Wise, Bob Newhart, Frank Randle, Al Read, Eric Sykes, The Three Stooges, Gene Wilder, Victoria Wood.. and lots more!

 

Q. future Projects?

I’m glad you asked me that. Most of my projects seem to be happening at the same time – I’m working with a team on an animated Bradshaws pilot, part way through editing a DVD of live shows and daft stuff for winter release, scribbling away at a Bradshaws comic annual, and throughout July and August the romantic in me is away recording an album of songs for release in September. It’s better than a proper job!