Podcast Summary
Preparing for an interview with Les Dennis: Speakers expressed excitement and nerves, shared advice, and remained authentic during interview preparation.
The speakers in this conversation expressed their excitement and nervousness about interviewing Les Dennis, reflecting on their long-standing connection to him through his television career. They shared their desire to make a good impression and asked each other for advice on how to approach the interview. The speakers also acknowledged their anxiety and the importance of staying authentic and genuine in their interactions. Despite their nerves, they were determined to make the most of the opportunity and asked thoughtful questions, showing their admiration and appreciation for Les Dennis's work.
A pivotal moment in the musical adaptation of 'Only Fools and Horses' where the audience fully accepts Tom Courtenay as Granddad: During a scene in the marketplace, the audience's reservations about Tom Courtenay's portrayal of Granddad in the musical adaptation of 'Only Fools and Horses' are put to rest, as they collectively react with an 'ah' or 'Bree' during the 'Fools and Horses' song and set revolve.
Actor Les McKeown, who currently plays Granddad in the musical adaptation of "Only Fools and Horses," shared an interesting insight about the audience's reaction to Tom Courtenay's performance as Granddad. Courtenay, who is known for his distinguished acting career, initially receives some skepticism from the audience due to the iconic status of David Jason in the original TV series. However, there's a pivotal moment during the show where the audience fully embraces Courtenay as the character. This moment occurs during a scene in the marketplace where the characters sing the "Fools and Horses" song, and the sets revolve around two different revolves. The audience's reaction is described as a collective "ah" or "Bree," and it's a sign that they have accepted Courtenay as Granddad. Despite some initial reservations, the musical has been well-received, with critics and fans praising its faithfulness to the original show. McKeown also shared that he's always wondered how Courtenay had the courage to take on the role, given the big boots to fill, but for McKeown, it was an easy decision due to his deep love for the show.
Encounters with Famous Figures and Adapting to Change in the Entertainment Industry: Navigate industry changes by continuously adapting and learning new skills. Keep an open mind to new opportunities and experiences.
The entertainment industry, especially in the past, was filled with unexpected encounters and opportunities. Lester, who started in the industry around 50 years ago, shared stories of running into famous figures like John Gielgud, Dirk Bogart, and Lee Remick during his early days. He began his career doing impressions on television shows and worried about what the future held as the industry changed. He navigated this by continuously adapting and trying new things, such as opera. Lester also reflected on how he knew the variety days were coming to an end when he noticed fewer opportunities in the industry and fewer working venues. He encourages keeping an open mind and being willing to learn new skills to adapt to changing industries.
Les Dennis talks about his long career in theater and TV, emphasizing the importance of challenges and support from mentors: British comedian Les Dennis shares his experiences of building a career in the entertainment industry through hard work, determination, and the support of mentors, including summer seasons and early partnerships
Les Dennis, a British comedian and actor, has had a long and varied career in the entertainment industry, starting with theater and transitioning to television. He spoke about his love for challenges and the importance of faith from directors and mentors in his career. He mentioned his experiences with summer seasons, which were long engagements at theaters and clubs, and how they were essential for building a profile and living as a working entertainer. He shared stories about his early days, including meeting and working with Dustin Gee, who tragically passed away in 1986, leaving Dennis to carry on their successful partnership alone. Overall, Les Dennis emphasized the importance of hard work, determination, and the support of mentors and colleagues in a career in the entertainment industry.
The impact of unexpected past experiences: Unexpected past experiences can lead to profound personal and professional growth. Even shocking events can inspire resilience and determination.
The unexpected connection between past experiences can significantly impact one's present. The speaker, Les Dennis, shared an unexpected reunion with Tommy Cooper, a comedian he had worked with 10 years apart, first during his wedding night and later during a performance. Cooper's unexpected collapse during a live TV show left the cast and crew in shock, but Dennis, who had a deep bond with Cooper, managed to carry on with the show. The experience of working with Cooper and the shock of his sudden collapse led Dennis to prove himself as a solo performer and eventually find success with "Family Fortunes." The unexpected connection between their past experiences created a profound impact on their professional lives.
Learning from Bob Monkhouse and Adapting to Host Family Fortunes: Host with authenticity, let contestants shine, and engage the audience for a successful show
When I took over hosting Family Fortunes in 1987, I filled Bob Monkhouse's big shoes by learning on the job and adapting his approach to suit my style. During my first series, I made mistakes like filming 26 shows in just three weeks without time for reflection. I looked to Bob as a blueprint and tried to connect with every contestant, but I soon realized that the funny answers were the real entertainment. I learned to let the contestants' answers shine and interacted with them during rehearsals to put them at ease. The audience played a big role in the show's success, and I aimed to be the gracious host at a dinner party, ensuring everyone was having a good time. Despite some initial challenges, I was fortunate to host the show for 16 years, and the memorable family fortune cock-ups continue to be shared and enjoyed today.
Anecdotes from the game show 'Family Fortunes': Unexpected answers in a game show can lead to entertaining moments and memorable experiences
The game show "Family Fortunes" involves contestants guessing popular answers to survey questions, and sometimes the most unusual or unexpected responses can lead to entertaining moments. The speaker shared several anecdotes from the show, including a contestant who repeatedly answered "Turkey" to various questions, and another who mistakenly thought the question was asking for a slang word for money instead of "mummy." The speaker also mentioned that Richard Osman, another game show host, praised "Family Fortunes" for its unique format, which involves finding the least common answer instead of the most common one. The speaker also recalled an instance where a contestant's repetitive answer cost them a holiday, and how the host, Cilla Black, would sometimes use the catchphrase "I'll give you the money myself" when stumped by a question. Overall, the speaker's stories highlight the unpredictability and humor that can arise from the simple premise of a game show.
Family Fortunes' massive success during Les Dennis' tenure: With up to 16 million viewers weekly, 'Family Fortunes' became a Saturday night ritual, featuring diverse contestants and memorable performances from comedians like Ricky Gervais and Warwick Davis, as well as the late Tommy Cooper and Ken Dodd, who kept audiences entertained for hours.
The game show "Family Fortunes" during Les Dennis' tenure was a massive cultural phenomenon in the UK, with up to 16 million viewers tuning in every week. The show's popularity was such that it became part of people's Saturday night routine, with viewers getting ready to go out while watching the show. The production team ensured a diverse audience by asking contestants from all over the UK for surveys during their auditions. Les Dennis shared fond memories of working with comedians like Ricky Gervais, Warwick Davis, Keith Chegwin, and Sean Williams, but also held high regard for the late comedians Tommy Cooper and Ken Dodd, who were known for their long live shows and ability to keep audiences entertained for hours. Doddy, in particular, would often go on stage at 7 pm and perform until midnight, keeping his audience engaged with a variety of acts and his wife playing the piano. The impact of "Family Fortunes" on British television history is undeniable, with its popularity far surpassing today's game shows.
Unexpected opportunities in entertainment industry: Be open to new experiences, you never know when an unexpected opportunity may arise in the entertainment industry
Tommy Cooper, a well-known comedian, was known for his ability to improvise and make his magic tricks appear to go wrong on purpose, creating anticipation and laughter from the audience. He had a unique style that was both orchestrated and unpredictable. Years after his death, Ricky Gervais paid tribute to him by incorporating a twisted version of him in the first series of Extras. Les Dennis, a comedian himself, shared a story about how he unexpectedly received a call from Gervais to be a part of the show. Despite his initial confusion and nerves, he accepted the offer and played a demented version of himself. This anecdote highlights the unexpected opportunities that can arise in the entertainment industry and the importance of being open to new experiences.
Embracing unconventional roles and taking risks: Openness to unconventional roles and taking risks can lead to unexpected success and positive public perception. Trust in creators and effective communication are crucial for memorable and believable performances.
Being open to taking risks and embracing unconventional roles can lead to unexpected success and positive public perception. Les Dennis shares his experience of playing a "lunatic version" of himself on a popular TV show, which initially received negative press but ultimately led to a shift in public opinion. He committed to the role, trusting the creators, and even added a line during rehearsals. The success of the performance showed that taking risks and being willing to poke fun at oneself can lead to a memorable and believable performance. Additionally, the collaboration between the actors and creators allowed for a natural and improvised feel, demonstrating the importance of trust and effective communication in creative projects.
Ricky Gervais's relaxed set environment fuels creativity and experimentation: Ricky Gervais's laid-back approach on set fosters a creative atmosphere, enabling actors to take risks and explore comedic talents, leading to the success of 'Extras'.
Ricky Gervais, the director, encourages creativity and flexibility on set, even during moments of personal struggle or unprofessional behavior. His laid-back approach creates a relaxed atmosphere, allowing actors to experiment and take risks. This dynamic led to the success of "Extras," where Gervais and his co-stars felt free to explore their comedic talents and received positive reactions from audiences. Additionally, Gervais' experiences with pigeonholing in the industry and encounters with influential figures like Eric Morecambe and Ronnie Barker contributed to his growth as an actor and comedian.
The collaborative effort between writers and performers in comedy shows of the past: The investment in large-scale comedy writing and performance led to memorable, enduring comedy, inspiring generations and leaving a void in today's industry.
The connection between comedy writing and performance in the past, particularly in the case of The Russ Abbott Show, was a unique and impactful experience for both the audience and the performers. The collaborative effort between a large group of writers, including Barry Cryer, Minette and Levison, and performers like Les Dennis and Dustin Gee, led to the creation of memorable and enduring comedy that resonated with generations. The lack of such large-scale investment in comedy today is evident, as the commitment of resources and time allowed for more opportunities for new writers and the development of long-lasting comedy routines. The impact of these shows was significant, with fans continuing to quote classic lines decades later and young aspiring performers inspired by the performances they saw. The loss of this level of investment in comedy has left a noticeable void in the industry.
Collaboration and Respect in the Entertainment Industry: Collaboration and respect, including equal pay, can lead to successful partnerships in the unpredictable entertainment industry.
Les Dennis, a well-known comedian and impressionist, formed a successful double act with Dustin Jaden despite Dustin's established career. Their collaboration began when they worked together in pantomime, and Dustin proposed parity of pay to ensure equal fees. The unexpected request led to a strong partnership, and they continued to work together until Dustin's untimely death. Despite their success, the entertainment industry's feast-or-famine nature left their future uncertain. Les shared his upcoming projects, including "Annie Fools and Horses" and "Spring and Port Wine," but admitted that he never knows what the next year holds. The conversation ended with Les expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his experiences on Honest Radio. Overall, their story highlights the importance of collaboration, respect, and adaptability in the entertainment industry.
Understanding unconventional expressions of affection: Recognizing and responding to people's emotional needs, even if they're not expressed directly, can lead to meaningful connections.
Sometimes people express their feelings in unconventional ways, and it's important to recognize and respond with empathy and understanding. In the conversation above, the speaker seems to be expressing their appreciation for someone's affections, even if those affections were not explicitly stated. The speaker also acknowledges the neediness of the other person and finds joy in it. The conversation ends with a mutual expression of gratitude and farewells. Overall, the conversation suggests that people have complex emotional needs and that acknowledging and responding to those needs, even if they are not expressed directly, can lead to meaningful connections.
