TV FILMS OF THE WEEK
This Spanish trip is inspired by Spain’s most famous literary character, Don Quixote, so Rob and Steve took the opportunity for a little research
“I think that’s what it’s all about. In series one, we were in our mid-40s, and I would say that is perhaps when the decline begins. Somebody of 70 may scoff at this, but I think Steve and I both feel that. We both feel the passing of the years and that is something we talk about.”
“You put your gloves on and your gum shield in and we have a little round. It’s quite frenetic, the pace of the whole thing, but it’s also very enjoyable and we got to see a lot of Spain, so what’s not to like?”
In terms of preparation, “we might learn quotes from books that we’re supposed to be referencing, or discuss doing a new impersonation, but I don’t stand in front of the mirror practising impressions,” says Steve, who, like Rob, is full of praise for their director. “Michael manages to make some sense out of our mad ramblings. It’s always hugely impressive because he makes it seem to have more scope and gives it a depth that goes beyond just the funny voices, barbs and exchanges,” he remarks.
And then there’s the trust he and Rob share.
“If he goes off on a tangent, I will follow him, or he will follow me, so it’s a lot of fun... Rob probably makes me laugh more than I make him laugh. He’s probably more naturally funny than I am,” he muses. “I’m the more cantankerous one and he’s more flippant – although we exaggerate these things quite a lot.”
But the comedy’s often the result of friction.
“We have moments where we agree about things, and moments where we’re a bit tetchy,” says Steve.”
WRITER-director John Ridley, who won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for 12 Years A Slave, focuses on the 12-month period from 1966 to 1967, before the showman cemented his place in the musical firmament. The film begins with Keith Richards’ girlfriend, Linda Keith (Imogen Poots), discovering Jimi Hendrix (André Benjamin) at the Cheetah Club in New York and introducing him to Chas Chandler (Andrew Buckley), who becomes his manager. Hendrix also begins a turbulent relationship with Kathy Etchingham (Hayley Atwell) that jeopardises his ascent before it has begun.