PERFECT PARTNERSHIP
AIRING on Gold, Death On The Tyne is an unusual, but welcome, mix of comedy and a thrilling whodunnit.
At the centre of it you have Terry and Gemma, who Johnny – real name Michael Pennington – calls the “straight ones” amongst a selection of mad characters, played by the likes of Georgie Glen, Sue Johnston and James Fleet.
“The idea is that everyone’s being hilarious, and we feel as if we’re being really flat,” elaborates the St Helens-born star, famous for his work in stand-up, as well as roles in Benidorm, Still Open All Hours and Bleak House.
“We’re just doing facial expressions!” quips Sian, best known for her collaborations with Peter Kay, including starring in and co-writing the comedy series Peter Kay’s Car Share.
“It gives you that confidence to go, ‘No, the straighter we play it, the funnier it makes everyone else’,” Johnny elaborates.
“You’re not tempted to take it into comedy overdrive. That wouldn’t work for the characters.”
The duo, who are animatedly debating whether Quality Street or Heroes are the better box of chocolates when I enter the room (Johnny is adamant it’s Heroes) have become great friends thanks to this show. Does that make their performances easier?
“I think so, purely because you’re not embarrassed to try things out and play about with it; you’re not intimidated,” suggests Sian, who was born in Mold, Wales.
“We’re very like-minded, in the comedy that we like anyway,” notes Johnny.
It seems these feelings haven’t particularly eased off with doing a sequel.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt as secure in acting as I do in stand-up,” he confides.
“You go on jobs and it’s like the first day of school. As time goes on, you get to know more people; it becomes a more reassuring environment.”
The star turns to Sian and asks if she ever feels totally comfortable watching a performance back, resulting in both of them admitting it’s something they find difficult.
“The great thing with this is, I will watch it because I’m watching everybody else’s performances and I can blank myself out,” he says.
“I can enjoy it – it’s not like a massive two-hander.”
He continues: “I think eventually I’ll end up the other side of the camera.
“I love acting, but I am more than aware of my abilities and limitations, whereas, creatively, on the other side (of the camera)... I love working with brilliant actors and when you direct, it’s a great thing.”
Johnny Vegas, pictured right with Sian and the rest of the cast of Death On The Tyne