Brett is an incredibly talented actor,
writer and comedian with a wide ranging and diverse array of acting credits. He
has a vast body of theatre work under his belt and plays the lead in new Sky
comedy ‘30 and Counting.’ He's also had parts in ‘Black Mirror’ and ‘Adventure
Venture.’ Away from acting, Brett is an established writer with a number of TV
and film projects in development – and thankfully, commissioned too!
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Brett Goldstein - Derek's Tom |
I first heard of Brett as a stand-up
comedian when he achieved sold-out success at Britain’s top comedy festivals
and venues for his acclaimed solo act: ‘Brett Goldstein Grew Up in a Strip
Club.’ Brett also performed last night at Dave’s Leicester Comedy Festival with
his show ‘Brett Goldstein Contains Scenes of an Adult Nature.’
He’s a natural comic and acclaimed for
all of his art forms, so I couldn't wait to talk to him.
How did you get the enviable
role in Derek?
One day I was sat in my house
minding my own business when my agent called and said, “Would you like to meet
Ricky Gervais tomorrow afternoon?” I was
immediately sick in my pants. I was sent
two pages of script then went to his office to meet with him and Charlie Hanson
(producer) and the casting director Tracey Gillham. I then did an audition with Ricky and was
called back a few weeks later to see if Kerry Godliman and I could work
together. Turns out we could tolerate
each other. I left the audition
thinking, “Well if nothing happens at least it was nice to meet everyone.” My agent called two hours later to say I had
got it. I was immediately sick in my
pants.
What was it like working on
the project with a huge array of comedy talent with Ricky Gervais at the helm?
I cannot overstate how much of
a dream job this is. I got to literally
work with my comedy heroes. Ricky
Gervais, Karl Pilkington, David Earl and Kerry Godliman. I mean, it’s like I won Jim’ll Fix It before
all the revelations came out.
Karl isn’t your typical
comedian, but has a natural ability to make his audience laugh. How did he fit
in with a cast of established comedians?
I actually think that Karl is
one of the finest actors I’ve ever seen.
He is a natural. Completely fresh
and believable. And every time he is
called upon to say something funny, he’ll come up with something no one else
would have thought of. He is
brilliant. And proper nice as well. And a philosopher.
Can you tell us anything about
the future of Tom and Hannah?
I could but I'd have to get
you to sign a confidentiality agreement and then you wouldn't be able to
publish this interview and the whole thing would become very awkward, and we
were getting on so well...
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Tom and Hannah - Brett and Kerry |
Are you at all like your
character Tom?
I don't dress half as well as
he does. And he's taller.
Stand-up comedy, writing or
acting – where does your true passion lie?
I love them all and I think
they all feed into each other. Stand up
forces you to think fast and take responsibility for your own ideas. Writing is a way of creating something in a less
pressurized way, a way to explore what you really think about something. And acting is a way to be part of a team and
to work with others. All together they
add up to making me appear less of a psychopath.
Do you like the blend of
writing, acting and stand-up or do you want to focus in one particular talent
going forward?
I genuinely love all three of
them. But acting is probably the most
fun one. Because you sort of become a
family with the people you are working with.
Unlike stand up where you’re just a lonely bloke facing a crowd. It’s really weird when you write it out like
that…
Your book-selling dad bought a
strip club during a mid-life crisis. Were you proud or embarrassed?
Um…I did a whole stand up show
on this subject. The thing is it was
definitely weird and there were all sorts of repercussions. BUT.
Most men have a mid life crisis and dream of opening a strip club. My dad actually went through with it. I admire that. That is someone who commits to an idea. Even if it is insane.
You once ran the strip club.
Is that like working in Greggs, i.e. if I see one more sausage roll I’ll…?
Running a strip club is a lot
like working in Greggs if the sausage rolls are all pumped up on cocaine and
the yums yums keep getting pregnant all the time.
Have you ever considered
turning your exploits at the club into a TV comedy?
Yes, I’m working on it.
You’re an established writer,
you’ve starred in numerous productions including Derek and have performed
stand-up at Britain’s biggest comedy festivals, what’s next for Brett
Goldstein?
A nap.
What are your aspirations for
the future?
To make more stuff and to have
adventures. Like Indiana Jones.
Who do you most admire in the
entertainment world and why?
Jim Henson. I think he was a saint. I love everything he ever made, I love his
ethos, and I believe we are all muppets looking up at the stars. The greatest Academy Award travesty is that
Michael Caine did not win an Oscar for Muppets Christmas Carol.
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The greatest Academy Award travesty.... says Brett |
Can you tell me one thing
about Brett most people wouldn’t know?
I do an incredible impression
of Louis Armstrong.
Who would you rather go for a
beer with, Dougie, Kev or Derek?
Shouldn’t you be asking who
would win in a fight? The answer, is of
course, Hannah.
Have you got a message for
Derek fans?
Keep on truckin!
Should I have
edited any of that interview? No, I thought not. Brett is just as funny written
down as he is to watch live and on-screen – a true talent and one to certainly
watch out for in the future. Look out for him in the next Indiana Jones movie.
You probably won’t see him, but keep an eye out nonetheless!
Thanks Brett
©
M. A. Sibson
Email:
tadpolehitler@gmail.com
Twitter:
@tadpole_hitler
Facebook:
facebook.com/derekfansite
Brett Goldstein is a fantastic actor, and so handsome! I have never watched a sitcom, or any show for that matter, that felt so genuine. The entire network of relationships between the characters in Derek are not only refreshingly real, but are a true testament to the talent of the actors. I especially love Brett, and Karl Pilkington. I do hope this show continues to produce more seasons.
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