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Kev and Derek - "8oz of pure blood sausage" |
So who is the star behind Kev? He’s David Earl, who, since his former job as a gardener, has graced our TV screens in hit shows Extras, Gittins and now Derek. He’s also appeared in films such as Cemetery Junction and you might have heard him on his online radio show.
David is well-known and well-loved
on the stand-up circuit as his alter ego Brian Gittins. David supported Ricky
Gervais on his 2009 tour and this year as Brian, he continues to tour the
UK.
Besides knowing a lot about Kev and Brian Gittins, I didn't know a lot about David, so it was great to speak to him.
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Brian Gittins - David Earl's alter ego |
Besides knowing a lot about Kev and Brian Gittins, I didn't know a lot about David, so it was great to speak to him.
Wikipedia introduces you as a South African composer and pianist. Shit.
That’s the wrong David Earl. Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
No, that is me. I am a South
African composer and pianist. I also dabble with trombones.
When I first contacted you, you stated that you don’t really enjoy interviews, what made you cave in?
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David Earl - South African composer and pianist |
When I first contacted you, you stated that you don’t really enjoy interviews, what made you cave in?
Well, everyone else was doing it and I thought it might
be a bit weird if I didn't.
Kev has some great lines in Derek, but it’s your delivery that I love so
much. Do you enjoy playing Kev?
Yeh. I do a lot of slouching
around, grunting etc. And I very much enjoy saying words like 'quim' and
'venereal disease'. My Mum's over the moon.
Daniel
Day-Lewis is known for staying in character throughout filming. Do you stay in
character between takes?
No, that's insane.
What do
the elderly actors in Derek think of your character? I only ask because my
grandparents would be disgusted!
I think they all just thought Kev was a bit of an
idiot. During one scene I had to do some stand up to all of them and so I took
a few jokes from my own set and Margaret (91) in particular, was chuckling
along. I genuinely couldn't believe it. Made my day. I wanted to carry on and
do 40 minutes, but I had to get off as we were filming a TV show called
'Derek'. I wish Margaret would come to all of my gigs.
So far
your on-screen chemistry with Dougie is very ‘chalk and cheese,’ but
it’s a double act that works so well. Do they secretly have a soft spot for one
another?
Yeh, definitely. If anything happened to Dougie,
Kev would be there to help like a shot. More or less.
What was
it like on set with all that array of talent?
I was fearful to begin with. I would very often sit
and watch (Ricky, Karl and Kerry) from the sidelines and think 'oh, they're
acting brilliantly again, oh, Christ it's my turn'. And then I'd watch the crew
and think 'oh bloody hell they know what they're doing as well'. What am I
doing here? I'm a South African pianist who dabbles in trombones!?
What
advice would you give to anyone that thinks they are like Kev?
Put some talc down your pants and believe in
yourself.
I've read
that you’re a gardener by trade – how did you break into comedy? How did you
get your big break?
Making a silly short film that Ricky managed to
see. He liked it. That gave me the kick up the arse I needed. Just plodded on
from there.
With
appearances in Cemetery Junction, Extras, Gittins and now Derek, your career in
the entertainment industry looks to be really taking off, where would you like
to take it?
I've always loved sitcoms. That's what I would like
to create. My own sitcom. Incredibly hard thing to get right though...
When you
were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Viv Richards. I was/am a huge cricket fan and he was a God to me when I was growing up.
Who do
you most admire in the entertainment world and why?
Absolutely no idea.
Can you
tell us one thing about David Earl that most of us wouldn't already know?
Lower back problems. Went up for a header in '85
and landed badly. Never really recovered.
What’s
next for you? What are you working on?
My sister's lawn. It'll need mowing pretty soon.
Have you
got a message for Derek fans?
Thanks for liking the show. It means a lot.
Thanks David for talking to me – it was especially great to learn
about your lower back problems and your plans to mow your sisters lawn. I know you don’t enjoy
giving interviews so this is very much appreciated.
If you don’t already, I’d urge you to follow
@BRIANGITTINS1 on Twitter. There is so much wisdom and so much charm on his
feed. You can also listen to his radio show at www.spreaker.com/user/briangittins.
©
M. A. Sibson
Email:
tadpolehitler@gmail.com
Twitter:
@tadpole_hitler
Facebook:
facebook.com/derekfansite
What's got 2 legs & bleeds? Half a dog!
ReplyDeleteSuch come to bed eyes! You can bowl me over in Balcome David.
ReplyDelete