Q + As

Reece answered this Q + A whilst appearing in Ghost Stories at the Duke of Yorks Theatre from November 9th 2010.

Congratulations on the chance to play Professor Goodman! You must be so thrilled.

1) How did it all come about? I suspect that your rave reviews about the play must have been fundamental in Jeremy's and Andy's decision to approach you.

I don't know but I hope not! I'd like to think it was because they thought I'd be a good Professor Goodman, not just because I had been vocal about my love of the piece! Needless to say, whatever the reason - I was thrilled to be asked.

2) I'm still surprised that a theatre production can elicit such powerful responses from an audience - I had a pounding heart on my first viewing. How did your first viewing effect you?

I was profoundly moved. I think it's a brilliant piece of theatre - and at the core of its black heart, is a deeply upsetting and profound message. If anything, it suffers from being just written off in the "horror" genre. I think its so much more. Deeply unsettling.

3) It's so nice to have a cult horror phenomenon that doesn't involve nasty traps and ripping and slashing - it is very much an old school style horror tale, conjures up M R James' style for me - are you more a fan of those or the former?

I think I'm growing out of out and out gore/slasher films. I really don't like these films that seem to be set piece "gross out" moments. Fine if there's a good story binding them, but increasingly I think - "I don't care to see this".

4) So, horror - what is it that made you fall in love with the genre?

I think the surprise - the dread, and then the relief when the horror passes. It makes you feel alive and pleased its not happening to you!! And often I find a lot of humour in horror. That appeals to me.

5) Of course the genre is present in Psychoville also, your latest creation with Steve (Pemberton). It seems to find a welcome home in your work! Is it ever a conscious decision to write with that flavour or is just natural? I recall reading that you tried to write something different at first but it didn't work for you.

We've only ever written what we thought was funny. It often ends up in "darker" terrain. But not for some. I think it depends on your threshhold. I know sometimes we've been accused of being "wilfully" dark. But it's never calculated.

6) It's been quite a good autumn for you - with going into Ghost Stories, The League of Gentlemen's Ghost Chase being broadcast on BBC Radio 4, Burke and Hare being released and of course the Psychoville Halloween special going out - is this your busiest autumn professionally ever?

I think its just coincidence that a lot of things I've done over the last few months have all come out the same week in October! Fitting really.

7) Burke and Hare is also a black comedy - great fun. Your Mackenzie is hilarious. John Landis must have been an amazing force to work with?

John is an amazing man. And someone I am now proud to call a friend. We got along very well. He is a big fan of "League" and "Psychoville" - as I am of his work of course!

8) As an actor who has trod the boards quite a lot, do you have any pre-curtain rituals that you follow?

Not really. I maybe go through bits of the script I might feel need a little spotlight thrown on them. But no.

9) Ghost Stories started out life at the brilliant Lyric Hammersmith (where you also starred in Comedians last year) - but has now crept into the Duke of Yorks Theatre - which is reputedly very haunted - are you nervous of that fact at all?

Nah. As Professor Goodman says,
"There is nothing lurking under your bed!"

10) If Ghost Stories stirs any of the Duke of York's resident ghosts and you run into them, what will you do?

Ask them if they've got nothing better to do.

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Reece was sweet enough to answer this Q +A whilst appearing in the Rocky Horror Show at the Hull New Theatre from
April 12th-17th 2010.

1) How does it feel to be back in your home city of Hull?

Great. I don't get back to Hull often enough.

2) What led you to accept the narrator role in the Rocky Horror Show?

Partly because they said it was for the week in Hull, but I saw Steve in it and thought it looked great fun.
Plus it is still a really great musical.

3) Are you a fan of the original 1975 film starring Tim Curry?

Very much. Like everybody of a certain age, the film was a big part of my teenage years, although I never did the full fishnet thing.

4) Tim Curry also stars in your upcoming film "Burke and Hare" - did you have the chance to meet him while shooting?

Yes I did meet Tim! It was amazing! He is a huge "League" fan and was raving to me about it. I told him
Mr Jelly was based on Pennywise. He was flattered!

5) Did you have a good time shooting "Burke and Hare" and working with Ronnie Corbett?

Spending time with Ronnie was just fantastic and actually the reason I said yes. I don't have a very big part in the film but all my bits are with Ronnie, which was why I said yes.

6) How's the writing for Psychoville coming along - nearly finished?

All finished. We are in pre production before filming starts at the end of May.

7) Any new roles/projects coming up that you can give us any info about?

Some more radio horror - a ghost investigation with me, Mark, Steve and Jeremy! But Psychoville looms at the moment.

*Reece's thoughts on his unofficial website*

My website is lovely. Thankyou for thinking I'm worthy of one - and tending to it so thoughtfully.