Jeremy Dyson Transcript from

The Hay Festival Live Chat

BBC Host: Hello, and welcome to today's Hay Festival TalkWales live chat with Jeremy Dyson in Hay-on-Wye, on the border of Wales and England. Jeremy is ready to start answering your questions on BBC Online. Here's the first question:

Lauren Taylor: Hi. As a massive film fan myself, I was wondering what your top five films were and how they may have influenced your writing in any way?

Jeremy Dyson: "The Godfather", "Night of the Demons", "Withnail and I", "Jason and the Argonauts"... Um, let me think... "Private Lives of Sherlock Holmes". Any influence on my writing? Undoubtedly yes! Especially "Jason and the Argonauts"!

Lucinda Dixon: I was wondering if we are to expect something entirely different from series three of "The League of Gentlemen" as I've heard it is not to be filmed in Hadfield?

Jeremy Dyson: I don't know where she's heard that from - as we don't know yet. We won't know until next year. And the Christmas Special will be going to Hadfield. Some of it anyway.

Joe: If you woke up and found yourself in Royston Vasey, do you think you'd ever leave?

Jeremy Dyson: (Laughs) I wouldn't be allowed to!

Lauren: Which of the Royston Vasey residents do you feel the closest affinity to and why?

Jeremy Dyson: Definitiely Les McQueen. I myself have played in many bands and had just as much success as he has.

Karen: What's your definition of a 'gentleman', and are you one?

Jeremy Dyson: (Laughs) I'm a perfect gentleman. But only by my own definition - which I'm not going to share with you!

Lauren: How do you feel the success of "The League of Gentlemen" has affected you as a person?

Jeremy Dyson: It's made me a lot happier!

Taylor: Are you the 'life and soul' at a party, and if so why?

Jeremy Dyson: (Big Laugh) No I'm much happier being an audience member rather than entertain. I'd much rather watch the other three do that.

Jim Morrison: Was there ever any other career that you considered pursuing?

Jeremy Dyson: Well, I was a children's entertainer., but I was glad that "The League of Gentlemen" came along so I didn't have to do that any more.

John: what was your favourite party piece as a childrens entertainer?

Jeremy Dyson: Let me see... There's a trick called Bob-up Bunny. I always got a kick out of performing that.

Lucinda Dixon: Do you find it hard to detach yourself from the lives of your characters?

Jeremy Dyson: No... If I did a lot of what our characters get up to, I'd be in serious trouble.
Lisa: If you could go back in time, when would you travel to?

Jeremy Dyson: Probably Victorian London, but only if I could be a wealthy gentleman.

Simone: Do you own a "Samba Suit", and if so, who did put the rhythm in it?

Jeremy Dyson: (Laughs) Yes I do own a "Samba Suit" and the rhythm is supplied by Rudolph Rocker.

Liz: Having recently listened to the Rudolph Rocker album which I found very interesting, do you have any plans to expand or continue with this side of your career? Why not play at a couple of the live dates? That would be fab!

Jeremy Dyson: Very Interesting - that sounds like the kiss of death. We all like to play live, but we all live in different places, so we only do one about once a year. The asker of this question has just missed one, so she'll have to wait until next year.

Jim Morrison: Did you find studying screenwriting at university particularly educational, or did it simply give you TIME to write?

Jeremy Dyson: It was immensely useful in that it did give me time to write.

Lauren Taylor: Where would you say your comedy influences came from, and how does it feel to know you are setting an unbeatable standard to other comedy writers?!

Jeremy Dyson: It's very hard to know that yourself. But it's a wonderful thing if people think that. Influences include Alan Bennet, Victoria Wood, "Monty Python", "Rising Damp", and lots and lots of horror films.

Lucinda Dixon: Do you find yourself constantly examining people for new ideas?

Jeremy Dyson: Not conciously, but you always have your ears pricked - maybe unconciously.

Jim Morrison: When writing "The League of Gentlemen" did you all expect the final product to turn out as it did or were you surprised by what you had created?

Jeremy Dyson: I think we were surprised at how closely it came out matching what we wanted. And we were very lucky to have the team to work with.

Liz: Who, if anyone, is supporting the Gentlemen on the tour?

Jeremy Dyson: No-one. We're just going out ourselves. And we're thinking of doing a show of two different halves.

Mike: Be honest. Haven't you ever been tempted to slip on an old frock and do yourself up like Tubbs?

Jeremy Dyson: Only in private!

Ian: The last episode of "The League Of Gentlemen" left the origin of Hillary Briss' "special stuff" a little ambiguous - could you set the record straight?

Jeremy Dyson: If I told you, you'd never sleep again.

Andy: What sort of reaction has "The League of Gentlemen" had from people in other countries?

Jeremy Dyson: Surprisingly, an amazingly enthusiastic one. Its very popular in Australia, Canada, and of all places France! Which is very unusual.

Paul: Why did you not appear in "The League of Gentlemen"? Are you camera shy?

Jeremy Dyson: I'm not an actor and it was never really my ambition. I'm a writer and I try to devote myself to that as much as I can.

Simone: Would you say that being the only non-actor in "The League of Gentlemen" makes your writing at all different to that of the other three?

Jeremy Dyson: Interesting - not consciously. But it does mean that I never have worry about writing things that would be difficult to perform. For example, the Dentons' nude scene.

Jim Morrison: Who wrote the great theme music and did you have any input?

Jeremy Dyson: The music is written by Joby Talbot, whose a member of The Divine Comedy. We didn't need any input - he just went off and did it and we couldn't believe how good it was.

Jenni Murphy: Do you ever visit any of the League of Gents sites on the net?

Jeremy Dyson: Yes we do occasionally look in to see what people are saying. Very hard not to.

Lauren Taylor: A nagging question. In series one when Dr Chinnery is examining the beast, he says "May I have a drink of water please?" Is this a subtle reference to a scene from "Jaws" or am I completely wrong and sad for looking to hard for film references?!

Jeremy Dyson: No - you're completely right and top marks for noticing it.

Andy: Are there some countries where the LoG seems to mystify people? We often wonder if foreigners understand British comedy, or is that just prejudice?

Jeremy Dyson: Well so far we're surprised at how many countries are getting it. It's selling the best abroad since "Blackadder".

Jim Morrison: What is your opinion of "Jam"?

Jeremy Dyson: I'm in awe of "Jam". I think it's a staggering programme.

Hilary: I've been wondering about Iris and her mother, whose relationship was revealed only at the 11th hour. Was this planned all along or was it just a good idea at the time?

Jeremy Dyson: All I'll say is - don't get too hung up on this. At the end of the day, it's just two men in a dress.

Sarah: My six-year-old niece absolutely loves "The League Of Gentlemen". Did you ever anticipate children would be fans of the series too?

Jeremy Dyson: It's a terrifying thought thinking that there's six-year-olds out there watching it. Ask her what she's doing letting a six-year-old watch it!

Clare Norris: Did you originally plan to give each story in "Never Trust A Rabbit" a definite twist at the end?

Jeremy Dyson: No. I didn't plan it like that. I didn't think I'd be able to do that. It just came out that way.

Janvier Palmer: The League of Gentlemen are going on tour in the Autumn, will you be going along with them although not performing?

Jeremy Dyson: I'll definitely be there some of the nights if not all of them

Kris: I'd like to ask you whether you thrive on variety or if you've developed a preference for any one thing among your film commentary, lewd humour, subtle humour and your recent twisty tales?

Jeremy Dyson: No I like to thrive on variety and do lots of things - keep busy. And Mark is the same as me.

Liz: Having already purchased tickets several shows for your upcoming tour, my friends and myself are looking foward to seeing the Gents perfoming live, we were wondering what role will you have? Will you be performing the odd magic trick whilst the chaps nip off to adjust wigs!?

Jeremy Dyson: If only I would be allowed to! My role will be laughing very loudly.

Sarah: Where did the inspiration come from for the weird characters in League Of Gentlemen? Are they based on people you know?

Jeremy Dyson: Many of them are based on people we know or situations we've been in. But we twist them a lot so there only ever starting points. They get exaggerated.

Jim Morrison: Where do you do your best writing? Alone in peace or in a noisy bar?

Jeremy Dyson: Impossible to write in a noisy bar. Strange idea about what writers do! If only it were that easy!

Lauren Taylor: Who would you say are your favourite authors.

Jeremy Dyson: Raymond Carver, John Fowles, Robert Aickman.

Kathryn: How much have you enjoyed appearing at Hay (if at all!)?

Jeremy Dyson: Fantastic. Makes me feel like a proper writer. I arrived late last night.

Kris: Do you have a favourite tale from "Never Trust A Rabbit", one you're most proud of?

Jeremy Dyson: I think I'm most proud of the Engine of Desire. But they're all my children.

Kris: Which ones did Mark, Reece and Steve say they liked best?

Jeremy Dyson: Well they're still reading them so I'll have to get back to you on that. I know that Rhys liked City Deed.

Jane: How long did it take you to write it?

Jeremy Dyson: Half of it was written in about seven months last year. But the other half was a couple of years before that.

Lauren Taylor: As well as writing, what 'behind the scenes' jobs do you do?

Jeremy Dyson: I was assistant producer on the last series which can involve anything from making the tea to the casting. Just keeping an eye on various things.

Rhys: Do you have any funny stories that stick out with the LoG?

Jeremy Dyson: They're all unrepeatable. There's an unfunny story about how Mark was nearly blinded. When we were filming Chinnery and the exploding dog last series. Somebody thought it would be a good idea to fire a jug of gore with an airgun into Mark's face. And we did! It's only afterwards we realised what a bad idea it was. If you look at the video closely you can see the pained expression on his face!

Simone Walters: Do you meticulously plan-out your stories at the beginning of the writing process, or just plunge in and see what happens?

Jeremy Dyson: Half and half. They were planned out but then I find I veer of the plan as it gets going.

Rhys: Poor Mark, did he have to go into hospital?

Jeremy Dyson: He did have to go to hospital. Fortunately there was an eye hospital near by. He had a grazed cornea. Could have been very nasty.

Lucinda Dixon: Do you find that people assume that you are all a little 'wierd' and are surprised to find that you are relatively normal when they meet you?

Jeremy Dyson: Absolutely, yes. People always say "you must be really twisted". And of course, they're right.

Jenni Murphy: Which of the gents do you find you get on best with and why?

Jeremy Dyson: Well, we all get on. But in different ways. Me and Mark have written together for over ten years now so we have to get on, otherwise it would be a nightmare. They wouldn't have him!

George: is the butcher a freemason?

Jeremy Dyson: They wouldn't have him!

Dave: Do you suffer tension between the team - if so, how do tame the situation?

Jeremy Dyson: Surprisingly, we don't really. Very rare that we don't get on. When your filming it's hard because you're under a lot of pressure and in each other's pockets. Even so, we seem to get on.

Jo: out of all your characters and creations, what are you most proud of and why?

Jeremy Dyson: Personally, I'm proudest of Pop. For reasons of my own, rather that just because he's funny. But generally one doesn't have favourites. You like them for different things.

Lauren Taylor: I've heard rumours that there is to be a book published in the Autumn to accompany the series. Is this true?

Jeremy Dyson: It is true, yes. We just finished signing it off this week. It should be out in October and it'll be very fine indeed. It's called a Local Book for Local People.

Robert: what was Roy 'Chubby' Brown like when he appeared on LoG? Any interesting anecdotes to reveal?

Jeremy Dyson: He was fantastic. He was brilliant to work with. Very funny man, and a very skilled commedian.

Robert: Why did you choose to name Royston Vasey after Roy 'Chubby' Brown's real name?

Jeremy Dyson: It just made us laugh. It went back to the radio series and we had a long list of possible names and Royston Vasey was the last name on that list. When it came to the TV series we wanted to the change the name and Royston Vasey was the one we liked the most. It sounds like a real town, and the fact that it was Roy 'Chubby' Brown's real name made us laugh.

Jane: What were the other names that stuck out?

Jeremy Dyson: Actually, if you buy the book when it comes out, there's a map of the area around Royston Vasey with all the names.

Lauren Taylor: Will there be an official book launch and will the public be invited!

Jeremy Dyson: We'll be doing lots of signings.

Lucinda Dixon: Is there anyone else you would like to work with on the next series?

Jeremy Dyson: We have quite a strict rule - only one celebrity per series. We have a collective dislike of series' with lots of guest stars. If you're creating a world, too many would tend to break the illusion.

Simon: Did you find the transition from radio to TV with LofG quite easy?

Jeremy Dyson: It was harder going from stage to radio than it was from radio to tv.

John: Is Creme Brulee based on a particular band?

Jeremy Dyson: No, it's not. There's a little bit of lots of bands. .. Mud, Wishbone Ash, Racy!!!

John: Who thought of the title and who composed the music?

Jeremy Dyson: The riff is from Rudolph Rocker, lyrics by Mark and me. It was a serious, albeit tongue in cheek track.

Catrin: What's your favourite type of music .. would it be creme brulee?

Jeremy Dyson: I think I'm too old to have a favourite type!... Good music!

Bob: Share you classic moments from Rudolph Rocker. There must be many!

Jeremy Dyson: There are. The abortive gig at the West Yorkshire Playhouse... Where the support band booked three and a half hours to sound check and we had to cancel the gig. They were called Elephant Walk. Long may they rot in hell!

Jenni Murphy: If you had to be a character from the League, who would it be and why?

Jeremy Dyson: Hmmmm.... Hilary Briss the Butcher. He gets away with murder.

Lucinda Dixon: Were you worried that "On the Town" was not going to be well received by the listeners of Radio 4?

Jeremy Dyson: I don't think we had time to think about it. It was all moving very fast.

Simone: Have you put your Philosophy degree to any use at all?

Jeremy Dyson: Can't you tell?

Lauren Taylor: What lies ahead for the League of Gentlemen team?

Jeremy Dyson: Hopefully, lots more. I don't know what. We just want to carry on doing good stuff and evolving it as we go. It's the most we can hope for.

Thomas: How did you celebrate New Year's Eve?

Jeremy Dyson: I went to a party in Leeds where me and my girlfriend were the only couple without children and left feeling inadequate.

Lauren Taylor: By the way, great talking to you and seeing everyones queries.

Jeremy Dyson: It's fantastic that there's so much interest out there. We're still bowled over by the responses we've got and we hope to carry on. Corny but true.

BBC Host: Here's Jeremy with a final word ...

Jeremy Dyson: Go and buy "Never Trust a Rabbit". It's great. Bye!

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