Mr Pernick's First Outing...

So, I've been working on the script, Pernickety, for a few months and things are finally coming together. Gordon is having his first outing, in the studio at the Engine Room. I've managed to persuade my good friend and semi-professional actress, Kellie Rushbury to come up from Cornwall for a screen test with her on-screen beau, Gordon Pernick.

To my amazement and delight, Nicholas Boulton, (star of recent historical drama, Attila the Hun) loved the script and agreed to take part for free. He's also been in Shakespeare in Love, Topsy Turvy, tons of theatre and he's a regular voice on Radio 4. I know him because he's the son of my parents' neighbours... and after interviewing him at Christmas, I decided that he'd be perfect for the part! And there's no harm in asking...



As co-producer, I arranged for the two of them to come for coffee and Danishes at my house, where we talked about the script, and character motivations. The thing I am most worried about is that they won't have that 'spark'. I needn't have worried - they have bucket loads of chemistry going on! It comes out as soon as we reach the studio; they are laughing and flirting together as we set up the kit. Kellie has done a bit of theatre work and comedy sketches before this, and I know she's anxious about performing with a seasoned pro... but she really came alive as soon as they start the first exercise, an extract from Rising Damp.


After a few takes, Alex (Director) moved Kellie and Nick into a different exercise, with new props. It was amazing to see Alex direct, I've never seen a director at work first-hand, and so I'm watching closely for inspiration. A friend, Josh asked me recently why wasn't I going to direct it? I said I didn't feel confident enough yet - I have the vision, I just don't know how to put it into practise yet.


So, we've set up a bedroom situation that will be the guest room that Kellie's character, Penelope will be staying in when she comes to Gordon's B & B. Alex gets them to play out the same routine, but with different motivations. It is hysterical - I realise now, this is going to be much more of a comedy than a drama! Not that I'm bothered by that... the most magical thing about the screen test was seeing my characters coming alive right in front of my eyes - a lucky and unusual privilege for a screenwriter. Alex was sensitive to my presence and asked me to contribute my ideas.


Nick was exactly how I saw Gordon, and when he swept his hair over in a side parting - we all knew he was going to be the perfect perfectionist. Nick was completely at ease with the crew, he's such a down-to-earth actor, sweet, kind and ever so excitable.



After an hour or so of hard work - it's time to go out and play! We get a lift from Nick's dad into Taunton, and hit the cocktails - hard! From about four, we start drinking and don't stop until it's time for a Chinese and taxi home. Kellie and Nick's chemistry is terrific; they bounce the banter off each other in a competition to get the most laughs, and it works! Lets hope this day is the first of many happy times on the set of Pernickety.