Ten Questions with Nicholas Lyndhurst

As a seasoned movie connoisseur who’s had the privilege of traversing the vast landscapes of cinematic excellence, I must say that adding Frasier to one’s watchlist is as essential as a good cuppa on a rainy English afternoon. With Nicholas Lyndhurst gracing our screens once more, we find ourselves in the company of a comedy legend who has left an indelible mark on British television with his portrayal of lovable “plonker” Rodney in Only Fools and Horses.

Add Frasier to your watchlist

In the beloved British series “Only Fools and Horses,” Nicholas Lyndhurst, known for his endearing character Rodney, achieved comedy icon status in the UK. His fame grew even more with roles in sitcoms such as Goodnight Sweetheart, The Two of Us, Butterflies, along with more serious projects like New Tricks and Rock & Chips. Now, at 63, Lyndhurst has swapped Peckham for Hollywood, reprising his role as a slightly tipsy British expat in the second season of Frasier, the comeback of the classic American sitcom starring Kelsey Grammer.

From one classic sitcom to another — how did you end up working on Frasier?

Kelsey and I collaborated on the play “Man of La Mancha” at the grand London Coliseum back in 2019. He was absolutely fantastic! The Coliseum can seat around two and a half thousand people, making it the largest stage in London. Witnessing Kelsey’s performance eight times a week left me speechless. During rehearsals, he asked me if I would be interested if “Frasier” ever returned to TV, to which my response was an enthusiastic yes! It’s taken some time, but I’m thrilled to finally be part of the project.

Did the two of you hit it off immediately?

I’d say so. We come from similar histories, so we have a lot in common.

Frasier is filmed with a live studio audience. Do you get nervous?

Adapting to a live audience isn’t an issue for me, as I’m well accustomed to it. However, there are notable differences between Frasier’s production and what I’m used to from the UK. For instance, the writing team here is large, and revisions occur daily. In contrast, in the UK, if we were performing in front of a live audience on a Sunday, we would finalize the script no later than Friday, giving us ample time to prepare. Here, the script undergoes constant changes, even while the audience is present!

Ten Questions with Nicholas Lyndhurst

How do you cope with that?

Stay alert and ready for changes since I tend to have trouble letting go of scripts once learned. One part of my mind is constantly reminding me that things might still alter, so don’t make any permanent decisions just yet.

What sort of feedback do you get from the studio audience?

In the studio each week, there’s a palpable sense of affection for Kelsey, which is quite wonderful. And it’s well deserved. Personally, I appreciate this environment because it allows me to focus and get work done efficiently. It’s truly delightful to be part of a team once more.

I probably pinch myself every 20 minutes in this job

Your character Alan Cornwall is incredibly English. Are you a Brit consultant for the writers?

Occasionally, I might correct an American author by saying, “We wouldn’t phrase it that way here.” I’ll occasionally adjust their dialogue to make it more British, but only seldomly. These authors are talented individuals who understand the craft well.

So, have you made the move to Hollywood for good?

I’m only here for the duration of the show, and then I’ll head back to the UK. It’s truly marvelous being here in the meantime. At my age, I didn’t anticipate strolling through Paramount Pictures gates every day. This job is almost surreal, as it involves working alongside Kelsey, which is an absolute pleasure. The experience of working within this building is breathtakingly wonderful.

How do you like to unwind in Los Angeles?

I’ve been reveling in the sunshine; visiting the beach has been a delight. Unfortunately, back home, the weather is dreadful, but here it’s simply fantastic! Moreover, if you dig deep enough, there’s a rich history to uncover. I’ve been thrilled to explore where Stan Laurel resided, as he was one of my idols. Additionally, Buster Keaton’s studio is just around the corner. It’s remarkable to think that, without their groundbreaking work, we might not be here today. They truly paved the way for us. I felt compelled to pay tribute.

Do you have any more work lined up in LA?

Truthfully, it consumes a considerable chunk of the year. Currently, I don’t have any other commitments scheduled.

Do you keep up with television back home in the UK?

As a cinephile, I’ve been away from the small screen for quite some time now. Instead of my living room gazing out towards the television, it’s oriented towards the garden, providing a more relaxing and less “office-like” atmosphere. While I do catch up on the news and occasional documentaries, I rarely find myself tuning in to TV programs. Streaming or binge-watching aren’t my cup of tea, if you haven’t guessed already!

2024-09-24 20:34

Read More