“It reminds me in a bonkers way of Columbo”

As a film enthusiast with a penchant for intriguing narratives and captivating performances, Julian Rhind-Tutt’s role in “Death at La Fenice” has piqued my interest. His choice to delve into this detective drama seems unexpected given his recent busy schedule that includes roles in high-profile productions like Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, Sexy Beast on Paramount+, and a return to Green Wing. However, upon learning more about the series, it becomes clear why Rhind-Tutt was drawn to this project.

Death at La Fenice starts on Sunday at 3pm on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds. Add it to your collection.

“What attracted Julian Rhind-Tutt to his part in Radio 4’s fresh detective series, according to him, was not a feeling of desperation, but rather a deep fascination.”

As a devoted fan, I must admit it’s quite surprising to me – given his recent bustling schedule with roles in Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, Sexy Beast on Paramount+, and reprising my favorite character, “Mac” Macartney in Green Wing (which I’m excited to see more of later), the 57-year-old actor seems to be as active as ever.

However, with many pauses for humble comments like “I’m acting as a detective whose name I can’t remember,” Rhind-Tutt reluctantly acknowledges that there were additional reasons for taking on the role in Death at La Fenice.

As a seasoned reader of crime fiction, I have come across many detectives with their own set of quirks and personal struggles. However, Commissario Guido Brunetti, the protagonist of the first novel in an exceptional series, stands out as a breath of fresh air. Being a native of Venice, I found his character to be particularly relatable due to my shared love for the city’s enchanting canals and rich history.

So is Rhind-Tutt bothered that he doesn’t get to punch any walls?

Exploring the deeper aspects of a character can indeed be intriguing, yet it’s also been an engaging task to delve into what motivates this intelligent man with a harmonious marriage. He’s autodidact and his zeal for truth and justice stems from his reading. There’s a subtle, tenacious determination in him that, strangely enough, resembles Columbo – and it’s this trait that I find most appealing about him.

“It reminds me in a bonkers way of Columbo”

It’s also appealing that the location plays a significant role. Bestselling author Donna Leon, living as an American expat in Venice, sets all her novels in this city known for its waterways (in “Death at La Fenice,” the story revolves around a conductor discovered dead in his dressing room between acts at the opera house named after it).

Rhind-Tutt muses, “If we were creating this for television, that aspect might add charm. But when producing radio, it doesn’t matter if the story is set in Venice, you’re always in a studio in Acton. There were some jovial suggestions about a team outing to Venice, but with the BBC budget, I doubt we’ll be planning a trip anytime soon.”

When you’re making radio, it doesn’t matter if the story’s set in Venice, you’re still in a studio in Acton

Rhind-Tutt, on the other hand, frequently has the opportunity for personal research journeys due to his flexible schedule. He divides his time between London and a home in Slovenia, which is approximately a two-hour drive from Venice under favorable conditions. His wife is Slovenian and prefers the climate there. Interestingly, she finds city traffic in southern London unappealing, rather than spending time stuck in it. Often, people assume his marital life is troubled because he frequently resides in London, but the truth is, they alternate between the two countries.

That doesn’t stop him eyeing Venice up enviously, though: “I say to my wife, ‘For God’s sake, if you had only been born 100 kilometres further west, I could be learning the most beautiful language in the world and eating pasta, instead of learning an impenetrable, mind-bending Slavic jigsaw I’ll never conquer and eating stuffed peppers.’”

“It reminds me in a bonkers way of Columbo”

As a long-time fan of British humor, I was thrilled to learn that I have another opportunity this year to enjoy the distinctive voice of Mark Heap, who plays Rhind-Tutt in “Death at La Fenice.” It’s been 20 years since we last heard him on Channel 4’s “Green Wing,” and I never thought we’d get to see (or rather, hear) more of the antics from this beloved cult comedy.

Although I haven’t fully heard it as of now, during our recording sessions, I found it quite amusing – well-crafted and humorous. They included some of the original writers and came up with some truly inventive twists, exploring where each character has landed after 20 years have passed.

My character, Mac, is employed by a charitable organization, whereas Steve Mangan’s character, Guy Secretan, has transformed into a self-centered and wealth-seeking television medical personality. I found this contrast to be quite intriguing.

“He jokes, ‘That’d be terrific! I haven’t heard anything yet, but count me in if they do. I’m eager to participate,’ he says, once more showing his modest side, ‘I’m always on the lookout for more projects and income.'”

2024-08-01 15:04

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