Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators - SPECIAL EPISODE with Aruhan Galieva

[00:00:00] Guys, I'm gonna get deep here. So like also I was like in the Emily Atack show which I thought was, I don't know if you watched but I thought it was brilliant and people were really snobbish about and there's something about things that women consume, rom-coms. God forbid a woman watch something where nice things happen to women, do you know what I mean? Like Emily Atack sketch show, it was for women and people were saying it's lowbrow, cosy crime, like it's a big female demographic of women watching it and it's like

[00:00:28] the people that are the tastemakers of what culture is see it as like not a high form of art but it deserves respect in its own form. Welcome to Cosy Crime Time with Becca Bain and Jade Gebbie when we talk about a different cosy crime series each episode. Does the TV show you're watching have a very suspicious vicar? And are you looking at that wheel of cheese in the background thinking, hmm, that looks like that could kill someone?

[00:00:57] If the answer to either of these is yes, then that's the show for us. Now we will be revealing killers and giving away twists so we have a blanket spoiler warning as well as a cosy blanket to wrap ourselves up in.

[00:01:13] And welcome to a very special episode of Cosy Crime Time. We're not calling it a bonus episode because it is going to be normal length. However, this week we are going to be going behind the scenes for series six of Shakespeare and Hathaway Private Investigators.

[00:01:46] And to do that we have with us the wonderful actor and comedian and improviser. It's Arahant Galieva. Welcome Arahant. Big up Shakespeare and Hathaway. Woo woo woo. Oh man, I love that. We've never had like throwing hands for Shakespeare and Hathaway. Sorry, just for the podcast listeners, I'm dabbing really hard. I love it. I love it.

[00:02:14] You gotta dab for Shakespeare and Hathaway. You gotta. You really, really do. I am. I'm going to be honest with you, Rue. I had, even though I'm a massive fan of cosy crime, for some reason I had never seen Shakespeare and Hathaway. It passed me by. I have now seen a number of episodes that you have starred in. It's amazing. It is dab worthy. It is dab worthy, yeah. It's such a good show. It's really fun. It's like really camp is how I would describe it. Yeah.

[00:02:43] Um, I, I just love it. I think it's so fun and it is really fun to do. Obviously we'll get into that, but, um, yeah, for people that haven't seen it, it's, it is cozy. I think comedy is like a massive focus and, um, like a lot of like writers that come from like strong comedy, like joke writing backgrounds, like the producers love comedy and go watch live comedy. And then also amazing comedy guest stars. Like I work with some incredible people.

[00:03:13] Um, so yeah, like just, I was just like, oh my God. Um, so yeah, if you haven't given it a watch and just like the campus murders, you can imagine the campus murder weapons. Um, so yeah. Oh, I love that. Yeah. I did like, um, in the second episode, a massive, massive clock being a murder weapon. Incredible. Yeah. I don't want to, I mean, I don't want to spoil a bit. Like it is online to stream. No, no, but I was going to say some of my favorite weapons are, is a high heel.

[00:03:43] Nice. Um, um, a whisk, like in a baking episode, maybe I'm giving away, I don't know. I don't know what the rules are, man. Um, but, uh, yeah, just like genuinely so funny. I love it. Um, yeah. Oh, amazing. Yeah. It's brilliant. And I think actually, do you know what? Season six is, if you haven't watched it, it's quite a good, like every season of it, it sort of goes up in production value and ambition in terms scale in terms of what they want to do.

[00:04:12] And I would say like season six is the most ambitious that they, they've gotten. Um, and yeah, some really fun episodes, some really silly episodes. Oh, I love that. We always love it. That's what we like in cozy crime. I was just about to say, we always like a bit of silliness on the side of our cozy crime. Totally. So very much with the, um, the idea in mind that you're not sure whether to spoil or not. We tend to have a blanket spoiler warning, but we'll, we'll follow your lead on this one.

[00:04:38] Um, but with that in mind, can you tell us a bit more specifically about your character, Bea Gardner? Yeah, let's do a mega spoiler warning and then I'll try not to spoil everything. But I also, I don't know. Yeah. But then also it is out. So I don't really know. I don't know what the rules are. True. I should have checked. Uh, Bea. So Bea, so. Chase Green Hathaway. Um, you've got like two TV icons, Joe Joyner and, um, Mark Benton, and they are like Chase Green Hathaway.

[00:05:07] And then, um, there's a very beloved character called Seb who's been in it for, um, five seasons. He is like the comedy foil. He is, um, he is the receptionist slash undercover operative. And he's played by Patrick who I freaking love and is like an incredible human and just beautiful and just such a tall boy. Um, and he, uh, he's not gone by the way. He hasn't gone just for, for Seb lovers out there.

[00:05:36] Um, but he's not in it as much, uh, because Seb has got a job in Hollywood. Um, and so Bea, um, has come in basically to sort of, yeah, um, be a receptionist slash undercover operative. I mean, it's been really fun. And she's, yeah, she's just really fun. She's really, she's so much cooler than me. So much more articulate. She dressed, her dress sense is incredible. Like the costume designer, just, she's just all of that team and department. They're incredible.

[00:06:06] Uh, and as well, like we had like an award winning, um, makeup designer, Veronica, who's incredible as well. Um, she's the makeup for, um, hold on, hold on. Um, Shakespeare in Love. And I think she was like nominated for an Oscar and she's like won several Emmys. Like she's incredible. And the whole team are just gorgeous as well. But, um, um, really talented. Um, and so, yeah. So yeah, Bea is just, I don't know. She's just like autumn in a cup. I feel she's like very autumnal.

[00:06:36] You are speaking to two autumnal girlies. So we are very much, very much a fan. And we have seen that while I've seen the stills of, of your outfits and completely agree. The styling is amazing. Absolutely love it. Every outfit was a banger. I've got, I'm going to like, I did actually manage to get like a couple of singers. So I will share that. But Ev, Claire, compliments to Chef. Like every outfit was an absolute banger. And it was all what I loved about it. Cause I do like a lot of environmental work.

[00:07:05] All of those costumes, um, were, um, like got off Vinton, eBay and they were all like vintage or like secondhand. It was so cool. Amazing. And that's like a lot of costumes. And it's like hundreds of costumes. Um, cause it basically the story days, it's like about three days. In an episode. And so that's just, and not mention like disguises and stuff. Um, I, I can't even get my head around how you do. Yeah. Source that and make sure that the continuity I'd respect. That's so cool.

[00:07:35] Were you, um, obviously Bea has, I would say like bright red or like orangey hair. Were you wearing a wig or was that your hair dyed for it? No, no, no. My hair would, I mean, I have had loads of dyed hair, but what happened was cause Claire and Veronica have worked a lot together. Um, Claire put together like a mood board of like outfits and kind of steers for the character. And she pulled a lot from this gorgeous woman. I don't know who she is. It was off Pinterest, classic Pinterest.

[00:08:03] Um, and she had, she had a similar haircut and Veronica was like, let's try it. Then I shat myself because I was like, I've never, I'm half Asian. I was like, all of the reference photos are like gorgeous, gorgeous, like English rose people. And I was like, fuck, I don't know if I can pull this off. And then I was like, can we look at some like Asian, like mixed race references? And she, I should have just trusted Veronica cause she was absolutely right. It's a fucking banging hairstyle. Um, and I think she went kind of less natural with it.

[00:08:32] So it's quite like a bright orange. Um, and I'd love to, I mean, you had to dye that wig like every maybe like 10 days or something. Like it's a lot of maintenance to have that. Um, but I think cause of the disguises and stuff, it was just easier to do, to do wig. Um, so yeah, I'd love to have that. I do know what, I went through a massive existential period when I finished filming where I was like, should I get a fringe? And Becca, you've got a strong fringe game. Thank you.

[00:09:00] But I'm sure you can tell me it's such high maintenance to have a fringe. I think I've got really curly hair as well, actually. Yeah, I've got, I've got the natural frizz and basically I've had a fringe since I was about like 15. So I'm just in perpetual crisis apparently. Um, you've got, you've got 10, you're 10,000 hours of, of, of creating, cultivating a beautiful fringe. Thank you. Oh no, I appreciate that. But yeah, no, even, even now I get sick of it. And there was a period where I was sweeping it to the side cause it got too long. And yes, the maintenance is real.

[00:09:30] So I would say never do it on a whim. I understand the urge. I understand the urge. I have done it on a whim before. Yeah. And I agree with Becca. I will. I will take the role as expert here to discuss it. I will discourage people to do it on an amateur level. Let's put it that way. As much as you would suit it, Rue. As much as you would suit it. Yeah, definitely. Yeah.

[00:09:59] You said about not being sure if you could pull it off, but you definitely did. It was such a cool hairstyle. Yeah. But the thing is, is that like, I mean, that works because I had beautiful Megan Hipkiss, my makeup artist, every 10 minutes, like coming and like brushing it out. Do you know what I mean? Like I'm such a low maintenance person that I just, I don't know. Yeah. The first scene we have of Bea is you are a bardagram. And so there's a lot of comedy, as you've mentioned in the character, but also in the show.

[00:10:30] Did you find, because you have lots of comedy experience, did you find that really helped you like flesh out the character? Yeah, absolutely. And I think also, I think what's like helpful about doing comedy and playing Bea and also being on Shakespeare in Hathaway is that it is so ambitious and we shoot a lot of pages in a day. And so you kind of just have to make a bold choice quite quickly. And it's like kind of strong or wrong. It's my kind of vibe.

[00:10:57] And I think something that I love about like working with Joe Joyner especially is that Joe really kind of meticulously kind of goes through the scripts and is constantly trying to find the funny. And I think that was just like such a beautiful, I mean, she thinks like a director. She'd make an incredible director. I think everybody there, especially like when we're shaping it, it was a very collaborative thing to be like milk as many bits, create bits as well.

[00:11:22] And just finding the funny, like milking as many moments and stupid like stuff as possible. And I think feeling like free enough to be goofy and be stupid. And especially like when you've kind of first started and you don't really know anybody. Like I can't remember which episode it is, but it must be the first or second episode where I'm in like the actors agency with Seb and Seb is like checking. Oh, which episode is it? Oh my God. Sorry.

[00:11:51] They all blur into one. I've got videosis. I literally have like the worst memory. Anyway. Anyway, so he's searching the log for when we're doing like the dating episodes. And then as a distraction, I'm like screaming on the sofa and like just being really goofy. And I remember really going for that and the director being like, we've got to bring it back. And I was like, that was actually me being subtle. But yeah, obviously doing comedy like really helps. And thinking about joke, like punching up and like suggesting like kind of joke ideas and yeah.

[00:12:22] And yeah, just being free. I think also maybe yes, but also being an actor and sort of all of that. I think comedy actors are so underrated. I think like there are so many absolutely incredible comedy actors. And it's that blend of like actors being free and flexible enough and like committing to the bit and playing the truth of the situation. And that's why I think improvisers make the best comedy actors as well, actually, because they're incredibly present. They're really good listeners.

[00:12:52] I'd say like doing improv has really helped me. It's made me a better writer and it's 100% made me a better actor. Because yeah, just all of those things like being afraid to be vulnerable, not being afraid to make a fool yourself. Look how serious I've got now we're talking about comedy, but I just actually feel very passionate about it. Yeah. Yeah. And just being very present and very serious. And like, yeah, listening. I love that. You're preaching to the choir here as well, Ru, so don't worry about that.

[00:13:19] We've talked so much about the value that comedy is bringing to Cozy Crime specifically as well. So yeah, we're right on board that train with you, I swear. Yeah, definitely. Yeah, I have been thinking about doing improv, like just a course. So it's interesting to hear that just on a personal level. Oh my God, do it. Do it like, you guys have written for radio, right? When I started doing improv, it made me such a better sketch writer for radio. Yeah.

[00:13:49] Very nice. Yeah. I know it's not on the Cozy Crime thing, but like, yeah, improv has enriched my life in so many ways. Like people ragging it all the time, but it is such an amazing skill to have. Yeah. Oh, yeah. I agree. Do it, Jade. There you go. You've got some accountability now. You've said it on the airwaves. People are going to check in. Yeah, exactly. No, I love that. I love that.

[00:14:15] So you've already kind of mentioned like why you love Shakespeare and Hathaway so much. Were you a fan of the show before you were cast in series six? Yeah. My mum watched a lot of it. I can't. And I think I'm going to, yeah, like I watched it and it was kind of the first thing that I was, I mean, like obviously I've like gone in for a lot of stuff where it was the

[00:14:40] first, like, first off when I did, I'm going on a tangent here, but I'm just, I'm doing it. Um, when I self taped for this, I was sick as a dog. I had COVID. Okay. And I remember like doing, doing a take and it was, and it was good, but I was like, I was like, okay, let's just like, let's just like, let's leave it there. And I remember my partner was like, no, no, let's, let's do it again. Let's like, let's do it until we feel really, really good about it. Cause I can really see you doing this.

[00:15:09] Um, and, uh, I was like, okay, yeah, actually to be fair, like this is, this is because obviously I don't know, do you guys act as well? Like, like there's quite a lot of stuff. Okay. Well I'm going on a massive tangent here, but I, I will get back to the original. Um, I'm really glad that he said that because then obviously we did. And I was, I was still there and like, I was, I was really enjoying it. It was such a shame. Cause I just wanted to feel like have that energy that I normally have.

[00:15:36] Um, and it was a really interesting process to do because it was like a series regular role. And like, I'd done a lot of like guest lead stuff or like, like bits here. And there, but it was the first time that I was like going in for a series regular role on a show, on a show that I know. And I know that like my family can watch and actually are interested and can connect to, um, because like quite a lot of this, the stuff that I've done in the past is like theater or like a film job or that is like that my family have absolutely no interest in.

[00:16:06] So I think there was like, when I went in for the chemistry read, it felt, even though it's not like necessarily like the most well-known show, I know, I knew it had a very like passionate niche fan base. Um, so there was like, I knew I, I had a chance unlike things where I'd be like, I know that I would be great for this and I have a lot to offer, but I'd be like an alternative choice. I was like, no, no, I know I could absolutely smash this. And also this is finally, I mean that my family can enjoy.

[00:16:37] So the point that like, um, you know, like my little brother, like growing up, like the only relatable thing I did was like a travelodge advert. So like he would just introduce me everywhere being like, she's in a, she's done a travelodge advert. And I'd be like, okay, yeah, I was just at the globe, but okay, fine. Um, but yeah, so I was, I was really excited and having, and I remember watching the winter episode, um, which is not a Christmas episode and thinking I'd love to guest on this. So it was really exciting to just, um, kind of go in.

[00:17:06] That was a huge tangent, but, um, to go in and have that process. It was so interesting. Um, and the, what I auditioned for was that bardagram. Oh, brilliant. So yeah, and it was so much fun. And I, you know what, shout out to my friend Murat. My friend Murat met me at Theatre Deli, like maybe the day before, and we just drilled lines and just like, again, like he just gave, like, we just tried to play it in as different ways as possible. And just, um, I, because also this is my other hot take.

[00:17:35] So I understand that there are some people that think, especially when you, when it comes to like improvisation, that it's best to like not know lines because that way they can be more spontaneous. But I am the funniest when I am incredibly prepared. Like when I know those lines inside out so that they're like invisible work and then I can do find goofy stuff. I can't, if I do not, like if the lines are at like the tip of my thing, all I'm thinking about is just the lines as opposed to just being. So that's how I work. I don't understand and I respect to anybody that works in the other way.

[00:18:05] Um, but yeah. I really feel. I don't know how you feel about that. No, definitely. Um, I do stand up and it's like, I feel like I can deliver it best when I know the words so well I can play with them. Whereas like you said, if they're like, if I half know them, I'm too busy thinking about, oh, what's the next bit? Yeah. Because then like, if you're riffing in stand up and you're kind of got a loose thread of what you're doing, it's so easy to like tie yourself in knots. Whereas if you know, like you're set, do you know what I mean? And then you're in rhythm and stuff.

[00:18:35] Then you can find those beautiful like little extras. But yeah. Yeah. A hundred percent. Yeah. I'm big on honoring the text. Writers, we really appreciate that. Yeah. Um, you mentioned before about, uh, the show being over three days in terms of like an, like an episode's over three days. Yeah. Um, but can you tell us about like an average, I guess an average episode, um, filming like when you're doing an episode?

[00:19:05] Okay. So this is where we get back onto what was not recorded, but we're talking about the mornings. Okay. Cause that was actually the most brutal thing. I lived like a military style lifestyle on this job. So it's like five months filming. Uh, it's from October. So this time last year to maybe like, I think it was March or end of February. It must've been, I can't remember. Anyway, I'm bad at maths. That around, around this time. Okay. So like we're getting up at like five, five day. So we're getting up in the dark. We're getting collected at like six. We're getting into makeup. Um, maybe six day.

[00:19:36] Um, we're, we're, we're always on location in, in the Midlands kind of around Stratford upon Avon, which is delightful. We're living in Stratford upon Avon for five months, which is great. I've done it with the RSC before. It's super, super cozy. They gave me like a little, um, flat. That, that was, that was really rom-com main character shit. Actually. I really, really enjoyed that. Um, so yeah, the first hour we're doing, we're doing makeup with Meg. Um, and that's a nice way to ease into the day.

[00:20:06] Um, then do you know, kind of, this is not what people want to hear, but I'm just putting it out here because it's, it's never scheduled in, in the mornings when to poop. It's like a really big issue. Like I, I didn't figure it out. I didn't figure out that in the call, in the call times. Yeah. You, you're scheduled for your makeup and for your costume and then you're on set. But like, we're starting at like six 30, six 37. Like I got to poop. Yeah. Anyway.

[00:20:35] So, especially if there's coffee on catering, this is the behind the scenes stuff that we really wanted to get from you. Yeah. This is the bit, this is the real nitty gritty. Um, and then, and then, so I'm doing a stealth poop before I get into costume, having great banter with the costume in, in trailer. We're doing hot goss. They're helping me dress because I don't know what it is about actors, but as soon as like we enter onto a set or into a theater, we lose the ability to dress ourselves cohesively.

[00:21:02] Like I've always forgotten something like to put on my tights or something. Um, uh, or like I've forgotten to wear a bra to work because I've woken up at five 30 and sort of like got my pajamas under my trousers and just, yeah. Anyway. So, um, yeah. And then we're kind of on set by like nine, eight, oh no, eight 30 or nine. If it, if we're like kind of behind because I've taken ages to poop or something, I don't know. Um, and then, yeah. And then quite a lot of the rhythms of the way that we work is, um, very like leisurely

[00:21:31] and like, we're talking about like, see not leisurely, actually we all, we, it's like, we work very fast paced. Like whenever I'm welcoming guest actors on the show, I'm like, just so you know, we hit the ground running. Like the, the pace is like incredibly, you get like two, two takes, two or three, maybe if we're feeling and just, just, there's not a time to like warm up into it. Um, and when I've, when I've done that, people have always been surprised even with that warning.

[00:21:59] Like I remember, um, Lucy who guest stars on, in the, um, the bakery episodes, I remember being like, God, it's been such a leisurely morning today. And she's like, this is the quickest I've ever worked in my life. Like, I'm like, what is going on anyway? So in the morning, there's like lots of coverage. And then in the afternoon, it's literally like, we've got to get this scene in 10 minutes before six. And then just like, literally just like, how can we do this in one shot? Um, and so it's that kind of vibe, but it's really fun.

[00:22:24] Um, and yeah, obviously like probably we'll be in like one location in the morning and then another location in the afternoon. Um, and it was a lot, it's a lot of like, especially this season, I just have a lot of memories and being at lots of grand stately homes, like lots of locations with that, which was kind of, it was really interesting. Um, what else? Um, we had really good catering. I know people always talk about catering, but that was, that was a nice aspect of it. Um, yeah. What else do you want to know about the routine of it?

[00:22:54] So you normally get like, how, how much of the nitty gritty would you like to know about the film filming process? Because this is like my special interest. So as much as you want to tell. Yeah. Yeah. Um, yeah. Okay. So you get in and like everybody's, um, you've got like art department, like dressing it beautifully. Um, let's say like you've, you've watched the second episode. Yeah. So we're in that like nightclub for the hypnosis stuff. So you've got like, um, you've, you've got like the third AD, like, um, just like kind

[00:23:21] of directing and showing like the essays and have it, giving them a vibe of what's going on. Then like the actors in the scene are like going to meet me and have like a little rehearsal and then we're going to maybe make suggestions and be like, Oh, wouldn't it be really cool for you? Like with the director as well being like, okay, we want the cameras to be here. So if you could walk from here, um, that'd be great. And then we're going to land here. And then we're like, Oh, wouldn't it be fun if we did this and having offerings and does that work? Like taking what serves you, leaving what doesn't. This is a nice, fun joke idea. Um, like in that episode, you'll notice that I'm walking really weird because I'm wearing

[00:23:51] the sexiest leather jacket I've ever seen, but it's like so squeaky. So like sound, we're going crazy. So I'm like walking around like this. Um, then you do a crew show. So that's like where you read the scene and then the crew can look at it so that they can see like how to light it. Um, what is like, what sound, how loud is this leather jacket going to be? Um, like art department, do they need to dress the back of anything? Uh, and obviously the director like acting notes and stuff. So that's fun. And then, then there's like a little bit of a break where we will chat and kind of get ready.

[00:24:17] And then everyone kind of does everything in order to set it up and then we'll record. And then yeah, a couple of literally a couple of takes and then we'll move on. Um, and it's like, you know, this coverage for Jade coverage for me coverage for Becca, uh, we'll start with wide, but then, then we'll go into like coverage and details and then whatever it like the, the over the shoulder for the phone and, um, bits and bobs. But yeah, we work really quick. It's cool. That's so cool. Um, yeah, that's so, so interesting.

[00:24:43] And so with, uh, with one episode, would that be like, I suppose it might be hard to be able to answer this because I guess it depends on the episode, but is that basically like a week? Is it like you take a week to film a episode or not even that long? So it's 10 episodes. We had five blocks, two episodes per block and, um, a, a block is three weeks. So we shoot two episodes in three weeks.

[00:25:10] So it's about, it's like a, it's like five and a couple of days. I don't, I'm not good at the maths, but that's, it's roughly like a week and a bit for, for each episode. And then, and then production will prep. You'll get like maybe one day, hopefully if it does, if it lines up where production prepping for the next thing, but you're, yeah, it's, it is like incredible. It's like, so it's like, and it's like, so like I, my mind was blown. I was in Dr. Who as a guest lead.

[00:25:38] And I remember looking at Joe, I was in with Jodie Whittaker and the workload for her, obviously it's like many, much less pages, but it is like nonstop production. And the way that she was able to kind of be present in making the episode, but also having to like learn lines for the next episode and stuff is absolutely insane. And I just thought the way that Mark and Joe, um, were able to handle the volume of stuff

[00:26:07] like I come in, I'm like, have like, I'm like, I'm silly, but they're like, do you know what I mean? Having to like do a lot of exposition and the way that they're able to handle that work code is so impressive. It's so much. It's like long days. You're first in and last out. Wow. Um, you must be absolutely knackered by the time those five months are done. Yeah. But you kind of get used to it. Like I think after like the first, like after two weeks, I was like, I'm kind of into this

[00:26:35] routine because it is a, I mean, don't get me wrong. I was going to bed at like 8.30. Genuinely. I like, I didn't see my family, but, um, yeah. And at the weekend you're having to look like learn your next trip. So it's like, it's a full time job. Yeah. It's I described it to everybody. Like I felt like I was working on a submarine. Like I kind of went in and then I was just under like, do you know what I mean? I wake up, it's dark. I get home. It's dark. I go to bed in order for me to be able to wake up.

[00:27:04] I like everything was like around that work. Yeah. Yeah. I bet. Oh, absolutely fascinating. Getting the insights. Yeah. Yeah. It's like, so I think she was like, I'm going to be like, I was like, I'm like, obviously the person that kind of comes in and like, does like a couple of funny stuff. I didn't even think I would be living there. I didn't really know how big that part was going to be. I was like, I'm going to get so much writing done. No. I love that beforehand. Like, yeah, I'll get loads of other things done.

[00:27:31] And I bet the moment you started, it was like, well, this is it. This is my life now. Oh, yeah. And luckily I really liked it. But yeah. Yeah. Like, I think, I think that's the thing is like, people really rag. Like I was, I was actually at like a, like a summer barbecue, like loads of comedians and they were really ragging. It was so funny. Actually, I cut my car handle this. They were really ragging on a cozy crime.

[00:27:59] And I was, I was like, by the way, don't ever do this. This is my blanket rule. I never, but also actually, to be fair, I am somebody that I really do enjoy most things, unless it's offensive. I anyway, so they're really ragging on this crazy car and I'm like, this is not going to end well. Somebody literally next to them was like, oh yeah, I actually brought that back. I was like bleeding that. And I was like, no, no, I can't. I was like, oh God, this is why I can't handle it. Oh my God. And he took it really well.

[00:28:29] And like, it was really funny, but I was like, this is, this is literally right. But it is an ethos that like, I know a lot of people who are very like snobbish about cozy crime and like, it's so formic or it's not like, well done. Like, so much effort goes like into like making these productions and so much effort and care and like, like, especially from like an actor's perspective, it really opened my eyes. I was a series writer on Doctors as well.

[00:28:57] And I think this is when I started to have like a real respect for like soap actors, like tech, like to kind of that kind of way of working is that it's its own skillset and it is an incredibly demanding and hard skillset to have because you, you really do, you have to work, you have to absorb an incredible volume of scripts. You have to make incredible, quick, strong choices. You're, you're working all the time.

[00:29:26] So like, for example, like with theater or like stand up, yeah, you have a bad night. Like, however many people, for me, I was, I'm not necessarily playing to loads of people, but like, you know, 50 people see you and it's for shit, but like, that was a bad day. If you have a bad day, it's there in memoriam, like for you to work, like, do you know what I mean? So you really have to like be switched on. It's a lot of energy to be like focusing. Um, but yeah, but everybody, every single part of that production is putting so much effort into it.

[00:29:53] And I think, I mean, the whole stuff about it being formulaic and stuff, I do think there's a reason. Guys, I'm going to get deep here. So like, also I was like in the MA ATAC show, which I thought was, I don't know if you watched, but I thought it was brilliant. And people were really snobbish about, and there's something about the things that women consume, rom-coms. Yes. God forbid a woman watched something where nice things happen to women. Do you know what I mean?

[00:30:22] Like, like, like, uh, like Emily ATAC sketch show, it was for women and people were saying it's lowbrow, cozy crime. Like it's a big female demographic of women, like women watching it. And it's, it's like the people that are the tastemakers of what culture is, see it as like not a high form of art, but it's, it, it deserves respect at, in its own form. Do you know what I mean? It might not be, you know, like, I don't know why I'm thinking of ice or the TV glow,

[00:30:51] but like, it might not be the latest piece of cinema or do you know what I mean? But like, there's a lot about the cinematography and the lighting that is really interesting. There's a lot about the filmmaking that is, is very interesting shot and really ambitious. There's a lot about the art department, the production design, like some, like with the resources that I have, like the fashion episode, I don't know if you've seen it is insane for the resource that they had. I can't, I cannot believe what they managed to do.

[00:31:16] Um, yeah, the writing, the acting, like a lot of effort and care goes into it. And I also just think like, we shouldn't, yeah, we shouldn't be snobbish about the people that enjoy it because cozy crime, I'm going really going on, you'll let me speak. Thank you so much. Um, there's something about the way that form watching something that is formulaic in the same way that you rewatch a Shakespeare and you know what's going to happen. That's like, life is so unpredictable. Life is hard.

[00:31:45] I actually really like that. It's one of the reasons that I really like cozy crime. I think my mum like really articulated this. Um, well, is that she's like, I want to watch something where I can like solve puzzles and watch something, but like, I don't want to see a gruesome murder. I just want to like relax and unwind and like, um, so yeah, I, that look, it was like a question. No. Have I gone in a massive tirade? Yes. But I do think it should, it deserves a respect and sort of like an appreciation, even if it's not your thing. But have you. Definitely.

[00:32:15] That's such a good point. Have you also just completely summarized this podcast, raison d'etre? Yes, you have. You can make fun of it, but that is exactly why it works. And yet it's okay to rewatch for a bloke to rewatch the US office for the 50th time. Do you know? Not to rag on the US office. Literally. Yeah. I'm having a seizure for the podcast listeners because of how much I agree.

[00:32:46] Genuinely. The whole time, the whole time. I know I'm off camera for the sake of the audio quality, but the whole time I am clicking, I am clapping. I am dabbing. I am completely in agreement with you. You couldn't have put it better. We couldn't have put it better. Yeah, definitely. And it's just the same thing as the rom-coms. It's just like, you know, women don't, like there's so many series where the things that Avance plot or like Avance as a character is like a woman, something horrible and violent and brutal happened to a woman.

[00:33:15] And it's like, I just like, let's just not, I don't want to watch that anymore. Do you know what I mean? Yeah, that's exactly it. Before me and Becca started this podcast, I did a very short-lived podcast just on my own where I talked about death in paradise. But in the first series, I kind of made a note because I was thinking about, oh, why do I like cozy crimes? But I don't particularly like true crimes. And it's kind of the points that you made there.

[00:33:40] And in the first series of death in paradise, it was like a 50-50 split of like, of like men or women who have been the victims. And I was like, oh, I think that's why. Whereas if you watch a true crime, most of the time, it's probably going to be a woman or maybe like, yeah, just someone who's not like the patriarchy, basically. Completely. Absolutely. Snaps for that, Jade. Shout out death in paradise. Yeah.

[00:34:11] Weed out is for death in paradise. I love that. I feel like all our questions are going to be really like trivial now because we've just really got right down to the root of how cozy crime is anti-patriarchy. And I love it. And I want to stay on this tangent, but we can't. We're going to have to have you back, Rue. We're going to just like tirade for half an hour about how cozy crime is anti-patriarchy. And that's what makes it amazing.

[00:34:38] I suppose you've covered some of the questions that we kind of already had, but to go into a bit more detail, did you have any kind of unusual habits or kind of rituals when you were filming? Or were you starting so early that you didn't have the kind of energy for them? Me and Meg. So I love doing tarot. So we'd pull the daily tarot in the makeup truck. And then what happened was is that then everybody wanted like a full spread. So because and so then I'd just be doing everyone's tarot readings.

[00:35:08] It was really fun. I actually really liked it. You really get to know people in a way. So that was a really nice ritual that I enjoyed. And then we had like a little, do you know what? No, I'm not going to sponsor them, but there's like a specific off pod. I'm going to tell you about this candle that I'm really into. And actually, you know, I'm on pod in Stratford-upon-Avon. Oh, if I could, I can't remember the name. That's so upsetting. Okay. So when I first started, the producers got this candle and Jo joined it also. Like everyone had these candles and I was like, this smells so good.

[00:35:36] And it reminds me of that job now every time I smell it. It's this woman. I'm going to find it for you. And she works. She's like an independent candle maker in Stratford-upon-Avon. And it is like, it's a pretty, it's a bougie candle. But my God, does it smell good? You can use it as like a moisturizer. So like when it melts, you can put your hands in and just like, oh my God. Anyway, we'd like light a candle. I am a very ritualist. I'm neurodivergent.

[00:36:05] So I am like a very ritualistic person. So you could argue that everything that I did in the morning was unusual. But yeah, lighting a candle, like making it like really vibe. Because I don't know if the makeup trucks normally are like, obviously have to be light so that you can see your face and stuff. But like when you're like at 6.30 being like big light, it's just, we made our corner like just really like fairy lights and like big light off and just vibe-y. Like Jo Joyner had a, like a, is it a sad lamp?

[00:36:33] It was a really warm light. She's a genius. Like, because nobody needs like a cold white light in their face at that time. Yeah. What other kind of rituals? I mean, it's really boring, but people did think it was really weird. But okay, I'm really giving you the most neurodivergent answers. When you're having, when you're like getting up that early and eating at like 6 and you're

[00:37:02] not having lunch till 1 and sometimes later if we're running late, I got absolutely starving at 10. So I'd have a full like thermos of broth. Shout out to broth. But people thought that was really weird. I just thought that's actually so smart. Hmm. Yeah, that is very smart. As someone who gets, I mean, we, I know we spoke about this before we started recording, but I get hangry quite easily. Me too.

[00:37:29] And mood very much affects my mood and my productivity. So I think that's a brilliant idea. Yeah. And actually maybe that's another thing that was quite quirky is that like everyone sort of brings their bags and it's got like bits and bobs. I actually just had a food bag and it's, it's like this big. It was like an infamous food bag. And it's just full of snacks so that, that I avoid that Jade because I literally just power down like my personality, like everything. I'm literally just like, if I, if I'm not constantly eating.

[00:37:58] So maybe that, that was a weird ritual. But I would like to say the broth and the snacks, I didn't get sick once. Like everyone was like really ill at one point or another, because obviously autumn, winter that happens. And I think that is maybe the life hack. Yeah, definitely. Try and think of what else. Yeah, go on. I was going to say for any budding actors, they now know to take when, take a big snack bag with them for a job. Oh my God. Okay. Yeah. Actually, this is my top tip. Yeah.

[00:38:28] Actors or anybody that's like working on a production. Filmmaking is camping. Filmmaking is camping. Filmmaking. So like hot water bowl. Do you know what I mean? Like access to hot water, like make sure that like, cause there's not always access to hot water. So do you know what I mean? Bringing your own stuff, bring your own snacks, bring your backup lunch just in case it's, cause I've got allergies just in case. Like I basically, it was camping rules. So every day I prepped like I was going camping.

[00:38:58] You're on, you know, you're on location. You're like, it was really funny actually, because obviously you get like these little trailers, like, um, my dad was like, do you live in there? Like join the job. I was like, no, but also wouldn't that be so good? Like no commute. Maybe it would be terrible. I don't know. But there was just some times where I was like, yeah, that would be great to go to sleep and then wake up. No, maybe it's terrible. That's not a good work life balance. I think that's great.

[00:39:24] And I think that, uh, yeah, if anyone, I love how we're kind of imparting, well, you're imparting a lot of knowledge to, to our listeners, which is amazing. Um, I feel like this is slightly, you've, you've maybe covered this and it sounds like you had an amazing time, but how was it going into a show that was already established, obviously for like the six series and people know each other? It was really daunting. Like, I think there's kind of two aspects of that, that question is like kind of going,

[00:39:55] just setting aside the fact that I think people, a lot of people felt like I was like replacing Patrick, um, I think the positives were is that I'd watched every single episode before I went in. So I, and even for my meeting, I understood the tone. I got the memo of what that job is. Do you know what I mean? And so I think that really helped and I cared about it and I love, and I love and I respect that show. And so I think that, and I was really proud. I was so nervous to watch it.

[00:40:20] Um, but I think I'm really proud of my contribution to that show because I think, um, I honored that in a, in a really like fun way. Um, and that's something that I like, I was like, whatever, you know, just things like stupid things. Like it is not a natural thing, by the way, to spend the first hour of your day looking at yourself in a mirror. It is not a natural or healthy thing to do. Like it is so bizarre.

[00:40:50] So just like, like, do you know what I mean? And then finishing your day looking in a mirror, it's like so much time being confronted with yourself and like images of yourself. It really like, I understand now why people get like really tweaked and have like, uh, I like, I'm really lucky that I have a very like strong foundation of like how of myself, but I was actually a bit worried to see myself on screen, especially like you're blown up. Like, I know you're watching it on this telly. Yeah. That's like not a natural thing to see your face that size. It's easy to like scrutinize.

[00:41:19] So I think just like worrying about, aside from worrying about stuff like that, I was really proud of my work, but then going back to this about like joining a season six, um, it was really daunting because I loved Sepp. I love him so much. He's so funny. I am always looking forward to it when he's on the screen. He's so playful. And I think the chemistry of those three together, um, it's just such, it's just why that show works. Um, because they're the heart of it. They are the audience.

[00:41:48] The audience got sort of traveled through that show with Shakespeare and Hathaway. Um, and Seb is, yeah, the comic foil, you know, the sort of like the sort of nice little spice to add to the, the soul of it. Um, and so it was really nerve wracking. Um, and then it was interesting, like kind of then arriving on set and, you know, they've, I think kind of, especially with the pandemic, I think they've been all working together for about seven years.

[00:42:17] So I think there was a real, and this is just such a new entity and new dynamic. It, I kind of realized kind of what that meant for everybody. And it was, uh, how much Patrick meant to everybody. And I remember sort of making a joke. I was only because basically there's an episode where I'm in a chicken costume and Patrick wore that same chicken costume. And I was like, is it like a, is it like a pint size Patrick? And somebody said to me like deadly serious. They were like, you are not Patrick.

[00:42:47] You are not Seb. You know, you're your own person. Like they took it really, and I was like, oh, this is like a very, not sensitive, but like, do you know what I mean? Like this is a big change for everybody. And it's like a, because also like, if you think about it, it's like the closest thing to being in a circus, like a circus or something. Like you guys were working like 12 hours, like the weirdest hours. It's really intense. You do become like a really close knit family that you're seeing them more than your own family.

[00:43:15] Um, and you're like in this like village of like trucks, basically you've got production truck. Then you've got the trailers for the actors. You've got the costume department truck. You've got the maker. We are like a traveling group of people just like traveling through the Midlands. So you really become bonded in a way. Um, that is just unusual that maybe people in other jobs, maybe not understand. It's incredibly fast. Uh, and then it's, it's such a weird, it's just this lifestyle is so weird anyway, because

[00:43:43] then this permutation comes, permutation of people come together and then they disband and then that's it. Do you know what I mean? And then you kind of find another, you're like in onto your next job. Um, but yeah, so I really, it was, it was difficult basically. And everyone was so welcoming, but it was, I think it was really jarring for everybody. And so I like, so to, to try and do that, to try and come in and do the best job that I can do and be respectful of how like everyone's, everyone's feeling and just like the change

[00:44:11] and basically, you know, um, not, yeah, I don't know. It was, it was hard, but I think it was nice. And yeah, I loved everyone. Weirdly, I'd worked quite a lot of the crews as filmmaker in the Midlands. So it didn't feel like my first day because I was like, oh, hi Elliot. Hi. Do you know what I mean? Um, but yeah. And then, then the third aspect is obviously the fans. Um, because there's this, there's a, basically Shakespeare in Hathaway got brought back because of the fans.

[00:44:38] It's a small but niche dedicated fan group. And I think they absolutely free. I don't engage with it because I think, um, I think it's easy when you're a fan of something to forget that there's people involved. So I was like, I think that will break me. Yeah, definitely. So yeah. So, um, yeah, it was hard. It was scary, but actually the fans have been lovely now that it's out. Um, they've been so nice.

[00:45:09] They're such a welcoming group. Um, and they, yeah, it's interesting. The fandom are like passionate, but very kind in a way that other fans, I'm great. I'm like, I'm part of a lot of sci-fi, um, fan groups because I love sci-fi as well. And that can get very toxic. And I would say that the, the fan group for Cozy Crime is much like, I would say I personally have not experienced anything like toxic.

[00:45:36] I've only seen love and just excitement and yeah, passion for, for the, for the, for the genre. So that's nice. Yeah. Relieves. Oh, that's wonderful to hear. I suppose, especially after, like you said, you were on Doctor Who and you were on a Jodie Whittaker, um, episode. And obviously we know that, that what some, some Doctor Who fans, I mean, I like Doctor Who a lot, but, um, there's that small group who maybe weren't as accepting as. Yeah. Yeah. Totally. Yeah.

[00:46:06] Indeed. Indeed. The cross. Yeah. The, the difference is probably quite stark. Um, but we won't get into that again. We won't get into that again. I told you I'd make every question. No, I love it. I love it. And it's, it is lovely to hear that positivity about, cause yeah, what's, I mean, what's not to be positive about, you know, the, there's no room for toxicity in cozy crime. They're antithetical. We don't want it. I love that.

[00:46:31] Um, so aside from Shakespeare and Hathaway then, what would you say your favorite cozy crime show is? Like, what are you a fan and a very positive fan of? I love, well, okay. I've got to say my like OG number one isn't British. It's only murders in the building. Stunning. Good choice. We're big fans of that. I've watched that like several, several, if they shot in London, like I would have killed to have been in that. Like, uh, I've watched it so many times. I've like rewatched it with people that I've been like introducing it to, like my little

[00:47:00] siblings and there's, there's just something like the music, just like, I just, again, it's camp. It's so camp. Um, so yeah, that obviously Ludwig. I love Ludwig. Yeah. I'd say those are my two, like, yeah. I really love Death in Paradise. I think Death in Paradise is really fun. I'm trying to think of others that I'm, oh God. Okay. My OG number one, Dirk Gently, but the Steven Mangan edition.

[00:47:29] He's like my Dirk Gently. I've not seen it actually. Oh my God. I'm sorry to say. Have a rewatch of that. Have a, I think it's like, I don't know, like 2010s. Yeah. It's, it's not, it's old, but I rewatched that. I was obsessed with that. And there's just, I like, I, like my guy is Douglas Adams. Um, like, like Hickstrakers Guide and just Dirk Gently, just the books, like the, that, that show.

[00:47:57] So, and just like, I think about, he's got a thing where he does like, basically he's a holistic detective. So he, everything is connected. So he'll like, even if he like goes on holiday and like puts out on the internet, he's like, it will connect back to the case in some way. And, um, he does this thing called Zen Navigation. So he just like starts just like walking around and then it always works out for him. And I just like love, I just think about Zen Navigation all the time, just as a phrase. It just really makes me laugh. Zen Navigation. So yeah. Check that out. Love that. Ru, we might have to bring you back for a special episode. Just saying.

[00:48:27] If you wanted to come and do an episode, we would love to have you back. Oh my God. Please. Yeah. Wonderful. Wonderful. Incredible. Um, so before we ask you our final question, we were just wondering if you would be up for doing a quick fire round for us. Yeah. Just a few different things. So, um, Becca, should we go, should we take one thing each and go from one thing to the other? Go on then. You go first. Perfect. Okay. Brilliant.

[00:48:57] So tea or coffee? I'm going to say both. Ooh. Nice. Poirot or Marple? Marple. My girl. Nice. Agatha Christie or Arthur Conan Doyle? I've got to say my boy Doyle. Nice. Okay. I think I know the answer to this one, but cozy crime or gritty drama? Yeah. All day. Cozy crime. No question. Professional.

[00:49:26] I'll say that again. Professional detective or amateur sleuth? I actually really like an amateur sleuth. Yeah. Good choice. I'm just like, go on. Go on, girl. If you can do it, so can I. What have you wanted? Stratford-upon-Avon or Stratford in London? I love Stratford, London. I have great memories there, but it's got to be Stratford-upon-Avon. I just think it's so cozy. It's a beautiful place. Nice. It's a great place to set a cozy crime.

[00:49:55] Yeah, 100%. Perfect. What? I think I also know the answer to this one as well, but comedy or drama? It's got to be comedy. Got to be. Got to be. I think comedy's harder to do than drama, just putting it out there. That's my hot take of the day. Love it. Love it. And then the last one, we've got William Shakespeare or Anne Hathaway, the actress? Mad respect to Anne Hathaway. I do think she's great. Shout out to The Princess Diaries. But I've got to say Shakespeare only just because, like, it was my life's dream to do Shakespeare.

[00:50:24] I've been lucky enough to do a lot of Shakespeare in my career. I worked at the Globe, worked at the RSE. And so then to be in Stratford-upon-Avon doing, like, a Shakespeare cozy crime and being such, like, a Shakespeare nerd, which I suppose I haven't mentioned, but is, like, such a fun part of Shakespeare and Hathaway is, like, all the Easter eggs of silly... I'm called B. Yeah. Like, from Much Ado About Nothing. Like, just those silly things. Like, we had an amazing director called Ian, and he helped, like, found Shakespeare and Hathaway. This is quick round, and you're never going to get a quick round from me. Um, and I think all of those really silly Easter eggs

[00:50:54] are the things that I, like, really love about the show, because if you are a Shakespeare nerd, um, mmm, juicy little nuggets. Oh, amazing. Love that. No, you did very well for the quick round. Yeah. Yeah, definitely. No, and we love a quick round that has some good answers where it doesn't have to be quick. It's quick from us, but it doesn't have to be quick from us. Yeah, totally. Um, and then we were wondering as well, I don't know if you can tell us, there might be things you have to keep secret,

[00:51:22] but what exciting projects do you have coming up? Well, obviously, I'd be remiss not to say that you can watch the whole of Shakespeare and Hathaway on Ewan Alibi, and, um, it's coming to BBC at some point. I don't know when. Right soon. Um, and also, I did a thing with Big Finish, who I've done quite a lot of, like, Doctor Who audio with, and, um, they do a series called The Confessions of Dorian Gray, uh, written by Scott Hancock, who's an incredible writer, and he's also, like, worked in Doctor Who and just, like, is just such a cool person, does the most incredible writing career.

[00:51:53] Um, and, um, they brought it back for this, um, special with Alexander Blahos, who's just, like, so respectfully, respectfully so hot. And there's so many hot people in this, it's actually such a shame that it's audio. Um, and, uh, so, I mean, actually, if you like sci-fi, there's quite a lot of sci-fi styles in it. Um, and, uh, it's called A Night at the Theatre, and it is, it is, it is actually, like, kind of a cozy crime episode. It's really well written. Like, I read so many cozy crime scripts,

[00:52:22] and I can always, like, obviously, because it's formulaic, pretty much guess what's gonna happen, but this one, there were so many plot twists, and I really, like, The Curve, Who the Murderer Was was such a curveball, but it was set up so well. Yeah, have a, have a listen to that. It's, it's really good. Um, really enjoyable. I've got an adult swim pilot coming out soon, so check that out. Then I've got a couple of bits and bobs that I can't talk about, but you can just, like, uh, link my name, um, and the thing, because you won't be able to spell it. Um, find me online, and then I'll, uh,

[00:52:52] be talking about that soon. So, um, yeah. But yeah, just a few bits and bobs. Listen to The Thing, it was so good. And just check out Big Finish. They make some really good stuff. Oh, amazing. Yeah, I'm definitely, definitely gonna listen to that. That is right up our street, I reckon. Perfect. And, uh, yeah, so we'll, we'll put your social media in the show notes for this, um, episode and everything, but is there any other places or things you want to promote or places people can find you? No, but I also just randomly want to say,

[00:53:22] do you remember that community episode where Chang is, um, doing, like, film noir? Oh, I have actually got a film noir, like, short that I'm gonna release, um, online. But anyway, he's doing this film noir thing where he's, like, playing a detective and he's, like, trying to solve a case and he, like, finds his matches. Just shout out for that episode. That's a good episode. I love that. Anything else you want to promote? Yeah, I love that. Anything else you want to promote? Yeah, this random thing that I really enjoy. No, I just, love it. Well, no, I'm just trying to think of, like, other episodes of things

[00:53:51] where it kind of did that formula that was really good. Yeah. That's so true. Yeah, just shout out for that episode. Yeah. I'm gonna watch that episode. Yeah, love your approach. I love that so much. Oh, amazing. Well, I think... Hey, it was such a pleasure. Oh, thank you so much for joining us, Ru. This has been absolutely fantastic. It's been lovely to get those kinds of insights and to just passionately talk about cosy crime with someone else. It's always lovely. Yeah. Thank you so much. That's been, uh, super, super insightful

[00:54:20] and it's so much fun as well. Woo! This podcast is part of Podomity, the UK's podcast comedy network. Why not laugh at what else we've got? Visit Podomity.com.