Review: SIMON LIPKIN on Brian & Roger - A Highly Offensive Play at Menier Chocolate Factory
Photo credit: Nobby Clark
Currently playing at The Mixing Room at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Brian & Roger – A Highly Offensive Play is based on the original podcast of the same name by Harry Peacock and Dan Skinner. Skinner stars alongside Simon Lipkin who we spoke to about the pressured lead up to opening and how the podcast translates to stage.
Firstly, how are you after what has been an insane week for you leading up to previews starting?
I’m feeling great! My brain is fried…but other than that I’m so excited! Back on stage for the first time since January 2020!
Tell us about Brian & Roger - A Highly Offensive Play.
It’s a comedy about two divorced men who meet in a support group. One is there because he genuinely wants his wife back and the other is there because his lawyer has told him he won’t have to pay as much alimony if he goes. They strike up a dysfunctional and, dare I say, toxic friendship where Brian (me) keeps getting Roger (not me) involved in these madcap insane situations. Like true sitcom, it just keeps getting crazier and crazier and it ends where no one sees it going. I’m not giving away more than that!
You have taken over from Harry Peacock in Brian & Roger, meaning you have had 43 monologues and over 700 lines of text to learn in just over a week. Where do you even begin with such a task?!
Pure fear and panic! I had 8 days to learn it all and get on stage. So, I think I learnt the script in three/four days and then we went into tech rehearsals. I had brilliant support around me from the entire team. And they were all in a horrible situation so I just wanted to try and make it stress free for them and I didn’t want to let them down. But I think we’ve got something really special!
You seem to be making a habit of stepping into roles at the last minute, which is a huge testament to you as an actor. Do you thrive off the pressure of such a situation?
I don’t know that I thrive off it. You never want anyone to be sick or go through anything unpleasant, so I’d rather not have to be there at all. But I guess it doesn’t scare me to do it. The thought of going on unprepared doesn’t really bother me. I’ve never been professional enough to be prepared for a job I got in the first place! So, I think it’s just not a thing for me?
How has it been working with co-star Dan Skinner, who has also co-written the piece?
He’s so great. He’s been so supportive and helpful through it all and we’ve struck a lovely little friendship…..unless he’s lying and he secretly hates me…which is a strong possibility……oh god…
For those who are familiar with the podcast upon which the show is based, how does it translate to the stage?
Well, it’s new ground. And it’s pretty exciting, I think! We keep the same structure as the podcast and only communicate through voicemails to each other. But obviously the scale has been dialled up to 11!! So, it’s definitely bigger than the podcast is but without losing everything that people love about it.
Do you enjoy the intimacy of a venue such as the Menier's Mixing Room?
I love it! Playing comedy in a room like that is perfect. It allows to connect in a way you just can’t in a much bigger theatre. I think it makes a really special experience for us and the audience.
You've had such a varied career from musical theatre to straight plays to comedy to magic to film. What else do you have up your sleeve?
I make a mean toad in the hole!
How would you encourage audiences to buy a ticket for Brian & Roger?
It’s good to laugh isn’t it? You will absolutely do that at this play. And if not….we both take our clothes off a fair bit. And if that doesn’t work for you….they’ve got a lovely drinks selection at the bar……did I sell it?
Brian and Roger runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 18 December, with tickets available here. We gave the show four stars so get booking, Besties!
