Whilst visiting Nottingham as star of the successful touring theatre production “Loot”, Michael Elphick kindly took time to participate in an exclusive interview for the Boon site. It’s been 7 years since Michael hung up his crash helmet but like his character, he remains just as warm, friendly and approachable as ever…
Having shot 4 series of Boon in Nottingham, it must hold some strong memories for you. Does it feel good to be back? A real home from home?
Yeah, oh absolutely. Yeah, very fond memories indeed. I’m still staying at the same hotel, The Waltons, and I also stay at a hotel called The Beeches which is very pleasant indeed. Various locations, like working here in the theatre… we filmed a whole episode in the Theatre Royal.
“A Night At The Ballet”.
That’s it! …and it was great. It really is great to be back and it’s the same crew on!
In the series, can you actually recall what prompted the move from Birmingham to Nottingham? Was it a production thing, what with the opening of the Lenton Lane studios in Nottingham?
Yeah, it was to do with Central Television, it was nothing to do with us. I don’t know what the politics involved were but they were trying to phase out the studio in Birmingham so we fortunately came here.
Do you actually recall the location for The Grand Hotel (Series 1)?
The original one? No I don’t because it wasn’t a hotel, it was a sort of hostel. I think it was in Didsbury but I really can’t remember, it was such a long time back.
The house has since been identified as 235 Highfield Road, Washwood Heath, Birmingham.How about the episodes set in Nottingham at Woodcote Park? Do you recall where that is?
Sure, yes I do. Not quite Spondon but on the way out and then off to the left (laughs), that’s all I can remember! It’s a private house on the way to either Spondon or Newark – on the main road, just off to the left.
The house has since been identified as Barnby Manor, Long Lane, Barnby in the Willows, Newark.Was it a private estate?
Yes. It was owned by a private owner. It was actually his own house which we used. Mr Spike, Smike? Honestly, I can’t remember, I’m sorry!
It turns out that the owner at the time was a Mr Snipe, so Michael got it nearly right!Jim Hill has given us information about the development of the series and that you were to ride a modern day steed in the fashion of Richard Boone and “Have Gun – Will Travel”. Could you actually ride a motorcycle before going for the part?
No, no, I had to learn! Myself and Neil Morrissey both had to learn to ride bikes although Neil joined us a year after we’d started. (laughs) No, I’d only ever been on the back of a bike so we had to be taught how to do it. We went to a Police training centre in Hendon, North London which was very interesting… you know, I mean they learn to ride extremely fast! That BSA was only a 650 which didn’t go very fast at all whereas Morrissey had the Norton which could easily overtake me any time.
Do you have a favourite episode?
Well, the one which sticks in my mind was the first one we ever recorded which
was with a lion from Chipperfield Circus called “Watson”, and why I remember it
was because it was so terrifying. I mean, it was a real lion! They said “It’s a
circus lion, you’ll be all right” but then the trainer arrived with a gun, there
was a vet there with a rifle, there was a fence 15 foot high around the location
and I thought, wait a minute, (laughs) I thought this was supposed to be
safe!!! I really was terrified, there’s no two ways about it. Yeah, that’s the one
that sticks in my mind. That’s the one that’s lodged in my head because of the experience
– the fear. There were lots [of favourite episodes], we did 97 of them and I enjoyed
most of them, in fact – all. Some of it was tacky, some of the writing. Different
writers, different directors…
Did all of the cast have a really good rapport?
Yeah, we did. We really all got on extremely well, yes. I remember having a very good time with David, a very good time.
What did Harry say to Ken as they walked off into the sunset at the end of “Shot In The Dark” – was he saying that he [Harry] and Mary O’Haren were getting married? Did Ken and Alex become “an item”?
Well, I don’t know. I think it was left completely open because I think they were planning to do another series so they wanted to leave it open, the whole storyline… but then we decided between us, Neil Morrissey, David and myself that we’d had enough. They couldn’t continue the story but they left it open ended in case we carried on.
Why were there no references to this in “Thieves Like Us”, the seventh series special eventually shown in 1995? Was this part of the abortive series 8 that never happened?
No. This was tagged onto the end of that series [7] with a view to us doing another lot but we’d decided that we didn’t want to carry on so they kept it on hold so to speak and put it out months later. That’s the reason for that.
Was it actually filmed during the shooting schedule for series 7?
Yes.
Like the Boon Investigations building by the Castle which was redeveloped after you finished filming there, the CBS office on the Trentside is now destined for redevelopment.
Oh, is it? (laughs)
Having been there in person, that office is awfully small, you must’ve been very cramped in there?
Sure, indeed we were. Fortunately it was quite a hot summer when we did most of the stuff there so it was nice to just get out onto the river. But working inside there was... well, hell – yeah, boiling hot! The thing you mentioned just now, the first office, was up four flights of stairs but the reason they chose it was because out the window you could see the castle. There was no lift or anything so they had to hump all this gear, very heavy equipment, camera stuff, lights… and most of the crew got quite pissed off with it. Because you know, it’s just not practical so that’s why we moved. Logistically, it didn’t make sense.
So what’s next for Michael Elphick? I read in the tour booklet that you’ve recently completed another series of Harry…
Well no, that’s out of date (laughs) I’ve done it, it’s been done!
There’s not going to another reappearance of Harry?
No, I’m going to be in a film of “David Copperfield” for the BBC. I’m playing Barkis in “David Copperfield” for the Beeb, which will be out at Christmas. That’s my next job.
Would you say “yes” to any more theatre runs?
Oh yeah sure, I enjoy it very much! I seriously do! But not a tour of this length, it’s just too long – too knackering! It really is!
Michael, thank you for your time!
Hi Ho Silver!!!
© Gary Leeke / Michael Elphick 1999
Page last modified: 16 January 2005, 15:14