"Great comedy and characters": Carrie Green

This week, drama on the waterfront talks to No Naughty Bits cast member Carrie Green about Monty Python, her Circa debut and censorship.

No Naughty Bits, (l-r) Gavin Rutherford, Andrew Foster, Carrie Green, photo by Stephen A'Court.

DOTW: Please tell us a bit about your character in No Naughty Bits.

CG: I play Nancy Lewis, a band promoter turned Python’s American publicist. She’s young, clever and knows how to create buzz, but is a bit out of her element when it comes to the politics of television broadcasting.

DOTW: This is your Circa debut. What has the experience been like for you so far? What has it been like working with the cast and director Ross Jolly?

CG: Working here has been a blast. It’s a pretty humbling experience to get to share the stage with these guys. Rehearsals were hilarious and Ross has been really generous in his advice and patience with me. I’ve learnt heaps from him and the rest of the cast.

No Naughty Bits, (l-r) Carrie Green, Gavin Rutherford, Jason Whyte, Andrew Foster, photo by Stephen A'Court.

DOTW: Were you a fan of Monty Python before working on this play? What is your favourite skit [we can include a link if possible]?

CG: My friends and I discovered Monty Python in 4^th form. At sleepovers we’d watch the episodes and movies and memorise the scripts – it drove my mum nuts. One year we performed The Lumberjack Song at the school’s talent show. I like Michelangelo and the Pope http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1IJiAXjj7k and The Galaxy Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buqtdpuZxvk 

DOTW: The play deals with censorship; particularly the censorship of Monty Python’s Flying Circus by the American Broadcasting Company. What are your thoughts on the subject? Do you think it is ok to take out the ‘naughty bits’ for regular television?

CG: I understand a broadcaster’s need to be mindful of who their audience is but for my taste, the more ‘naughty bits’ the better! Lucky we have HBO nowadays. I don’t think I would’ve like television very much back then.

DOTW: What can audiences expect from the play? Why should they come to see it?

CG: Aside from some great comedy and characters, at its essence the show is about the UK vs US sensibilities when it comes to humour. You don’t have to be a Python fan to enjoy the show (and if you’re not, hopefully it will inspire you to watch some after the show!)

No Naughty Bits, Carrie Green, photo by Stephen A'Court.

DOTW: Totally off topic (and just for fun): if you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

CG: Michael Jackson. Musical genius. Legend. Enough said. 

No Naughty Bits runs in Circa One until 12 October. To book, visit www.circa.co.nz or call 801-7992.

There will be a pre-show talk in the Circa foyer on Thursday, 3 October from 7pm: director Ross Jolly and renowned cartoonist and humourist Tom Scott discuss "Monty Python: Their Legacy to the Wonderful World of Comedy." Free to attend.