❉ This week: Two perpetually confused old buggers obsess about Queen and country.
We’re big fans of podcasts here at We Are Cult, and we’re always looking for more shows to subscribe to. So if you’re looking for ear candy, we’re here to help!
This week: Paul Carmichael tells us all about Archie and Reg – two old chums discuss various issues connected to Funty Buntering at the Naughty Nancy Gentleman’s club. And they will do so every week until you jolly well pay attention to them.
What’s your podcast about?
Archie and Reg are two old chums who are totally confused by the modern world. They spend their old age sat in their Gentleman’s Club, perpetually confused by the world; women, dogs, foreigners, modern food, the working class, and when not ranting at one another they reminisce about their past. We know they were at public school together in the 1930’s, and we know that at some point another pupil they remember as ‘Dirty Steve’ died there and that they were possibly involved. Since then they’ve worked possibly for the BBC, possibly in Government until they both retired and now avoid their wives and the outside world.
That’s them, but for us it’s two good mates who’ve worked with each other for almost twenty years improvising in character and then editing this down to short episodes of character comedy. For the listener the experience of the podcast is somewhere between listening to Harold Pinter or Peter Cook & Dudley Moore and working in an old folks home.
If you had to describe your show in 10 words or less, what would you say?
Two perpetually confused old buggers obsess about Queen and country.
Which episode would you recommend for a first-time listener? Do you have a favourite episode?
The first episode “When Archie’s dog had no nose…” gives you an idea of who Archie and Reg are and also of our humour. My favourite so far is “When Dirty Steve got stuck up…” It’s the first time we experimented with longer form pieces (a whacking eight whole minutes) and was tremendous fun to record as we bounced off one another. It’s the story of the demise of the schoolboy in the 1930s – we mentioned above.
What inspired you to create this podcast?
We’ve both worked in theatre in various capacities for a long time so performance is something that’s always been there. It’s also a way of letting off steam. These appalling old men, with their obsessions with so much that is wrong, are the polar opposite of what we actually think but it’s lovely to sit down and vent.
Which guests have you had on your podcast so far?
None so far. Archie and Reg exist in this tiny absurdist bubble. Each episode starts with them in the club and ends with them in the club. There are other characters who are referred to and are heard but they never speak. They’re a rather unsavoury pair so it’s probably best to keep them isolated for now. We wouldn’t object to an occasional guest voice though and we’ve just started talking to someone whose name people in the UK and America will both remember about popping into the Club one day.
Who would be your dream guest?
Peter O’Toole or Richard Burton. They would fit right in. Richard Burton has featured recently in one of Reg’s rambles that we’ve recorded, but it doesn’t end well for him.
Which equipment do you use for your podcast set-up?
Initially we started with nothing more than a couple of hand-held condenser microphones and a bottle of port. However this approach proved to be somewhat messy and required a lot of tinkering with EQ in post production and a packet of Handy Wipes (for the port stains).
More recently however, we’ve began using wireless lapel mics which have allowed us to incorporate a little bit of physical performance in to our recording sessions. At some point you’ll actually get to hear the old chaps running around the recording space.
What would you say is the best length of time for a podcast episode?
For us it’s as long as the story lasts. Usually the episodes are around the five minute mark but can go longer. We’ve recorded a thirteen minute episode which will be unleashed at some point. We release episodes twice a week (Wednesday and Friday) and the idea is that there is one episode to get you over the midweek hump and one to ease you into the weekend. But just a five minute blast to cheer you up if your day is dragging or unpleasant seems to be about right for us.
Which podcasts (other than yours) would you recommend we listen to?
I love No Such Thing As A Fish. It’s brilliant. I’ve listened to it from its first episode. Richard Herring’s Leicester Square Theatre Podcast is a thing of beauty. Also Punt P.I. is a brilliantly made podcast that is genuinely interesting and involving.
Where is your podcast available to listen to?
You can subscribe via iTunes, but we can be found on Podcast Republic, Downcast and lots of other places with more coming soon. You can also follow the two old buggers on Twitter- @ArchieAndReg
What is the future of podcasting as a creative medium?
Podcasting is the way forward. It’s a brilliant outlet for creative people who can bypass committee after committee as they attempt to get their work out there. It’s also a brilliantly disposable medium. If what you’re doing doesn’t work you can just move on to something new. I love the fact that there is an immediacy and a danger to it like there was in the early days of live television comedy and drama.
❉ Follow Archie And Reg on Twitter: @ArchieAndReg
❉ Download past episodes or subscribe to future episodes of Archie And Reg on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/archie-and-reg/id1319593004?mt=2
❉ Have you got a podcast? Email wearecultcontent@gmail.com if you would like it to be featured.
