The second part of the current series of Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation begins next week. However, the programming oracles at Ten have decided on a new timeslot – Wednesdays at 8:30pm (up against the ABCs biggest rating night), rather than the previous Tuesday or Sunday 7:30 slot.
It should be a very funny series, with the first guests being Todd McKenney (BB), Dave Hughes (Gen X) and Kate Miller-Heidke (Gen Y).
The 9th of August is Australian Census day. So why the public service announcement? Well, the ABS has a census spotlight website, which allows you to find out more about you, and how you compare to other Australians – and it’s all narrated (humorously of course) by Shaun. Check it out.
Anton Emdin has a comic strip series where readers submit their questions, similar to an ‘agony aunt’ column. The twist is that different celebrities answer these questions and the results are then wonderfully illustrated by Anton!
This week, Shaun answers a question from ‘Wiz’ about the nature of being one-upped!
Shaun turns 49 today. Cake it up!
Along with Shaun, both Stephen Hall and Michael Ward have formed the core writing team for every episode so far of Talkin’ Bout Your Generation.
Stephen might well be remembered for his portrayal of Burt Newton in The King telemovie and Warren in The Hollomen. Both have appeared in roles in Shaun’s other shows.
Both Stephen and Michael are appearing in “Bond-A-Rama” – a re-enactment and celebration of every James Bond movie on stage. It’s on at Chapel off Chapel in Melbourne for a limited time during August.
Also, Michael has compiled the “Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation: Book of Everything Ever”. It contains over 1500 quiz questions, along with a number of dubious ‘facts’ and some re-creations of our favourite games from the show. It’s available from August.
You can read excerpts from the book on Tony Martin’s “Scriveners Fancy” website.
The Age’s Green Guide has today published a list of “50 things we love about TV” – and TAYG is on the list:
SOMETHING for everyone in this delightful blend of nostalgia, trivia and parlour games. There’s the different-yet-complementary comic stylings of three panellists – Amanda Keller, CharliePickering and Josh Thomas – the rotating stable of guests and the unique, almost avant-garde humour of host Shaun Micallef. Add to that a certain indefinable X factor and you have a show that just works.
(Note the comments at the bottom of the article, where opinion on Shaun is deeply divided. :S )
Be warned – some spoilers may follow! Don’t read if you don’t want to know!
Here are the details of the episode I saw taped last week.
In “Episode 15” of Series 3 (which may not air in order) of TAYG, it was indeed Freaky Friday: all four of the usual cast had swapped shoes – literally! Amanda was dressed as and played the role Shaun, Charlie as Amanda, Josh as Charlie and of course – Shaun as Josh! They all looked fantastic, and had a lot of fun sending each other up. Notably Shaun, who tried to imitate Josh’s accent, but it came out more Irish than anything.
The guests were Cornelia Frances (BB), Jimeoin (Gen X) and a You Tuber whose name now escapes me. (Gen Y). The early games were Name That Tee, What’s a Doodle Do (meaning Amanda got to sing the song) and As Quick As. Plenty of questions were asked during the early games; probably a few will be cut from the finished program.
During the four buttons round, “Charlie” (actually Josh) and Jimeoin had to play Chronoloco, arranging different vehicles. After putting the car in spot 6, Josh then reversed it and pointed it at “Shaun” (actually Amanda) and threatened to drive into her desk if she didn’t mark them all correct. Needless to say, this was reshot and isn’t likely to be seen on TV or as a web clip.
(If you zoom in on the photo, you can see Josh as “Charlie” at the front, “Shaun” and “Amanda” near the BB desk and Shaun as “Josh” by the Gen Y desk)
Trust Me is no longer an obvious choice, hidden as one of the games behind the buttons. Gen Y were unlucky enough to pick it, and “Josh” (actually Shaun) was to be the ‘Human Parfait’. Needless to say, everyone delighted in the punishment dished out, and it’s a must see.
The final round involved washing and drying sheets, and the contestants were taken away and blind folded while the game was set-up. But it took a long time for them to actually complete the challenge – I don’t know how they’ll fit it in for broadcast. The real Shaun admitted that listening to the facts which he usually dishes out was actually boring. I won’t tell you who won.
If you have any tales from episodes you have see recently, please email me.
Well tonight I went to see a taping of TAYG, and thought I would share my experience.
The show tapes at the Melbourne Docklands Studios, and we were there for a 4:45pm start. Unfortunately, the schedule was already behind so we had to wait outside (in the cold, wet Melbourne weather) until the crew finished their meal in the canteen. They did apologise.
So we made our way to Studio 5 and took our seats, while Michael Pope warmed us up. All through the show, as filming stopped during set changes and for shot pick-ups, he was there to try and keep us energetic. His humour did border on racist at times. Josh was pretty good to come over and take a few questions, Shaun and Charlie did pop over once each and Amanda was pretty occupied (when I reveal the episode details, you’ll know why). There were a few times when we had to re-do an entire scene, and both Chronoloco and End Game took a while to setup.
The show pretty much runs as on the television, but with plenty of extra stuff so they have choice for editing. We had a very good laugh!
We finished later than expected at 9pm – I feel sorry for the audience that was waiting for the next taping, but more so to Shaun and the captains who have to keep their energy high till after midnight.
I suppose the point to remember is the audience isn’t there to see a performance; they are there to give to the performance. So you’ve got to be there the whole way through and put up with some of the less enjoyable parts – it’s all for television.
As for the episode itself – spoilers to come!
After the mid-season hiatus, shooting for Series 3 of Talkin’ ’bout Your Generation has resumed. A couple have already been completed, with more to happen during June and July. Hopefully, we will see these beginning July or August, depending on Channel Ten’s devotion to Masterchef.
One of the episodes still to come is a special Sci-Fi theme – who will dress as what?! We’re excited. (If Shaun dresses as the Doctor, that would be awesome.)
And now… the finale of our fan-asked interview with Shaun (first part here):
Now, the less serious questions
You once said that Pikachu was Don Bradman’s favorite Pokemon, but what is your favorite Pokemon? (Asked by Jeremy)
Very keen on Squirtle.
Your socks have featured in many a television interview, often minutely, but consistently. Is this intentional? (Asked by Beth)
I was a big fan of Jerry Lewis when I was a kid and he was very keen on showing his socks. It’s my homage to the Master.
Is Milo Kerrigan influenced by a character off ‘Blazing Saddles’, and does your face get sore playing him? (Asked by Beccie)
Mongo, you mean? No, I hadn’t thought of him when we came up with Milo. He was, again, probably a Jerry Lewis homage (if not outright theft). If you look at The Family Jewels (1965) he plays a character called Uncle Bugsy and Milo is a bit like him. Jerry also play a boxer in Sailor Beware (1952) and does a voice very similar to ‘Slapsie Maxie’ Rosenblum who was a real boxer who became an actor – Milo’s voice sounds like this impression. I also threw in some Harpo Marx and a bit of Frankenstein’s monster (Boris Karloff).
Would you want to do David McGhan again in the future? (Asked by Sam)
I think David McGhan was absorbed into the presenter character I used to host The Micallef Program; combined with another character I played in Full Frontal called Phillip Quist. There’s not much use for him now unless we revive the ‘bad acting’ David McGhan for something. In fact, we did use him again for our New Years Eve Special in 2009. We did a special Roger Explosion reunion sketch – but it was a bit long and we never put it to air. It was supposed to be released by SHOCK as an extra with the NYE Special in a new box set of collected DVDs – but I hear they’re not going to do that anymore. Anyway here’s the script:
THE RETURN OF ROGER EXPLOSION
EXT. IMPRESSIVE OLD PUBLIC BUILDING.
MINISTER V/O
Yes, Prime Minister I’ll get right on it.
C/T INT. A WELL APPOINTED BOOK-LINED OFFICE
THE MINISTER HANGS UP HER PHONE, CONCERNED. A WORRIED ADMIRAL LOOKS ON.
ADMIRAL
What is it, Ma’am?
MINISTER
I don’t know, Admiral. But whatever it is it’s going to need an agent who can handle himself in a shooting war.
ADMIRAL
Tricky. It’s the holidays. Unless—
MINISTER
Don’t be ridiculous. That dinosaur’s retired and good riddance to him.
EXPLOSION O.S.
I hear the cold war is hotting up again.
ROGER EXPLOSION IS REVEALED LEANING IN THE DOORWAY.
MINISTER
Explosion – but how could you have–
EXPLOSION
(HOLDING UP A WALKIE TALKIE) CB radio, hidden mikes. This is one dinosaur that’s not staying extinct. And I’m him.
ADMIRAL
Good show.
EXPLOSION
You haven’t changed a bit, Ethel. Still as beautiful as ever.
MINISTER
Ethel was my mother, Explosion.
ADMIRAL
(WITH A LAUGH) Oh Explosion, you’re incorrigible.
EXPLOSION
Incorrigable – but no fool.
EXPLOSION PUNCHES THE ADMIRAL IN THE MOUTH AND QUICKLY UNSHEATHS THE ADMIRAL’S SWORD AS HE FALLS TO THE GROUND. HE STANDS OVER HIM, FOOT ON HIS CHEST.
MINISTER
Great Caesar’s Ghost, Explosion. What’s your game?
EXPLOSION
Squash, Minister. And that’s just what I’ve done to whoever this is’s plans.
THE MINISTER STEPS FORWARD BUT…
ADMIRAL
Don’t try anything, Minister, this sword’s real pointy.
EXPLOSION
I’ve known Admiral Koenig for thirty years and I’d recognise his laugh anywhere – and what came out of your mouth then certainly wasn’t it.
ADMIRAL
I’m not Admiral Koenig, I’m his Uncle.
CHASTENED, EXPLOSION LET’S THE SWORD DROP. HE COLLAPSES IN A CHAIR, BEATEN.
EXPLOSION
Maybe I do belong in a museum.
ADMIRAL
A museum of heroes.
MINISTER
He’s right Explosion. We need you.
EXPLOSION
(RALLYING) If it’s me you need, then I’m your man.
MINISTER
Ever heard of the Millennium bug?
EXPLOSION
(GESTURING TO THE BOOKS) The encyclopedias’d tell you it’s a small caterpillar shaped insect with many legs, but we know different, eh Admiral?
ADMIRAL
Exactly. (PLONKING DOWN A REPORT ON THE DESK) Back in ’99 it threatened to cause a global computer meltdown by making them all switch back to 1901 on New Years Eve–
EXPLOSION
And owing to the absence of it not occurring, it didn’t happen. Yeah, I read the papers.
MINISTER
Well, it’s back. At 12.00 pm midnight tomorrow evening on New Years Eve night all the computers on earth will go back in time to 1901.
ADMIRAL
Thousands of documents erased.
EXPLOSION
Who? Tell me who!
MINISTER
Bhutto.
EXPLOSION
But–
ADMIRAL
Yes, he exploded in a hyperbaric chamber fifteen years ago…but they say his ghost haunts the haunted lighthouse on Haunt Island.
MINISTER
(HANDING HIM A GUN) Explosion, you’ve got 24 hours.
EXPLOSION
Minister, I need more time.
MINISTER
All right – 25 hours.
ENTER HAWKINS, THE CIVIL SERVANT, WITH A TRAY OF TEA THINGS.
HAWKINS
Spot of tea anybody?
EXPLOSION
Fuck your tea, Hawkins. I’ve got a millipede to snare.
C/T ROGER RACING ALONG IN A HIGH-POWERED ROCKET CAR.
C/T A LIGHTHOUSE AS SEEN THROUGH A TELESCOPE.
EXPLOSION V/O
Have made visual contact with Haunted Lighthouse…
SWISH PAN TO LONG SHOT OF BHUTTO IN A ROWBOAT, HAVING JUST LANDED ON THE SHORE.
EXPLOSION V/O
Suspect appears to be aboard a boat-like object…
C/T TO EXPLOSION HIDING BEHIND SOME ROCKS AT THE BEACH. GE LOWERS HIS BINOCULARS AND SPEAKS INTO HIS WALKIE-TALKIE.
C/T THE MINISTER BACK IN HER OFFICE, ON THE PHONE.
MINISTER
Hold your position, Explosion, and wait for back-up.
BACK AT THE BEACH ROGER SEES SOMETHING.
C/T BHUTTO CARRYING A SMALL CLASSIC MAC COMPUTER FROM THE BOAT.
EXPLOSION
Negatory on that one Momma Bear, I’m movin’ out.
BACK AT THE OFFICE.
MINISTER
Don’t be a fool, Explosion– (BUT SHE’S BEEN CUT OFF) Explosion?
BACK AT THE BEACH THE IS AN ELABORATELY CHOREOGRAPHED FIGHT. BHUTTO IS GETTING THE BETTER OF ROGER BUT THEN HE CONVENIENTLY FINDS AN AXE ON A NEARBY ROCK AND HURLS IT…
…AND BHUTTO, AXE EMBEDED IN HIS BACK, FALLS DOWN DEAD.
ROGER, BREATHLESSLY RAISES HIS WALKIE-TALKIE TO HIS LIPS.
EXPLOSION
Bhutto’s ghost destroyed. Over and out.
BHUTTO’S GHOST O.S.
Are you sure that’s Bhutto’s ghost, Explosion?
BHUTTO’S GHOST STANDS NONCHALANTLY BY.
EXPLOSION
Bhutto! But then–
BHUTTO’S GHOST
Exactly. Take off his wig.
EXPLOSION
(HAVING DONE SO) Admiral Keonig’s Uncle.
BHUTTO’S GHOST
And my son.
EXPLOSION
But why did you help me, your sworn enemy?
BHUTTO’S GHOST
Why does anyone do anything?
ROGER FORGETS HIS LINE.
BHUTTO’S GHOST
No, it is I who should be thanking you. Now I am free of this place and will haunt this world no more.
HE FADES.
C/T BACK TO THE EXTERIOR OF THE BIG OLD PUBLIC BUILDING.
MINISTER V/O
Congratulations, Explosion. Axing Bhutto’s son to death with pure genius.
C/T OFFICE. THE MINISTER AND ROGER HAVE GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE. A BOTTLE OF DOM PERRIGNON SITS IN AN ICE BUCKET ON THE DESK TOGETHER WITH THE SLUMPED CORPSE OF THE ADMIRAL, AXE STILL BURIED IN HIS BACK.
MINISTER
Cheers!
EXPLOSION
Save your toast until midnight, Minister. Only then will we be sure the Millenium Bug has not sent us all back to 1901.
THE GRANDFATHER CLOCK IN THE CORNER OF THE ROOM BEGINS TO CHIME.
EXPLOSION
And if all is well, Minister, will you do me the honour of marrying me? (HE SHOWS HER A RING)
MINISTER
But Explosion…I’m your daughter.
EXPLOSION
The honeymoon is in Hobart.
THE 12TH CHIME SOUNDS.
MINISTER
Midnight and all is well. (GIDDY WITH RELIEF) Of course I’ll marry you Roger..
ENTER HAWKINS DRESSED IN 19TH CENTURY CLOTHING
HAWKINS
I’m off, everyone–
EXPLOSION
Hawkins, I–
HAWKINS
—to a New Year’s Eve fancy dress Party.
LOL OUT.
END
Our thanks again to Shaun for answering our questions.