Please Keep Me Anonymous with Lee Mack and Sally Bretton
- 48m
- Transcript
Summary
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
Chris and Rosie Ramsey are joined by guests Lee Mack and Sally Bretton to discuss the 20th anniversary and 15th series of the BBC sitcom Not Going Out. Throughout the episode, the group discusses the exhausting realities of television production, the peculiarities of live studio sitcoms versus single-camera setups, and the unique challenges of working with seasoned comedy legends. They also review an anonymous listener dilemma involving an unexpected discovery left on a coffee table.
The conversation explores the contrast between old-school broadcasting and modern podcasting, particularly the shift toward video recording in the studio. Lee Mack shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes from filming a live television episode and working with guest stars like Nigel Planer and Bobby Ball, while Rosie and Chris compare notes on their own experiences in sitcom writing and television appearances. The episode blends lighthearted banter, theatrical war stories, and comedic reactions to bizarre listener confessions.
- When testing new material for television, performing in front of a live studio audience helps confirm whether the jokes actually work. 17:28
- Live television episodes require significantly more rehearsal time and create intense pressure for the entire cast. 21:37
- Collaborating with comedy veterans requires navigating established routines and performance styles. 24:05
- Anonymous listener submissions can introduce unexpectedly bizarre personal dilemmas into a comedy interview. 35:11
Chapters
- 0:01Commercial Break – Lululemon Promotion
A brief ad segment promoting Lululemon’s fall collection.
- 0:33Celebrating Not Going Out's 20th Anniversary
The hosts discuss the milestone, the upcoming new series, and the documentary celebrating the show's history.
- 1:42Jukebox Joke and Show Format Debate
Lee Mack and the hosts joke about a jukebox, then debate the structure and pacing of their live podcast format.
- 4:12Skin Condition Story and Light‑Hearted Banter
Lee shares a humorous anecdote about a dermatologist visit, leading to playful teasing about age and skin issues.
- 5:00Behind the Scenes of Not Going Out Production
The trio dives into the show's production, including set design, live audience dynamics, and the challenges of filming live.
- 24:05Guest Star Highlights and Nostalgic Moments
Lee recounts memorable guest appearances, especially Nigel Planer, and reflects on the show's evolution over two decades.
- 28:07Comedy Techniques and Actor Collaboration
Discussion on working with actors, improvisation, and the balance between scripted lines and spontaneous humor.
- 35:15Personal Stories and Listener Engagement
A listener shares a personal story, sparking a playful, semi‑intimate segment that showcases the podcast’s interactive nature.
- 39:32Podcast Intro and Setup
Hosts introduce the episode and set the stage for the discussion.
- 40:07Exploring the Chastity Cage Concept
Guests explain what a chastity cage is and how it functions.
- 40:43Humor and Cultural References
The hosts inject jokes, pop culture, and playful banter about chastity and related kinks.
- 44:00Kink, Narcissism, and Media Portrayals
Discussion about how kink is perceived, media coverage, and personal narcissism in sexual contexts.
Highlights
- 4:41
Discussing the Dermatology Diagnosisstory
Lee Mack recounts texting his cousin, a dermatologist, about a skin concern on his head, only to be told it was almost definitely a senile wart.
- 6:12
The Pre-Sliced Banana Prankstrategy
Lee Mack explains an elaborate prank involving sewing thread used to pre-slice a banana inside its peel to confuse unsuspecting victims.
- 11:15
The Sitcom Petition Campaigninsight
The hosts and guests discuss how Not Going Out was saved after being cancelled following its third series, thanks to an early online petition.
- 15:41
Lee Mack compares the workload of his television projects, noting that a sitcom episode takes six to eight weeks of work compared to just three hours for Would I Lie To You?
- 19:17
Lee Mack and Sally Bretton recall the immense stress of filming a completely live television episode of their sitcom and the fear of making a mistake.
- 27:01
Lee Mack shares an amusing anecdote about giving creative notes to comedy legend Bobby Ball regarding his iconic red braces routine.
- 39:23
Discovering a Chastity Cagestory
The group reads an anonymous listener letter about a brother discovering a chastity cage left on a coffee table prior to a month-long chastity challenge.
Quotes
“And it's been going for 20 years.”
Unnamed speaker · 0:48 “Not only is it its 20-year anniversary, there's also a documentary celebrating 20 years of Not Going Out.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:04 “It's really interesting, there's loads of stuff that I didn't have a clue about, to be honest with you.”
Unnamed speaker · 1:12 “You can't just go, and we're here now.”
Unnamed speaker · 2:18 “Do you think I should get it checked out?”
Unnamed speaker · 4:28 “The cage goes around your nether regions or you, you, you get in the cage.”
Unnamed speaker · 39:32 “We're trying our hardest to be...”
Unnamed speaker · 40:06 “You know what? I'm really into my gardening at the moment. That'd be a lovely cage for some marrow.”
Unnamed speaker · 41:28 “So, so that goes on. Now, I'm assuming that if it stays on for a month, when you go to the loo, you have to sort of wee through the cage.”
Unnamed speaker · 42:34 “We're going to loosen this chastity belt.”
Unnamed speaker · 46:30
Sponsored segments
- Lululemon 0:04–0:28
- Lululemon 47:07–47:35
About this episode
On this week's Please Keep Me Anonymous, Chris and Rosie are joined by the brilliant Lee Mack (Would I lie to You, The 1% Club, Not Going Out) and Sally Bretton (Not Going Out, Beyond Paradise). The on-screen couple chat about the new series of Not Going Out as well as a documentary, celebrating 20 years of the show. Of course the conversation goes in all kinds of directions including practical jokes, the etiquette of acting, chastity belts and Chris shares a story from the first time he met Lee. All of this plus a fabulous dilemma from one of our listeners! The new Series of Not Going Out starts tonight (23rd September) on BBC One at 9.30pm and you can watch 20 Years of Not Going Out before, at 9pm. Both will be available on BBC iplayer. If you want to get involved and have your stories and voice notes included on the podcast, then get in touch! 📧: [email protected] 📱: 07874 406650 You can watch the podcast on the Shagged Married Annoyed YouTube channel: youtube.com/@shagged.married.annoyed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcript
10,714 words · 5 speakers
Topics
- Chastity belt
- Chastity cage
- Toy Story 3
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