IN THE memory of his very good friend and colleague, Mel Smith, Griff Rhys-Jones tells the stories of their friendship as a double-act.
The star of Three Men in a Boat, Not the Nine O’clock News and Alas Smith and Jones made the audience at The Lowry theatre giggle and laugh with memoirs of his years of comedy.
When Mel Smith died at the age of 60, this prompted Rhys-Jones to create his first solo stand-up show – as he tells us: “There’s nothing like your best mate passing away to give you a sense of mortality.”
Rhys-Jones made it clear from the start that Mel Smith would not be attending the gig. After an experience in Southampton, with a friend’s Dad expecting Smith to appear on stage, Rhys-Jones told the audience of the sad news.
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The double-act found their way into the nation’s hearts when appearing in films, on stage and in their hit TV show Smith & Jones together for nearly twenty years. They were total opposites, Smith was a heavy drinker and gambler, Rhys-jones is teetotal and loves gardening.
Their partnership was unforgettable, people still stop Rhys-Jones in the street and say “Oi, Griff where’s your fat mate.” Rhys-Jones remembers many instances of people, such as Princess Margret, television producers even taxi drivers asking “where’s Mel?” – he explained there was no hint of bitterness.
Being known as the “unfunny-one” in the partnership, Rhys-Jones is and has less visually memorable than Smith – that gargoyle-like face and body – he was entrusted to being the straight man.
Back in the 80’s they both took a trip to America, where Griff was treated very well. They were called partners then, which meant nothing, however, in America they thought Griff and Mel were homosexuals – Griff still refers to the very funny running gag.
Very enjoyable evening at @RiverfrontArts last night as #GriffRhysJones spoke about his life working with #MelSmith
— Andy Long (@andylong) November 12, 2016
The highlight of the show was when Rhys-Jones showed snippets of the duo’s pilot show “Three Flights Up”. The show never got to be played out on the BBC in 2000, but when Mel died in 2013, they played the first episode on BBC 2 to commemorate his life as a comedian.
Younger fans should look them up immediately on YouTube. Older members of the audience could recount them word for word.
By Rachel Foy
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