We chatted to Kerry Godliman earlier this week and now we talk to fellow Broad Hill nursing home staff member Holli Dempsey who plays Vicky in the Channel 4 show 'Derek'. Holli spills the beans on Vicky, working with comics, art and the reaction to 'Derek'.
Funny Women: Holli, you work with two stand-up comics (Kerry Godliman and Ricky Gervais) in the ‘Derek’ cast, are you interested in performing stand up comedy?
Holli Dempsey: It was a real pleasure to work with a bunch of professional funny (wo)men! Brett Goldstein, Colin Hoult, (who plays new caretaker Geoff) and Doc Brown are also brilliant stand up comics. David Earl's shows are not to be missed either! Honestly though, it's never been a dream of mine and I waitressed at a Comedy Night for four years so I have seen first hand how a gig can go incredibly well, or horribly wrong! That's why I respect stand-up comics so much. I can't think of anything scarier than standing in front of a group of people who WILL heckle you if you don't make them laugh quick enough. You have to be completely fearless. As much as I adore being on stage and have been known to raise a chuckle or two, I think stand-up is a completely different beast.
FW: Derek is seen as quite a controversial show, what do you think of the reaction it gets?
HD: Firstly, the immediate online response to the show has been overwhelmingly positive. People have really fallen in love with Derek and the staff/residents of Broad Hill. I receive messages daily from fans worldwide who have really been touched by the series. It's special when a show makes you laugh through your tears.
Initially, before the pilot had even aired, people expected 'Derek' to be mocking and offensive. I think it is easy to see, after watching it, that the intention is anything but. It is a show that shines a light on the unsung heroes of life, for instance Hannah, and the kind of people that are perhaps underrepresented in TV shows. The ones who aren't necessarily popular, attractive, or cool. For whatever reason, some people obviously just don't get it. However I think more and more people are seeing how important it is to celebrate these kinds of people, when there is so much emphasis on being perfect in this day and age. But it wouldn't be art if it didn't divide us.
FW: What’s in store for Vicky in the new series of ‘Derek’?
HD: Vicky has definitely grown up since the defensive community service worker entered Broad Hill in the first series. She is well settled into her role as care worker at the home and truly loves the people she works with and cares for.
In true Vicky style she has brought technology into the home; setting Derek up with a Twitter account and even insisted Derek join an Internet dating website.
Hannah and Vicky have formed a tight bond as they protect each other from harm. She isn't all 'goody goody' now though, she is still up to her old tricks and a self confessed 'Born Hustler'. Also Vicky's taste in men is called into question, with hilarious consequences.
FW: Do you think Ricky Gervais writes good female characters for comedy?
HD: I have always admired the female roles in Ricky's shows. They are never just created as accessories to help drive the male protagonist's storyline, nor are they just pretty faces. He thinks up and creates wholesome female characters that have real heart and depth to them. For example Ashley Jensen's character from 'Extras' is seemingly dim witted and not very intelligent yet her child-like character is sweet and kind, not to mention hilarious! A well-rounded real woman that you can't help but love!
In 'Derek', Kerry and I have had the pleasure of Ricky writing some great scenes for us whilst also giving us loads of room to add our own lines or scenes, which is, I guess, how he gets such authentic characters in his shows. In this series of 'Derek', Ricky really wanted to explore the sisterhood between Hannah and Vicky, regardless or age or interests. I think the fact that Ricky has so many women in his family has clearly had an effect on the type of roles he writes.
FW: Who are your favourite women comedians?
HD: Sarah Millican has such an endearing personality that she is instantly likeable. Everything she says is funny. I just love her witty comebacks and wild imagination. I have always loved Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders as they are both so versatile. They are both naturally funny, and their style of comedy is so broad; it transcends stage, TV and film. I also think Jocelyn Jee Esien is brilliant. I love her energy on screen and hilariously diverse characters. Her series 'Little Miss Jocelyn' has so many classic lines in it. I wish she would do another series, I'd definitely tune in!
You can watch 'Derek' on Wednesdays on Channel 4 or on 4OD
