Jack Dee on Lead Balloon's Rick Spleen: A Comedic 'What-If' Version
In a revealing interview, comedian Jack Dee delves into the creation of his iconic character Rick Spleen from the BBC sitcom Lead Balloon, describing him as a "what-if" version of himself had success eluded him. Dee, who co-wrote and starred in the show, explains that Spleen embodies the frustrations and delusions of a comedian without a sense of humour, constantly outshone by those around him.
The Genesis of a Loser Comedian
Dee reveals that the idea for Lead Balloon stemmed from his experiences in stand-up and collaborations with comedy writers. He was intrigued by the dynamic between writers and performers, pondering, "What if the writer is funnier than the performer?" This curiosity led him to approach long-time collaborator Pete Sinclair, resulting in a pilot commissioned by BBC4.
The show developed the world of Rick Spleen, a comedian perpetually trumped by everyone in his life. His wife is more successful, his Polish cleaner Magda is more logically intelligent, his daughter and her boyfriend are cooler, and his writer is funnier. Dee notes, "Everywhere he looks, he's bashed about by people better than him." He adds that some of Spleen's mishaps, like hosting a terrible corporate event, mirror his own real-life experiences.
A British Take on Comedic Failure
While not the first show to focus on a comedian's private life, Lead Balloon had a distinct British feel, allowing audiences to understand how an unfunny comedian could still find work. Dee points out, "A lot of comedians like Rick don't have a sense of humour and can't laugh at themselves, which is really weird, but I think we pinpointed it quite accurately." He shares Spleen's frustrations but consciously avoids letting them ruin his day or career, unlike his character.
Raquel Cassidy on Playing Mel Spleen
Actress Raquel Cassidy, who played Rick's wife Mel, recalls joining the show with little preparation, landing the role after a last-minute audition. She approached Mel as a character who finds Rick hapless and compulsively lying but still loves and sticks by him. Cassidy says, "The only time I get angry is when he brings a pig home. I'm like: 'No, that's going too far.'"
Cassidy admires Mel's composure, noting that if she were married to Rick in real life, it would be a nightmare. She fondly remembers a scene where Rick's phone disrupts a theatre performance, with her father in the audience. The actress misses the show, which ran for four series, and praises Dee as a genius to work with, making her role feel effortless.
Lead Balloon continues to resonate with fans, often stopping Cassidy on the street to quote scenes verbatim. The intimate filming in a house setting added to its reality TV-like charm, cementing its place as a beloved British comedy.
