In 2018, the beloved actor Larry Lamb became the centrepiece for that year’s Beyond The Title’s Christmas celebrations. At that point, he had just finished filming the last series of the hugely popular New Tricks in which he played wide boy Ted Case. Obviously, then I had little idea that there would be another two more episodes of the much loved Gavin And Stacey which would climax in an unprecedented 90 minute special on Christmas Day 2024. This was just another highlight in a career that has spanned over half a century, charting the changing faces of television. Yet that’s not Larry’s most exciting career move of last year as he decided to embark upon a debut novel. All Wrapped Up tells the story of a first assistant director who is attempting to finish his debut film on a desert island and acts as a literary love letter to the industry that has served him well for the past half century.
The most striking aspect of Larry Lamb’s early theatrical career is that it began in North America following realising the limitations of being a jobbing actor in the UK. Ironically, despite going stateside, Larry eventually found opportunities back in the UK which eventually led to his first major TV vehicle alongside the legendary Kate O’Mara in the BBC series Triangle. Therefore he has little idea about the American market in the 21st century and the differences between British and American television. Entertainment has dramatically changed since the 1970’s and his experiences with transatlantic audiences at that time bear little relation to the international market today.
Of course, all this experience has been of great value when writing All Wrapped Up. Having written his autobiography Mummy’s Boy released in 2011 to rave reviews, Larry was always determined to follow this with a semi autobiographical novel based upon his vast experiences as an actor. The success of the autobiography encouraged the publisher to enquire into a further book but unfortunately it didn’t work out. Having written poetry throughout his life, he is used to the disciplines of the writing process and like most writers, has a whole repertoire of works that probably shall never see the light of day. However, poetry is his particular passion and something he hopes to exhibit in the coming years. It’s clear that there’s still so much creativity in the veteran actor and hopefully we shall see the fruits of his labour in the near future.
Since writing All Wrapped Up, Larry has fully realised the huge significance of being a recognised name on the cover of a book and the many doors it has opened. Being able to get into literary festivals, book signings and public appearances has definitely been a vital part of the success of the novel and it’s difficult for Larry to imagine being an unknown author with no reputation. Ironically, this may be one of the many themes which the novel throws up and Larry is only too aware that this passion project has only been made possible by his status in the cultural psyche. This is something which he never takes for granted and is something that makes him extremely proud.
Despite this new strand of his career, Larry is adamant that irrespective of what has been written in the newspapers, he has not retired from acting and is still working on a variety of projects. Most recently he guest starred in the crime drama Whitstable Pearl alongside the actress and comedian Kerry Godliman. In 2021 he was cast alongside Sarah Alexander for the crime drama Art Detective where a squad of detectives solve mysteries through art. It’s very clear that there’s a lot still to come from one of the most beloved actors in Britain.
Obviously, this time last year, the nation was hooked in anticipation to discover what would happen in the final episode of Gavin and Stacey which climaxed in a ninety minute special on Christmas Day 2024. Devoid of analysis, Larry doesn’t care much for cultural analysis or the dissection of the sitcom and instead has happy memories of working with the best cast and crew in television. For almost two decades and twenty one episodes, they created a sitcom which defined a generation. The character of the laidback patriarch Mick Shipman was to have a positive impact on Larry and believes that he is now a better person after portraying him. Despite the ensemble of eccentric characters, Mick arguably remains the only one who is consistently reliable and in a way, views the story in the same way as the audience. To play such a wise and loving man for almost two decades was a real pleasure and Larry is proud to have been a part of this special show.
To invite the amazing Larry Lamb back to Beyond The Title after seven years was the ultimate Christmas treat. Throughout the years, I’ve been able to meet some of the biggest stars Britain has ever produced, each with their unique ego which is vital to their success. Yet Larry Lamb is one of those rare individuals who remains devoid of glamour and pretentiousness. Humility and honesty are two things that are difficult to find in a world of carnival and exhibition. However, Larry’s refreshingly earthy approach to life makes him both a challenge and a joyh to interview and I’m already looking forward to the next time!
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