Duo seek comedy actors for new show

May 9 2008 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

THE search is on for the stars of Chester’s answer to The Mighty Boosh.

Two filmmakers from Chester are looking for budding Noel Fieldings to appear in their first project, a surreal sitcom called Matchstick Men.

Gary Walker, 28, of High Street, Saltney, and Ross Armstrong, 27, of Waters Edge, are holding an open casting audition tomorrow (Saturday). They are looking for three Chester men in their 20s.

The duo have set up production company Power Out Productions and plan to film the pilot episode in Chester at the end of June.

Gary said: “It’s a dark comedy in the same vein as The Mighty Boosh. It goes totally against American sitcoms with staged, canned laughter. It’s edgier and darker.

“Our sense of humour is a bit warped and twisted, which isn’t really catered for on TV at the moment.”

The duo have made a conscious decision to film exclusively in Chester.

Gary added: “It’s an overlooked location in terms of film and television, with the exception of Hollyoaks, but a lot of that is filmed in Liverpool.

“We will have a lot of external shots that are quite obviously Chester. A lot of people have told us they’re really interested in making their locations available to us. It’s only right that our most important projects should be filmed in Chester and showcase everything we love about the city.”

Gary has a degree in film, theatre and writing and spent two years in an IT job saving funds to start the company. He now has high-definition filming equipment and lighting at his disposal.

While Gary handles directorial duties, Ross has taken on the writing of the series.

The pair have high hopes for Matchstick Men and will show the pilot episode to commissioning editors at major networks including Sky, Channel 4 and BBC Three in anticipation of a six-episode run.

Gary said: “We are both very determined to have it on television as soon as possible.”

The casting session for the three leads and smaller roles will take place at the Quaker Meeting House in Frodsham Street, Chester, between 2pm and 5pm.

Anybody interested in attending or being part of the film crew can e-mail power-out.productions@ hotmail.com for further details.