Behind the Scenes of Kevin and Perry Go Large: Enfield & Burke

bitcoin In a revealing discussion, Harry Enfield and Kathy Burke reflect on their experiences in creating the iconic comedy film Kevin and Perry Go Large. Enfield, who co-wrote the film and portrayed the character Kevin, shares insights into the rapid development of the project that stemmed from their hit television show, Harry Enfield and Chums.

Enfield recalls the early days, saying, "We’d done Kevin and Perry on Harry Enfield and Chums and thought it would be fun to make a Wayne’s World-y thing while we still had the impetus of the TV programme." After a brief holiday, Enfield returned to find that Dave Cummings, a writer for the show, had drafted the initial script. Enfield quickly took over and within a month, everything was in motion. "It was really quick," he emphasizes.

The film was shot over a tight schedule of 12 days in Ibiza, with a budget of several million pounds. Notably, the nightclub scenes were filmed in a single day and night at Amnesia, a popular Ibiza venue. Enfield explains, "The scene in which Kevin and Perry get puked on by some clubbers was filmed in the afternoon." Remarkably, the crowd in the club were not mere extras; they were actual club-goers enjoying the night, with renowned DJs Seb Fontaine and Roger Sanchez spinning tracks live. Enfield amusingly interrupted their sets, saying, "Do you mind if I just come and interrupt your set?"

Behind the Scenes of Kevin and Perry Go Large: Enfield & Burke Reflecting on his youth, Enfield recalls, "When I was that age, it was punk. We’d go and see the Clash and the Pistols. They’d be horrible to us and we’d go: 'Brilliant!'" He reminisces about a particular moment with Paul Cook, the drummer of the Sex Pistols, who humorously wrote "Something funny" on Enfield's trousers. This spirit of rebelliousness is echoed in the character Eyeball Paul, played by Rhys Ifans, whose unkindness only endears him to the other characters.

One of the film's most infamous scenes, where feces end up in Enfield's mouth, was not part of the original script. Initially, the plan was to film a boat trip with the girls, who would ignore Kevin and Perry. However, when they arrived at the jetty, the boat was nowhere to be found. Director Ed Bye was at a loss, exclaiming, "What the fuck are we going to do?" Enfield suggested an alternative, drawing on a past experience where he encountered human feces at the beach. He proposed using polystyrene painted brown, complete with sweetcorn eyes, to simulate the poop, and instructed Burke to act as if she had just defecated in the sea.

Despite its outrageous comedy, Enfield believes the film has a sweet undertone, saying, "It’s fun and silly, but quite sweet because you feel sorry for Kevin and Perry. It’s very English." The film's reception varied internationally; it was met with resentment in the United States, where audiences reportedly wanted to burn down cinemas after screenings. Conversely, in France, the film was marketed with the tagline, "Kevin et Perry, un film trash." Enfield reflects, "I’m a bit too old for a sequel now. I did once write Kevin and Perry Go to Wizard School, but nobody ever replied. That’s the English film industry, I’m afraid."

Kathy Burke, who portrayed Perry, shares her journey leading up to the film. Having previously played characters like Waynetta Slob and Lulu the Toddler on Harry Enfield and Chums, Burke had just won the 1997 Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival for Nil By Mouth when Enfield approached her about a potential film. "Was I up for it? I thought: ‘Too right, mate!’" she recalls enthusiastically.

Burke highlights the return of Louisa Rix as Kevin’s mother, Mrs. Patterson, noting a special chemistry between Perry and Mrs. Patterson. "Perry is very much in lust with Mrs. Patterson, and she is very much in amusement with him," Burke remarks, emphasizing the fun dynamic that the characters share throughout the film.

The collaboration between Enfield and Burke in Kevin and Perry Go Large not only showcases their comedic talents but also reflects a specific cultural moment in British comedy. With its blend of outrageous humor and heartfelt moments, the film remains an iconic piece of British cinema, despite varied international reception. As they both look back fondly on the project, it’s clear that the legacy of Kevin and Perry continues to resonate with audiences, even years after its release.