David Brent is back in an Office in new stills from The Office spin-off feature film 'David Brent: Life on the Road'

This week is week 4 of filming on Ricky Gervais' latest project 'David Brent: Life on the Road' according to Ricky Gervais' blog.
The story so far, is that David Brent is touring on the road with his band Foregone Conclusion (with former We are Scientists and Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows) and rapper 'Dom' played by Ben Bailey Smith. 'Dom' was also featured in David Brent's Equality Street video.

'David Brent on the road with his band 'Foregone Conclusion'
Image courtesy of Ricky Gervais' Twitter @rickygervais

This week, according to his blog, Ricky is filming all the storylines to do with his job as a sales rep and he is back in an 'Office' setting, but with a whole new cast. 
Ricky has tweeted a couple of pictures so far and he has revealed that David Brent now works for a company called 'Lavichem', sounds glamourous we know.

Image courtesy of Ricky Gervais' Twitter page @rickygervais

Ricky also posted this  picture from inside his new office with the caption "Great to be back in the office. A new dawn.

Image courtesy of Ricky Gervais' Twitter page @rickygervais

This new 'Dawn' get it? is of course British actress Mandeep Dhillon who has appeared in BBC Three comedy 'Some Girls' as well as more recently in the play 'Anita and Me'.  

Even though this film may not have any of the original The Office cast except for David Brent, from this image it appears that Brent is still having the same effect on his staff and is as 'Brentertaining' as ever. Other cast members include Jo Hartley from 'This is England' fame and Abbie Murphy an up and coming British comedienne as well as Andrew Brooke who is well known for playing 'Ashley' in Channel 4 comedy Phoneshop and Tom Bennett who played Christopher in Phoneshop as well as having various other roles.

The full cast list was published by Radio Times a few weeks back and can be seen here

The film is produced by Charlie Hanson and written and directed by Ricky Gervais, with eOne films and BBC films being the distributors.

There is only one more week to go until the film wraps and we hope to see it on our screens worldwide around August 19th 2016; with fans also being promised an album and some more live gigs (possibly worldwide).

Bring on the hilarious cringeworthy awkwardness, the Brent-isms and the singing. 

Cannot bloody wait!

(Photo credits: Ray Burmiston, Natalie Seery)

Ricky Gervais' Entire Facebook Q&A-October 29th 2014

Q: Hi Ricky - have you ever eaten a sausage that has gone cold, and got that little bit of horrible white fat stuck to the bottom?

A: Is this some awful prison slang?

Q: Do you actually have Instagram because I posted a birthday message and you liked it but none of my friends believed it was you

A: Yes. http://instagram.com/rickygervais

Q: Do you shave your balls

A: Of course I don't, I have a butler.

Q: Do you like joe rogan? It seemed like you weren't getting on, when you were on Opie and Anthony.

A: Really? We got on great. Yeah, I really like him.

Q: Any chance of hosting the Golden Globe Awards again?

A: Never say never. :-)

Q: Just do the catchphrase!!

A: You 'avin' a laff?

Q: Who are your comedic inspirations?

A: Laurel and Hardy, Christopher Guest and real life

Q: What is your biggest 'wow' moment?

A:Probably winning my first Golden Globe award.

Q:Will you do anything more with Constantine?

A:I love that little guy.

Q:Who's your favourite philosopher?

A:Bertrand Russell. And Dolly Parton and Des'ree, of course.

Q:What's your favourite place in England?

A:London and Bath probably.

Q:What scares you?

A:Spiders and dying. In that order.

Q:What was your first job

A:Hyperactive child.

Q:Ricky, what's the meaning of life?

A:To enjoy it.

Q:Were you a funny kid? Like class clown?

A:I certainly thought so.

Q:HI Ricky, just wondering with all the hilarious outtakes how many scenes did not make it to the show? Thanks

A:I'd say 25% of all filming is ruined through laughing.

Q:The invention of Lying is my all time fave movie. Did you cowrite it? Brilliant

A:Thank you.

Q:What is your favouritest Australian animal?

A:They're all mental, in a good way, but I love wombats and platypuses.

Q:Night at the museum 3?

A:Good question. Yes.

Q:How's Robin? Has he developed a stutter?

A:No, but his hair's falling out fast.

Q:If you could give the human race one message, what would it be?

A:The Derek DVD is out now in Australia. Go forth and buy it.

Q:When is The Office movie scheduled for release??

A:2016.

Q:Ricky! Where do I start? Why are you an atheist?

A:The better question is "why isn't everyone?"  :-)

Q:Do you scare yourself sometimes?

A:Yeah, in dreams. I don't know why.

Q:Do you have a girlfriend Ricky?

A:Yes, her name is Jane and as you can see from my picture, she is a very lucky girl.

Q:What are the 39 steps?

A:I don't know but I'm taking the lift.

Q:Are you shy, quiet and reserved in real life? Are you acting?

A:I'm not shy but I'm quite private and I don't like crowds much.

Q:Mine is a statement, not a question....you are fucking awesome!!!  :-D

A:Mine is not an answer, it is just so people can see your statement.

Q:Which is the better biscuit, custard cream or bourbons?

A:Neither are great, but custard cream by far. Bourbons are awful. There, I said it.

Q:Do you answer questions in your " Q and A " sessions ?

A:No.

Q:What was it like to work with Gerard Kelly? Bunny was one of my favourite characters in Extras, and it's quite sad that he's passed away.

A:He was hilarious. All the time.

Q:How is writing the new stand up show.?When can we expect it?. I'm very much looking forward to it. Hopefully you tour Australia with it.

A:I have a bag full of notes but stand-up seems to be the thing that gets pushed back as new film and TV projects rear their heads

Q:How on earth you manage to be so super handsome all the time?

A:It's what baby Jesus wanted

Q:My daughter loves when you find things in your bellybutton!!

A:I found this today.

Q:Will there be a Derek season 3?

A:No, same as The Office and Extras... 2 series and a special.

Q:Hi Ricky. Could you please say hi to my two daughters Nicola and Sophie. (They stayed up)

A:Hello Nicola and Sophie.

Q:Are you going to make anymore of the office? X

A:Sort of. I'm writing a movie based around what David Brent is doing now. He's working as a rep but spending his hard-earned cash on touring with Foregone Conclusion to try to make it as a rock star.

Q:Watched Ghost Town on the weekend. Loved it. Xx

A:Cheers

Q:What inspires your comedy ?

A:Real life, with a twist.

Q:Hey Ricky! Are you ever going to do a comedy tour in Australia?

A:I'd love to come to Australia one day but I want to do it when I have enough time to really explore your beautiful nation.

Q:Hey Ricky!!! 

Just wondering what

your inspiration for Derek was? Did you find it hard to find a balance between

humor and life in the series? Do you see any future series ahead for Derek? 

Are there any projects on the horizon for yourself, Steve and Karl in

the future? 

Ps. Your work is hilarious and incredible – and even that is an

understatement!

A:The main inspiration came from the fact that most of the women in my family were and still are care workers. I'm about to film the special next month. Thanks for watching.

Q:Can't see any replies, hmmmm.

A:Refresh the page.

David Brent and The Foregone Conclusion London 2013

It was a 'Foregone Conclusion' that this was going to be an amazing night out for anyone lucky enough to attend. Excuse the bad pun, I have been waiting for sometime to use this. 

I am of course talking about Ricky Gervais bringing back his fictional character best known from 'The Office'; the Brentmeister General himself, Mr. David Brent and his band 'Foregone Conclusion' for a couple of SOLD OUT work in progress gigs at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London.

Ticket touts who had contributed to this gig selling out in less than a minute caused an air of controversy to surround these gigs as true fans didn't manage to get tickets which were being sold on at extortionate prices. Thankfully, Ricky and his A-Team (management) got many of these overpriced tickets taken down and urged fans not to buy them.
I was fortunate enough to get a ticket for the very first gig and here are my (biased of course!) thoughts on the entire experience, without spoiling too much for those yet to see it:

Arriving at the Bloomsbury Theatre, I could see why Ricky chose it; it's a lovely little venue with an amazing view of the stage from wherever you're sitting, there are literally no 'shitty seats'; imagine that being said in a 'Brent-esque' way; 'The Bloomsbury Theatre: We don't give shitty seats!'
I also think he chose it because he performed a couple of sold out stand up shows there in the past and it is located close to and owned by UCL; where he studied and later worked so it is probably a venue close to his heart.

Sitting in the upper circle, the view of the stage was excellent and the atmosphere was amazing. It was so nice to anticipate the start of the show with a theatre full to the brim with excited fans, as cliche as it may seem, we were like one big diverse family.

The lights went down and to my surprise a bespectacled Doc Brown in 'golfing gear' as he put it (Ben Smith) appeared on stage; having never seen him in anything apart from The 'Equality Street' music video alongside David Brent and in an episode of Derek; I didn't know what to expect...but as soon as he started talking he had me in fits of laughter. He has a unique style of comedic rapping using clever lyrics and I'll definitely be going to his shows in the future. After the gig, I looked him up on YouTube and found this amazing 'Proper Tea' rap:

Next, the one and only Ewen Macintosh, who 'The Office' fans will recognise as 'Big Keith' came on stage to an overwhelming roar of applause from the audience with one excited fan shouting 'Peak Practice', of course referring to Keith's line 'I like Peak Practice'.
He was only on for a brief moment, holding up a piece of paper to introduce David Brent and the band, but he made it a moment of comedy gold by eating a scotch egg as he left the stage.

Then, the moment we had all been waiting for, Ricky Gervais appeared on stage; in a white dress shirt, baggy navy blue jeans, a waistcoat, bolo tie, ill fitting sunglasses and an earring to complete his 'rock n' roll' look. The moment he touched his earring and said 'fashion innit', the audience knew that 'Brent' was on stage. His band also sifted onto the stage in the background and 'Brent' briefly introduced them, but only cared to mention the new guitarist who he said was 'Mammogram's' nephew, 'Stu Monkford'; and of course he had to mention that he had not raped anyone, so far...

He started with the songs from his 'Learn Guitar' YouTube series such as 'Life on The Road' and 'Ooh La La' with the audience and myself finding ourselves clapping along. Doc Brown also came back on stage as rapper 'Dom Johnson' to perform 'Equality Street', 'Lonely Cowboy' and 'Ain't no Trouble'. The comedic chemistry and banter between Doc Brown and Ricky Gervais was brilliant.

'Brent' and 'Johnson' singing 'Equality Street'

When Ricky wasn't singing he was mouthing the lyrics and dancing along playing 'air guitar' which was funny and slightly adorable.
He also had his signature can of 'Fosters' on stage (those who have seen his stand-up and golden globes presenting will know that he always has a drink whilst performing live) which he would sip during guitar solos.

'Brent' and 'Mammogram's' nephew 'Stu Monkford'

At times, when Ricky was singing using the microphone and doing hand gestures, and especially during the 'factually correct' song 'Slough', I saw a bit of 'Derek Noakes' seeping in and I was reminded of this scene in 'Derek' when he was performing his 'Ventriquocist' act with Poppy the Rabbit:

Derek and Poppy: Photo courtesy of Channel 4 and Netflix

Our ears were treated  to an exclusive new song called 'Lady Gypsy' a musical tale of his first love; which was typical 'Brent' and hilarious as well as catchy. 

My personal favourite songs from the gig were 'Slough', 'Equality Street', 'Lady Gypsy' and 'Ain't no Trouble' and I loved the added 'magic' and sounds that the band brought to the whole experience. The song 'Ain't no Trouble' was in my opinion especially improved by the 'tropical sounds' (Racial!).

Watching these songs on YouTube from David Brent's fortnightly 'Learn Guitar' Lessons, I felt like I had known these songs forever and knew all the words, because however ridiculous the lyrics may seem, they are so damn catchy.
After performing all of the songs from the 'Learn Guitar' YouTube series bar one, 'You're why I breathe', he left the stage with Doc Brown to a roar of applause; but being familiar with his stand up I knew that he always comes back on stage for a second time. He didn't disappoint, and came back to perform 'The Serpent who guards the gates of Hell' and my all time favourite 'Freelove Freeway' which we were first exposed to in 'The Office'. 
He finally bowed to the audience and left the stage to an eardrum bursting round of applause and a well deserved standing ovation from all of us.  

FINAL THOUGHTS
Ricky performing as David Brent with a live band has proven what we already knew; that he is a versatile guy and a born performer. He is a unique article, the machine made one and was switched off forever.
I was sad for him that his singing career wasn't successful the first time round with his eighties group 'Seona Dancing' but am happy for him that he is fulfilling his dreams of a music career so many years on; whether that be for fun or otherwise.

My only suggestions for improvement, if any, is that there should've been more trademark 'David Brent' banter, a bit of audience interaction and a longer show. I would've also wanted to see Ricky playing the guitar himself, but he is forgiven on this occasion because of his '50 year old shoulder'....

My only regret is not hanging about after the show on the off chance of meeting Ricky and tell him face to face that his show was 'fucking amazing!'

If Ricky wants David Brent to be less successful then he is going to have to work a lot harder because, at the moment, he is more talented than many serious modern musicians. I hope all Ricky fans get to eventually see this gig as it is a fun experience.
All in all, a surreal, fun experience with catchy and ironically well-written songs which left my ears buzzing and wanting more; I urge Ricky to bring on the world tour and the album release; but what do I know?! I'm just a sad fan!