Exclusive Interview with Richard Sparks on ‘Book Talk’ Podcast

Exclusive Interview with Richard Sparks on ‘Book Talk’ Podcast

On February 28th, I will be interviewing acclaimed writer Richard Sparks on my podcast, Book Talk, available on Spotify. This insightful conversation will also be uploaded to YouTube. We will explore his experiences in writing and reading, along with his highly anticipated new fantasy novels, New Rock New Role and New Rock New Realm.

Richard Sparks boasts an impressive career, having written scripts for ITV’s Famous Five and the BAFTA-winning BBC2 satire Not the Nine O'Clock News. His extensive body of work includes directing Jack Black and writing lyrics for renowned artists such as Plácido Domingo, Vanessa Williams, and Eric Idle.

The groundbreaking sketch show Not the Nine O'Clock News, conceived by John Lloyd (producer of Blackadder) and Sean Hardie (former BBC Scotland Head of Entertainment), featured Rowan Atkinson, Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones, and Pamela Stephenson. The series, which ran for four seasons, celebrated its 45th anniversary in October.

Reflecting on the show’s origins, Sparks recalls:

“Sitting with John Lloyd in his office discussing who was going to be in it," says Richard. "Him saying, ‘I met this Australian girl at a party last week, she was amazing.’ That was Pamela Stephenson (and indeed she was). I suggested my old student revue partner, Mel Smith. John liked it, and said, ‘Mel’s a good idea.’ And indeed he was. When I asked what sort of show he was planning, John explained that it would be topical satire and mickey-taking. That felt like a step backwards to me. I said, ‘Why are we going back to That Was The Week That Was*, and doing political satire? Why aren’t we going on from what the Pythons did?’ He laughed, and said, ‘Are you joking??!? We’re not nearly as good as them!’ John was right. The Pythons had, so to speak, zigged; the next comedy show that came along needed to zag. Find its own direction. Go its own way. And, of course, avoid the long shadow cast by the Pythons (our heroes).”*

Beyond Not the Nine O’Clock News, Sparks also played a pivotal role in shaping Rowan Atkinson’s early career. He wrote the famous Schoolmaster sketch, which became Atkinson’s breakout moment at the 1979 Amnesty International fundraiser.

"I wrote it one morning with a hangover in 1978. Rowan was in a three-person revue at the Hampstead Theatre, with Peter Wilson (my student revue partner) and Elspeth Walker. Richard Curtis was the other writer on the show. I'd written for Peter before, but I thought I ought to write something for the new guy. I started writing a list of silly names that got sillier, and then realized it needed a sketch after it. I typed it up and gave it to Rowan that morning in rehearsal. He just said, ‘Mm,’ and wandered off, reading it. I thought, phew, at least he didn’t hate it. The first time he did it in rehearsal I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. He filled the empty theatre with non-existent schoolboys and played off them. John Cleese and Martin Lewis, the producers of what was later named The Secret Policeman's Ball, saw it. A year later, Rowan called me and said, ‘John Cleese just rang, he's invited me to be in his new charity show, and can I do the Schoolmaster*?’ Yes, indeed he could. He went onstage a complete unknown, with his gown and clipboard, and walked off a star. It was nice to be a part of that."*

You can watch Rowan Atkinson’s iconic performance of the Schoolmaster sketch here: Rowan Atkinson at Amnesty International (1979)

Now based in Los Angeles, Sparks made a successful transition into novel writing. His debut novel, New Rock New Role, received widespread acclaim upon its release in 2023, earning features in The Sunday Express, Times Radio, GB News, BBC Radio London, and The Daily Star. Acclaimed science fiction author Frasier Armitage praised it as “a really sincere, fantastic, really brilliant fantasy LitRPG mash-up,” while BBC Radio Merseyside’s Helen Jones described it as a “fantastic new book.”

Sparks’ latest novel, New Rock New Realm, was released in November by Caezik SF & Fantasy. The publisher describes the book as:

“Following their epic quest in New Rock New Role, battlemage healer Daxx and his crew—dual-wielding sword dancer Orysta, heavily armed Orc Grell, and sneakthief Oller with his loyal mutt companion, Little Guy—embark on their next adventure. When a mysterious ghost ship arrives with a cryptic message, they set sail with noble intentions, only to find themselves caught in an eternal battle between good and evil. Faced with an impossible challenge, each must undertake a perilous mission in a realm where no destination is safe. With his signature wit and masterful storytelling, Richard Sparks crafts a tale brimming with adventure, suspense, and humor. Memorable characters, imaginative worlds, and thrilling quests make the New Rock series a standout addition to the fantasy genre.”

Listen to the full interview here: BBC Sounds Interview

For more insights from Richard Sparks, visit his latest blog post: We're Number One!