George Fouracres (Part One)
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
I used to wear a bow tie to go to McDonald's on a Saturday morning. Can you stop? We went to McDonald's for breakfast.
I'm obsessed with the bow tie. This week on Walking the Dog, Ray and I went for a stroll in North London's Finsbury Park with actor, comedian and star of Saturday Night Live UK, the wonderful George Fouracres. George and I first met via our mutual pal, the comedian Pierre Novelli, so I knew George was a fan of this podcast, but what soon became clear was that he was actually a fan of Ray's rather than me. I've never seen a man so overwhelmed by an encounter with a dog. I was basically security at a Taylor Swift meet and greet. But nevertheless, I was thrilled to get to chat with him. And I couldn't have chosen a better time in his life because it's fair to say George is having quite the year thanks to his outstanding comic performances on Saturday Night Live UK.
He's had virtually the entire country singing the song What Kind of Irish Is Your Grandad? And his Keir Starmer sketches have even been reposted by Donald Trump. I know, but look, at least he recognises a comic genius when he sees one. George and I had the loveliest chat about pretty much everything. His childhood growing up in the black country with a very big, warm, extended family, how at one point he thought he was going to be a priest, and why getting to play bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream at school turned out to be a life-changing moment for him. We also talked about his time at Cambridge University, where he started to get very involved in comedy and became great pals with comedians Pia Novelli and Phil Wang.
George is also an acclaimed stage actor with a very impressive Shakespeare pedigree. He's played everyone from Hamlet to Falstaff. I've actually seen him at the Globe and I can exclusively reveal he was annoyingly brilliant. It turns out there is genuinely nothing this man can't do.
What makes George Fouracres a breakout star on Saturday Night Live UK?
He also happens to be one of the sweetest natured, loveliest, funniest human beings you'll ever meet. And it was genuinely a total joy to spend time in this man's company, which funnily enough is exactly what he said about Ray. No mention of me, but I've made my peace with the fact that I'm merely a witness to the greatest bromance the world has ever seen. I really hope you enjoy our walk. Here's George and Ray Ray. Now, George... I'm going to put Ray's harness on. I don't want you to think I just carry him all the time.
Like, yeah, it's very like a mid to late 17th century painting. Like James II or something. This was a gift from the Imperial Court of China.
That's the nicest look-alike comparison I've ever had.
James II, George. James II, England's last Catholic king.
No, do you know, Ray does have something of the historical court about him, doesn't he?
He really does. He looks a bit like when a medieval person has heard of a dog but not seen one and has then drawn it, but he's come to life as Ray.
It's like when they're talking about planes, metal bird in sky.
Yeah, exactly.
They would say about Ray.
Four legs, four legs nose move. Four legs nose move around. And then they made Ray somehow.
That would end up being his surname. People in the 21st century still having to have that surname. George, what a delight. I know I'm going to love this already.
Well, thank you for having me. What's funny is, I have been a fan of this podcast since the beginning. Really? Yeah, and it's all kind of spooky. The number of times, so I lived around here for ten years.
And we should say we're in Finsbury Park, aren't we?
We are, and the number of times I've walked around this park listening to this podcast, and now here I am. With Will behind us carrying all the equipment.
Yeah, he's going to have more equipment soon. Can you carry Ray's bag? This is Ray's bag.
And of course that's his bag.
Well, I was sent it and it arrived. I was so excited. It was an Aneta Porto van turned up.
Yeah, beautiful.
And it said Mew Mew.
And it was from Catherine Ryan.
I thought, she's bought me a bag. It was a bag for Ray.
It was a bag of dog.
I mean, my bag's from Zara.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:01–1:54
2
What makes George Fouracres a breakout star on Saturday Night Live UK?
1:54–4:34
3
How did George’s childhood in the Black Country shape his comedy and acting?
4:34–5:19
4
Why did George consider becoming a priest before choosing performance?
5:19–5:43
5
How did university life at Cambridge and friendships with Pierre Novellie and Phil Wang influence his career?
5:43–5:54
6
What are George’s most notable stage roles from Hamlet to Falstaff?
5:54–14:13
7
How does George’s love of dogs and his pet‑free status affect his life today?
14:13–22:54
8
How has George’s bipolar diagnosis impacted his creativity and daily life?
22:54–57:01