Simon Bird - Everyone Else Burns S2

Category: Press Pack Article

Interview with Simon Bird (David)

Tell us about your character and what it felt like coming back for Series 2?
David is the buffoonish patriarch of the Lewis family. It felt great coming back for series two, like coming home.

What did you make of the success of the first series and why do you think audiences enjoyed it so much?
I was thrilled by the success of series one. It’s always hard to launch a sitcom, especially one as high concept as this and set in a world that most people don’t really have firsthand experience of. It was a real boost to learn that people were watching and enjoying it. I think people really respond to the show’s unique tone because it has the warmth and poignancy of a family sitcom, something like Modern Family, but at the same time, it’s subversive and surprising. It’s a warped family sitcom.

Where do we find your character at the start of this series?
At the beginning of this series, David has been all but disowned by the church where he’s very much out of favour with Samson and the elders. And at home, he’s either ignored or just outright mocked by his wife and children. So, he’s in a bit of a funk.

What challenges does your character face in this series?
A temptress named Maude! She’s played by Sian Clifford and is, for some reason, intent on seducing David and destroying his marriage. Will he hold out? Is he strong enough? Only time will tell!

What has it been like getting the congregation (cast and crew) back together?
We already had a pretty stacked cast from series one, but we’ve topped that for series two with the introduction of Sian Clifford, Olivia Marcus and Paddy Young. Everywhere you turn, there’s a hot new comedy wonderkid. It’s like the Manchester City of sitcoms.

Does your character evolve in this series?
David is a bit like Homer Simpson. He never really changes. He never really learns…

What are you most looking forward to audiences seeing in this series?
I’m really looking forward to audiences seeing Sian Clifford as Maude and hers and David’s ‘will they, won’t they?’ flirtation.