Page 43 - Real Rochdale Issue 22 Summer 2024

BBC show produced by Rockerdale Studios He said: “We wanted edginess
in the show, provocativeness,
sees Michael Sheen grilled by 35 but that question [about the
age of Michael’s partner] was
neurodivergent interviewers very early on in the shoot.

“We were watching in the
gallery and thought, ‘what if
he walks off, what if he hates
that question’. That was
terrifying. Anna was actually
there in a different room, so it
Photo: BBC/Rockerdale Studios was double the nerves
because we didn’t know how
Speaking before the show’s groups around the UK - and she would take it as well.
airing, he added: “I was quite with “three superb
moved at times by seeing how organisations” in particular to “It resulted in a profound and
much people had to struggle select their cast. emotional answer.”
to overcome certain things
they were dealing with in They said: “Building trust was When asked about the
order to ask questions at essential and it was important feedback received from the
times. That was uplifting. I to have the time for this to show, Stu said: “We’ve had a
don’t know what people will happen. It was satisfying to lot of neurodivergent people
learn about me... but it’s not have built such a diverse team, say, ‘Finally, a portrayal that
about me, it’s about that too: many of our off-camera is representative of all of the
fantastic group of people, but team self-identify as disabled many sides’ [of
Photo: BBC/Rockerdale Studios I certainly got a huge amount or neurodivergent.” neurodivergent people].
out of it too and I hope an
Neurodivergent interviewers grilled A-list him cry, his opinion of the British Royal Family. audience will as well.” Stu added: “We wanted a big “We’ve also had responses

celebrity Michael Sheen in a special BBC However, the Welsh actor was also asked some name [for the interview] and from parents of neuro kids,
One interview by Rockerdale Studios, an easier questions about his height, his favourite Rockerdale Studios, a their personality was also because they’re used to seeing
independent production company Disney film and his first-ever crush. disabled-led company that important. You need charisma quite sad stuff, gentle piano
co-founded by Rochdale’s Stu Richards. Mr Sheen said he was “very excited” before the puts on- and off-screen to draw people in and be able music, so the response has
to deal with the edgier
disabled talent at the heart
been really positive.”
show because he “really had no idea” what he of its work, was founded in questions. Michael Sheen was
Airing to celebrate Autism Acceptance Week, was going to be asked. 2017 by CEO Stu Richards that funny, intelligent, honest ‘The Assembly’ is available to
‘The Assembly’ saw a cast of 35 people aged and COO Michelle Singer, who bloke who we felt would be watch on BBC iPlayer until
18-77 who are autistic, neurodivergent or He said: “I said yes to being a part of The have made a name for the perfect guy.” March 2025.
learning disabled, question Assembly because it was just such an themselves with their unique
multi-award-winning actor and director, extraordinary and interesting idea. Reading brand of mischievous and
Michael Sheen. about the original French series, it just sounded provocative comedy content.
so extraordinary, different and potentially a
The format is an adaptation of French show very revealing way to approach the tried and Stu is also known for co-creat-
‘Les Rencontres Du Papotin’, which saw the tested interview process, but obviously it is a ing and writing the BBC Three
likes of Emmanuel Macron and Camille Cotin lot more than just being an interview. comedy, Jerk, and Rockerdale
(Call My Agent) face the neurodivergent is best known for Channel 4’s
journalists of the Papotin. “The interview part of it is just one aspect of Mission: Accessible.
the project and I think there is still a lot of
With no topic off the table, the Good Omens confusion, ignorance and fear around people Working closely with the
star, 55, answered tough questions from with any kind of difference. I think being able BBC’s Creative Diversity
musicians, artists, writers and students, such to be involved in a project like this could maybe Team, Rockerdale Studios
as the age gap between himself and his partner, break down some of those barriers.” spent “a long time”
30-year-old actor Anna Lundberg, what makes working with a number of Michelle Singer and Stu Richards

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