Meet The Cast Q&A: Sir Dickie Benson

In the fifth part of our series of Q&As with the cast and crew of Once Bitten… it’s time to say hello to the inimitable Sir Dickie Benson! [For legal reasons we need to point out that any views, opinions or historical events expressed are all Sir Dickie’s and not ours!]

What is your favourite colour?

Octarine

What was the first acting role you ever had and how old were you?

I am a born Actor. Literally. To set the scene, it was the 24^th of December, 1942 at a quarter to midnight. Jerry’s dropping bombs on Bury when Athenoula Florentina Benson; Head Mistress and Drama teacher at the prestigious St Swithin’s School for Wayward Girls has gathered some of the terrified local gentry into the basement of the school and along with some of the girls was putting on the play to help calm the crowd. Mother had taken the role of Mary. Ever the method actress. The clocks struck midnight as a butterfly bomb obliterated the sports hall above, I exploded into life and was catapulted onto the makeshift stage to a cowering ovation.

Who is your role model or inspiration?

John Gielgud. He took me under his wing, employing me as his chief dresser, although he quickly realised I had other uses and I was promoted to chief enforcer. I mostly hung around the docks and knocked out sailors with a sock full of his awards.

*Behind the scenes: A master prepares. The great Sir Dickie Benson having a quiet moment before going on set*

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

I’ve never denied it.

What one essential thing do you always have with you on set?

An antique nargile pipe I’d received forcefully from Brian Cox (the actor) whilst backpacking through Nepal with him and Malcolm McDowell.

What is your favourite biscuit?

Space.

Name a film which always makes you happy?

‘The Elegance of the Epicurean Eunuch’, my passion piece with Mckellen containing the first reverse mangina ever to slip past the BBFC .

Name a film which always makes you cry?

Moonstruck.

Tea or coffee?

Not in my vodka.

A frame from the Q&A session with Sir Dickie Benson that we shot after wrapping his scenes — *The Q&A session with Sir Dickie Benson that we shot after wrapping his scenes*

What was the best part of working on Once Bitten…?

The liberal drug use and casual nudity on set.

What sucked the most about working on Once Bitten…?

I’m not sure I can answer that question for legal reasons.

What are you working on now / next?

Another stint at the Malibu Palisades Rehabilitation Centre and Day Spa.

Thank you to Sir Dickie for sharing his answers with us. Look out for another cast & crew Q&A next week!

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