Simon Greenall (Pete Versus Life) interview

Pete Versus Life is a brand new five-part narrative comedy from the producers of Peep Show, coming to Channel 4 in August 2010.

> Find out more in our Series 1 episode guide.

Pete Griffiths, played by Spall, is a struggling young sports journalist. Although well meaning, Pete often lacks the emotional maturity required to deal with life’s more intricate problems. Pete wishes that life had clearly defined rules, like sport. But life isn’t like sport, as Pete is only beginning to realise.

> Read our interview with Rafe Spall.

Pete’s life is commented on, as if it was an exciting sporting event, by two professional sport commentators - anchor man Colin King (Simon Greenall), and former international footballer Terry McIIroy (Ian Kirkby).

Watch a clip...

Did you prepare for your role by watching a lot of TV sports commentary?

"Yes, I trawled though endless channels of all kinds of sports."

What have you noticed about how commentators speak?

"The most interesting ones are the ones who are professional commentators, as opposed to ex-sportsmen. The Pros are a bit more pompous and like to feel that they are in control."

Are you a sports fan anyway?

"Yes I love to watch boxing and football. Tennis leaves me stone cold, as does Formula One."

Who is the doyenne of sports commentary?

"I love Jim Rosenthal."

Is your portrayal based on any particular commentator?

"Look at who I love. But being a voice artist, you kind of have to have a sports commentator in you toolbox; mine is based more on their combined style rather than anyone in particular."

Did you improvise any of the commentary, or is it all verbatim from the script?

"There’s very little room for impro as we have to do our bit quite tightly to time, although there are a couple of bits that are mine."

Was it odd, filming a role where you just sit on a stool in a studio for the whole series?

"Not odd, brilliant! It’s hard enough learning the lines but having to move around as well! Also, sitting on a stool you can have your script handy."

Are you still able to watch televised sport, or do you find you just concentrate on the mannerisms and verbal ticks of the commentary team now?

"It is distracting now, I’m always looking out for bits of odd emphasis or bits where they are clearly just filling time."

Do you have a favourite bit of sports commentary?

"Harry Carpenter covering the great fights. Also, it's a bit obscure, but Kent Walton doing the wrestling in the 60’s and 70’s."

If you had to commentate of one sport, what would it be?

"Wrestling, but not the silly WWF stuff."

What would you be like as a commentator or pundit?

"Rude, sarcastic, inaccurate, partisan and hopeless."


Pete Versus Life airs on Friday from 6th August 2010 on Channel 4.