Sean Garnet (Andy Capp): «It was a massive responsibility taking over such a global phenomenon as Andy»
I had the pleasure of speaking to Sean Garnett, co-writer of Andy Capp! In our exclusive interview, he talks about how it was taking over from its creator Reg Smythe. Also, we talked about Andy's evolution over time and his future.
Christos Kazantzoglou: Hi Sean, tell me few words about yourself?
Sean Garnet: I’m from London and work as a sub-editor on the Daily Mirror as well as co-writer of Andy Capp. I was a big Andy fan before we took over the cartoon in 2011 as we always had the Daily Mirror in our household as children.
Christos Kazantzoglou: Except from you, who else is in the team?
Sean Garnet: My friend Lawrence Goldsmith is the co-writer and exceptional illustrator of the strip.
Christos Kazantzoglou: What is it like to continue the great work of Reg Smythe?
Sean Garnet: It was a massive responsibility taking over such a global phenomenon as Andy, which is what Reg created with his genius idea, brilliant artwork and of course working class humour. But we did not take over directly from Reg. The brilliant writer Roger Kettle and gifted cartoonist Roger Mahoney carried the torch form many years after Reg passed away. We feel honoured to have been given the chance to be part of that history.
Christos Kazantzoglou: Do you think Andy is still close to his time?
Sean Garnet: In many ways but we’ve also modernised him, subtly. Obviously the world changes, along with attitudes and technology etc, so we couldn’t exactly keep him as he was 100% from Reg’s days, otherwise he would lose relevance. And we also wanted to attract younger fans and people from a broad range of backgrounds, so a strip without reference to the technology of the day and social media etc would probably not hold much attraction to them. Although we have made the changes to keep up with the times, we think Andy has evolved slowly, rather than suddenly and very noticeably changed in dramatic fashion.
Christos Kazantzoglou: Will we ever see Andy have a real job?
Sean Garnet: Your guess is as good as mine ha. But he hasn’t had one in his 67-year history so far.
Christos Kazantzoglou: Are there any thoughts of Andy growing his family with Flo?
Sean Garnet: No, we have enough characters to draw ha.
Christos Kazantzoglou: In the 80s, a series was released on ITV without success, are there any plans we see a new series?
Sean Garnet: Not as far as I know.
Christos Kazantzoglou: Why do you think it continues to have fans in and outside the UK?
Sean Garnet: I think it’s probably because of Andy’s general disdain for authority and convention, while living his life as he pleases. I think a lot of people around the world can see bits of themselves in him, or at least see bits they would like to have themselves ha. Of course, we mustn’t forget he is only a cartoon.
