Exclusive Interview by Paul Kinder

"THROW THEM ON THE FIRE AND TAKE THE CAR DOWN TOWN."

So you get the chance of personally interviewing one of the 'G-Men' from the forthcoming movie Everybody Loves Sunshine... an opportunity not to be sneezed at.

So I packed my tape recorder and note pad, put a bullet-proof vest on and shot over to his gaff for a natter...

...the G-Man ready for questioning is 'Simon'.

I first saw a photograph of VINCENT DAVIES quite a few months back in my local newspaper. The first ray of promotional exposure for the soon-to-be released film EVERYBODY LOVES SUNSHINE.

With a film cast that includes DAVID BOWIE and also GOLDIE I obviously read anything and everything connected with this latest project.

After the initial write-up, there followed a second piece, along with a promotional photograph of Vinny and David together. Vinny had got in touch with a local reporter to shout about it from the roof tops. After all, who wouldn't? How often do you get to work alongside David Bowie?...

My initial impression of the two of them pictured together, reminded me of Stuey George, who was David's personal security guy in the Seventies. I read the article and was 'chuffed' that a local lad had gotten the 'Fame - What's your name?' treatment.

The last photograph I clocked featured Vinny, David and Goldie together. Vinny was rather menacingly holding a twelve-bore shotgun. To say I was a 'little apprehensive' after seeing this picture is a slight understatement, considering I had arranged to interview him... hence the BPV!

Now some actors are well known to stay in character upwards of six months, fortunately for me there are exceptions... VINCENT DAVIES falls into this category.

After knocking on his front door and shaking hands, it took all of three minutes to realise that he was just a normal fellow Mancunian. I half expected a gold chained, diamond encrusted, Paul Smith togged up geezer with a twelve-bore shotgun strategically placed on his lap. Wrong!

I'd also anticipated to be made about as welcome as a fart in an astronaut's space suit. Wrong again!! I don't think I could have been anywhere further away from the truth... from a 'G-Man' to a 'Gentle-Man' in two easy steps.

When I think of the name 'Vincent' I conjure up an image of a bloke with one ear... In anticipation of this interview I was ALL ears.

I immediately notice a Manchester City Football Club fanzine on the coffee table. I won't mention I'm a 'Red', I don't want to start the interview off on the wrong foot!

"Hi Vinny. Nice to meet you face to face at last?... Don't tell me the ending will you?... Or you'll spoil the film!"

"Go in there and sit down... or I'll shoot ya."

We both start laughing...

"Can I take this off then?" pointing at the BPV.

"Nah... you'd better leave it on for a while... I've not heard any of your questions yet!"

"Go on then... fire away."

Q: So where did you learn your craft as an actor?

I don't think I ever 'learnt' to be an actor. I always 'was' an actor. I was one of thirteen children, and obviously, you know what I mean, you've got to act to be recognised or noticed... But I think it was through that I was allowed to advance as a child.

The only kind of 'official' drama training I've had was at the Contact Youth Theatre, but other than that I've not had any drama training at all. I did toy with the idea of it, but I think sometimes if you do go to drama school you can betray your natural qualities.

Q: Have you got a preference for performing in television, movies or the theatre?

Yeah definitely, I do have a preference. The majority of my work has been on television. That's how it's been anyway... and in radio. I've done a lot of radio drama. So mainly radio drama, a lot of TV, things like 'Cracker', 'Band Of Gold'... and so on. And because I'm a Northern actor as well, I was very lucky to be involved in a lot of those Northern projects, but film is by far the most exciting form of being able to display your craft. It's just so professional, so organised... and the expectations are, I think, really a lot higher in film.

Q: Who or what has been your biggest influence?

One person springs to mind. I was educated locally at Burnage High School. There was only one teacher there who I felt recognised and respected me. She was called Celia Russell.

I fucked about good style y'know and got slung out of this, that and the other. She was the only one who would kind of reign me in and bring me back. I think she recognised that I could do something. She gave me the push in the very first place. She kind of said: "It's up to you... but I know as a trained drama teacher you can do this... and I've found something that you can do." She has been a massive influence on me.

Q: So have any actors been an influence?

I don't really have any... y'know people say: "Oh James Dean, James Cagney" or whoever... y'know that kind of thing? If I had to say anybody it would be the Pakistani fella out of 'Mind Your Language'. (laughs).

Q: If you could meet any single person, dead or alive, in any time scale, who would you most like to meet?

Anyone?... Angela Davis... she's no relation like.

I'm actually kind of finding out bits about her as I go along. She was very much part of the Panther Movement in America. By all accounts she was really quite amazing, d'you know what I mean? And we all know that was a serious struggle. So I think she'd be one of the most incredible people to meet.

...Get to reason with her over some rice an' peas man!... Bliss!

Q: Which has been your most satisfying performance so far?

Bearing in mind that Everybody Loves Sunshine hasn't been released yet, so I don't really think I should include that. Mainly because I haven't really seen the complete finished product yet. So it would have to be a film for television which I was involved in called 'Deep Secrets', along with Colin Salmon, who I really respect. He's a good actor, a black actor... and also with Amanda Donohoe. The main reason why it was so exciting for me was because all the filming took place on location in Tib Street, Manchester, and my part was actually filmed in a brothel. So I got to see the inside of a brothel without any dodgy goings on! (laughs).

My character was a ragamuffin geezer who supposedly sold firearms... sold guns...

(The telephone starts ringing... Vinny knocks it off the hook).

"That could have been David." I suggest.

"It could have been... yeah to leave a message." (laughs).

"Hello? Yes. David listen, yeah call back later." (both laughing).

...it was nice for me because I got to play a dual character role. I was this ragamuffin, y'know selling them guns, blah blah blah, playing hard to get, but all the time I was an undercover policeman collating information, so I got to play two characters in one. So for example in a speech I would go from:

"Yeah man, yeah, you need a Browning? You want an Uzi? Yeah I'll take care of it? Take care see ya later." (Door closes)...

"Charlie Four Seven Victor Over. Yes they've taken the bait."

So in seconds I had to go from one character to another and I enjoyed that, it was challenging.

Q: So what was Amanda Donohoe like to work with?

She was alright. But it was very strange because she got robbed while we were filming in Manchester! (laughs). Which may come as no great surprise? They put a sign on her caravan saying 'Amanda Donohoe' stuck there right on the window, and of course, the local scallies had thought 'We'll have a bit of that' and they turned her over. So she was a bit upset obviously.

Q: Which actors do you admire the most?

It's difficult for me because it's a bit like asking somebody, I think, who works at McVities factory what their favourite biscuit is? You get sick of the sight of them a lot of the time, so my admiration comes from working with them, and how they are with me. Obviously if they are big actors, big time actors, their generosity often becomes smaller and smaller. However, the one person who I found it isn't at all true with is... I did 'Cracker' with Robbie Coltrane. I just...

(I name-drop that I once met Robbie Coltrane in an Edinburgh hotel during David's Sound + Vision tour).

"You've met Robbie?... "He's not bad for a big Scotch fucker is he?" (laughs).

...but I just found him completely unselfish.

I had lied at the audition because I wanted the part so much. The director asked me: "Vincent, have you driven a black cab before?" And I replied: "What do you think I do when I'm not acting? That's what I am." And so I got the part. Of course, when I came to shoot the scene... well I'd never driven a black cab in my life! It was fucking scary. I was thinking 'Oh my God what am I gonna do?' I had Robbie in the back, along with a film crew of thirty or so around me. I'm crunching the gears on this black cab like there's no tomorrow and he just totally kind of supported me. He said to me: "Listen, don't worry about it. I know you've not driven a black cab before, but the thing is, what you must remember is, they go when we go. We run the fucking show, not them."... this was all internal... he just completely relaxed me and I was finally able to do it. So I found that really unselfish and I admire him for that. It was generous. I look forward to the day when I can do the same for another actor, because it stuck with me y'know? It was simple. It cost him nothing but it was priceless to me.

Q: Have you got any particular favourite actors?

Joe Pesci, amongst others, but I just keep going to particular episodes and performances.

My favourite film of all time is 'Withnail And I'. So Richard E. Grant is also one of my favourites. I've never met him, I would love to meet him. One of my dreams is to work with him. I don't know what the fuck he was doing in The Spice Girls movie... but we've all got to pay the taxman, but yeah, Richard E. Grant is and always will be one of my favourite actors. Stunning. It's from that performance though.

Q: So explain the reason why that's your favourite movie of all time?

Yeah... 'Withnail And I'. I just think it's just so... it's so strange for me why I've arrived at that because I was a naughty lad when I was younger. I was... have you ever seen those grabbers at the fun fair?... you put ten pence in and try to pick sweets up? Well I had a grabber pick me up and drop me in the middle of the fucking Lake District for two years (laughs). That's what it felt like. Somewhere I could cause no damage or whatever y'know? (laughs). Also because it's shot in the Lake District and it's about an actor, it just feels dead personal.

Q: Pick five words that best describe yourself?

Optimistic... Brown... (laughs)... Caring... Keen... and... Buzzing!

Q: What was the most valuable piece of advice you've ever received?

What Robbie told me about control and the fact that you can... although sometimes in acting you feel like it's out of control through the demands put on you for one thing... 'We are in control'. That was very sound advice and I've never forgotten it.

Q: What is your most treasured material possession?

It's a picture which hangs on my wall. It's a very recently acquired possession. It's of myself and David Bowie, just after we'd... I'd sung 'Kooks' to him, running round and dancing like fools (laughs).

I asked if I could have a photograph taken with him. It was great because we had Nick Wall, the stills photographer on the scene, he photographed the two of us and then sent me a copy.

It's framed up, it's beautiful and I love it.

Q: So it's true then that you did sing 'Kooks' during the filming?

Absolutely... but we weren't actually filming at the time. More like stuck in a mill on the Isle of Man and feeling a bit naughty.

Q: When were you last well and truly gob-smacked?

I think right on a personal level when Manchester City got relegated to Division Two. I just never thought that would happen somehow. I'm a 'Blue' through and through. So that gob-smacked me. But lots of different things surprise me every day y'know, an old lady opening the door for you gob-smacks you. You know what I mean?

Q: If you were granted any three wishes. What would they be?

Wish number one would be for the people I care about just to be happy, healthy and safe. Definitely that's number one.

Number two would be to try and sort some of the nutters out in the world. The ones who hack each other to death and blow each other up for stupid reasons.

And number three would be just to continue to get the work that I'm getting. Hope the opportunities get even better, and also for me to grow and improve as an actor.

Q: You've have just won a holiday competition to any destination in the world. Where would you choose to go?

The Maldives would be perfect... or Mustique. Any of those two would do for me.

Q: So how did you manage to get the part of Simon?

It was quite strange. I went to Liverpool for an audition with the director Andrew Goth. I went in there, and somebody had told me...

Oh! that's another time I was gob-smacked as well... when I learned I was going to be working with David Bowie, that knocked me for six!...

Somebody had told me... I'd heard on the grapevine that there was going to be a big name involved in this film. I was thinking to myself: "It might be Patricia Routledge?" y'know somebody like that. I had no idea whatsoever it was going to be somebody like David Bowie, but yeah, sorry getting back to your question about getting the part...

So I went in there and Andrew and I just talked about all sorts. We talked about villains and about crime and so on. I think because I've lived, as many of us do, in areas where we see a lot of it go on, y'know, I didn't need any of my experiences out of a text book, or I didn't need to imagine as much, let's put it that way. I think mainly because I could relate to him on that score, I guess he went for it.

Also I've got it on really good authority as well, that he knew immediately that I was 'Simon' as soon as we started speaking. I also took a chance because he was just talking to me about the film and la la la... normally at interviews that's all that happens. Sometimes you may get read a little bit from the script, but what I had decided to do was, I just.. something told me, my sixth sense told me to completely put my neck on the line and go for it. So I did.

I had prepared a little audition piece for him in advance. I hadn't seen the film script at all. Andrew was saying: "Great Vinny we'll be in touch." I said: "Hang on a minute, I've prepared a speech for you." So I did the piece for him and I think he was blown away. It was very, very... it was frighteningly similar to the character that he was casting but I didn't know that... he did... and that was it... Bang!

Q: This is Andrew Goth's first film? His script has already won two prestigious awards. What was he like to work with?

As far as I'm aware, yes it's his first.

I think the first thing about Andrew which is important is... you've got to understand that in the film we were driving around in Jaguars and wearing diamonds, we were carrying firearms and stuff, and it was all too easy to get wrapped and caught up in. There were guns going off and all sorts. Andrew was always very calm about it, very very calm. He really played it down, and I think he did that for the sake of the cast because it made us y'know, we all calmed down a bit. That's exactly what he needed to achieve. Andrew needed to portray people who do this kind of thing every day. So that calmness kind of filtered through.

In terms of his direction he was so simple. He never made anything complicated y'know, he never over complicated anything. He was one of the clearest directors that I've ever worked with.

*(The multi talented Andrew Goth who wrote, directed and also stars in Everybody Loves Sunshine has already achieved the honours of winning 'The 1995 European Script Fund Award' and 'The 1996 Carl Foreman/BAFTA Award' before filming was underway).

Q: Did Andrew give you any scope to ad-lib or did you have to stick religiously to the script?

More or less yes, you had to stick to the script, but I think once he had cast me, he entrusted me with the character. He told me: "Y'know it belongs to you now?" So there were slight opportunities for me to say for example: "Well is it alright if I say it like this? I'm sure Simon wouldn't put it like that?" Not just Andrew though, the wardrobe department also. They would come out with, for example, a grey shirt, and I'd say "No... in this scene I'm sure Simon would want to be wearing something bright."... I think that Simon always dreams of one day being a 'Bernie' or a 'Terry', y'know, the characters played by David and Goldie.

Q: Describe Andrew in one word?

Talented.

...He really is. For anybody on their first ever film to write, direct and appear in, and pull it off, yeah, he's talented. He's like a little flower, you just know for a fact he's gonna grow into something pretty special.

Q: So what is 'Simon' your character like?

Dedicated and dangerous... and I see myself as being almost as... well you've got Goldie, David and Andrew's characters who are the gaffers.... but I always regarded myself as being a bit special. In the script it's my character that gets to interact with 'Bernie' David's character. I get to have the arguments with him y'know, and I just seem to be there a lot of the time, chipping in.

It's interesting because when you receive your script and it states for instance... 'we start from here... move to here... and forward on to...' what I did was give it a history.

The script starts, for example, where Ray and Terry come out of prison. What I did was to take it back six months, and I thought "Well what would Bernie and I be doing during those six months?" That gave me a really good foundation, because I thought in my mind, while they were away, I would have pretended to myself that I was a gaffer y'know?

Q: What is the relevance of the title 'Everybody Loves Sunshine'?

Hmmm... (Vinny thinks long and hard!).

Q: So there's not a particular line or scene in the film that relates to it?

No not particularly. However, I think everybody will make their own conclusions on it. My conclusion is that 'at the end of the day everybody wants a piece of the action.'

Q: When is the film due to be released?... I presume it will be an 18 certificate?

That I couldn't tell you, but I think it's going to be late 98.

An eighteen certificate? Without a doubt yeah... fucking hell... don't take your Grandma to see it!

Q: What is your favourite scene in Everybody Loves Sunshine?

When an actor gets his script, he looks for a scene where he thinks he can shine. This particular scene, it's so personal. It's just me and David. David is being absolutely fucking cool... sewing a handkerchief... and I'm wanting to kill, wanting to get revenge and... y'know what I mean? It's just the complete clash of control and calmness and a complete madness. Bringing those emotions together, is a very weird feeling. Without doubt that's my favourite scene and it just so happens to be the one which explains the difference between our characters.

Q: Have you got a favourite line from the film?

Definitely. A line that David says to me... "When we were young, when we were your age Simon, we used to give all the old ladies a turkey on the manor at Christmas. You lot are fucking turkeys!" (laughs).

He's reminding us of our place... and I like that, it's quite special.

Q: Personally I don't think David has received anywhere near the credit he deserves for his acting ability. You're an actor, you've worked with him, what's your opinion?

He gives as much as anyone else. He takes his notes, makes them work, like we all do. So yeah, in a word he can act. No question about it.

Q: Has Everybody Loves Sunshine got an overall message?

Well really for me, only on a personal scale, the message is "You live by the sword - You die by the sword." That's it basically... and never take anything for granted.

Q: What was your initial impression when you very first met David?

My very first impression... I couldn't believe... I apologise if I sound clichéd, but I just couldn't believe how on the level he was y'know? David was making a real effort to be one of the lads because he knew that he had to come across like that on the screen.

There were no heirs, no graces, he never got his cigs out (laughs) which I found funny, y'know what I mean? At one stage it was quite funny, I got my cigs out and gave him one. He said: "You just read my fackin' mind."

So that was it... he had his axe... he'd broke the ice. Forgive the pun... it was that sort of relationship. He was just David and he is one of the 'widest' people I've ever met.

Q: Why did you choose to sing 'Kooks' with David? Any particular reason or was it just spontaneous?

Definitely. Because in the film we're a gang. We were just so ruthless, so reckless y'know? We would literally 'throw them on the fire and take the car down town'. That's how it felt. It was kind of... "Fuck it... who cares?" you know what I mean?

Then again, for me 'Kooks' is also quite endearing. I know everybody draws their own conclusions about his songs and his writing, but that particular song to me shows a very caring, delicate side of him.

Yeah... David wrote it on the day his son was born.

Yeah?... I didn't know that but that would fall into place with the way it felt. I like that side of him. I managed to get a little bit close to that side of him because he talked with me about Joe, kids and stuff. I've got sons myself, so I just thought it was nice to be able to share that with someone. That brings you down to earth because at the end of the day, a dad's a dad. It was nice... and he can't dance either! (laughs).

The photograph you had taken with David will look very impressive in your C.V.

The photograph... you wouldn't believe the amount of requests I've had concerning the photograph I had done with David... I can't believe how many I've had. People have come up to me and asked: "Any chance of a copy, just one?" I find it hard to say no and it's cost me a lot of money but then again so what? There's even one up on the wall inside a Welsh bistro in Abersoch and that's nice y'know?

Q: Have you seen any other films that David has been involved with?

I tried to watch 'The Man Who Fell To Earth' but I just couldn't make head nor tail of it to be honest (laughs). It was a bit deep for me.

Lots of people have said to me since they found out I've worked with him.... and these are just straight goers... these are like... next door neighbours and milkmen... "Oh I liked him in that Chinese one, what was it called?" I presume they mean 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence' which I saw as a kid, but I want to see it again now I've worked with him.

Q: According to David he has plans for a Ziggy Stardust movie and stage play, which is currently in the pipeline. Can you think of any actor who would make a good Ziggy Stardust?

Robert Carlyle. Yeah he could do it. He would be perfect. There's something going on behind those eyes.

Q: So I guess David will need somebody to play the part of Stuey George the bodyguard. Would you jump at the chance of that particular role?

Absolutely, I'd love too... and that's because I've talked to him about the people who were around him at time. I don't think he mentioned Stuey George but he mentioned a lot of the others.

When I first saw the photograph of you and David, I immediately thought of Stuey George.

Really? You're the first person to have said that, but believe me if I know it's happening I'll be sending in my CV.

Q: I read in the film production notes about the razor blades in Bernie's lapel, they were one of David's suggestions then?

It was quite funny because when we were filming, when he had the razor blades in, y'know, nobody would go anywhere near him... unless you wanted your fucking fingers cut off y'know?

It's weird y'know in the film, you don't really see the razor blades. You have to look very carefully for them. In fact there's only one point as far as I know, where you actually know they are there.

Q: If you had the chance to play any role whatsoever what would you choose?

I would love to get the chance to play the sailor in a remake of 'A Taste Of Honey'. Rita Tushingham was in it, but that's for sentimental reasons.

Q: How do you get out of character after filming? Does it kind of stay with you and does it affect your personality?

Well it's usually quite easy to get out of character on the day because it's tiring. You've been there all day... it's a long day, it's hard work... continuity particularly if you've got to do retakes and stuff. So when they say: "Right, that's a wrap!"... you throw your gear off and leg it for a pint... and straight away you're out of character.

However, I think in Everybody Loves Sunshine because my character wore diamond rings and Paul Smith shirts and so on, everything was kind of... 'it'. I definitely think Simon loosely based himself on Bernie because David's character is just so untouchable and immaculate. Yes so that kind of stayed with me for a little while (laughs)... you know what I mean? (laughs).

Q: So when you get to actually see the finished film how you do think you will react?

Well obviously there will be nerves there, because you're seeing the finished product and there's no going back then. It's more nostalgia y'know? I think to be honest with you... and this is going slightly off at a tangent... it was only when I arrived back from filming a week or two after, I realised that I had worked with one of the biggest, most talented people, as far as I'm concerned, on the face of the planet. Simple as that.

I think at the time you don't allow yourself to get caught up in all that. When I came back home, everyone's reaction was: "With Bowie? Bowie!" y'know, and people on the street were saying "Fucking hell... Jesus, Vinny... What did he say?... How did he look?"... So then it starts to sink in. Now I just think "Wow!" and you just want to recapture it.

I felt quite sad when we had finished the film. When we were saying our goodbyes and so on, I was just trying to think in real terms... I thought well "He's got that much to do... that's it now, he'll be off somewhere else creating." I said to him: "I'll see you in the next world or whatever?" I know it was quite a sad moment. David said: "Give over man... I'll see you at the premiere." It was said in a way, like "Chill out man, y'know, we've established it, we're there." and you just kind of think "Well yeah, it is, it's there."

Q: So what does it feel like when you actually watch yourself on the screen?

I normally watch it with the kids. I'll watch it once, there is a lot of giggling and so on, and then I'll watch it again, just to try and look at things that perhaps could have been better. That's all you can do really, because as I've already mentioned, films are quite strange things, because once it's in the can, it's in the can. Once the director says he likes it, that's the end of it. Whereas if you record an album and listen to it and then think "I don't like that", you can just re-record it y'know?

Q: Describe David in one word.

Timeless.

Q: Have you got a message for David. Is there anything you would like to tell him?

Yeah. 'Get your fucking cigs out!' (laughing).

Yeah, I'd like to tell him that he probably takes for granted the fact that he's able to be just David. Not David Bowie the multi millionaire or whatever. I'd want to thank him for that really, because he went to great lengths not to be the 'megastar'. He wanted to be one of the lads, he wanted to fit in, he was there to play the part.

David's a generous actor, y'know and he wasn't precious at all. For example, it would be: 'OK cut, reset' and he didn't just shuffle off, y'know anywhere or whatever... he'd hang about with the lads and have a laugh and that. So it would be to say to him... "Don't lose that. Don't lose the ability to be simple about things, because it's priceless." I think when people actually watch the film they will understand that really. It was certainly priceless to me.

Does that make sense? Or do I sound like a fan to you? (laughs).

Q: Away from the script... would your character 'Simon' have a message for 'Bernie' (David's character)... is there anything he would say to him?

Yes. "I pull the trigger... you pull the strings... but one day I won't pull any punches."

Q: How did you get on with Goldie? What's he like?

I got on really, really well with Goldie. It's fair to say that out of everybody on the film set it was me and Goldie y'know? It's rather like starting at a new school, people get into different factions and so on and Goldie and I just 'whoosh'... hooked up together.

I know Goldie won't mind me saying that I worked with him a lot on his character. He helped me and I helped him with his dialogue. You have got to remember it was his first movie as well. There were times we would be reading the script and I would just perhaps offer him an alternative way of doing it. I'd just sort of say: "Have you tried doing it like this?" and he fully, fully appreciated that.

My wages were paid in kind by being... woken up at say, nine in the evening by him, going to the airport, jumping on a plane, flying off to London, jump in his Porsche and just 'whacking' around London having a mega time. That was his way of saying thank you to me, kind of thing.

Q: Explain the Kings Cross Station quote from Goldie about 'now making 35 pence per day'?

He's just taking the piss because I christened him 'The Gimp' (laughs).

I called him 'The Gimp' when we were working together, you know what I mean? I used to say things like: "The Gimp not arrived yet?" and "Has he got his brown coat on today?" and "Have you brought his oranges?" So it was kind of a running dialogue thing between us. He's just taking the piss really...

Q: So you didn't know about the quote from Goldie in the film production notes then?

No I didn't know about that actual quote. People were picking up a lot of stuff anyway and you just don't realise people are hearing it. But when I see him I am gonna slap him for that.

Q: Have you heard Goldie's last album 'Saturn Returnz' and also the track that features David?

I have yeah. Goldie walked me through it. He walked me right through the album and he walked me through that song... and the one with Noel on.

There's another coincidence there because I grew up with the Gallaghers'. Paul Gallagher y'know Noel and Liam's big brother. We used to all knock around together. 'I grew up with them... and fell down with them'... literally... in a Jack Daniels way... d'you what I mean? (laughs).

When Oasis made it big they didn't forget y'know. Through them I got to meet people like Bono and George Michael and so on...

Q: So you've heard some of the soundtrack Goldie has done for Everybody Loves Sunshine. Is it as good as 'Saturn Returnz'?

I've heard some of it and it's really good. It's where he's at. So yeah, it's as good as 'Saturn', if not better.

Q: Is the film soundtrack album very dark, like 'Saturn Returnz'?

Yes it's a bit like that but there's more a feeling of 'anticipation' to it as well. I did wonder whether Bowie was going to contribute something to the soundtrack or not. Then again, they are as 'thick as thieves', he could have contributed something and we'd never know.

I don't know if this may be one of your questions but I'll go into it now because it's on my mind...

The relationship between David and Goldie is quite stunning. They have such respect for each other, it's frightening. I think they both recognise that... I'm in danger of sounding a bit weird here... but I think they both recognise that they're gifted. Almost like bringing two autistic children together. It's like, "Oh God, a like-minded person!" y'know? There is a lot of real genuine love there between the two of them. Also I've got this on good authority from Goldie as well, I've talked to him about David, and I think Goldie was if not the reason for David doing the film... at least one of them. Which kind of reinforces what I'm saying.

I think Goldie's got some artwork that David's done, they get along really well. David calls Goldie 'Lickle G'. Y'know it's like: "How's it going Lickle G?"... I don't really know I can only speculate but I think perhaps David looks at Goldie and he thinks: "That was me." I just get the feeling that David recognises something of himself in Goldie. I must also mention at this point about Joanne Reay the producer. How on earth she managed to pull all this together I'll never know?... To get two massive stars like Bowie and Goldie... on the set together... at the same time.. is absolutely amazing. She's done an incredible job.

Q: Describe Goldie in one word?

Dark.

Q: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?

Loads really y'know. I like a lot of Bowie's stuff. My favourite was always 'Life On Mars?'. It's funny because since I've worked with David, my children, I've got five, six and ten year olds, have got to know who he is and understood him a little bit more. They've got to be kept informed of what's going on and so on. They've been listening to a bit of his stuff and they completely love 'Starman'. For instance, they're on their way to school and they...

"Dad?"

"In fact there's one here now."

(Vinny's youngest son, Cameron comes to join us in the living room).

"Come here Cameron. Which David Bowie song do you like best?"

"The Starman."

"Ha! See I told you it was true."

"Right Cameron, I'm having an interview, so you'll have to go in the another room and be quiet."

"Dad? Have you drunk all these beers?"

I've got a feeling the film is going to be a mega hit.

Do you reckon? I fucking hope so... I really do hope so. I mean this is what's so difficult, because you don't know whether something is gonna be successful or not. Obviously you want it to be and you are confident it will be, but you never quite know. So it's good to hear from you that you reckon it will be.

Q: So how are you going to celebrate the sure-fire success of Everybody Loves Sunshine?

I'm gonna celebrate by having a bottle of Bollinger definitely. Just get some champagne out and think "Right, nice one..." y'know? (laughs).

It's pretty similar to having a baby you know? (laughs) You just kind of think "Oh thank God it's got five fingers and, y'know toes and shit," you kind of think like that... because it is a bit nerve-racking.

Personally for me, if it is a success, then it'll be like all my Christmasses coming all at once. But you never know. I mean you look at something like 'Trainspotting'... came from nowhere... kicked in... massive... and those actors y'know, they haven't looked back. Also I think I'm probably quite lucky in a sense that David's in it and Goldie's in it as well. The people who see it and love it, will love me for being in it, I reckon. And that can only do good.

Q: So what's the next move for Vincent Davies the actor?

...Who knows?... I had a mad conversation with Goldie last week. He was on his way to Miami and he said he wanted to talk to me about a future project. I eagerly await his returnz.

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"I enjoyed that."

"Yeah. Me too, it was great."

"Are you sure that was your first ever interview?"

"Yes we're both virgins at this!"

"So are we going to do a follow-up then when I've seen the film?"

"Yeah sure no problem... if you've got the bus fare to L.A.?" (laughs).

I took another look at the film script whilst Vinny was in the kitchen making the coffee.

"Oi I thought you said you didn't want to know the ending?"

"I don't... I'm reading it carefully!"

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I felt incredibly honoured when Vinny acted out some of the scenes for me - he's good... he's frighteningly good. I can't wait to see the film. The anticipation is killing me.

We carried on yapping into the wee small hours. We got on like a house on fire... Vinny definitely had the stardust.

Oh by the way, does anybody want to buy an unused bullet-proof vest?

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© 1998 by Paul Kinder. Little Wonderworld.

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the express permission of the publisher.

Film Stills © Nick Wall Photography.

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EVERYBODY LOVES SUNSHINE is a Gothic Films production for IAC Holdings Ltd. with support from the Isle Of Man Film Commission and BV Films International.

Directed and written by Andrew Goth.
Produced by Joanne Reay. Executive Producers: Simon Johnson, Guy Collins, Heather Playford Denman and Bjorg Velland.

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C.V.
VINCENT DAVIES

Height: 5' 11' ........ Eyes: Brown ........ Hair: Black

SKILLS: Full clean driving licence. Facility with most accents, particularly Manchester, Yorkshire, Liverpudlian and West Indian 'Patois'. Excellent improvisational skills with role-play experience.

CAREER HISTORY

FILM: The Mission BLANK TELEVISION: Mersey TV Hanson TV Granada TV Granada TV Granada TV Granada TV Granada TV Yorkshire TV BBC TV Yorkshire TV BBC TV Granada TV Granada TV BLANK RADIO: BBC Radio 4 BBC Radio 4 Biteback Productions BBC Radio 4 BBC Radio 4 BBC Radio 4 BBC Radio 5 Biteback Productions Biteback Productions BBC Radio 4 BBC Radio 4 BBC Radio 4 BBC Radio 4 BBC Radio 4 BBC Radio 4 BBC Radio 5 BBC Radio 5 BBC Radio 5 BBC Radio 5 Various Radio Commercials, including KISS FM BLANK THEATRE: West Yorkshire Playhouse Manchester Contact Theatre Pilot Theatre Company Red Ladder Theatre Co.

BLANK Simon BLANK BLANK Doctor Williams HIV Counsellor Ricky Rob Taxi Driver PC Walter Johnson Gerry Security Guard DeeJay Paramedic Neighbour Reporter Neil Taylor BLANK BLANK Dean O'Rourke Stash Biker Errol Paterson Dean Roger Conrad Stringer Mr. Wildcate Jeff Colin Various parts Burton Ritchie Paul Derek Keith Billy BLANK BLANK BLANK BLANK Play reading Various Simmi Charles/Marvin

BLANK EVERYBODY LOVES SUNSHINE BLANK BLANK BROOKSIDE BROTHER AND SISTERS DEEP SECRETS BAND OF GOLD CRACKER MEDICS CORONATION STREET CIRCLE OF DECEIT BLOOD AND PEACHES EMMERDALE RESCUE 999 CHILDREN'S WARD THREE, SEVEN, ELEVEN BLANK BLANK YOUNG PC (2 Series) ICE SWEET BLOOD CHAOS BY DESIGN PADMATES MACKWOODSTOCKINTOSH GUNCHESTER DEADLY ECHO WORMHOLES CAN'T CATCH ME HULME STORIES HEART AND SOUL THE DOCTORS (4 eps) ONCE IN A BLUE MOON GOOSE BREATH CARR LANE KARTERS (4 eps) CRINKLIES CRIMEWAVES (4 eps) THE OCTOPUS BOYS BLANK BLANK BLANK BLANK HENRY V - A TOUCH OF HARRY SECOND THOUGHTS SKIN DEEP THE SCRAPPIE

BLANK Andrew Goth BLANK BLANK Steve Finn Charlie Hanson Diarmuid Lawrence Charles Beeson Michael Winterbottom Matthew Evans John Woods Nicholas Laughland Charles Beeson Graham Wetherall Linda Cleave Ric Mellis Michael Kerrigan BLANK BLANK Michelle Frederick Matherson/Claire Grove Sally Avens Diane Whitley Nandita Ghose Kate Rowland Anne Edyvean Sally Avens Martin Jameson Martin Jameson Nandita Ghose Michael Fox Michael Fox Patrick Tucker Claire Grove Anne Edyvean Chris Wallis Chris Wallis Martin Jameson Martin Jameson BLANK BLANK BLANK BLANK Jude Kelly Richard Gregory Martin McNicholas Rachel Feldberg

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VINCENT DAVIES is represented by Amber Personal Management Ltd.
28 St. Margaret's Chambers, 5 Newton Street, Manchester M1 1HN. Tel: 0161 228 0236.

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