So, fans, here it is: Brassic Series 7 is upon us. After more than six years of chaos and calamity, the final series is promising us everything that has made the show so popular with fans, in true Brassic style, it is seeing out this final ride in style! Sky Max weekly from September 25th.
Courtesy of Sky, Steve Evets, who plays Jim, shares his final thoughts on the foul-mouthed farmer.
You’ve been with Brassic since the beginning. What was it like getting the role of Farmer Jim?
I remember going to the audition and seeing this guy in the waiting area who looked like a big, jolly, stereotypical farmer, big bloke, red cheeks, checked shirt. I thought, “Well, he’s got the job then!” But I still went in and did my bit…
I read the ‘painting the pony’ scene from episode one. The casting director said “action”, and she thought I had frozen but I was just establishing where the bloody pony was in relation to Joe. She gave me some space, and I went again to do the scene… it was the one that ended with “It’s a f**king blonde pony.”
Then, surprisingly, I got the job even after thinking I’d blown it with the casting director. That’s how it all started.
Farmer Jim’s character has really grown over the series. What’s it been like playing him?
I loved it but I loved the whole idea of Brassic. I knew Farmer Jim was on the periphery of the gang, but I loved the idea of them all growing weed underground on his farm. I loved how he had his own mad life, but he’d dip his toe into their shenanigans, and vice versa.
Also, when I read the script for the pony scene in the first episode, the final scene, it opened this, this big can of worms, the signature phrase of Jim. I knew it was special. That line at the end, which is now infamous: where I turn to Shirley and say, “Your pony is a ct,” and he turns back and says, “No, your pony is a ct.” I remember thinking the line might get cut, but I was quite elated when it aired. I knew it was special, and it really showed the childish mentality between Jim and his neighbour Shirley. I’m pleased that the phrase has continued throughout the seven series.
Do you get recognised now in the street?
Oh yes, all the time. People started recognising me, asking for photos, saying things like, “You’re that mad farmer!” It’s been surreal. People would come up to me and quote lines from the show, or ask me to say that famous line, or take a selfie and get me to call them a c**t.
It’s been great. I find it quite therapeutic as you get to vent and call people a c**t but in a nice way.
I’ve not had to pay for a psychiatrist; I just get to vent.
What does it feel like coming to the end of the series?
It’s been seven years. It’s been a very enjoyable adventure. I’ll be sad to see it go. I have mixed feelings about letting Farmer Jim go. I do like him, and a lot of people seem to like him too. I think it’s because he says the things other people want to say but wouldn’t dare. He’s foul-mouthed, miserable, aggressive but somehow still charming, and people love him. He has no filters, but it’s been a pleasure bringing him to life.
Has it been hard to keep a straight face?
Yes, Jim’s little monologues or rants. They’re so well written that I had to dissect them forensically to see what I could add to each line, to bring as much life to them as I could. So they’d be exactly as Danny Brocklehurst, the writer, intended them to be. I’ve loved getting one of the rants and having a lot of fun with it.
The most times I’ve corpsed has been with Aaron Heffernan. He leaves these little gaps in dialogue and always gets me. I’ve always prided myself on being very professional, but he’s always got me and I hate him for that! [laughs]
Have you got a favourite scene or monologue?
Yes… The disco biscuit monologue scene, which is an all-time classic for Farmer Jim. The incredulous madness of people having designer wellies, the burst of anger he has over the idea that designer wellies even exist, and the drugs and all the clichés… it’s just beautiful.
It’s gone down in folklore. I get it quoted at me several times a week “Has anyone got a disco biscuit?” And again, such class writing from Danny. It’s been a pleasure to be given that scene. I knew it was special when I got it.
I pretty much did it in one take because I’d rehearsed it so much at home. I told the director I just knew what to do with it. I’ve only got limited energy and my breathing’s not that good these days, so I just said, “Keep the camera rolling and see what happens.” He was happy with the first take. It’s such a great, well-written piece.
Do you have a final message for the fans?
To all the Brassic fans out there it’s been seven years, it’s been a gas, it’s been a laugh, it’s been emotional. It’s been up, it’s been down, and hopefully you’ve all stuck with it.
You’re all dead loyal and supportive. The crew, the cast, just brilliant people. You don’t always see the folks behind the scenes, but they’re the ones who make it all happen. I’m grateful to them all.
Thank you.