Ruth Jones, an acclaimed actor, comedian, and writer from Bridgend, is known for her role as Nessa in the beloved sitcom Gavin & Stacey. In this engaging conversation, she reminisces about her childhood musical adventures and the deep-rooted family love for performance. Ruth shares the evolution of her friendship with James Corden and how it sparked their collaborative success. She also expresses her delight in returning to musical theater, relishing the thrill of classics like Sweeney Todd, and reflects on her multifaceted career in comedy and writing.
Ruth Jones's early passion for musical theatre and family influences laid the groundwork for her successful career in comedy.
The collaboration between Jones and James Corden in creating Gavin and Stacey turned a personal experience into a beloved cultural phenomenon.
Deep dives
The Rise of Nessa and Ruth Jones
Nessa, a beloved character from the British sitcom Gavin and Stacey, was created by Ruth Jones, who has become a prominent figure in British comedy since the show's debut in 2007. Jones's journey into performance began in childhood, where her family's musical background greatly influenced her creative pursuits. She enjoyed playful performances with her sister, often leading to her developing characters and comedic sketches. This early passion laid the foundation for a successful career, establishing Jones as a talented actor, writer, and comedian, ultimately culminating in the enduring popularity of her character Nessa.
Collaborative Genius of Gavin and Stacey
The concept for Gavin and Stacey was born from James Corden's experience at a Welsh wedding, which became a catalyst for Jones and Corden to collaborate on the show’s development. Their chemistry and comedic vision attracted a devoted audience, making it a cultural phenomenon in British television. The casting was equally important, with characters like Uncle Bryn adding depth and humor, and the show’s memorable sketches, including a trip to Las Vegas with Tom Jones, showcased both the writing brilliance and the exceptional performances. The success of the show demonstrated how relatable storytelling and well-crafted characters could resonate widely with viewers.
Ruth Jones's Continued Legacy
Beyond Gavin and Stacey, Ruth Jones created and starred in Stella, a series that highlighted the complexities of family life in Wales, showcasing her ability to weave comedy with genuine emotion. She has also ventured into writing novels, expanding her creative repertoire beyond screen performances. Despite her fame, Jones's humility is evident, as reflected in her willingness to embrace ordinary jobs, reinforcing her down-to-earth character. Her recent return to musical theater in the West End hints at her versatility and commitment to her craft, suggesting exciting future projects could lie ahead.
This week’s Profile, with Stephen Smith, is focusing in on a woman born in Bridgend in south Wales, who loved to participate in musical theatre as a child – and went on to create one of Britain’s best-loved sitcoms.
With a degree in drama under her belt from the University of Warwick, Ruth Jones initially found work at BBC Wales in both TV and radio comedy. She soon branched out into theatre, before gaining a role in the popular ITV series Fat Friends.
It was there that she would work with James Corden for the first time. But not the last. The pair went onto create BBC Three hit, Gavin & Stacey in 2007. Seventeen years on, the sitcom has just provided us with one last trip to Barry Island and Billericay.
So grab a chicken bhuna, lamb bhuna, prawn bhuna, mushroom rice, bag of chips, keema naan, nine poppadoms and listen to this episode of Profile on the woman known for her iconic role as Nessa.
Production Team
Producers: Ben Cooper and Diane Richardson
Editors: Ben Mundy and Sarah Wadeson
Sound: John Scott
Production Co-ordinator: Maria Ogundele
Credits
Gavin & Stacey 2008 Christmas Special: BBC / Baby Cow Productions
Little Britain: BBC
Barry Islands In The Stream: BBC / Comic Relief / Mercury Records
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