Webchat with Stephen Mangan: Thursday 15 May, 11.15am - 12.15.

[RachelMumsnet]

We're a bit excited that actor Stephen Mangan is popping in to join us for a webchat on Thursday 15 May at 11.15am to chat about his new film Postman Pat: The Movie.

Stephen is best known as Guy Secretan in the fabulous, Bafta winning series Green Wing. He will be remembered by many for his role as Adrian Mole in The Cappuccino Years on the BBC. To Alan Partridge fans he will .

On 23rd May Postman Pat: The Movie hits the big screens across the UK and Stephen Mangan is the voice of Greendale's favourite postie. The film finds Pat coming face-to-face with the temptations of money, status and a shiny new suit when he enters a national TV talent show competition. What happens when local fame meets global notoriety? Pat is set to find out as he falls for the age-old temptation of the grass being greener?

If you're around at 11.15 on Thursday morning, drop by and chat to Stephen and for those who are unable to make that time, post a question for him on this thread ahead of the webchat.

...And everyone who joins the webchat will be entered into a draw to win one of two fabulous Postman Pat: The Movie goody bags worth over £100 each.

Hello Stephen, I enjoyed Green Wing and especially enjoyed Episodes (very glad it's coming back)! My 3yo son is a bit obsessed by Postman Pat too (to the extent that he once asked if Postman Pat did poo ) so I'm sure we'll see the film.

My question is, what research did you do to 'become' Pat (if any) ad have you discovered a newfound empathy for posties?

Hi Stephen.
I wondered if you had the choice which you would choose?...
To be the hugely successful actor you are
Or
To be the lead vocal of a massively successful prog rock band?
Love your work, you saucebox

My daughters love Postman Pat as I did as a child.

I am intrigued as to how such an incompetent postman could win a talent contest.

A simple question: do you prefer stage or screen acting and why?

Two things (I know it's only supposed to be one but you can choose:

1. when you were making the Postman Pat movie did Pat's incompetence annoy you at all?

2. dish the dirt on Matt Le Blanc...

My DS is too big for Postman Pat these days so I'm going to ask an unrelated shallow question.

You, Tamsin and Julian all had/have such gorgeous hair, like a Green Wing themed L'Oreal commercial - did you all share the same haircare routine back then?

And do you ever have weirdos fans Matt LeBlanc try and run their fingers through your hair when you meet?

Dear Stephen Mangan, I think you are hilarious and I have a somewhat silly question for you...

Would you ever consider a career change to the postal service after your experience of being Postman Pat?!

Hello! You are the only famous person I ever come across on my v occasional forays Down South (at London Bridge station and on Regents Canal). Now that your fame is global rather than limited to Channel 4 and Radio 4 are you more shy and retiring, or still cool about being seen out and about with your kids?
Ps - have loved everything I've seen you in and was gutted not to be able to see Jeeves & Wooster thing.

Green Wing is one of my favourite things in the universe EVER. Just so you know. :o

My question is rather unimaginative I'm afraid: What is your favourite British comedy show (past or present) to watch?

Hi Stephen

The first series of Episodes got me through some long nights feeding my dc2. Looking forward to the new series tonight :)

Is there going to be any more Dirk Gently?

Sorry to hijack thread Posthoc but I follow the lovely Stephen on Twitter (@StephenMangan if you're interested) and he mentioned a while ago that Dirk Gently had been cancelled. Definitely worth following apart from finding out what he's up to some very amusing links and observations on family life.

Oh thanks purpleprincess, that's a shame though . I don't do twitter much, he'll be about the fourth person I follow .

I'll have to think of a better question to ask him now.

Another Guy Secretan fan here

Hi Steve, my question is- Do you still play Guyball and have you taught Tamsin and Matt to play? If not then why not?

Seriously, DS is 3 and completely obsessed with Postman Pat. We went to see the live show recently which he loved. Cannot wait for the film, well, I can, he can't.

Hi Stephen

Is it difficult/weird/emotional (in whatever way) to work closely with people for however long, getting to know them, spending unusually long working hours together and then to have to walk away when a series ends, a show is done etc?

PS - have thoroughly enjoyed everything I've seen you in. Green Wing is still one of the best shows to have graced our screens - thanks

Are you at the Kendal premiere of Postman Pat this weekend?
I've only heard rumours and not seen anything confirmed tried and failed to win tickets anyway

Hello there,

Weird timing as I was listening to Elvenquest this evening while sorting the children's supper.

To continue to be achingly and boringly middle class, do you enjoy doing radio, and what other radio comedy / drama do you rate?

And thank you; Green Wing got me through a lot of long dark afternoons while pinned to the sofa breast feeding. And I love Episodes too.

I saw you in Jeeves and Wooster. (It/Stephen was brilliant, Rooble.)
Do you have a favourite PG Wodehouse line?

What's your favourite biscuit? (someone's got to ask, and the 'do you now want to be a postie' one's already gone)

I loved Episodes, glad it's coming back!

My question is, I seem to hear your voice on a lot of adverts and I was wondering whether you've ever lent your voice to a product you hated? Or do you only agree to advertise stuff you would actually buy/use?

Hi - another Green Wing fan!

Do you prepare differently for comedy acting as opposed to a straight play (for example), and how do you get a sense of whether a scene is funny as you act? I always imagine it must be hard to tell when you don't have an audience. But maybe that's why I am an accountant...

More Green Wing fans here

Sorry, I have no Postman Pat-related questions, but my husband wants to know which of your roles you have most enjoyed so far?

Sorry, not a question but the best outtake ever got those waiting for answers Thank you for the music

I think Stephen Mangan is brill. I saw him in "Birthday" (hope I have remembered that title correctly), and I have been quite smitten ever since. Gutted to have missed Jeeves and Wooster.

My question is, do you prefer working on stage or screen, and do you secretly quote like being spotted by well meaning nice types in the street / supermarket - more likely from screen than stage I should think.