ALL eyes were on Stephen Merchant and the cast of the hit BBC One/Amazon series The Outlaws when they arrived at Northern Stage in Newcastle for the BBC Comedy Festival last night (Friday May 13).

The Northern Echo was invited to attend the premiere of series two of the popular comedy drama series and to ask the cast about their experience of filming in Bristol during lockdown and what viewers can expect from series two.

Members of the public were in awe as their favourite Outlaws walked through the doors.

Stephen Merchant co-created, co-directed and starred in the series, playing useless yet loveable solicitor, Gregg Dillard.

The Northern Echo: (L-R) Clare Perkins, Jessica Gunning, Stephen Merchant and Gamba Cole. Picture: BARRY PELLS(L-R) Clare Perkins, Jessica Gunning, Stephen Merchant and Gamba Cole. Picture: BARRY PELLS

The Northern Echo: The cast The Outlaws at Northern Stage in Newcastle for the BBC Comedy Festival. Picture: BARRY PELLSThe cast The Outlaws at Northern Stage in Newcastle for the BBC Comedy Festival. Picture: BARRY PELLS

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Stephen said: “My parents were involved in community service, not that they committed crimes! My mother had a similar job that Diane (Jessica Gunning) had in the show. She would tell me about the interesting mix of characters that would end up doing community service together. One guy stole cabbages from an allotment, and it turned out he was doing it with the intention of getting community service because he was lonely.

“There was another guy who was Bristol’s laziest thief, he was called Dave and tried to nick a tele from his next-door neighbour.

“I wanted to write something with a mix of characters who form unlikely friendships and the drama and humour that ensues.”

The Northern Echo: Stephen Merchant came up with the idea for the show from family experience. Picture: BARRY PELLSStephen Merchant came up with the idea for the show from family experience. Picture: BARRY PELLS

Clare Perkins plays Myrna Okeke, an activist passionate about race equality who intimidates the rest of the Outlaws at first and as the first series progresses, we learn why she has more than one chip on her shoulder.

The Northern Echo: Clare Perkins is a million miles away from her character, Myrna, on the show. Picture: BARRY PELLSClare Perkins is a million miles away from her character, Myrna, on the show. Picture: BARRY PELLS

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Clare said: “When I first read the script I was sat in bed, and I laughed out loud alone.

“I think it’s great how a group of people who on the surface don’t appear to have anything in common, can become very close. Everything’s very polarised today; right, left, black, white, so I think this kind of show has highlighted that we’re all human and none of that really matters. Without giving away spoilers, expect fun, mystery and intrigue from series two.”

The Northern Echo: A Q&A with the cast followed the premiere of series two of the hit series. Picture: BARRY PELLSA Q&A with the cast followed the premiere of series two of the hit series. Picture: BARRY PELLS

Jessica Gunning plays Diane Pemberley, the community service supervisor who takes her job a bit too seriously, much to the hilarity of the Outlaws.

The Northern Echo: It was clear to see the actors had great chemistry on and off screen. Picture: BARRY PELLSIt was clear to see the actors had great chemistry on and off screen. Picture: BARRY PELLS

Jessica said: “For me it was during the scene where Christopher Walken whispered “Gargle my ***sack that I realised this was real.

“We all gelled really quickly when filming started, and it’s just been a lot of fun. There is a lot of work that goes into filming a very short scene. We’ve had a great time shooting it so we just hope everyone enjoys the second series.”

The Northern Echo: Jessica Gunning plays community service supervisor, Diane Pemberley. Picture: BARRY PELLSJessica Gunning plays community service supervisor, Diane Pemberley. Picture: BARRY PELLS

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Gamba Cole plays Christian Taylor/Ben Eastfield, a young man who got dragged into the wrong crowd, and who is just trying to provide for his younger sister, Esme.

The Northern Echo: Gamba Cole plays Christian Taylor/Ben Eastfield and said working on The Outlaws has been "the best job ever". Picture: BARRY PELLS Gamba Cole plays Christian Taylor/Ben Eastfield and said working on The Outlaws has been "the best job ever". Picture: BARRY PELLS

Gamba said: “When I sent off my audition tape I wasn’t really happy with it to be honest and I wasn’t that hopeful so when I got recalled it was amazing. Rhianne (Barreto, who plays his friend and love interest Rani Rekowski) and I have worked together before so I know we’d have a great time on this.

“It took a while for it to sink in that I’d be filming with Stephen and Christopher Walken so it’s been a bit surreal but this has been the best job ever and I feel really lucky.”

The Northern Echo: Stephen gave advice to those wanting to break into the world of comedy and comedy writing. Picture: BARRY PELLSStephen gave advice to those wanting to break into the world of comedy and comedy writing. Picture: BARRY PELLS

Series two of The Outlaws is set to air later this year. If you haven't seen the first series yet, join the 11million others who have already streamed it on BBC iPlayer.

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