10* Questions With John Bowler
The team caught up with John Bowler who played the
pivotal character in series 2, Howard ‘Hedgehog’ Radcliff.
Howard even though not being on screen for very long,
played an important role which fans will know culminated in
bringing the lads to the ‘showdown’ fight at the end of the
series 2 episode ‘Cowboy’s. *Actually 14.
Copyright: The following images, articles and text are
copyright awpet.com.
Site Release Date: October 2017
Acknowledgement: John Bowler.
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Auf Wiedersehen, Pet 1983 - 2017
Q1: How did you get the part of Howard Radcliff,
Architect and Client to villain Ally Fraser (Bill
Patterson) and can you recall your audition
reading?
A1: I don’t remember much about the casting. I met
Martin (Producer) and Roger Bamford (Director), had a
chat and got the offer.
Q2: Did you watch Series 1 when it first aired in
1983 prior to being offered the role and if so what
did you think of it?
A2: I thought the first series was brilliant. The writing and
casting was superb.
Q3: Your character was pivotal to the ‘Thornely
Manor’ episodes and was executed superbly as a
stereotypical upper-class Architect at odds with
the working class. How did you prepare for the
role as Architect and did you have any say in how
your character was portrayed on screen?
A3: The producers and writers wanted Howard to be
from a completely different background than the other
Geordie characters. I agreed. I chose the specs and
thought the beard would be an interesting vanity for a
young Architect at that time
Q4: We know some cast members improvised.
How much of your character was scripted and how
much was influenced / brought to the table by
you?
A4: I didn’t change anything. The writing was so good.
The boys probably changed and added a bit during
filming
Q5: Do you still get recognised as ‘Howard Radcliff’
by fans?
A5: Sometimes by fans!
Q6: What did you like/dislike about your
character?
A6: He is a bit pretentious, but I don’t particularly dislike
him. I tend to like most characters I play. It helps.
Q7: Looking back, would you change anything
about your performance as Howard Radcliff?
A7: No. That way madness lies!
Q8: We recently held a fan gathering in
Nottingham where John Strachen AKA ‘Big Baz’
made a guest appearance to discuss his time
during rehearsals in a church basement in
London. Can you recall your rehearsals prior to
filming?
A8: Rehearsals were fun, and a luxury not often found in
modern day drama.
Q9: We've interviewed many cast and crew over
recent years, all of whom look back at their time
on set with affection. Can you recall your fondest
memory?
A9: Fondest memories are scenes on location at
‘Thornely Manor’ with the boys and the late Kevin Lloyd
who was also great company.
Q10: Most of your screen time featured
interaction with two big characters; Dennis
Patterson (Tim Healy) and Ally Fraser (Bill
Patterson). Can you tell us what it was like
working with your fellow cast?
A10: I’d worked with Tim (Healy) on ‘A World Cup – A
Captains Tale’ back in 1982 so I knew what great
company he is. Working with him and Bill (Paterson) was
lovely.
Q11: Episodes featuring your character are often
referred to by fans as some of the finest written
by Stan Hey, Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais. In
your opinion, what made these episodes so
special?
A11: Contrast of characters, The underlying politics of
the time. The brilliance of the comedy based in reality.
Q12: We know the external scenes of Howard’s
rented Architect’s office was filmed in Bingham,
Nottinghamshire, but little is known about the
internal scenes filmed within purpose-built
studios. Do you have any memories of the set and
the impressive architectural scale model of
Thornely Manor?
A12: It was recorded in Lenton Lane Studios
(Nottingham). State of the art at the time. The sets always
felt real. Great designer and great production team.
Q13: Such was the success of Auf Wiedersehen,
Pet, a further two series were commissioned in
addition to two ‘Specials’. More recently, it topped
the ‘Evening Chronicle’ poll for ‘Best North East
Television Series of All Time’ and ‘Radio Times’
readers ‘Best Ever ITV Programme’ poll beating
The Thunderbirds (2nd) and Coronation Street
(3rd). The program continues to have an incredibly
strong and growing fan base. In your opinion,
what is the secret of its continued success?
A13: If I knew the answer to that I would bottle it up and
keep it! Possibly because the writers / creators /
producers were prepared to take big risks.
Q14: Following Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, you
established an incredibly successful and diverse
career in theatre, film and television regularly
staring in ‘Crocodile Shoes’, ‘Crossroads’, ‘Peak
Practice’, ‘The Bill’ and recently ‘DCI Banks’. What’s
next for John Bowler?
A14: I’ve just finished a run of Patrick Marber’s ‘The Red
Lion’ at Theatre Live (Newcastle) and have been working
consistently since last May (2016). I need a little holiday!
The team would like to thank John Bowler for
taking part in his interview.