Henry Naylor: From Spitting Image and Rowan Atkinson to the Frontlines of Political Theatre️Episode OverviewIn this episode, Steve Otis Gunn talks with award-winning writer, comedian, and playwright Henry Naylor, whose career has spanned British sketch comedy, blockbuster advertising, and some of the most politically charged theatre of the past decade. Henry explains how he first broke into the industry on Smith & Jones, how he met Armstrong & Miller through his sketch group, and what it was like to star alongside Rowan Atkinson in the hugely successful Barclaycard adverts. Henry also divulges stories from Spitting Image—the legal battles, its political influence, and the chaos of producing weekly satire. He also reflects on his move into political theatre with plays such as Games, Afghanistan Is Not Funny, and Monstering the Rocket Man.Highlights include:Filming million-pound commercials around the world Being the first writer to mimic Tony Blair on televisionThe short-lived but groundbreaking CGI satire HeadcasesHow even great shows can suffer when actors are miscast About HenryHenry Naylor is an award-winning writer, comedian, and playwright. After early success on Smith & Jones and Spitting Image, he co-created the animated satire Headcases and appeared with Rowan Atkinson in the iconic Barclaycard ads. In recent years, he’s become one of the UK’s leading political dramatists with powerful works like Games, Afghanistan Is Not Funny, and Monstering the Rocket Man, earning major awards at the Edinburgh Fringe and touring worldwide. Connect with HenryInstagramFacebook Follow the PodcastStay updated with the latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content:InstagramTikTokYouTubePodcast: Television Times with Steve Otis GunnHost: Steve Otis GunnGuest: Henry Naylor – Playwright, Actor & DirectorDuration: 43 minutesRelease Date: November 20, 2025Season: 4, Episode 28All music written and performed in this podcast by Steve Otis GunnPlease buy my book, You Shot My Dog and I Love You, available in all good bookshops and online. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.