
Interview with Rob Burley (Associate producer and author)
Category: Press Pack ArticleHow did your original book “Why Is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?: Searching for the Truth on Political TV” come about?
After leaving the BBC in 2021, I had some time to reflect. I decided I wanted to write a book about political television that argued for the long-form political interview and which, at the same time took readers behind the scenes. I also wanted it to be funny and accessible. I'm pleased with how it turned out.
Did you always think that this would make a good drama for TV?
Yes. The more I found out about the relationship between Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher, the more convinced I became that this was perfect for TV drama. This influenced the way I wrote that part of the book, which is very much designed as a story across two chapters with a satisfying resolution.
How did the project come about? E.g. did you approach Baby Cow/Steve, the other way round?
In this country it’s not so much who you know that counts but whose personal email address you can get hold of. Fortunately, I was able to get hold of Steve before I’d even finished the book. We hadn’t met at that point, but he was the obvious choice because I knew he would be excited by the role of Brian Walden and because he loves politics.
As an associate producer, did you have any say in the casting for the series and were you able to visit the set.
Well, by approaching Steve I had some influence when it came to who’d be Brian but beyond that no, but if I had been asked I would have been thrilled to know that Harriet Walter was available and would have been very excited that she would be keen to have a stab at Margaret Thatcher. I did have the chance to be part of the process at Pinewood and Elstree which was fascinating, particularly watching the director Stephen Frears in action.
Would you be interested in dramatising any of the other interviews featured in your book?
I think Boris Johnson’s 2019 interview with Andrew Neil when he was exposed to have – shock, horror! – a sketchy grasp of what would happen if there were a no deal Brexit would be good. The preparation that required would be fascinating to reconstruct and compelling to watch.
Why do you feel this story is still relevant today?
First, because it makes the point that the long form political interview is the best way we have of holding politicians to account. Second, because it honours Margaret Thatcher’s willingness to go out there and argue her corner. So: broadcasters need to step up and offer politicians the space to really talk and then maybe they’ll stop running away from scrutiny.
What did you think of the transformations of Harriet Walter into Margaret Thatcher and Steve Coogan into Brian Walden?
I loved them. Steve is such a nuanced actor. Watching on set I wasn’t too sure how much Brian he was doing, but he chose to make him more understated which was very effective. I love the way Steve is able to convey Walden’s inner turmoil without words. As for Harriet Walter’s take on Margaret Thatcher, it is genuinely extraordinary. I wanted a version of Thatcher that was vulnerable, awkward sometimes but also capable of warmth and even, badly executed, attempts at humour. Harriet’s Margaret does all that with strength, courage and a look behind the eyes that might just count as a little off its trolley.
Three words to sum it up:
Maggie! Maggie! Maggie!