The British actor, comedian, and writer known for his roles in films such as Guardians Of The Galaxy and shows like Guy Ritchie’s newest series The Gentlemen, returns to Cardiff once more in his Brian Butterfield guise. First birthed on TV, Peter Serafinowicz tells Ewa Pałka how this stage iteration of the character came to life.
The journey of creating Brian Butterfield began more than two decades ago, inspired by an insurance ad that caught the eye of Peter Serafinowicz and his brother, James. As Peter reminisces, James drafted a short story involving the character – a bumbling, eccentric businessman offering the “secrets to success” – for the shortlived The Peter Serafinowicz Show, which aired in 2007.
“I wasn’t that well known then – even a lot of the crew didn’t know who I was. The first things we shot were the Brian Butterfield sketches, and they all thought I was this old guy because the prosthetics looked so real. It was only the next day when I came in that they started asking ‘who’s this?’”
Since then, Brian Butterfield’s unique blend of absurdity and humour has made him a recognisable figure in the comedy world, culminating in two live stage shows: last year’s Placeholder Name Tour and 2024’s Brian Butterfield’s Call Of Now. Both offer audiences a more immersive experience than television allows for, combining sketch comedy, standup and audience interaction.
“We [James and I] really love this character,” Serafinowicz tells me. “We’ve developed stuff that hasn’t gone anywhere, a sitcom, a movie… Call Of Now is a real team effort. We’ve got such a cool, lovely bunch of writers.”
As the reaction from his TV crew proved, Serafinowicz’s transformation into Brian Butterfield is no small feat, thanks to the remarkable prosthetics designed by Barrie Gower, renowned for his work on Game Of Thrones. Serafinowicz shares insights into the meticulous process of putting on the prosthetics and the challenges of performing in a suit tailored to create Brian’s corpulent figure.
![Peter Serafinowicz as Brian Butterfield](https://assets.buzzmag.co.uk/uploads/2024/06/bb-book-cover-min-718x1024.jpg)
“Barrie Gower is a genius – the nicest, sweetest man. We’ve also got two brilliant makeup artists who put it on me every night and it only takes just under an hour. I think we got it down to something like that. And that includes the wig and a moustache!”
Initially, the suit didn’t provide the performer with enough space to move freely and became incredibly uncomfortable due to the heat it created. “The glue disintegrates and the face ends up looking like there’s water dripping off me!” Serafinowicz explains. “My cheeks are flapping off and then the audience is laughing, but for the wrong reason. I mean, I get that it’s funny but it’s my challenge to try and stay in character while my face falls apart.”
Looking for a solution, he consulted his mother, describing her as a “genius seamstress, among other things.” She crafted an alternative costume that drew inspiration from unconventional materials like whalebone skirt reinforcement. The result was a hollow yet visually identical suit that allowed him to move freely onstage, preserving Brian’s appearance without compromising comfort or performance. It also makes the development of the character truly a family affair. “I can jump around onstage now. It’s just amazing!”
This now extends off the stage during meet-and-greets, blurring the lines between fiction and reality even further. “After the show, I present people with their diploma from Butterfield University and they can get it signed with a photo. It’s a unique, freaky experience for them but great at the same time. ‘Say hello to your friend Peter,’ they tell me.”
With his wealth of experience in a variety of mediums, I wonder what he would advise young or aspiring actors who are looking for a way into the industry. Serafinowicz emphasises the importance of perseverance and seizing every opportunity that comes your way, encouraging budding talents to embrace journeys of self-discovery and the value of every acting endeavour, no matter how small – or absurd.
Brian Butterfield’s Call Of Now, New Theatre, Cardiff, Fri 7 June.
Tickets: £30. Info: here
words EWA PAŁKA