US sports comedy Ted Lasso is keeping Richmond on the ball
Jane McGowan meets the man setting the scene.
Since its launch in 2020 on Apple TV, Ted Lasso has taken the entertainment world by storm.
A play on the age-old fish-out-of-water trope, the show sees a likeable American college football coach take the reins of a beleaguered fictional Premier League team: AFC Richmond.
Owner Rebecca Welton has hired him to fail, as an act of revenge against her predecessor – her unfaithful ex-husband.
But thanks to his cheery positivity, the eponymous hero turns the team around and enhances the lives of everyone involved in the club.
Among the stars of the award-winning show is Richmond itself, each season featuring an array of local landmarks such as The Prince’s Head (Crown & Anchor in the show), the Green or Ted’s flat at 9½ (actually no 11) Paved Court.
And the man in charge of finding these spots and smoothing the way for cast and crew is location manager Tom Bosanquet. “I am Richmond born and bred, so Ted Lasso was a dream job for me,” says Tom, whose previous credits include Hollywood movie Hellboy, Sky One comedy Breeders starring Martin Freeman and BBC drama series Small Axe.
“It’s a fabulous show in which all the people – like Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, the stars and producers – really are as nice as they come across on screen.”
For Tom, who is used to scouring the country for the perfect spot, sourcing Lasso locations was relatively easy – thanks not only to his own local knowledge, but also to the Richmond Council film office, Film Richmond.
“Once I have found the places that I think match the script and the notes, we start contacting the local authorities, the police and so on. Often that’s the tricky bit. On one particular project, it took almost 12 weeks just to get a road closed. But in Richmond the team is so proactive: they do everything they can to make things as straightforward as possible.”
For each 12-part season, work begins six to nine months in advance, with the actual shooting lasting for around six months.
“It’s roughly two weeks per episode,” says Tom. “Season two was definitely harder because of Covid though. Not only were we all trying to keep up with changing national guidelines, but Apple had its own health and safety rules too, and then people kept getting ill or testing positive.”
Fortunately, the choice of Richmond as location for the fictional football club makes Tom’s life a little bit easier. “It looks naturally like the romantic ideal of England. It has already been Richard Curtisized,” he jokes. Finding sporting locations for AFC Richmond was pretty simple too. It’s just a short hop to the on-screen training ground – in real life the SkyEx Community Stadium, home of Hayes & Yeading United FC – while Nelson Road, where the fictional club plays its home games, is none other than Selhurst Park, home to actual Premier League side Crystal Palace since 1924.
“Luckily there isn’t much travelling, as we have to take 15 trucks with us wherever we go. We’re very aware of our carbon footprint, so limiting journeys is part of my job now.”
Colin Hutton
Ted Lasso
For the interior shots a meticulous amount of work has gone into recreating the settings – most notably The Prince’s Head/Crown & Anchor, where Ted can often be found relaxing with a post-match pint, and where the fans gather on Saturdays to shout expletives at the players on TV.
“We couldn’t have used the actual pub, as it would have had to keep on closing. Shoots overrun or fall behind, or scenes get switched. It would have been too much to ask. So the set designers created a replica. I still get surprised walking on set and seeing how good it all looks.”
For Tom, a career in film and TV virtually chose itself. His father is a producer, his mother is in costume design, his sister in production and his brother works as an editor.
“Yes, something of a family business,” he laughs. “It takes time to build up the connections and everyone is freelance, so you just go from job to job. Hopefully, if you do well, when someone has something coming up they will get in touch.”
Luke Varley
And with an array of top class films and small screen projects under his belt – not to mention Apple TV’s number one show – Tom is certainly making his mark.
“Hollywood would be good – a Marvel project or a James Bond,” he reflects. “But I wouldn’t want to be away from the family for too long.
“Luckily, I have a very understanding wife, as the hours are long even if I’m at home. The day often starts at 3.30am and we may still be on set at 10pm.”
And while Jason Sudeikis has said that season three is the last you will see of Ted Lasso, Tom isn’t convinced.
“I do think that story has ended, yes. But there is plenty of scope for a spin-off. The fans would love it and I definitely wouldn’t mind sticking with AFC Richmond.” Extra time, anyone?
Ted Lasso is available to stream on Apple TV+
