Empire Online – 18th September, 2000

Withnail star Richard E Grant looked happy when Empire Online bumped into him at a London theatre premiere last week and the reason soon became clear – just back from Swaziland, the actor is mid-way through production on his first film, called Wah-Wah.

Actor Richard E Grant has returned to his African roots to make his debut as a movie screenplay writer. The 43-year-old diplomat’s son will be turning back the clock to focus on life in his native Swaziland in the Sixties in the comedy drama Wah-Wah which is due to go into production next year.

Grant says: “It is an irreverent look at colonial life though I must stress that it is not based on my own life in any way. I have been writing this and that for quite some time and was really pleased with the response to my Withnail Diaries which were published a couple of years ago. I think writing for the screen was the next step. As they say, write something you know something about.”

Richard also added “It’s a comedy drama set in the sixties and it’s a look at colonial life in Africa. Of course I know all about it, having been brought up there.” According to Richard, there’s a big-name star in place but he won’t reveal who, “Can’t tell you, won’t tell you but filming is starting in Spring, the money is already in place…just note it’s not about me.”

But he stresses that he won’t be playing the lead role in the story. Rumour has it…thanks Annie, that it’s Michael Caine who’s the big name star. REG won’t confirm or deny :) He is busy re-writing it though.