It was an exciting night for Ted Lasso fans as they took to their seats in Duke Street Church, not to be confused with the event’s host the Museum of Richmond, awaiting ‘An Evening with Nick Mohammed: From Mr Swallow to Ted Lasso’ to begin.
The evening was the perfect opportunity for guests to hear from Nick Mohammed, better known as Nate Shelley or ‘Nate the Great’ in Ted Lasso, about his journey into comedy, acting and writing.
Split into two halves, the evening began with a 45-minute interview-style talk led by the host, Gary Enstone, curator and executive officer of the museum.
The second half of the evening was reserved for an open Q&A session, where the audience could ask Mohammed their burning questions – many of which, unsurprisingly, revolved around the series in which the titular American character takes charge of fictional English football club AFC Richmond.
As Mohammed got comfy in his golden seat, which given his 5ft 4in stature, made him appear even smaller on the stage, he was given a warm welcome from Nicola Man, the chair of the board of trustees for the Museum of Richmond.
Man thanked Mohammed for his kindness and for donating five percent of the event’s proceeds to the British Red Cross, with the rest going to the Museum of Richmond charity.
The funds donated will be used to support the creation of new exhibitions and enable the museum to continue working with schools, families and local groups while caring for its collection and preserving it for the future.
Smoothly transitioning into the talk, the evening’s host announced he would begin asking Mohammed a prepared set of questions.
Mohammed comedically replied: “How many are about season four?” which was met with laughter from the audience, many of whom were avid Ted Lasso fans, were eager to know more about the series’ anticipated return.
The first topic of the night regarded Mohammed’s decision to pursue comedy and acting as a career, which he explained was unexpected having studied geophysics for his undergraduate at the University of Durham.
Mohammed revealed it wasn’t until he began his postgraduate studies at Cambridge that he got involved in acting and comedy after joining the sketch group Cambridge Footlights.
In typical Mohammed fashion, he then explained he quit his PhD because he simply didn’t understand it – which left the audience chuckling.
When asked by Enstone who his favourite comedians were growing up, Mohammed said he was a big fan of old-school entertainment like Dad’s Army, Fawlty Towers and Only Fools and Horses.
Mohammed then went on to discuss how he enjoys varying between different mediums, identifying there are perks and disadvantages to both writing and performing.
He said: “It’s nice to have both but they occur at different times.”
He added writing gives him more control and flexibility, including the ability to pick up his kids from school.
However, he addressed the difficulty writers share in getting their work picked.
When it comes to acting, Mohammed explained that due to the nature of television and film, there is a delay in the reaction from audiences compared to live performances.
He said: “There is something special about the immediacy of communicating a funny idea and getting the response from the audience from the front line.”
It was then time for the most anticipated topic of the talk – Ted Lasso.
Mohammed explained Ted Lasso could easily not have gone to plan for him.
He said: “Ted Lasso was a casting I happened to get.
“It was an audition that worked out.
“It could easily not have.”
When auditioning for the role, Mohammed sent one of the three audition tapes requested.
Despite the blunder, he was still offered the role, which he initially declined due to being preoccupied with his own sitcom, Intelligence.
But after speaking to Bill Lawrence, co-creator of Ted Lasso, who explained the premise for the show, Mohammed’s interest was rekindled.
Mohammed remarked that it’s rare for a supporting role to have the opportunity to progress and develop their character, as lead characters are often central to the show.
He said: “To get the opportunity to push Nate as far as the character could go, I was so grateful for that.
“Ted Lasso changed my life really.”
The show has done especially well in America.
Mohammed said: “I’d never even been to America before, even for a holiday.
“The first time I went was for the Emmys and I was quite star-struck.”
Ted Lasso has received a total of 61 Nominations and 13 Emmys, which Mohammed said the entire cast and crew are incredibly grateful for.
He added: “The people who loved it really loved it and it became a sort of cult kind of show.”
Enstone acknowledged Richmond has become a hotspot for Ted Lasso fans, describing Mohammed as somewhat of a zeitgeist for attracting tourism in the borough, such as tonight’s talk.
Before Ted Lasso, Mohammed explained Richmond has always been a special place for him, having moved to the borough after marrying his wife in 2014 and being the birthplace of his children.
He said: “Richmond has become a bit of a Mecca for Ted Lasso fans.
“It’s mad!
“But it is wonderful.
“I am really aware this will probably ever happen once in my career.”
When asked what his ideal day out in Richmond would be, in his quick-witted manner, Mohammed asked whether this was with or without the kids.
The parents in the audience responded with a laugh, understanding the difference being with the kids would make to his answer.
Mohammed said: “Okay, without the kids”.
He then laid out how his ideal day would include popping into some independent shops, walking along Richmond riverside and having a nice drink afterwards.
Then it was time for the audience Q&A to begin.
One audience member explained her daughter was interested in pursuing a career in writing and comedy, and asked Mohammed what advice he’d give to young people wanting to enter the creative industry.
Mohammed said: “Any degree of success, is founded on a series of successes and failures.
“It is so easy to beat ourselves up but actually accepting that is very much part of the journey of any creative discipline is important.
“Just always try and do your best.”
To end the night, there was an opportunity for the audience to get their copies of Mohammed’s children’s book, The Young Magicians and The Thieves’ Almanac, signed.
Those without a book could purchase one from a small stand held by Richmond’s local independent bookstore, The Alligator’s Mouth.
All proceeds from books bought were also put towards donations for the British Red Cross and the Museum of Richmond charity.
Victoria McGrath, learning and audience development officer at the Museum of Richmond said: “Events like this allow us to explore the diverse cultural experience in Richmond and how the area creates a tapestry of history and culture for both locals and visitors to the area to enjoy.”
Nick Mohammed will be returning to Richmond as part of his UK tour of Mr Swallow: Show Pony showing at Richmond Theatre in May 2025.
