Todd Rivers
Encyclopedia
Todd Rivers is a fictional actor in the Channel 4
comedy series, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
. The character was created by Richard Ayoade
and Matthew Holness
and is played by Matt Berry
.
The following refers exclusively to the fictional universe inhabited by Todd Rivers and others. The content is derived from the Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
TV Series, the bonus features on its UK DVD and the Man to Man with Dean Learner
TV series
.
His life and career have been affected by persistent alcoholism particularly between the years 1979 and 1994. In fact he can be heard drinking 68p cans of beer on the 'Darkplace' DVD cast commentary. His drinking motto is 'never too early; never too late'.
He has also filed for bankruptcy and been imprisoned although little is known about these incidents.
As far as is known Rivers currently resides in a one bedroom flat in Tooting and is in a relationship with a woman many years his junior. He is still available for acting or voice-over work through his agent Richard Pit.
Key scenes from 'War of the Wasps', 'The glowing minds of Dennis De Guim' and the 'Gallowsman' plus clips from 'Deano's After Dark' were all recently broadcast on Man to Man with Dean Learner
.
Todd Rivers was attracted to 'Darkplace' by Marenghi's 'brave and forward thinking' script. Todd hoped that he could replicate the originality of his novels on screen.
Before production began Rivers assumed that it was a film script and that he would be paid for his efforts while Dean Learner assumed that one could make a television series without being asked by a TV channel; both were mistaken.
In Production
Due to Dean Learner throwing most of the episodes in the River Thames before a police raid on his property and Todd's alcohol induced memory loss much of what occurred during production is lost forever. A few facts, however, are known.
As the most experienced actor on set (Learner's garage) Rivers was given the freedom to interpret the character of Sanchez as his wished. He tried to understand the effect of Sanchez's time in The Falklands 'super-gluing men together'. He decided that Sanchez was the kind of surgeon who took no 'S**t', who would perform surgery if and only if he felt like it.
Rivers also generously helped the other actors on set, notably fist timer Dean Learner
playing Thornton Reed. Before Todd's intervention Learner would blink rapidly and continuously during his scenes.
Director Marenghi piled pressure on the other actors by allowing them only one take. He would spend the majority of each day attempting to make his own scenes 'perfect'.
Fred Baron
Rivers is still incredibly angry about the actions of Fred Baron who played the padre during the series. Baron threatened to assault Rivers and have him kicked out of his brother's flat if Rivers did not get him a part in the show. Rivers did so possibly by convincing Marenghi and Learner that he was the star of the 'Padre Movies' of the 1970s. Learner still believes that Baron appeared in 'Papa Padre' and 'Nun chuck Vicar'.
Upon Completion
Rivers' view of the UK version of the series in slightly unclear. In official interviews he is very positive about the storylines, performances and special effects by deanamatronix. However, in the more relaxed setting of the DVD commentary he clearly does not enjoy watching the series. Like many he feels that the exploding ambulance in the opening credits is the only highlight of each episode. He also hates the rooftop epilogues and added cast interviews.
Such criticism is not appreciated by Dean Learner
who thinks that Todd's negative outlook is a defence mechanism that distracts from his 'wasted life'.
He is now legally barred from working for any butter-based organisation.
He considers himself to be a 'human drum kit' performing to a personalised rhythm. He adds that his 'Darkplace' co-stars did not know anything about acting rhythms. Todd suggests that Marenghi's rhythm is a slow and monotonous one. And that Dean Learner's rhythm is like that of a 'mentally retarded' person on the drums.
Despite his career setbacks Rivers is no longer bitter. He says that he prefers to bow out gracefully than be a part of the 'modern day freakshow' that is popular television.
and Garth Marenghi
) on 'Darkplace'. It has since spread via illegal download which has not benefitted Rivers in any way.
Todd has been dropped by every record company he has ever been associated with.
On the set of 'Darkplace' he is said to have slept with several of the female extras. He was even caught and photographed naked on set. Co-star Madeline Wool and the actress who played 'Broccoli woman' managed to resist his overly aggressive advances. The Broccoli actress even asked Marenghi to remove Todd from the series which, of course, he could not do.
Todd found a kindred spirit in friend and pornographer Dean Learner
, whom he has seen 'make a lot of love'. On one occasion the pair brought identical twin sisters back to their caravan. Due to partner and bedroom based confusion the two happily spent the night swapping lovers.
Rivers has, however, revealed the downside to dating younger women. He thinks that they do not accept as much bad behaviour as older women. Once he told his young girlfriend that her father was a thief (which is true). The next morning she poured scalding coffee over him. Rivers simply went on holiday for two weeks, when he returned the girlfriend had calmed down.
Garth Marenghi
criticised Todd for his lifestyle but Rivers answered his critic eloquently:
A man who behaves like a beast shall never suffer the pain of being a man. Yet a man without love is like an orchard without cherry blossom
He, like Garth Marenghi
, believes that doctors should be allowed to carry guns in order to deal with drunken and disrespectful patients.
In fact he thinks that gun use is acceptable in general. His own experiences have led him to believe that one can end up in a situation where the only way out is through the use of a gun. The guns used by Dr. Sanchez are actually Todd's own weapons.
Rivers also believes that political correctness is unnecessary. This is reflected in his humour. He once joked that make-up for black women should be called 'Ethnic Cleansing'. Although Dean Learner
thinks that Todd has confused not being politically correct with simple rudeness.
The above refers exclusively to the fictional universe inhabited by Todd Rivers and others.
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
comedy series, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a British dark comedy show made for Channel 4 by Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade. Following on from Garth Marenghi's Netherhead, which won the 2001 Perrier Awards, the show revolves around fictional horror author Garth Marenghi and his publisher Dean Learner...
. The character was created by Richard Ayoade
Richard Ayoade
Richard Ellef Ayoade is a British comedian, actor, writer and director best known for his role as Maurice Moss in The IT Crowd.Ayoade was born an only child to a Norwegian mother, Dagny , and a Nigerian father, Layide Ade Laditi Ayoade. Ayoade studied at St...
and Matthew Holness
Matthew Holness
Matthew Holness is an English comedian and actor from Whitstable in Kent. He attended Chaucer Technology School in Canterbury and read English at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, where he was vice-president of the Cambridge Footlights...
and is played by Matt Berry
Matt Berry
Matthew Charles "Matt" Berry is an English actor, writer, comedian and musician. Berry is perhaps best known for his appearances in The IT Crowd, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace and The Mighty Boosh; he also had his own series, Snuff Box...
.
The following refers exclusively to the fictional universe inhabited by Todd Rivers and others. The content is derived from the Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a British dark comedy show made for Channel 4 by Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade. Following on from Garth Marenghi's Netherhead, which won the 2001 Perrier Awards, the show revolves around fictional horror author Garth Marenghi and his publisher Dean Learner...
TV Series, the bonus features on its UK DVD and the Man to Man with Dean Learner
Man to Man with Dean Learner
Man to Man with Dean Learner is a British comedy chat show that was first broadcast on Channel 4 on October 20, 2006 and released on DVD on September 3, 2007...
TV series
The Man
Todd Rivers is a largely unsuccessful actor and singer most famous for playing the role of Dr. Lucien Sanchez in the television series Garth Marenghi's DarkplaceGarth Marenghi's Darkplace
Garth Marenghi's Darkplace is a British dark comedy show made for Channel 4 by Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade. Following on from Garth Marenghi's Netherhead, which won the 2001 Perrier Awards, the show revolves around fictional horror author Garth Marenghi and his publisher Dean Learner...
.
His life and career have been affected by persistent alcoholism particularly between the years 1979 and 1994. In fact he can be heard drinking 68p cans of beer on the 'Darkplace' DVD cast commentary. His drinking motto is 'never too early; never too late'.
He has also filed for bankruptcy and been imprisoned although little is known about these incidents.
As far as is known Rivers currently resides in a one bedroom flat in Tooting and is in a relationship with a woman many years his junior. He is still available for acting or voice-over work through his agent Richard Pit.
Career
The following is in estimated chronological order because exact dates are unknown and Todd seems to have looked the same for about 25 years- Appeared in 'Love's Labours Lost' with Peter Wyngarde
- Can be seen on episodes of 'Deano's After Dark' hosted by friend Dean LearnerDean LearnerDean Learner is a fictional character created and performed by British comedian Richard Ayoade in stage shows and television shows. Learner is a famous publisher, mostly of pornography, but also of the books of the fictional horror writer, Garth Marenghi .Ayoade first played Learner in the...
- Auditioned for the role of James Bond but lost out to Timothy Dalton
- Played Dr. Lucien Sanchez in television series 'Garth Marenghi's Darkplace'
- Was the adulterous cousin in the music video for folk singer Merriman Weir's 'Gallowsman' from the album of the same name
- Had the role of 'Jack' in De Montfort Grainey's 'The glowing minds of Dennis De Guim' alongside Glyn Nimron's famous S.F character 'Bot'
- Did advertising voice-overs for a number of butter companies including Lurpak
- Reprised the role of Dr. Lucien Sanchez in Garth Marenghi's film 'War of the Wasps'
- Lent his voice to an advert for radio station 'XFM'
Key scenes from 'War of the Wasps', 'The glowing minds of Dennis De Guim' and the 'Gallowsman' plus clips from 'Deano's After Dark' were all recently broadcast on Man to Man with Dean Learner
Man to Man with Dean Learner
Man to Man with Dean Learner is a British comedy chat show that was first broadcast on Channel 4 on October 20, 2006 and released on DVD on September 3, 2007...
.
Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
Unfortunately for Todd, the television series made in the 1980s was only seen in Peru before its repackaging and release in the UK in 2004. Even then it was watched by few and did little for Rivers' career.Todd Rivers was attracted to 'Darkplace' by Marenghi's 'brave and forward thinking' script. Todd hoped that he could replicate the originality of his novels on screen.
Before production began Rivers assumed that it was a film script and that he would be paid for his efforts while Dean Learner assumed that one could make a television series without being asked by a TV channel; both were mistaken.
In Production
Due to Dean Learner throwing most of the episodes in the River Thames before a police raid on his property and Todd's alcohol induced memory loss much of what occurred during production is lost forever. A few facts, however, are known.
As the most experienced actor on set (Learner's garage) Rivers was given the freedom to interpret the character of Sanchez as his wished. He tried to understand the effect of Sanchez's time in The Falklands 'super-gluing men together'. He decided that Sanchez was the kind of surgeon who took no 'S**t', who would perform surgery if and only if he felt like it.
Rivers also generously helped the other actors on set, notably fist timer Dean Learner
Dean Learner
Dean Learner is a fictional character created and performed by British comedian Richard Ayoade in stage shows and television shows. Learner is a famous publisher, mostly of pornography, but also of the books of the fictional horror writer, Garth Marenghi .Ayoade first played Learner in the...
playing Thornton Reed. Before Todd's intervention Learner would blink rapidly and continuously during his scenes.
Director Marenghi piled pressure on the other actors by allowing them only one take. He would spend the majority of each day attempting to make his own scenes 'perfect'.
Fred Baron
Rivers is still incredibly angry about the actions of Fred Baron who played the padre during the series. Baron threatened to assault Rivers and have him kicked out of his brother's flat if Rivers did not get him a part in the show. Rivers did so possibly by convincing Marenghi and Learner that he was the star of the 'Padre Movies' of the 1970s. Learner still believes that Baron appeared in 'Papa Padre' and 'Nun chuck Vicar'.
Upon Completion
Rivers' view of the UK version of the series in slightly unclear. In official interviews he is very positive about the storylines, performances and special effects by deanamatronix. However, in the more relaxed setting of the DVD commentary he clearly does not enjoy watching the series. Like many he feels that the exploding ambulance in the opening credits is the only highlight of each episode. He also hates the rooftop epilogues and added cast interviews.
Such criticism is not appreciated by Dean Learner
Dean Learner
Dean Learner is a fictional character created and performed by British comedian Richard Ayoade in stage shows and television shows. Learner is a famous publisher, mostly of pornography, but also of the books of the fictional horror writer, Garth Marenghi .Ayoade first played Learner in the...
who thinks that Todd's negative outlook is a defence mechanism that distracts from his 'wasted life'.
Butter scandal
Todd once lent his distinctive voice to the advertising campaigns of several competing butter companies. When he was discovered he was sued by each.He is now legally barred from working for any butter-based organisation.
Acting philosophy
Rivers states that his time on the stage was the best training he could have received and that it is something modern TV actors do not understand.He considers himself to be a 'human drum kit' performing to a personalised rhythm. He adds that his 'Darkplace' co-stars did not know anything about acting rhythms. Todd suggests that Marenghi's rhythm is a slow and monotonous one. And that Dean Learner's rhythm is like that of a 'mentally retarded' person on the drums.
Despite his career setbacks Rivers is no longer bitter. He says that he prefers to bow out gracefully than be a part of the 'modern day freakshow' that is popular television.
The Singer
Todd's singing career is largely confined to his performance of 'One Track Lover' (Feat. Dean LearnerDean Learner
Dean Learner is a fictional character created and performed by British comedian Richard Ayoade in stage shows and television shows. Learner is a famous publisher, mostly of pornography, but also of the books of the fictional horror writer, Garth Marenghi .Ayoade first played Learner in the...
and Garth Marenghi
Garth Marenghi
Garth Marenghi is a fictional horror author and actor, created by English comedians Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade, and played by Holness. To date, the character has appeared in two stage shows, the Perrier Award-nominated Garth Marenghi's Fright Knight and Perrier Award-winning Garth...
) on 'Darkplace'. It has since spread via illegal download which has not benefitted Rivers in any way.
Todd has been dropped by every record company he has ever been associated with.
The Lover
Todd Rivers is a notorious ladies man who especially likes younger women.On the set of 'Darkplace' he is said to have slept with several of the female extras. He was even caught and photographed naked on set. Co-star Madeline Wool and the actress who played 'Broccoli woman' managed to resist his overly aggressive advances. The Broccoli actress even asked Marenghi to remove Todd from the series which, of course, he could not do.
Todd found a kindred spirit in friend and pornographer Dean Learner
Dean Learner
Dean Learner is a fictional character created and performed by British comedian Richard Ayoade in stage shows and television shows. Learner is a famous publisher, mostly of pornography, but also of the books of the fictional horror writer, Garth Marenghi .Ayoade first played Learner in the...
, whom he has seen 'make a lot of love'. On one occasion the pair brought identical twin sisters back to their caravan. Due to partner and bedroom based confusion the two happily spent the night swapping lovers.
Rivers has, however, revealed the downside to dating younger women. He thinks that they do not accept as much bad behaviour as older women. Once he told his young girlfriend that her father was a thief (which is true). The next morning she poured scalding coffee over him. Rivers simply went on holiday for two weeks, when he returned the girlfriend had calmed down.
Garth Marenghi
Garth Marenghi
Garth Marenghi is a fictional horror author and actor, created by English comedians Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade, and played by Holness. To date, the character has appeared in two stage shows, the Perrier Award-nominated Garth Marenghi's Fright Knight and Perrier Award-winning Garth...
criticised Todd for his lifestyle but Rivers answered his critic eloquently:
A man who behaves like a beast shall never suffer the pain of being a man. Yet a man without love is like an orchard without cherry blossom
The Thinker
Rivers has many interesting political views.He, like Garth Marenghi
Garth Marenghi
Garth Marenghi is a fictional horror author and actor, created by English comedians Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade, and played by Holness. To date, the character has appeared in two stage shows, the Perrier Award-nominated Garth Marenghi's Fright Knight and Perrier Award-winning Garth...
, believes that doctors should be allowed to carry guns in order to deal with drunken and disrespectful patients.
In fact he thinks that gun use is acceptable in general. His own experiences have led him to believe that one can end up in a situation where the only way out is through the use of a gun. The guns used by Dr. Sanchez are actually Todd's own weapons.
Rivers also believes that political correctness is unnecessary. This is reflected in his humour. He once joked that make-up for black women should be called 'Ethnic Cleansing'. Although Dean Learner
Dean Learner
Dean Learner is a fictional character created and performed by British comedian Richard Ayoade in stage shows and television shows. Learner is a famous publisher, mostly of pornography, but also of the books of the fictional horror writer, Garth Marenghi .Ayoade first played Learner in the...
thinks that Todd has confused not being politically correct with simple rudeness.
The above refers exclusively to the fictional universe inhabited by Todd Rivers and others.