MEET A MEMBER . - WENDY BAIN

Meet A Member: Wendy Meredith Bain

Meet Wendy from the Gwent Valley, Wales, who to LA in December last year from London with her husband, Sam to pursue writing and acting.

Tell us about how you made the move to LA

I came here earlier in 2017 the year to pitch a TV show around the big cable networks and saw there was a lot of work here for comedy writers. Thanks to the explosion of cable and streaming it’s created a gold rush in the TV business. Whereas years ago it seemed that LA was all about films, the change to TV meant work for everyone. Ironically, my husband Sam Bain is making several comedy movies here which is nearly impossible to do in England. He’s loving it here too.

What is the biggest difference between LA and your home town?

The sunshine was the second big factor in choosing LA. As much as I love Britain the endless rain does get me down. I love the open spaces of LA and live in Los Feliz near Griffith Park which I love hiking in, not just because it’s stunning beauty but because a Welsh man, Griffith Griffiths, donated it to the city and built the Observatory. I love the differences in the architecture and coming from the Rhonda valley where all the houses look the same I can’t get enough of looking at the house styles here. We bought an English Storybook house in Los Feliz built in 1924 by a Yorkshire man called Reuben Simons who had the Simons Brick Company who cleverly found a way to use brick so the house wouldn’t fall down in an earthquake. We’ve had retro-fitting done just in case but it’s managed to stay up almost 100 years so far. People laugh when they see how British our house is here!

What do you miss most from home?

It’s usually food, not just juicy pork products like sausages, bacon and scotch eggs but succulent, soft strawberries and new potatoes with fresh mint that pop gently in your mouth. I can live without decent chocolate but strawberries from Waitrose make me pine. Also tea bags, I know you can get them here but they always taste a bit fishy. If anyone’s popping back home, my favourite brands are Sainsbury’s Red Label or Glengetti Welsh tea. I’m also rather partial to Piccalilli relish with a fresh slice of turkey meat. (I’ve made myself homesick now). I do find it very strange that they eat turkey for thanksgiving here and not for Christmas dinner but as long as I can have it cold with Piccalilli later in a sandwich I’m happy.

Do you have any hidden gems to share with us?

The Trail’s Café in Griffith Park, they have the best apple pie I found in the city and they make a decent cup of tea.

What would you suggest to other Brits considering a move to LA?

Get current advice on immigration and tax law, both of which seem to have changed a lot recently and what may have been the case a year ago isn’t now. We have an international accountant, Clayknox that does taxes for both countries and a good immigration lawyer, Alan Klein.

Lots of our members join Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Don’t just trust recommendations…do your homework! Trust your instincts! What’s right for one person may not be right for you.

How can we find out more about you. Are you working on anything at the moment?

I’m working on a comedy play called ‘Old Frenemies’ which I’m putting on at the Hollywood Fringe. Being a lover of the Edinburgh Fringe and it being a tenth of cost to put on a play here was very appealing. It’s also something you don’t have to have a work visa for. (See the Fringe website for details on guide lines for international performers). It’s a great way to try out new work, have something to invite industry people to see and meet a marvelous network of LA actors etc.

The play I’ve written is a very British-style comedy, based on a true story of a trip back to Wales where I found the owner of the cottage we were renting was my nemesis who stole my childhood sweetheart from me. I have a great cast of actors. Brits in LA’s own Craig Robert Young is playing, Gethin. He’ s hilarious and I’m so lucky to have him breathing laugher into my lines. Richard Rennie a Scottish actor and dancer who’s very naughty in the show! (you wont’ forget his performance!) Nick Hardcastle, whom I’ve borrowed from the Australian Theatre Company who reminds me of John Cleese in my play and the Cockney comedy talents of Lisa Grogin. I myself play Charlotte. I’ve been in Brit sitcoms such as Peep Show, Fresh Meat, Old Guys, Babylon and most recent Ill Behaviour. These can all be found on the cable channels here.

There’s a special discount code which is BritsLA for $10 ticket and a paywhatyouwant preview on the 2nd June. All details are on the HFF18.org/4881 or email OldfrenemiesLA@gmail.com if you have trouble getting tickets. There’s only 8 performances so don’t leave it too long to book and do come and have a drink with us afterwards.