New NRK series pokes fun at Royal Family
The "Monarkiet" characters. Photo: Qvisten Animation.
NRK’s brand-new animated comedy web series will give an insight into what the royal family does behind closed doors.
Together with Marit Synnøve Berg, Gustav Nilsen voices one of the characters in the series. Although they are currently making a living by poking fun at Norway’s monarchy, the humorists feel a close relationship with the royal family.
“Personally, I love the whole royal family. They are very likeable. It has therefore been important to us that we’re joking about them in a nice way,” says Nilsen.
Most Norwegians have seen or heard some parody of the King before. Many have also made their own versions, in merry company. Nilsen has studied the monarch in order to find his own version of the King.
“It was interesting to find “my” king. The way he breathes and so on. He is so relaxed and calm, yet his voice is so cheerful. When you hear the king on the radio, you recognize right away that it is him,” he says.
Rasmus A. Sivertsen of Qvisten Animation is behind “Monarkiet,” (“The Monarchy”) the first web series in NRK’s new comedy initiative online.
Previously, he has made ”Fanthomas” and “Sex and SingelSiv” for VGTV.
The monarchy will viewers be brought into the castle in good-old sitcom style, and see what the King, Queen, Crown Prince, Crown Princess, Princess and Ari are doing when they are not ribbon-cutting or giving speeches.
“We have tried to give an idea of what the royal family might do behind closed doors, when they are not official. And it is often comical, what occurs when the public and private spheres of the royal family intersect,” says Sivertsen to NRK.no.
The first two episodes have been available since Friday, December 2. Already at the beginning of the series, a bit of fun is poked at King Harald. In the first episode, he ignores his stacks and stacks of fan mail in favor of playing computer games.
“The series allows us to become better acquainted with the various characters in the royal house and the intrigue between them. At the same time, it tells the small, everyday stories of what happens at the Palace,” said Sivertsen.
Berg is responsible for all the female voices in the series. Although this was a bit of a surprise for her.
“It was great to work with the series. I had prepared myself to read the voice of Queen Sonja. Then they said: “You could take Martha and Mette-Marit also if you want.” “Great fun,” I replied. Then suddenly Queen Margrethe and Silvia need voices as well. And I ended up doing all the female voices as well as a little child,” said Berg.
From childhood, Berg has had much respect for the royal family. So it was especially important to keep the parodies playful rather than vindictive.
“I have been brought up to respect the royal family. I think we have done a good job of messing with them without being too rude,” said the humorist.
NRK has long had a good relationship with the royals. Berg does not believe the new comedy series will harm the relationship. She believes the contrary: that they are going to laugh along.
“The Royal Family are so used to be criticized or commented on in the media. Just think of the media storm around Mette-Marit’s past, or Märtha’s angels. I think they have learned how to cope with what is being said, and developed a thicker skin over the years,” said Berg.
The editor in chief at NRK.no, Frank Gander, says that “Monarkiet” is the first of several comedy series to be launched on nrk.no every Friday at noon.
“This is part of the assignment for NRK.no to create a strong entertainment presence on TV. It is an attempt to see if we can create an expectation from people for NRK to provide something fun every Friday at 12,” said Gander.
Like the previous Qvisten productions, Fanthomas and Sexog SingelSiv, Gander said that “Monarkiet” should be something people talk about around the lunch table.
“‘Monarkiet’ must evolve to become one topic of coversation for a fairly broad audience. The content and humor have, in my opinion, such potential,” said Gander.
Watch episodes of “Monarkiet” here! This series is in Norwegian.
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