Lenny Rush, the young actor portraying Val in the upcoming series The Reluctant Vampire, acknowledges that the role was crafted with him in mind. Shane Allen, the executive producer, had a fondness for the original books during his childhood and previously worked on the series Am I Being Unreasonable?. Rush expresses his satisfaction with the quality of the scripts, admitting that he would have felt disappointed if they had not lived up to expectations.
Rush draws comparisons between The Reluctant Vampire and classic comedies like The Naked Gun and Airplane!, noting that the writing team behind Alan Partridge contributes to its unique humor. The show embraces a comic style that revels in absurd situations, featuring characters that engage with bats, gargoyles, and other unexpected elements. Rush believes that while many shows marketed as “family” often target children, The Reluctant Vampire appeals to a broader audience.
The original story, penned by Eric Morecambe in the 1980s, takes a surprising turn into children’s literature. It follows a young member of a vampire family who lacks the requisite skills to be a true vampire—he has blunt teeth, detests blood, and ultimately reveals himself to be a human rather than a vampire. Under the direction of Neil and Rob Gibbons, the adaptation embodies a quintessentially British comedic style, blending slapstick with genuine emotional depth.
Rush highlights the performance of Tom Davis, who portrays a larger-than-life vampire character, making it impossible not to attract a younger audience with his energetic portrayal. The show kicks off with Davis in full vampire attire, poised to attack an elderly woman, only to be interrupted by Rush’s character in urgent need of a bathroom break.
At just 17 years old, Rush has been a part of the television landscape since he was seven, making his debut in the CBeebies documentary series Our Family. He later gained recognition for his role as Eli in Apple Tree House, a show aimed at children. Parents of young viewers may feel a sense of familiarity with him, while fans of the series Slow Horses may recognize him as a precocious child whose sharp intellect overcomes the challenges faced by adult spies.
Rush’s breakout performance came in Am I Being Unreasonable?, for which he won a BAFTA at the age of 14 for Best Male Performance in Comedy, and he received another nomination for the same award this year. His role as Ollie, combined with his impressive acceptance speech, established him as a talented actor capable of eliciting laughter effortlessly.
In portraying Val, Rush draws inspiration from iconic British comedies such as Mr. Bean, Alan Partridge, and Monty Python. He admits to having watched some shows that may not have been age-appropriate, but he treasures the comedic influences that shaped his craft. His admiration for David Brent from The Office shines through, as he offers a nuanced interpretation of the character, highlighting Brent’s tragic quest for acceptance.
The first episode of The Reluctant Vampire humorously addresses Val’s stature, with his parents measuring him to see if he will ever be tall enough to meet vampire standards. Rush, who has a form of dwarfism called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita, emphasizes that he never intended for his condition to be a focal point of discussion. He has been pleasantly surprised by the positive messages he has received from parents of children with disabilities, expressing gratitude that his work can provide inspiration and confidence.
Despite the comedic premise of a vampire story, Rush believes it resonates with universal themes of belonging that are relatable to teenagers. He reflects on the challenges of navigating school life and the desire to fit in, which adds depth to the show’s humor. He notes that while the show features vampires, its core message is about the struggles of finding one’s place in society.
Interestingly, Rush’s own school experiences do not heavily influence his portrayal of Val. Though he continued attending school while working on various projects, he often found himself filming rather than engaging in typical school activities. His parents prioritized his social interactions, ensuring he maintained friendships despite his busy schedule. Rush acknowledges the surreal nature of working on set, where the environment often feels extraordinary.
Following his success in Am I Being Unreasonable?, Rush appeared in two episodes of Doctor Who, even though he wasn’t a devoted fan of the series. He admits to not having watched it prior to his casting but recognized the honor of being selected for such a significant role at a young age. He portrayed Morris Gibbons, a 13-year-old prodigy, solidifying his place in the world of television.
