Tim Key says Marcus Mumford helped get wife onboard for new film

Actor and writer Tim Key joined Chris Moyles and Dominic Byrne on Radio X to talk about his new feature film The Ballad Of Wallis Island.

He describes the movie as “a mad thing” that took years to make but is now something he’s “really proud of” and also revealed how Marcus Mumford helped to get Carey Mulligan involved.

Key plays an eccentric millionaire who lives alone on an island and decides to bring his favourite band — a once-romantic folk duo who have since split up — back together for a private performance. The film explores themes of nostalgia, reconnection and being stuck in the past.

“It’s about whether you should go back,” he told the Radio X Breakfast Show. “A beautiful island, some nice rain going on, Tom Basden’s beautiful music, Carey Mulligan absolutely smashing it out the park. We’re very proud of it.”

Reflecting on the long development process, Key added: “It felt quite pressurised, because you don’t know if you’ll get the chance again. It’s difficult to make a feature film. But at the moment, we’re just happy that we made one that we all really like.”

Chris Moyles joked about the benefits of celebrity connections, pointing out that Key may now have a lifelong pass to see Mumford & Sons live. “Yep, I now have the in,” Key replied. “He’s fantastic, that guy.”

Key revealed that Marcus Mumford was involved early on, even helping to bring Carey Mulligan on board. “I think he was positive about the film to Carey when we first sent her the script,” he said. “He said, ‘Yeah, come on. Do that one.’”

The film also features music from Mumford and support from other big names. As Moyles concluded: “You need Marcus Mumford on board if you want to make anything these days — him and Steve Coogan, obviously!”

Tune into The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X weekdays from 6:30am – 10am and on Global Player.