Tim Key and Tom Basden Talk Music, Humor, and the Making of The Ballad of Wallis Island – Interview

How “The Ballad of Wallis Island” evolved from a short film to a theatrical release.

Focus Features is set to release The Ballad of Wallis Island in theaters on Friday, March 28. The film follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island, as he attempts to reunite his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan), for a private concert at his secluded home. As old tensions resurface, Charles scrambles to salvage his dream gig.

Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with the film’s writers and stars, Tim Key and Tom Basden, to discuss the journey from short film to feature, their inspirations, and their approach to crafting a distinct yet universal comedic tone.

A Long Road to the Big Screen

The film has been nearly two decades in the making. Originally conceived as a short film 18 years ago, The Ballad of Wallis Island took a lengthy detour before making its way to the big screen.

“Well, it’s completely overwhelming,” Key said. “We made the short film 18 years ago, then had a bit of a break for 15 years before we started writing this. You don’t necessarily expect to be able to make a feature film yourselves. So to actually sit down at Sundance and watch the movie for the first time with a thousand people was one of the most surreal and emotional experiences of my life.”

Influences and Inspirations

Basden shared the creative influences behind the film’s world and its distinct humor. “We’ve been very influenced over the years by some of Mike Leigh’s films, like Nuts in May, which is a brilliant comedy with such a vivid central comic dynamic. Inside Llewyn Davis was a real influence in terms of the balance between music and story. And something like Sideways was a big influence on us in terms of hitting that kind of comic but really moving sensibility.”

Beyond film, the duo credits British comedians like Ricky Gervais and Steve Coogan as shaping their comedic sensibilities. “We grew up watching their work, and we’ve been lucky enough to work with some of them,” Basden added.

The Charm of Wallis Island

With its picturesque setting, the fictional Wallis Island feels like a place many viewers would love to visit. Key humorously outlined what a guest could expect upon arrival.

“I think Charles works in pretty predictable ways. I think we’re off to the shop to get a big ham. My character also makes homebrew beer, so I feel like that’ll be us in the evening—roaring fire, a few beers, and then maybe a stiff walk in the morning along the cliff tops.” Basden added, “I think Charles also probably has several packets of playing cards that have cards missing.”

Casting Carey Mulligan

Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan plays Nell, an integral character in the film. Bringing her on board was a dream come true for the duo. “When we were writing the script, we came up with this character and were very excited about what that would give the film emotionally,” Basden said. “We drew up a shortlist, and I think we didn’t really get much further than Carey.”

Key took matters into his own hands. “Tim claims to have her email address,” Basden laughed. “We were absolutely beside ourselves. I couldn’t believe he’d emailed her and talked to her. And then suddenly, there she was.”

Key reflected on the addition of Mulligan: “She fit into the film perfectly. We’ve been working together for 20 years, and suddenly there’s a different dynamic where there’s three of us. Rather than disrupting anything, it just unlocked the whole film for us.”

The Delicate Balance of Comedy

A highlight of The Ballad of Wallis Island is its unique comedic tone—both dry and absurd while remaining deeply human. Key explained how he approached making Charles both ridiculous and endearing. “If it’s funny, I suppose for me and funny for the crew and for [director] James [Griffiths], then that’s a good starting point. If the audience is finding him funny, then you start to pull toward him rather than against him.”

Basden elaborated on the comedic essence of the film. “For me, a great example is the scene when Herb is trying to leave, and Charles is leafing through the timetable for the boat. Almost all of it was improvised. We just got to play around with that scene and keep finding new things in the schedule. I really love that moment.”

Key chimed in with another example. “There’s a moment where emotions are very high, and Charles completely misreads the room. He asks Herb, ‘What do you think we’re going to do then? Gig-wise?’ And it’s the absolute last thing Herb needs to hear at that moment.”

Universal Humor Across Borders

While The Ballad of Wallis Island is distinctly British in its setting and characters, both actors believe its humor resonates universally. “I’m still getting used to the idea that American audiences respond to the humor and get what’s funny about it,” Basden said. “There’s something very British about it—something very bumbling about Charles and something very uptight about Herb. But I’ve been really delighted with how American audiences have warmed to these characters.”

Key added, “I think the only way to guarantee Americans wouldn’t like it is if we had set out to write a film for Americans. You just have to write for your own sense of humor.”

Dream Musical Reunion

Since The Ballad of Wallis Island revolves around a musical reunion, I asked them which retired music act they’d bring back for a private concert.

“I’d be quite interested in seeing Frank Sinatra come to my island,” Key said. Basden raised the stakes. “Well, in that case, I’m going to pick the whole Rat Pack.”

The Ballad of Wallis Island promises to be a must-watch, blending heart, humor, and music in a delightfully offbeat package. With Key and Basden’s long history of collaboration and comedic chemistry, audiences are in for an unforgettable experience when the film hits Select Theaters This Friday and Everywhere April 18.

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