An incredibly awkward interview of Lily Allen and David Harbour has resurfaced following the release of the former’s new album, West End Girl.
In the title track, Lily sings about being offered the lead in a play shortly after moving to New York to be with her partner. However, upon telling him the good news, she sings, “That’s when your demeanour started to change / You said that I’d have to audition.” She accepts the gig and temporarily moves to London, only for her partner to surprise her with an open relationship — the ensuing betrayal and downfall of which is then explored through the album.
In real life, Lily did move to London for a play while married to David. In 2021, she originated the lead in 2:22: A Ghost Story, her West End debut. Despite having few acting credits under her belt at that time, her performance received glowing reviews (more on that later).
At the time, Lily actually shared the “bad luck flowers” David had sent her, where he wrote, “If you get reviewed well in this play, you will get all kinds of awards and I will be miserable.” It’s another archival image that has resurfaced in recent days, being described as “so sinister” with hindsight.
As a matter of fact, Lily ended up being nominated for Best Actress at the Olivier Awards (Think: The British Tony Awards) for her performance — which is where we get to the uncomfortable red carpet interview with her and David.
For one, the interview begins with David leaning over and interrupting her as she says that it’s her first time at the awards, which Lily nervously laughs off. “It’s the first time that I’ve been here,” she then says to the interviewer. “It’s not my usual industry or crowd.”
Lily then emphasizes that she’s “honored” to have been nominated, joking that she doesn’t know “what’s happening” and adding, “I couldn’t be happier.”
David then appears to mishear the interviewer asking if it’s his first time at the Oliviers, joking, “Or first time around me?”
He then dryly says, “It is [my first time]. I’ve done about a hundred thousand plays and never been recognized.”
“Congratulations, darling,” he adds, before turning away.
The resurfaced video quickly went viral:
You can watch the clip here.