Are You Being Served? 2016 Special

Are You Being Served? 2016 Special is a comedy one-off television revival of the classic British sitcom, originating from the same-named series that ran from 1972 to 1985. Its hilarious insights into the workings of a department store display the enduring charm of a bygone era. The show was written by Derren Litten and directed by Dewi Humphreys, airing once in August 2016 and featuring an ensemble cast, led by Jason Watkins, Sherrie Hewson, and John Challis.

The story is set in fictional Grace Brothers Department Store, following the exploits of its self-absorbed, quirky staff. The characters are colourful representatives of a range of social classes and stereotypes, all working within the Ladies’ and Gentlemen's ready-to-wear departments. Unifying this eccentric bunch is the unerring belief that the customer is always right– even when they are clearly not!

Jason Watkins stars as Mr. Humphries, a character remembered for his flamboyantly camp mannerisms and famous on-point humor. Watkins gracefully captures Humphries' carefully nuanced eccentricities, making him as deeply funny as he is heartfelt. His character carries the legacy of John Inman, the beloved actor from the original series. Audiences get to see Mr. Humphries as an assistant in Menswear, and his dialogue and idiosyncrasies delight in portraying the heart of the store’s unique charm.

Sherrie Hewson plays the ambitious and sometimes self-serving Mrs. Slocombe, the head of the Ladies Department, who has a distinct fondness for outlandish hair colours and her beloved cat. Expert actress Hewson brings out the lovable idiosyncrasies that made Mrs. Slocombe an unforgettable character in the original run.

John Challis, known for his role in Only Fools and Horses, adds a new dynamic as Captain Peacock. He's the floorwalker who is meant to keep everything in order, often with hilariously disastrous results. Challis successfully reintroduces Captain Peacock to audiences, reinventing him but still resembling the original air of authority originally portrayed by Frank Thornton.

Other characters include the ambitious Miss Brahms (Niky Wardley), the refined Mr. Grainger (Roy Barraclough), the slippery Mr. Harmon (Arthur Smith), long-suffering store manager Mr. Rumbold (Justin Edwards), and lively young Mr. Conway (Kayode Ewumi).

The plot of Are You Being Served? 2016 Special allows viewers to revisit some of the classic dynamics and running jokes from the original series that endeared it to audiences. Despite the staff's constant bickering and power struggles, they always come together when their beloved store and livelihood is threatened. The special presentation weaves a narrative tapestry that honours the comedic style of the original series while adding modern touches. Sight gags, double entendre, and customer service mishaps are combined with brilliant comedic timing and situation comedy that helped the original series develop such a dedicated fan base.

Incorporating the humor of the past with a slightly modern touch, this show has managed to bring Grace Brothers Department Store into the 21st century. The old-fashioned comedic caricatures of the original have been revamped and given a new feel while keeping the same essence that made the original series so loved.

The fondness for the original sitcom is evident throughout the production, from the script to the performances. Every comedic gag serves both as an homage and a revival, offering up the same slice of life humor that made the original so beloved while also providing some contemporary updates.

Overall, Are You Being Served? 2016 Special honorably carries the torch of the original series. It brilliantly recreates the world of Grace Brothers Department Store and its hysterical staff misadventures while providing its own fresh, modern twist. It’s a nostalgic return to a beloved setting, filled with laughs, heart, and genuinely funny characters.