There's some occasions when you look at a product and feel, wholeheartedly, that it shouldn't be replicated - and British sitcoms are right at the top of the pile.
Originally starring Michael Crawford and Michele Dotrice, Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em was first broadcast in 1973 and ran for three series, ending in 1978. The series follows the accident-prone Frank Spencer (Crawford) and his tolerant wife, Betty (Dotrice), through Frank's various attempts to hold down a job, which frequently end in disaster.
Joe Pasquale takes on the unenviable challenge of bringing the character to life once more and pleasingly, although the stage version mirrors the storylines and characterisations of the TV show, it's not an out and out replica. Frank Spencer in particular is one of the greatest comic creations we've produced and to attempt to mimic the original would undoubtably have ended badly. Instead, Pasquale's version of Spencer is close enough, in terms of both mannerisms and voice, for the audience to relate to him - but at the same time different enough to be clearly defined as Pasquale's take on the role.
To watch the beret and coat come back out of storage tonight was an absolute joy. Pasquale embodies all that made British comedy the best in the world and his energy and enthusiasm clearly know no boundaries. Many think of him as a strong stand up comedian, but his comic acting skills are exceptional and a sheer joy to watch.
Sarah Earnshaw was the first Glinda I saw in the West End and she blew me away then. What was especially magical this evening was to see her versatility as an actress. There's not many who can credibly belt out huge musical theatre numbers and take on a comedic part and perform it with an equal amount of gusto. However Earnshaw's interpretation of Betty tonight was nothing short of brilliant. The knowing looks, the subtle stares - they all added up to a version of the character that stood up brilliantly against her husband, for which Earnshaw should be applauded.
Then we come on to the inimitable Susie Blake. As Betty's mother, when she first made her entrance there were audible gasps from those around me and exclamations of 'it's Susie Blake!' which bodes well from the start! For me, Blake is, in her own right, a member of that exquisitly recognisable group of British sitcom performers who have stood the test of time. Known to younger audiences for a stint in Corrie and to the older generations for her work with Victoria Wood, Blake is such a safe pair of hands for a role like this that you just know you're on to a winner.
From the moment she stepped onto the stage, right through to the last glass of prune wine, Blake is an utter joy to watch. Her timing is exceptional and her enthusiasm knows no bounds - a true professional who sets the most perfect trio of leads to resurrect a beacon of British comedy in motion.
Without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most physically and emotionally draining pieces of theatre I've seen for a long time. It's belly laughs all around.
Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em runs at Wolverhampton Grand until Saturday 19th May. For more information, or to get your tickets, head to grandtheatre.co.uk.
