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Please Sir! The Official History
First broadcast in 1968, Please Sir! is generally considered to hold a firm place in the distinguished ranks of the greatest British sitcoms. David Barry - known to millions as mummy's boy Frankie Abbott - was a fan favourite, appearing in all three series as well as both the 1971 feature film and spin-off TV show The Fenn Street Gang.
In this entertaining and expertly-written memoir, David tells the whole story, from his own audition all the way through to what the gang are doing today. Along the way he shares hilarious anecdotes and fond memories that for the first time give a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to film the much-loved show that has remained a smash hit for more than fifty years.
This journey through the golden age of British sitcom and beyond will bring back all kinds of memories for those lucky enough to have seen Please Sir! first-time around... and is an enjoyable waltz through TV history for those that didn't. If you've ever wondered what it was like to play a key part in one of the best-loved British sitcoms of all time, this is the perfect book for you!
In this entertaining and expertly-written memoir, David tells the whole story, from his own audition all the way through to what the gang are doing today. Along the way he shares hilarious anecdotes and fond memories that for the first time give a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to film the much-loved show that has remained a smash hit for more than fifty years.
This journey through the golden age of British sitcom and beyond will bring back all kinds of memories for those lucky enough to have seen Please Sir! first-time around... and is an enjoyable waltz through TV history for those that didn't. If you've ever wondered what it was like to play a key part in one of the best-loved British sitcoms of all time, this is the perfect book for you!
196 pages, Hardcover
Published November 11, 2020
About the author
David Barry
78 books1 followerLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 21, 2021
Having been a big fan of Please Sir, particularly the movie adaptation, and always fascinated by the cast, I was so pleased to finally get my hands on a book about the show and the people who made it. The fact that it's written by someone who was actually a key part of it all makes it that much more special.
David Barry's memoir is down-to-earth and courageously honest about the highs and lows of forging a long career in what can often be a brutally tough, and not always honest, business. There are lots of entertaining behind the scenes revelations, and warm recollections of the other Please Sir/ Fenn Street cast members, many of whom are no longer with us. It stands as an enduring tribute to all of the ensemble who made the show so memorable, but particularly Barbara Mitchell (Frankie's mum), Peter Denyer (Dennis Dunstable), Liz Gebhardt (Maureen Bullock) and Malcolm McFee (Peter Craven), all of whom were incredibly talented and left us way too soon. It was lovely to read that they really were as nice as they appeared to be on screen, and that the unity, loyalty and friendship between the characters was reflected in real life. There's something quite reassuring in that.
In the days before social media allowed us to keep up with our favourite actors and bands, it was too easy to think that when someone disappeared from the telly, their career came to a grinding halt, or they ceased to exist altogether. It's therefore fascinating to read about David Barry's life and work beyond Frankie Abbott, as a child actor and afterwards, his writing, and some additional biographical details and anecdotes about his fellow cast members as well. There are some memorable laugh-out-loud encounters with other showbusiness luminaries, in particular a wonderful moment between Liz Gebhardt and Rodney Bewes (Likely Lads), with whom she had co-starred in 'Dear Mother, Love Albert', best not repeated here.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable memoir, written in an amiable conversational style, which has only enhanced my admiration for what was an incredible era of talent. Millions of lives, mine included, have been enriched by their work. It's a book that will be a pleasure to take down from the shelf, pick a random page, and read time and again.
David Barry's memoir is down-to-earth and courageously honest about the highs and lows of forging a long career in what can often be a brutally tough, and not always honest, business. There are lots of entertaining behind the scenes revelations, and warm recollections of the other Please Sir/ Fenn Street cast members, many of whom are no longer with us. It stands as an enduring tribute to all of the ensemble who made the show so memorable, but particularly Barbara Mitchell (Frankie's mum), Peter Denyer (Dennis Dunstable), Liz Gebhardt (Maureen Bullock) and Malcolm McFee (Peter Craven), all of whom were incredibly talented and left us way too soon. It was lovely to read that they really were as nice as they appeared to be on screen, and that the unity, loyalty and friendship between the characters was reflected in real life. There's something quite reassuring in that.
In the days before social media allowed us to keep up with our favourite actors and bands, it was too easy to think that when someone disappeared from the telly, their career came to a grinding halt, or they ceased to exist altogether. It's therefore fascinating to read about David Barry's life and work beyond Frankie Abbott, as a child actor and afterwards, his writing, and some additional biographical details and anecdotes about his fellow cast members as well. There are some memorable laugh-out-loud encounters with other showbusiness luminaries, in particular a wonderful moment between Liz Gebhardt and Rodney Bewes (Likely Lads), with whom she had co-starred in 'Dear Mother, Love Albert', best not repeated here.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable memoir, written in an amiable conversational style, which has only enhanced my admiration for what was an incredible era of talent. Millions of lives, mine included, have been enriched by their work. It's a book that will be a pleasure to take down from the shelf, pick a random page, and read time and again.
August 17, 2023
Interesting retrospective from one of the ensemble cast of the 1960/70s ITV sitcom, Please Sir! Although billed as the official history of the show, that epithet is somewhat misplaced here. There's no interviews with fellow cast members or the production team, and there is no description of the programme's genesis and development. Despite the title, the reader won't find out anything new or unique about the show, apart from David Barry's personal memories. It's a decently written book, and the actor has some interesting accounts of his career after appearing in Please Sir!, but it's a stretch to call it an 'official history'.
© Koplowitz 2023
© Koplowitz 2023
May 18, 2021
Took me back to when I was a puppy and loved 'Please Sir' and obviously David Barry - who played Frankie Abbott relished the time as well. He came across as amiable guy who has enjoyed his life as an jobbing actor and has some nice showbiz anecdotes from the working actor perspective rather than the name dropping insincerity of bigger stars.
December 10, 2020
Pleased
The title is somewhat misleading as it is the memoirs of David Barry rather than the history of the show. The annoying thing is that some people may feel let down which they shouldn’t as it is a very enjoyable read
The title is somewhat misleading as it is the memoirs of David Barry rather than the history of the show. The annoying thing is that some people may feel let down which they shouldn’t as it is a very enjoyable read
July 31, 2022
Please Sir!
This was a very interesting read about David Barry’s career. It’s a pity most
Of the Please Sir! actors have now passed away. Highly recommended to
Those interested in the acting profession.
This was a very interesting read about David Barry’s career. It’s a pity most
Of the Please Sir! actors have now passed away. Highly recommended to
Those interested in the acting profession.
July 16, 2021
Entertaining from first to last
If you thought David Barry was basically just 5Cs ‘Frankie Abbot’ then prepare to be amazed by this kaleidoscopic man of the theatre as he tells beautifully written tales from his life, written from the heart and with heart.
If you thought David Barry was basically just 5Cs ‘Frankie Abbot’ then prepare to be amazed by this kaleidoscopic man of the theatre as he tells beautifully written tales from his life, written from the heart and with heart.
March 6, 2024
You don't need with F.A
Loved hearing his stories of one of my favourite ever programmes, and his career afterwards. Lovely. Look forward to reading more from David.
Loved hearing his stories of one of my favourite ever programmes, and his career afterwards. Lovely. Look forward to reading more from David.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews