A Bit of a Do
Two families, one affair, many social functions.
A Bit of a Do is a British comedy-drama series produced by Yorkshire Television for the ITV network. Based on the books by David Nobbs, it starred David Jason and Gwen Taylor and aired between 13 January and 1 December 1989. The show follows two families in a fictional Yorkshire town, with each episode set at a different social function.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Comedy drama
- Theme music
- George Melly; Ray Russell
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Series
- 2
- Episodes
- 13 (List of episodes)
- Executive producers
- Vernon Lawrence
- Producer
- David Reynolds
Facts from the source article.
Cast
Ted Simcock, played by David Jason, is a working class Yorkshireman in his early fifties who claims pride in his roots but aspires to climb the social ladder, often boasting about his business, the Jupiter Foundry. His weakness for women leads him to leave his wife Rita. Rita Simcock, portrayed by Gwen Taylor, begins as a homely, insecure woman but after Ted's desertion develops inner strength, becomes independent, and eventually serves as a local councillor. Liz Rodenhurst, played by Nicola Pagett, is attractive, confident, and sexually promiscuous, with social standing as her chief concern; she begins an affair with Ted. Laurence Rodenhurst, played by Paul Chapman, is an emotionally repressed middle class dentist obsessed with public image, whose suicide after Liz leaves him shocks those around him. Neville Badger, played by Michael Jayston, is Laurence's widowed friend, a solicitor who later marries Liz and is killed in a car crash. Betty Sillitoe, played by Stephanie Cole, is Rita's oldest friend, kind but prone to gossip and alcohol, often making situations worse despite good intentions.
Background
Nobbs proposed three ideas—a dentists' dinner dance, a Miss Ball Bearing competition, and a diamond wedding—which were not used, but led to the concept of following the same characters through different social events. Gwen Taylor was cast first as Rita; David Jason was chosen for Ted after other actors including John Thaw were considered. The church in the opening title sequence is St John the Baptist Church in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire.
More in Television Series by Yorkshire Television
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