The story behind one of televisions comedy classics has now been told in a new book – thanks to one of its stars! Please Sir! The Official History is written by David Barry and has been published in hardback by Acorn Books, an imprint of AUK Ltd.
First broadcast by London Weekend Television across the ITV networks 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. The book also features a foreword by Peter Cleall, who played Duffy in the series,
Please Sir! Book Tells Story Of Enduring Comedy Classic
In this new memoir, David tells the whole story, from his own audition all the way through to what the gang did later. 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 including video and DVD releases and most recently rerun on Forces TV.
Please Sir! was created by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey and set in the fictional Fenn Street Secondary Modern School. The series followed the progress of Bernard Hedges (John Alderton) , a teacher fresh out of training college and his class 5C.
Please Sir! – The Official History Recalls Well Loved Stars
The stalwarts of the series featured a body of classic and well-loved actors among the teachers including John Alderton, Joan Sanderson, Noel Howlett, Richard Davies and Erik Chitty as well as Deryck Guyler as hapless caretaker, Potter.
The cast who formed the pupils of 5C over several series of Please Sir! and later The Fenn Street Gang were equally well-loved and included Peter Cleall, Penny Spencer, Malcolm Mcfee, Liz Gebhardt, Peter Denyer, Carol Hawkins and the books author David Barry.
Please Sir! The Official History is set to bring back all kinds of memories for those lucky enough to have seen Please Sir! on its original broadcast from 1968 to 1972 and is an enjoyable waltz through TV history for those that didn’t. The book is illustrated throughout, with many rare photographs, unseen since the late 1960s and is available to purchase now.