Matthew BreenFans of the classic British sitcom Are You Being Served?, which ran from 1972 to 1985 (image below), may be rubbing their peepers looking at the near-perfect casting and photo from the new remake.
The daily denizens of Grace Brothers department store are faithfully re-cast here, down to Mr. Humphries wide lapels, Mrs. Slocombe’s lively hair colors and altogether too much velour.
The series was popularized in the United States during it’s re-airings on PBS in the 1980s and beyond. In addition the catchphrases regarding the condition of Mrs. Slocombe’s oft-abused pussy [cat], gay fans delighted to the portrayal of Mr. Humphries, a campy mama’s boy who worked in the menswear department.
Played by John Inman, the character was one of the most obviously gay characters in TV of the era, yet was never confirmed as gay during the show’s time. Humphries’ campness was the subject of protests by gay liberation movement members, who picketed outside theaters where Inman performed. The role will be assumed by Jason Watkins in the remake—and viewers will no doubt be looking for the character to confirm his homosexuality.
Cast members for the series, which takes place in 1988, include: Arthur Smith as Mr. Harman, Jorgie Porter as Miss Croft, Justin Edwards as Mr. Rumbold and Mathew Horne as Mr. Grace, Niky Wardley as Miss Brahms, Sherrie Hewson as Mrs. Slocombe, John Challis as Captain Peacock, Jason Watkins as Mr. Humphries, Kayode Ewumi as Mr. Conway and Roy Barraclough as Mr. Grainger.
The Are You Being Served? remake will being ariring on BBC One next month, with an U.S. airdate hopefully soon to follow.
