On The Up

I noticed there was no thread for this show already so decided to create one.

Did anyone watch it when it was on back in 1990 - 1992?

I recently bought the complete series 1 - 3 from HMV and I was quite surprised how much I got into it.

I normally can't stand Dennis Waterman (apart from New Tricks) but he is likeable in this alongside Sam Kelly, Joan Sims and Jenna Russell.

It was written by Bob Larbey who also wrote As Time Goes By and both shows have the same 'slower' pace about them, although it does have it's funny moments.

Joan Sims is brilliant in this and has a good catchphrase "Just The One!" every time she pours herself a sherry.

I bought it to see Joan Sims in it, but I'm glad I did as I have found a new favourite sitcom, though it seems to have slipped under the radar a bit.

Does anyone know what the rating were like? Or if it has ever been repeated?

I missed this show entirely. Am keen to get hold of it some day, as I'm a fan of Dennis Waterman and Joan Sims. Dennis doesn't mention it much in his autobiography ReMinder, apart from saying he was feeling guilty about cheating on his wife Rula Lenska at the time. And that Joan Sims was shit-scared of appearing before the studio audience but stole every scene. I'm curious to hear Dennis Waterman singing the theme tune. Doesn't seem to be on YouTube.

One of the many shows I've been eyeing up the box set of but putting off buying for quite a while now. You would recommend?

See Amazon product listing
[p=http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/1117141/On_The_Up_The_Complete_Box_Set/Product.html]
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I remember this. Didn't they always sit in the kitchen talking like upstairs downstairs? Waterman had a Rolls Royce.

I loved it when it was on, but then I was only about ten.

"Just the one, Mrs Wembley?"

Or something like that.

Quote: Matthew Stott @ September 27 2009, 4:09 PM BST

I loved it when it was on, but then I was only about ten.

"Just the one, Mrs Wembley?"

Or something like that.

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That became quite a catch phrase with some friends of mine. Yes - I know.

Quote: Aaron @ September 27 2009, 3:55 PM BST

One of the many shows I've been eyeing up the box set of but putting off buying for quite a while now. You would recommend?

See Amazon product listing
[p=http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/1117141/On_The_Up_The_Complete_Box_Set/Product.html]
[h=552833]

View original

If you like As Time Goes By then yes, if not then maybe not, though it's not exactly the same. I didn't like it at first but it grew on me.

But it's quite cheap for all 3 series so maybe worth a shot and if you don't like it then at least it's not much money wasted. I paid £12.40 (my m8 got me discount from £14) and I don't regret a penny

It is a bit dated in a way, mostly fashion and decor, but it's all good.

Quote: Godot Taxis @ September 27 2009, 4:07 PM BST

I remember this. Didn't they always sit in the kitchen talking like upstairs downstairs? Waterman had a Rolls Royce.

View original

Yes that's the one! Mrs Wembleys kitchen was the focal point/ meeting place throughout the series, the place to go to for food, advice, jokes, sherry (Just The One!) and respite from the tension between Tony and Ruth (Dennis Waterman & the wife).

I loved this when it was on! I've got the boxset but have yet to re-watch so I hope it lives up to the memories. I remember it being very funny and the four central characters being endearing. Sam Kelly is great.

We still say "Just the one!" in our house...

Quote: Matthew Stott @ September 27 2009, 4:09 PM BST

I loved it when it was on, but then I was only about ten.

"Just the one, Mrs Wembley?"

Or something like that.

View original

Irony was Joan Sims had a problem with drink

I thinking of buying this on DVD as I am a big fan of Dennis Waterman and Joan Sims.

I gather the pacing is similar to another Joan Sims show As Time Goes By?

I wouldn't have considered As Time Goes By to be a Joan Sims show - and I wouldn't have said On The Up to be quite as slow.

Quote: Aaron @ December 1 2009, 9:53 PM GMT

I wouldn't have considered As Time Goes By to be a Joan Sims show

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Would that be something to do with the fact she wasn't in it?

Quite rate Bob Larbey as a writer, so may try it out, likewise I might try As Time Goes By out also as that is from Bob Larbey.

Quote: Tim Walker @ December 1 2009, 9:56 PM GMT

Would that be something to do with the fact she wasn't in it?

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She was. She played Madge, the girlfriend/wife of Lionel's father, Rocky.

Quote: Aaron @ December 1 2009, 10:33 PM GMT

She was. She played Madge, the girlfriend/wife of Lionel's father, Rocky.

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Oh, fair enough then. Saw Joan briefly in her final days, lying in an intensive care bed. Sad end to a great life.