Bob Larbey for many years made a living devising sitcoms with John Esmonde such as 'The Good Life', 'Get Some In', 'Please Sir' and its sequel 'The Fenn Street Gang' and 'Brush Strokes', however in later years he began creating sitcoms by himself such as 'A Fine Romance', 'As Time Goes By' and this, 'On The Up', a delightful class conflict sitcom which ran easily to three series.
Tony Webster, played to the hilt by Dennis Waterman, is a self made millionare who runs a successful mini-cab firm. Despite his wealth, he has managed to hang on to his working class roots, much to the disgust of his ghastly wife Ruth, who whenever she falls out with Tony, spends her time at Claridge's ( at his cost ). Ruth also dIsaproves of Tony's friendly relationship with their domestic staff who include Sam, the chauffeur and lifelong friend of Tony's, sherry supping cook Fiona Wembley and young Scottish secretary Maggie ( the gorgeous Jenna Russell ).
Caught between a rock and a hard place with her squabbling parents is Stephanie ( Vanessa Hadaway ), who resides in a boarding school. Also on the scene to cause embarrasment to Ruth is Tony's marxist mother Mrs. Carpenter ( played first by Dora Bryan, then by Pauline Letts ) and family friend Dawn ( Michelle Hatch ), a blond bimbo who works as a model. In the final series , Tony and Ruth get a divorce and Tony begins a relationship with the lovely Jane Webster ( Fiona Mollison ).
'On The Up' is no classic by any means but it is light, satisfying entertainment. Dennis Waterman's touching portrayal as the successful but down to earth Tony made the show charming to watch. It was unusual to see him in a sitcom after years of seeing him in shows such as 'Minder' and 'The Sweeney'. Judy Buxton, who played Ruth, specialised in playing snooty women. Bob Larbey gave his characters many good lines, particularly 'Carry On' stalwart Joan Sims who with her ''just the one!'' catchphrase, always spouted following her consumption of a glass of sherry, stole the show. Also giving an air of romance to the show was Sam Kelly and Jenna Russell. The latter, still a sexy woman ( and who also sang the closing theme to 'Red Dwarf' ), is now to be seen in the role of Michelle Fowler ( after Susan Tully chose not to reprise the role ) in 'Eastenders'.
Some episodes are better than others, but then that is the way with sitcoms generally and when it was enjoyable it was very much so and is fondly remembered.
Tony Webster, played to the hilt by Dennis Waterman, is a self made millionare who runs a successful mini-cab firm. Despite his wealth, he has managed to hang on to his working class roots, much to the disgust of his ghastly wife Ruth, who whenever she falls out with Tony, spends her time at Claridge's ( at his cost ). Ruth also dIsaproves of Tony's friendly relationship with their domestic staff who include Sam, the chauffeur and lifelong friend of Tony's, sherry supping cook Fiona Wembley and young Scottish secretary Maggie ( the gorgeous Jenna Russell ).
Caught between a rock and a hard place with her squabbling parents is Stephanie ( Vanessa Hadaway ), who resides in a boarding school. Also on the scene to cause embarrasment to Ruth is Tony's marxist mother Mrs. Carpenter ( played first by Dora Bryan, then by Pauline Letts ) and family friend Dawn ( Michelle Hatch ), a blond bimbo who works as a model. In the final series , Tony and Ruth get a divorce and Tony begins a relationship with the lovely Jane Webster ( Fiona Mollison ).
'On The Up' is no classic by any means but it is light, satisfying entertainment. Dennis Waterman's touching portrayal as the successful but down to earth Tony made the show charming to watch. It was unusual to see him in a sitcom after years of seeing him in shows such as 'Minder' and 'The Sweeney'. Judy Buxton, who played Ruth, specialised in playing snooty women. Bob Larbey gave his characters many good lines, particularly 'Carry On' stalwart Joan Sims who with her ''just the one!'' catchphrase, always spouted following her consumption of a glass of sherry, stole the show. Also giving an air of romance to the show was Sam Kelly and Jenna Russell. The latter, still a sexy woman ( and who also sang the closing theme to 'Red Dwarf' ), is now to be seen in the role of Michelle Fowler ( after Susan Tully chose not to reprise the role ) in 'Eastenders'.
Some episodes are better than others, but then that is the way with sitcoms generally and when it was enjoyable it was very much so and is fondly remembered.