Britcom: The Magnificent Evans (1984)

The late Ronnie Barker is never less than watchable, and at his best he is absolutely brilliant. This 1984 BBC sitcom showcases Barker’s larger than life personality as the Welsh photographic artist Plantagenet Evans.

Evans is a gregarious dandy, like an over-the-top version of Jon Pertwee’s time in Doctor Who – complete with cape, cane, fedora hat and ginger goatee. He even drives around in an old vintage roadster!

He believes himself to be a great artist, and has little time for the imperfections that everyday life and the average person brings his way, whether it be a bride with a big nose or an aspiring academic with a hump. Tact is something he lacks, and he is quick to point out the failings of others and has an uncanny ability to tease out the hidden truth between other’s relationships.

Despite these less than perfect traits, Evans is something of a loveable rogue, and this perhaps is the result of the perspective of the narration. Roy Clarke (perhaps best known for penning Open All Hours and the never-ending Last of the Summer Wine) presents the series as scenes from the memoirs of Evan’s live-in assistant Rachel (Sharon Morgan). Rachel reads from her personal journal (a touch of those classic romance novels here…) as she works for Evans and battles for his eternal affection. Despite living with him (she has her own appartment!) in sin, and his promises, he refuses to give in and marry her – instead leaving her hanging. He believes its better for business to be seen to be single…

A chunk of the comedy is (typically for the mid-80s) centred on their illicit relationship and the cheeky inappropriateness of it. Each episode showcases Sharon Morgan’s black-stocking clad legs as she climbs in and out of Evan’s jalopy, whilst he gazes on admiringly. Meanwhile, Rachel’s sister and brother in law peer through their net curtains across the street with disapproving eyes and attempt to take her away from the dark side.

The show only lasted one series, so never quite finds the proper stride. Whilst not up amongst his most favored creations, Barker is engaging and plays the Welshman well. Oh, if only life were that simple and we could all just say what we think to potential clients! Though of course, some sense of reality creeps in as his photography obviously doesn’t make enough money and he has to do a side in antique dealing and retail of Sweedish wood-burning stoves (which also gives him an air of Arthur Dailey or Del Trotter as opposed to the flamboyant artist Evan’s obviously aspires to be).

Buy The Magnificent Evans on dvd here
Buy The Magnificent Evans as part of the Ultimate Ronnie Barker Collection dvd box set here