Desmond's (1989–1994)

Creator:

Trix Worrell

Stars:

Norman Beaton, Carmen Munroe, Ram John Holder

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Series cast summary:
Norman Beaton	...	Desmond Ambrose (71 episodes, 1989-1994)
Carmen Munroe	...	Shirley Ambrose (71 episodes, 1989-1994)
Ram John Holder	...	Augustus 'Porkpie' Grant (71 episodes, 1989-1994)
Gyearbuor Asante	...	Matthew (69 episodes, 1989-1994)
Kim Walker	...	Gloria Ambrose (60 episodes, 1989-1994)
Geff Francis	...	Michael Ambrose (54 episodes, 1989-1994)
Robbie Gee	...	Lee Graham (52 episodes, 1989-1994)
Justin Pickett	...	Sean Ambrose (50 episodes, 1989-1994)
Dominic Keating	...	Tony (36 episodes, 1989-1993)

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

barbershop | sitcom

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 January 1989 (UK)

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Humphrey Barclay Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

50 min 25 min (70 episodes) 50 min (final episode)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

[repeated line]
Matthew: There is an old African saying...

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Crazy Credits

The series 1 - 4 theme tune was the original recording of the theme tune "Dont Scratch My Soca" and a video montage of life in and around Peckham, people arriving on ships and an exterior shot of Shirley and Desmond outside the barbershop was used.

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Connections

Spin-off Porkpie (1995)

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Soundtracks

"Don't Scratch My Soca"
Music by John Collins
Lyrics by Trix Worrell

User Reviews

Blast from the past...

Have just finished watching what, to me, epitomised black British comedy in the '90s. This comedy is laugh out loud hilarious, without being patronising and has managed to stand the test of time, even by today's standards.

Norman Beaton (may he rest in peace) was a comedic genius and it made me cry just recalling the fact that he is no longer with us. The remaining supporting cast were equally funny, making a series basically focusing on the day to day events in a barbers in Peckham, very realistic.

A lot of the humour resonates with my own childhood, with the loud banter, constant ribbing and no one safe from the butt of a joke. I hope other people get hooked on this programme as you will not regret spending half an hour with the Ambroses...