Are You Being Served? Again!

Are You Being Served? Again!, also known as Grace & Favour, is a British sitcom from the early 1990s that is available on BritBox. This sequel to the original 1972-1985 series, Are You Being Served?, continues to deliver the hearty dose of humour and oddball antics that fans had come to love. Crafted by British comedy masterminds David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd, the show carries forward the lively spirit of its predecessor, with much of the original cast returning to reprise their iconic roles.

In Are You Being Served? Again!, viewers are reacquainted with the eccentric team from the ladies' and gentlemen's apparel section of Grace Brothers Department Store. However, the ambience has changed significantly in this sequel. The staff are no longer navigating the intricate dynamics of retail sales, but instead, they must grapple with a completely new set of challenges.

Following the closure of Grace Brothers Department Store, the misfit crew - including department head Mr. Peacock, aloof elegance-loving Mrs. Slocombe, the prudish and reserved Miss Brahms, the pompous and often risqué Captain Peacock, and the ever-lascivious Mr. Humphries - find themselves thrown into an entirely foreign terrain. The late Young Mr. Grace, the store owner, has bequeathed them a country estate hotel in his will, that comes with its own set of trials and tribulations.

Requiring them to live and work together, the hotel setting adds an interesting layer of complexity to their relationships. Each character's quirks and distinct personality traits are amplified, delivering hilariously warm, comical, and often perplexing scenarios. From mishaps in the kitchen to unexpected arrivals of guests, the showmaintains the endearing wit and slapstick comedy of the original series, while introducing a touch of rural charm.

The world of Are You Being Served? Again! is not strictly insular. The country setting introduces a host of amusing new characters, including peculiar locals and high-profile guests, who mix up the dynamics and contribute to the layered and often farcical humour. Antics range from the attempt to maintain the hotel's farm animals to gracious (and often bungled) efforts to cater to the whims of local and visiting guests.

One of the pleasures of the show is the subtle but consistent evolution of its characters. While they still maintain their distinctive characteristics from the original series, Are You Being Served? Again! allows these characters to extend their boundaries. As they attempt, often in vain, to adapt to their newfound lifestyle, the audience is treated to nuanced, character-driven comedy that doesn't shy away from an apparent affection for its subjects. Prolific performers like John Inman (Mr. Humphries), Mollie Sugden (Mrs. Slocombe) and Frank Thornton (Captain Peacock) infuse their roles with a familiar energy that adds to the nostalgia and fun.

Despite taking place in a different setting, the show retains the essence of the original Are You Being Served? series. Fans can expect a combination of sharp-witted dialogue, unexpected turns of events, comedic misunderstandings and, of course, the characters' infamous double entendres.

While Are You Being Served? Again! only ran for two series from 1992 to 1993, it remains a delightful revisit to the lives of the beloved Grace Brothers staff. Equal parts nostalgia and fresh comedy, the show is a testament to the enduring appeal of these well-drawn, well-loved characters and stands as a worthy successor to a British sitcom classic.

Are You Being Served? Again! presents a unique blend of classic British comedy in a completely novel setting. It provides the kind of heartwarming, laugh-out-loud viewing that works well for endearing family viewing or a comforting solo marathon on a rainy afternoon.

So, if you're a fan of the original series or a newcomer looking for a show that is British humour at its finest, be sure to catch Are You Being Served? Again! on BritBox.