The Magic of Sir David Jason
Sir David Jason is recognised as one of the UK’s greatest living actors, with a career spanning over forty years and encompassing some of the greatest dramatic and comedic roles of our time. With the upcoming DVD release of Sir David Jason’s latest role in 'The Colour of Magic' (2008), we look back at a selection of his most enchanting and spellbinding characters.
Click here to win a copy of 'The Colour Of Magic' on DVD!
In one of his first major roles, Sir David Jason starred alongside long-time friend Ronnie Barker as the long-suffering apprentice Granville in ‘Open All Hours’ (1976). Set in a Yorkshire-based grocery store, the comedy focused on the dynamics of Granville and his shopkeeper Uncle Arkwright.
Granville often provided slapstick relief; his desire to be a ladies man and his faulty inventions often proving to be his downfall. The success of the show was largely down to the magical chemistry between Jason and Barker, with Granville’s mocking of Arkwright's speech impediment and the deadly till providing many of the laughs.
The second of Sir David’s parings with Ronnie Barker was the prison-based story of reforming criminal Norman Stanley Fletcher (Barker), ‘Porridge’ (1974). Sir David starred as Blanco Webb, an elderly convict accused of killing his wife. The role was groundbreaking, as Sir David was only in his thirties at the time. Not only did his appearance as an old man shock viewers, but the role was also highly sympathetic – a key attribute of the actor’s ability to resonate so highly with his audience.
'Colour of Magic' image gallery
Click here to win a copy of 'The Colour Of Magic' on DVD!
In one of his first major roles, Sir David Jason starred alongside long-time friend Ronnie Barker as the long-suffering apprentice Granville in ‘Open All Hours’ (1976). Set in a Yorkshire-based grocery store, the comedy focused on the dynamics of Granville and his shopkeeper Uncle Arkwright.
Granville often provided slapstick relief; his desire to be a ladies man and his faulty inventions often proving to be his downfall. The success of the show was largely down to the magical chemistry between Jason and Barker, with Granville’s mocking of Arkwright's speech impediment and the deadly till providing many of the laughs.
The second of Sir David’s parings with Ronnie Barker was the prison-based story of reforming criminal Norman Stanley Fletcher (Barker), ‘Porridge’ (1974). Sir David starred as Blanco Webb, an elderly convict accused of killing his wife. The role was groundbreaking, as Sir David was only in his thirties at the time. Not only did his appearance as an old man shock viewers, but the role was also highly sympathetic – a key attribute of the actor’s ability to resonate so highly with his audience.
'Colour of Magic' image gallery
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