Whether you grew up with the small screen original or not, critics, celebrities and audiences agree: you’ll have a laugh with Joe Pasquale’s Frank Spencer and this feelgood stage version of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em. We’ve rounded up review highlights, plus celebrity quotes and audience reactions. Time to get booking!
The stage version of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em , written and directed by Guy Unsworth, is based on the classic 1970s British sitcom, in which loveable but accident-prone Frank Spencer’s various attempts to hold down a job frequently ended in disaster.
What do Jenny Eclair, Christopher Biggins, Linda Lusardi, Vicki Michelle & Sam Kane say?
Co-starring with Joe Pasquale onstage are Sarah Earnshaw as Frank’s long-suffering wife Betty and Susie Blake as his disapproving mother-in-law Mrs Fisher.
The Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em tour continues to Theatre Royal Nottingham (10-24 March), Cheltenham Everyman Theatre (17-21 March), Theatre Royal Windsor (24-28 March), The Beck Theatre Hayes (31 March-4 April), Stoke Regent Theatre (14-18 April), Aylesbury Waterside Theatre (28 April-2 May), The Gordon Craig Theatre Stevenage (5-9 May), Swansea Grand Theatre (9-13 June), Leeds Grand Theatre (23-27 June) and Kings Theatre Portsmouth (30 June-4 July).
Audience reactions
Show trailer
Review highlights
The Argus – ★★★★★
Tony Flood: “Comedy genius Joe Pasquale, the master of both verbal and physical humour, makes the revival of 1970s classic farce Some Mothers Do ‘ave ’em a smash.”
Stuart Gidden: “Joe Pasquale makes Frank Spencer his own in a hilarious ensemble farce based on the classic 1970s TV show… Each of the performers’ pinpoint timing and easy interplay make this a winner.”
Karen Pond: “This hilarious play is a reworking of the classic BBC sitcom… The sound of the iconic theme at the start transported me back to my childhood when I watched the programme with my family.”
Jane Kemp: “A delightful reminder of what a superb comedy Raymond Allen created – even the title music gets its own cheer of recognition… This is a farce with a heart. Guy Unsworth’s revival is a welcome comeback for Frank Spencer.”
Greg Jameson: “This production is a great evening’s entertainment for everyone who loves the TV show, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh besides. It is a fitting tribute to the mad mishaps of Frank Spencer.”
Paul Lucas-Scott: “This is not a tribute to Frank Spencer, it is his rebirth. The raincoat and beret are still there but, with only brief appearances, they no longer define the character.”
“Thanks to clever casting, a popular TV show of yesteryear, and amplified microphones so no one can complain of audibility issues, this is sure to pack in and satisfy audiences.”
MyTheatreMates works with a select number of high-quality London and regional productions on Featured Content campaigns. If you'd like your show content featured on our website and social media channels, contact us.
MyTheatreMates works with a select number of high-quality London and regional productions on Featured Content campaigns. If you'd like your show content featured on our website and social media channels, contact us.
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