Open All Hours facts for kids

Open All Hours is a classic British television sitcom that aired on the BBC. It was created by Roy Clarke and first broadcast in 1973, running until 1985. The show is set in a small grocery shop located in Balby, a part of Doncaster in South Yorkshire. It stars Ronnie Barker as Albert Arkwright, the shop's owner, and David Jason as his nephew, Granville, who works for him. Lynda Baron plays nurse Gladys Emanuel, whom Arkwright is very fond of. The series was so popular that a new show, Still Open All Hours, followed in 2013.

What is Open All Hours About?

Open All Hours tells the story of a small, old-fashioned grocery shop and the funny things that happen there. The shop is run by the very careful and often grumpy owner, Arkwright. He is always trying to save money and sell things to his customers. His nephew, Granville, works for him. Granville dreams of a more exciting life outside the shop.

Meet the Main Characters

The show's humor comes from the interactions between its main characters. Each character has a unique personality that makes the show enjoyable to watch.

Arkwright: The Shop Owner

Arkwright, the shop owner.

Arkwright, played by Ronnie Barker, is the owner of the grocery shop. He is known for being very thrifty, which means he tries to save every penny. He often uses an old, squeaky till (cash register) and tries to sell items that are past their best. Arkwright is also very fond of Nurse Gladys Emanuel and often tries to impress her.

Granville: The Shop Assistant

Nurse Gladys Emanuel, Arkwright, and Granville.

Granville, played by David Jason, is Arkwright's nephew and helper in the shop. He is much younger and more hopeful than Arkwright. Granville often feels trapped working in the shop and dreams of adventure and meeting girls. He is always trying to get out and explore the world, but Arkwright usually finds a way to keep him busy.

Nurse Gladys Emanuel: The Love Interest

Nurse Gladys Emanuel, played by Lynda Baron, is a kind and sensible nurse who lives nearby. Arkwright is very attracted to her and often tries to win her over with gifts or compliments. However, Gladys usually sees through his schemes and keeps him in his place. She is a strong and independent character.

Where is the Shop Located?

The shop in Open All Hours is set in Balby, a suburb of Doncaster in South Yorkshire. The exterior shots of the shop were filmed at a real shop on Lister Avenue in Balby. This helped to make the show feel very real and familiar to viewers. The inside of the shop was a set built in a studio.

Why Was Open All Hours Popular?

The show became very popular because of its funny characters and clever writing. Many people enjoyed the simple, everyday humor and the relatable situations in the shop. The performances by Ronnie Barker and David Jason were also a big reason for its success. It became a beloved part of British television.

The Story Continues

Years after the original series ended, a new show called Still Open All Hours began in 2013. This new series continued the story, with David Jason returning as Granville, who now runs the shop after Arkwright's passing. It brought the beloved characters and setting back to a new generation of viewers.

Images for kids

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  Lister Avenue in Balby, where exterior shots were set with 'Beautique', the shop used as Arkwright's, on the right.