A Bit of a Do

1989 • Comedy, Drama • NR

A Bit of a Do is a British comedy drama series based on the books by David Nobbs. The show starred David Jason and was aired on ITV in 1989. It was made for the ITV network by Yorkshire Television. The show was set in a fictional Yorkshire town. Each episode took place at a different social function and followed the changing lives of two families, the working-class Simcocks and the middle-class Rodenhursts, together with their respective friends, Rodney and Betty Sillitoe, and Neville Badger. The series begins with the wedding of Ted and Rita Simcock's son Paul to Laurence and Liz Rodenhurst's daughter Jenny; an event at which Ted and Liz begin an affair. The subsequent fallout from this affair forms the basis for most of the first series.

David Nobbs' novel 'A Bit of a Do' offers a smart and nuanced insight into British society that even its acclaimed television adaptation cannot fully capture. While the TV series brings the characters and events of the book to life visually, the novel provides a deeper exploration of the internal thoughts and motivations of its characters, highlighting Nobbs' sharp wit and keen observational skills. By choosing to read the book, you'll gain access to richly detailed scenes and backgrounds that expand the comedic and dramatic undertones which drive the story forward. Furthermore, reading 'A Bit of a Do' allows you to savor Nobbs' exceptional prose and experience the intricate weaving of multiple storylines that reveal the complexities of human relationships amidst social gatherings. As you delve into the book, you'll find yourself transported into a world where satire and humor are artfully balanced with emotional depth and character development, offering an enriching literary experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.