Desmond’s was a British television comedy show broadcast by Channel 4 from 1989 to 1994. The first series was filmed in 1988, with the first episode broadcast in January 1989. The show was made in and set in Peckham, London, England and featured a predominantly West Indian cast. The series starred Norman Beaton as barber Desmond Ambrose. Desmond’s shop was a gathering place for an assortment of local characters.
Mathilda Thorpe played Mandy, PA to Desmond’s eldest son, Michael who was an assistant bank manager. Unlike the rest of the Ambrose Family, he wasn’t introduced until the second episode, when Shirley suggested that Desmond go to the bank and get a loan to do-up the shop. As the series progressed Mandy and Michael were due to marry and had some hilarious scenes.
We managed to catch up with Mathilda and reminisce about Desmond’s.
Hi Matilda, Thanks for chatting to us at Lights Go Out zine, we’re big fans of Desmond’s so it’s really awesome of you to take time out for us. So let’s get right into this. If it’s OK we’ll start with Desmond’s…
You’re known for your role in Desmond’s as Mandy who played Michael’s PA and later fiancée, how did you enjoy the role?
I loved playing Mandy in Desmond’s, (you probably guessed I was going to say that) for several reasons. In a way I was given the chance to develop the character myself as each episode came along. It was slowly revealed that Mandy was in love with Michael. She became more and more crazy and jealous about him and that was really fun to play.
Secondly working with the other older actors was a real pleasure. They taught me a lot about professionalism.
Can you tell us how you got the role, was it a long audition process at all?
I never auditioned for the role. I was offered a small part in the second episode, I think, of a bank clerk and at the end of the taping of the show, Humphrey Barclay, the Producer came up to me and said that they were thinking of developing my character a bit more and was I free to come back next week. Best job offer I ever had!
How was it working with Norman Beaton?
Norman Beaton was an extraordinary man. Always word perfect, always full of energy, totally professional, never complained. Even in the last series when he was not well, he would sit quietly waiting for his scene and the moment he was called to go on, he would leap up with that infectious laugh and walk on to the set and give it everything he had. A true professional.
How about Ram John Holder, who played Porkpie?
Ram John again, was a very focused actor. Norman and Ram John loved their parts and their enjoyment really showed.
I have to admit my recollection of the spin off, Porkpie is a bit hazy, I have a vague feeling you appeared in this as well, was that the case?
Yes I was in Porkpie too, as was Geoff who played Michael. It was a different show in many ways, because the characters had all moved on and new ones came in. It lasted for 2 seasons. I was delighted to continue on with playing Mandy.
Do you still see any of the cast at all? Can you let us know what any of them are upto these days?
I don’t keep up with the cast, we all went on to lots of different things, though I have seen Robbie a couple of times and we did all see each other at Gyearbour Asanti’s Memorial service, which was very moving. I’m not sure what they are doing, I would love to know!
When making Desmond’s did you realise how popular it would become?
No, when I started in Desmonds I had absolutely no idea it would be such a hit. One time we made a promo for the beginning of a new series and we were told that the show had reached 5 million viewers which for Channel 4 was amazing.
With the first two seasons out on DVD, do you know if there are plans to release the other seasons?
Sadly, actors are the last to know about DVD releases and I only found out about it when you mentioned it!
Have you got copies of the seasons?
I made videos at the time of most of the episodes which are very old now so I expect I will buy them on DVD.
I know you’ve been in various other shows like The Bill and Robin Hood, what shows have you been most proud of being involved with?
Well, I have been lucky enough to do a big range of work in television, from all the soaps, Eastenders, The Bill, Casualty, Doctors to dramas like Rosemary and Thyme, Wonderful You, Robin Hood, musicals like Sweet Charity, It’s a Girl to comedy shows such as Lenny Henry, French and Saunders, Hale and Pace and lots of commercials. I love them all, and to be honest I just love working whatever it is.
Are you involved in shows in the West End at all?
I was in the West End several years ago in a play called When We Are Married which won the Olivier Award that year.
Which one role in any show or film would you have loved to have played?
I would love to have played Monica in Friends. Gorgeous looking, great character, funny storylines and 10 years of big money! Perfect job.
Is there anything you’ve auditioned for and not got that you’re really disappointed about?
I got down to the last 2 and I was really disappointed not to get the part of the Receptionist in the hotel in Steve Coogan’s show Alan Partridge. And I was also down to the last two in Kavanagh QC playing John Thaw’s assistant. Hmm, seems to be a pattern emerging!
What projects have you got upcoming?
I am still acting in various jobs which is great but I have also been writing for TV with my writing partner for some time and we have had some success along the way with our latest work being picked up by a production company.
What shows on TV really float your boat?
I love watching all the new comedy shows from the States. Modern Family and 30 Rock are two of my faves at the moment.
Are you following the World Cup?
I LOVE football so yes I am avidly watching the World Cup with my family. Not sure about how England will do but every match is an event in our house.
And finally, back to Desmond’s, can you remember any of those old African sayings?
Whenever Matthew would start telling his ‘Old African Sayings’ the audience used to laugh so loud I couldn’t always hear what he said! But they were always enormously wise and I certainly wish I could use them now.
Thanks for asking me these questions. I have enjoyed remembering the Desmond’s days.
Best Wishes,
Matilda Thorpe
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