Acorn Antiques
Acorn Antiques

Movie spotlight

Acorn Antiques

1987
Movie
70 min
English

Starring Victoria Wood, Julie Walters, Celia Imrie, Duncan Preston, with the snobby continuity announcer played by Susie Blake, Acorn Antiques was a mini soap opera set in a shop on the outskirts of Manchesterford. Viewers were gripped with the everyday dramas that beset Miss Babs (Celia Imrie), Berta (Victoria Wood) and the glamorous Mrs Overall (Julie Walters). Now each thrilling episode is available together for the first time on DVD, including "Babs and the Cup of Coffee", "Mrs Overall and her Apron" and the memorable classic "Berta coming through the Doorway". Re-live the drama as Mrs Overall serves up another batch of macaroons and Babs discusses the future of the shop. What will be this week's riveting cliff hanger? Will the set survive? Written by Victoria Wood, Acorn Antiques was Produced and Directed by Geoff Posner and first transmitted as part of Victoria Wood as Seen on TV… in January 1985.

Insights

Director: Victoria WoodGenres: Comedy, Sketch

Plot Summary

Acorn Antiques is a British comedy sketch series that parodies a small, independent antique shop. The show features a cast of eccentric characters, led by the well-meaning but often clueless proprietor Mrs. Clara Goodwin, her long-suffering assistant, and various quirky customers. Each episode presents a series of short, humorous vignettes highlighting the shop's unusual inventory and the peculiar interactions between the staff and their clientele.

Critical Reception

Acorn Antiques was a beloved segment within Victoria Wood's sketch shows, cherished for its gentle humor, witty writing, and superb character performances. It was particularly praised for its affectionate yet sharp satire of small businesses and British eccentrics, resonating strongly with audiences who appreciated its nostalgic charm and understated comedy.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Victoria Wood's sharp and observational writing.

  • Celebrated for the brilliant performances of the core cast, especially Victoria Wood and Julie Walters.

  • Appreciated for its nostalgic and charming portrayal of a bygone era of small shops.

Google audience: While specific user ratings for this sketch segment are not readily available, Acorn Antiques is widely remembered with fondness by viewers for its quintessential British humor and memorable characters. Audiences often recall the show's gentle satire and the comedic timing of its performers.

Fun Fact

The 'Acorn Antiques' sketches were originally part of Victoria Wood's television specials and later developed into a full stage musical, 'Acorn Antiques: The Musical!', which premiered in 2005.

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