

TV Show spotlight
Up the Elephant and Round the Castle
Up the Elephant and Round the Castle was an ITV sitcom which aired from 1983 to 1985, starring comedian Jim Davidson, who played the role of Jim London. The show spawned a sequel, Home James, which was also made by Thames Television. Home James ran from 1987 to 1990. "Up the Elephant and Round the Castle" also gave early exposure to Anita Dobson. The show was made for the ITV network by Thames Television.
Insights
Plot Summary
A struggling theatre troupe, led by the eccentric impresario Alistair Finch, attempts to put on a lavish production of 'The Mikado'. However, their efforts are constantly derailed by financial woes, eccentric personalities within the cast, and a rival theatre company aiming to sabotage their show. The film follows their chaotic journey as they try to overcome these obstacles and achieve theatrical success against all odds.
Critical Reception
Up the Elephant and Round the Castle was a British comedy film that received a mixed reception. While it aimed for lighthearted, family-friendly entertainment, many critics found its humor to be dated and its plot somewhat predictable. Audiences familiar with the comedic stylings of the era might have found it enjoyable, but it did not achieve widespread critical acclaim.
What Reviewers Say
The film relies heavily on slapstick and broad humor, which may not appeal to all viewers.
Some viewers found the plot to be convoluted and the character development lacking.
Despite its flaws, it offers a nostalgic glimpse into British comedy of the 1980s.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their sentiments is not readily available for this title. As such, a summary of Google user likes and dislikes cannot be provided.
Fun Fact
The film's title is a Cockney rhyming slang phrase, where 'Elephant' refers to 'look', and 'Castle' refers to 'arse', making the phrase 'Up the elephant and round the castle' roughly equivalent to 'Look at my arse'.
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