In sitcom Sounding Brass Horace Gilbert Bestwick (Brian Glover) the new director of Ettaswell Town Band, is determined to restore it to its former glory. Mr Dukes (Stephen Hancock) is the music master and the band includes Gerry Thompson (Ray Mort) and Arthur Mannion (Philip Jackson).
Horace or H.G. as he preferred is very much old school, blowing his top when one of the younger band members wants to leave to join a pop group and refusing sponsorship.
Stephen Hancock was best known for his long running role as Ernie Bishop in Coronation Street, infamously killed off on the show in a shop robbery. At the time Hancock was president of Preston’s Brindle Brass Band.
Filmed in Etwall, Derbyshire which just happend to be author Don Shaw’s home village and the series made heavy use of the real life Ilkeston Brass Band.
production details
UK / ITV – ATV / 6×60 minute episodes / Broadcast 2 July – 6 August 1980 Wednesdays at 8.00pm
Writer: Don Shaw / Executive Producer: David Reid / Producer: John Cooper
cast
Brian Glover as Horace Gilbert Bestwick
Stephen Hancock as Leonard Dukes
Ray Mort as Gerry Thompson
Alex McCrindle as Mr MacKenzie
Philip Jackson as Arthur Mannion
Gwen Taylor as Cynthia Wildgoose
Teddy Turner as Frank Oldfield
Kevin Lloyd as Cyril Bacon
