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This Week in » Tea Time Tidbits
Home Page Archives 2011
December 22, 2011
Warmest Wishes for the Holidays
We hope all Afternoon Tea viewers are enjoying the holiday season! As a special seasonal treat, in addition to the regular Tea lineup, Christmas-themed episodes of the British comedies will air on MPT the evening of December 24. Enjoy!
Our Tea Lady, Heather, extends her greetings as well and is now enjoying some vacation with her family - but she'll be back in touch after the new year.
I want my Afternoon Tea!
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HERO COUNTDOWN
December 5-9, 2011
462: starting goal
» 491: WE MADE IT!
As we wrapped up the week of December 9, we EXCEEDED OUR GOAL and received 491 donations!
Each year, MPT invests almost $50,000 to purchase the British comedies you enjoy on MPT.
When we pre-empt Afternoon Tea during pledge, you let us know that you don't like it. We don't either. Until now, we've had to.
So we tried an experiment. Afternoon Tea was not pre-empted December 5-9 with any pledge breaks. We asked you to be a hero during this time with a donation to keep Afternoon Tea pledge-free...and 491 of you came through!
Thanks to faithful and generous Afternoon Tea viewers, our experiment was a resounding success. So successful that there will be no interruptions of Afternoon Tea for the next six months, and no fund raising messages.
However, dollars still equal programs. We'll repeat this experiment during our end of fiscal year on-air fund drive in June. MPT urges all Afternoon Tea viewers to spread the word - the more people that become financial partners with MPT, the stronger this programming block will be.
Donate online or call 1-800-222-1292
November 2, 2011
The return of Downton Abbey
All NEW Season II coming, Season I to repeat
Fantastic news for the devoted and enthusiastic viewers of Masterpiece's Downton Abbey: seven new episodes will air in January and February! Season one of this series introduced us to and began the stories of the aristocratic family headed by the Earl of Grantham and its domestic staff. In case you missed the first series or need a refresher, season one episodes will be repeated on November 27 and December 4, 11 and 18.
More information: www.pbs.org
Watch Downton Abbey Series II Preview on PBS. See more from Masterpiece.
September 29, 2011
David Croft has died
Co-creator and writer of Are You Being Served?
Viewers of Afternoon Tea will be saddened to learn of the death of David Croft. It was his brand of humor, as seen in AYBS? and other classic sitcoms from Britain, that we have come to love and treasure in these programs. Fortunately, his gifts remain for us to enjoy in the world of television. As one tribute said of him, "His best monument is that his shows are still repeated."
A pleasant bit of coincidence is that our Heather wrote about David Croft in last week's Tea Time Tidbits. She gives us further insight into this talented individual.
Go to news source article: www.bbc.co.uk
September 20, 2011
Emmy honors Downton Abbey
History of British programming wins continues
Primetime Emmy awards were bestowed on Downton Abbey, including for Best Miniseries and Best Supporting Actress honors for Maggie Smith. A British export hauling American Emmy gold is not a new thing. Iconic PBS series such as Upstairs, Downstairs and Cranford paved the way...along with a few other non-PBS/Brit shows that are often mistakenly believed to be from public television. Revisit these programs in this article from the BBC:
Go to source article: www.bbc.co.uk
August 26, 2011
Great news!
Afternoon Tea lineup expands
Your afternoons just got better as Afternoon Tea expands its programming block with a rotation of new shows in the 1pm time slot. Beginning September 5, the Britcoms Chef!; The Old Guys; Open All Hours; May to December and 'Allo, 'Allo will share the lead into the existing schedule of shows. Additional new programs Antiques Roadshow (UK) and BBC World News America will follow in the 4:30-6pm time slot.
More information: Tea Time Tidbits
August 11, 2011
"Mr. Bean" cracks up
British TV star crashes sports car, injures self
Actor Rowan Atkinson, known to PBS audiences from Blackadder and Mr. Bean, in a vehicle far different from Bean's old Mini Metro, crashed his McLaren F1 supercar into a tree in Cambridgeshire, suffering minor injuries. The car enthusiast had recently appeared on the popular British automotive program Top Gear, registering the fastest time on that program's race track where celebrities compete and compare their driving skills. Atkinson was treated for a shoulder injury and released from hospital the same day.
Source article: www.bbc.co.uk
July 22, 2011
She can sing, too!
Dame Judi Dench performs Send in the Clowns
Source: You Tube
July 14, 2011
PBS honored by television academy
EMMY nominations for Tea viewer favorites
Primetime EMMY award nominations were announced today, with PBS programming snaring an impressive 43 nods. Afternoon Tea viewers will be pleased to learn that Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs are among those chosen for recognition. Actors in these programs singled out for their work include Elizabeth McGovern and Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey) and Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins (Upstairs, Downstairs). The winners will be announced in September.
Source article: www.emmys.com
July 7, 2011
William and Kate to visit the U.S.
California here they come
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, following their successful tour of Canada, are set to touch down on the west coast on Friday. Hollywood is the land of the "hot ticket," but none come hotter than the ones enabling a hobnob with the royal couple. Prince William and his new bride will also visit Inner City Arts, an academy that gives children from poor backgrounds free classes in the arts.
Source article: www.guardian.co.uk
June 24, 2011
Beep beep, sheep!
Dame Judi Dench given Freedom of London
"Dame Judi Dench has received the Freedom of the City of London for her services to acting. At a ceremony at the Guildhall, Dame Judi said she was "honoured" and looked forward to the perks it allowed her.
'I look forward to being able to drive my sheep over London Bridge, and occasionally wearing a sword in public,' she said."
Source article: www.bbc.co.uk
June 16, 2011
The Vicar takes off
...over 40 pounds!
Dawn French, Geraldine on The Vicar of Dibley, has done some slimming, as the Brits would say. She - and her character - are well-professed lovers of chocolate, but they've indulged somewhat less lately. Dawn has dropped an amazing three stone (one stone equals 14 pounds). Quite an accomplishment!
Source article: www.dailymail.co.uk
June 3, 2011
"Sir" Captain Peacock?
He may have put on airs as the snooty Captain Peacock on Are You Being Served?, but series creator David Croft thinks it's time for the actor Frank Thornton to receive his due with this year's Queen's Birthday Honours List. "He's a very worthy actor. He had leading roles in two of the greatest British sitcoms, so I think it is about time his turn came round," says Croft. This year's honorees will be announced this month. Fingers crossed, Frank!
Editor's Note: This year's Birthday Honours were announced, and Mr. Thornton was not on the list. Better luck next time, Frank!
Source article: www.express.co.uk
May 20, 2011
Life After Lark Rise
Julia Sawalha to appear in AbFab return
Don't get too used to only seeing Julia Sawalha in her role as the competent and capable postmistress in Lark Rise to Candleford, Dorcas Lane. The BBC has announced that three new episodes of the mega-hit comedy Absolutely Fabulous have been commissioned, and Julia will return to the role of Saffy, the poor trod-upon daughter of PR-maven Edina Monsoon (played by actress and series writer Jennifer Saunders). Filming begins in August.
Source article: www.guardian.co.uk
May 12, 2011
Hats off for charity
Royal wedding topper heads to eBay
The hat worn by Princess Beatrice at the wedding of her cousin, Prince William, caused quite a reaction across the globe. Love it or hate it, one can't argue that the next step for the fashion statement extraordinaire is not a noble one. The princess intends to offer the hat on online auction site eBay with proceeds to benefit the charities UNICEF and Children in Crisis. Good for you, Bea!
Source article: blogs.bbcamerica.com
May 3, 2011
Are You Being Served?
Do you take this man?
Are you suffering from the post-Royal Wedding blues? Here's some video of when Mrs. Slocombe (almost) snagged herself a Greek groom -- with the Greek wedding dance at the 27:25 mark.
Source: You Tube
April 25, 2011
Are You Being Served? actor has died
Trevor Bannister, the comic actor who delivered plenty of laughs as cheeky Mr. Lucas on AYBS?, died on April 14 after suffering a heart attack. Frank Thornton, who appeared as Captain Peacock alongside Bannister and who recently turned 90, told the BBC "He was a very good friend over a long time...We shall miss him sorely." Afternoon Tea will deliver more about Trevor Bannister's life in next week's edition of Heather's Tea Time Tidbits.
April 14, 2011
MASTERPIECE Madness
And the winner is...Elizabeth Bennet!
MASTERPIECE conducted a little of its own seasonal madness with a bracket of its famed characters doing battle with one another to claim the top spot. All of this action was captured on PBS' MASTERPIECE Faceback page where visitors were able to vote and track each step of the journey, down to the Final One. Who did Elizabeth edge out in the final stage? Who else – Mr. Darcy!
» Click here to see the entire bracket
More information: MASTERPIECE | PBS on Facebook
April 11, 2011
Uptown Downstairs Abbey: Part Two
Red Nose Day 2011 - BBC Comic Relief Night
An excellent spoof and blending of two MASTERPIECE favorites, all in aid of charity.
Source: You Tube
April 5, 2011
Uptown Downstairs Abbey: Part One
Red Nose Day 2011 - BBC Comic Relief Night
An excellent spoof and blending of two MASTERPIECE favorites, all in aid of charity.
Source: You Tube
March 29, 2011
The return of Upstairs Downstairs!
NEW episodes on PBS in April
The saga continues on MASTERPIECE Classic, Sundays April 10, 17, and 24, 2011 at 9pm ET.
It's 1936 and, sweeping away the cobwebs from the most famous address in MASTERPIECE history, a new couple moves into [the former Bellamy home]. Thus resumes the romantic, moving, and epic story of Upstairs Downstairs, more than three decades after its last episode on PBS.
With new upper-class residents and a brand new staff (plus one very familiar face) below stairs, life picks up anew at good old 165 Eaton Place.
More information: www.pbs.org
March 29, 2011
Upstairs Downstairs on DVD
Special 40th Anniversary Release
All five seasons -- plus 25 hours of BONUS footage -- of the legendary EMMY, BAFTA and Peabody Award-winning series are now available in one DVD set. Why not catch up with the Bellamy household in anticipation of the return of Upstairs Downstairs with ALL NEW episodes to PBS this April?
Go to source article: www.playbill.com
March 23, 2011
Behind the Britcom: From Script to Screen
The Writers
Here is another segment of the enlightening program that looks into how our beloved Britcoms are created.
Source: You Tube
March 15, 2011
Behind the Britcom: From Script to Screen
The Actors
If you've ever wondered how the British comedies you enjoy on Afternoon Tea go from "script to screen," this program is truly a "must see."
Enjoy this excerpt:
Source: You Tube
March 1, 2011
Behind The Britcom: From Script to Screen
Join hosts Moira Brooker (Judith on As Time Goes By) and Philip Bretherton (Alastair on As Time Goes By) as they take you inside the hearts and minds of the writers, producers and actors that have brought you many of your favorite British comedies.
Airing on MPT:
» Monday, March 7 at 1pm
» Saturday, March 12 at 9pm
» Wednesday, March 16 at 2:30pm
More information: www.mpt.org
February 17, 2011
And Furthermore
Judi Dench biography is on sale
The fifty-plus year career of As Time Goes By's Judi Dench is chronicled in a new book called "And Furthermore" which went on sale this week. In it she shares memories, recollections and advice that come from her many experiences on stage and screen. Judi says this is no indication that her career is over but it's more an addendum to her previous biography, "Judi Dench: With a Crack in Her Voice." There's more to come as Judi's professional career is as busy as ever!
Go to source article: www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2011
Downton Abbey Update
Season Two in production
Good news for those of you who might be suffering from Downton Abbey withdrawal. Response to the series has been so positive that a second series is now in the works and will be part of the MASTERPIECE Classic season in 2012. Julian Fellowes continues as the writer for the upcoming series, which will again star Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern.
If you're craving a Downton Abbey fix before next winter though, or if you missed an episode, you can rewatch the first four episodes of the series on the MASTERPIECE web site. This is just for a limited time though and will expire February 22nd!
Go to MASTERPIECE web site: pbs.org/masterpiece
February 7, 2011
Patricia in Performance
Several readers let us know how much they enjoyed Heather's Tea Time Tidbit about Patricia Routledge and her musical theater career, including her performance in The Pirates of Penzance. Special thanks to "Bowie fan" for sharing this video clip with us!
Source: You Tube
Tea with Heather
Just Cricket
It's just not baseball. Many Americans, when asked to give their impression of what the game of cricket is all about, frequently compare it to this country's national pastime. Yes, there's a bat and a ball and umpires and referees. But one look at the game and you'll realize that the differences number far greater. Heather gives us her take and experiences with what might rightly be called Britain's national pastime.
Go to: Just Cricket
February 4, 2011
Juniper Hill to Fringford?
That might have been the name of the new program airing on MPT, Lark Rise to Candleford, had the writers chosen to use the real names of the towns on which the series takes inspiration. Author Flora Thompson, on whose autobiographical novels the series is based, lived in these locations which are found in the beautiful English countryside regions of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
Go to source article: en.wikipedia.org
January 26, 2011
Don't tell Miss Piggy
PBS and Britcom actors go way back
Kermit the Frog and Are You Being Served?'s John Inman appeared together on a British talk show in the 1970's, and from the look of things they hit it off quite well. Did this frog turn into a handsome prince after this kiss? Well, not exactly...take a look!
Go to source article: muppet.wikia.com
January 21, 2011
Top 10 Britcoms
Are we unanimous in that?
The folks over at the Screen Junkies web site have published their list of the top ten British television comedies. Do you agree with it? Some of the choices are very recognizable to Afternoon Tea viewers, especially the number one choice!
Go to source article: www.screenjunkies.com
January 18, 2011
Is this face familiar?
Actor does double duty
Brendan Coyle is being seen a lot on MPT lately. Fans of the new addition to the Afternoon Tea line-up Lark Rise to Candleford will recognize him as Robert Timmins, father of the central chartacter Laura Timmins who is apprenticing at the post office. Evening viewers of PBS who have been enjoying Masterpiece's Downton Abbey know him as John Bates, Bates, the lame valet and former British Army batman of the Earl of Grantham. Coyle, an English actor with Irish roots, is also accomplished on the stage and is a winner of the prestigious Olivier Award for best supporting performance in a play.
January 11, 2011
The King's Speech
A film for Anglophiles
Colin Firth, known to British television audiences for creating, for many, the definitive Mr. Darcy in the 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice, delivers an acclaimed performance as King George VI, father of the present queen, Elizabeth II, in the new movie The King's Speech. This film recounts the king's stuggle with a lifelong stammer and how it hampered his public life. With the help of speech therapist Lionel Logue, "Bertie" (as the king was known to family) was able to largely manage this demon. In theaters now! (*Bonus trivia: actress Jennifer Ehle, who portrayed Elizabeth Bennet to Firth's Darcy, portrays Logue's wife in the movie.)
Go to official web site: www.kingsspeech.com
January 3, 2011
Pete Postlethwaite has died
Oscar nominee succombs to cancer
Actor Pete Postlethwaite has died of cancer in Shropshire, England. Postlethwaite was Academy Award-nominated for his role in the Daniel Day-Lewis film In the Name of the Father, but he is also known to PBS audiences for his appearances in the Masterpiece programs Martin Chuzzlewit and more recently Lost for Words in which his co-star was Last of the Summer Wine's Thora Hird. Speaking of LOTSW, he also appeared in a 1978 episode of that program as well, playing a postman! Postlethwaite was 64.
Go to source article: www.bbc.co.uk
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