Comedy historian Robert Ross pays tribute to some of the finest and funniest, but often overlooked, names in showbiz
BARBARA NEW
In the Wodehousian pastiche of Upstairs, Downstairs that was Jimmy Perry and David Croft’s You Rang, M’Lord? (1988-93), there was no character more downstairs than Mabel Wheeler, played by Barbara New.
The personification of the poverty-stricken, ever-so-humble general dogsbody, even the staff tended to look down their noses at Mabel. She’s scorned by the hierarchy-conscious cook (Brenda Cowling); and belittled by the pompous footman (Jeffrey Holland).
Scruffy of dress, but big of heart, every time this loveable waif was offered any treat, even a cup of tea, she would deploy her trusty catchphrase: “That’ll be nice!”
Barbara Helene New’s career was nice too. Born in Hammersmith, in May 1923, she had nurtured her performing talent in repertory theatre; marrying fellow jobbing actor Michael Barrington in 1956. Both enjoyed steady stage and screen work – Barrington making his name as the flustered Prison Governor in Porridge.
Barbara’s expertise at playing dotty old dears was far from exhausted
Barbara had been a familiar face on television since the Fifties, cropping up as an annoying Prison Visitor in the Porridge episode No Peace for the Wicked, as well as being a regular support for The Two Ronnies throughout the Seventies; and playing the aggrieved Aunt in their slapstick comedy films The Picnic (1976), and By the Sea (1982).
Diminutive, subservient, and an instinctive comedy actress, Barbara was perfect for Rod Hull and Emu’s meta children’s show Emu’s Broadcasting Company on BBC1, which cast her as the nattering studio tea lady.
Although Barbara appeared in such popular fare as Happy Since I Met You (1981), written by Victoria Wood, and Bread, created by Carla Lane, it was the universe of David Croft that brought her lasting popularity.
