Watch The Brittas Empire

The Brittas Empire is a British sitcom that follows the exploits of Gordon Brittas, the well-meaning but accident-prone manager of the Whitbury-Newtown Leisure Centre. The show originally aired from 1991 to 1997 and starred Chris Barrie in the titular role, alongside a talented supporting cast including Harriet Thorpe and Michael Burns.

The series is set within the walls of the Leisure Centre and frequently pits Brittas against his long-suffering staff, who are forced to contend with his often bizarre decisions and frequent mishaps. Despite his best efforts, Brittas' well-intentioned initiatives usually end up causing chaos and confusion, leaving his staff scrambling to put things right.

One of the key strengths of The Brittas Empire is its ensemble cast. While Brittas is undeniably the star of the show, the supporting characters are given ample screen time and opportunities to shine. These include Carole (Thorpe), Brittas' secretary who often finds herself caught up in his schemes; Colin (Burns), the center's lovable maintenance man; and Laura (Julia St. John), the no-nonsense deputy manager who serves as Brittas' foil.

The show's humor is often absurdist in nature, with Brittas' schemes ranging from the strange (a pyramid-building competition) to the downright dangerous (an underground cave exploration). The show frequently mines humor from the gap between Brittas' ambitions and his abilities, with his grand visions often falling apart due to poor planning or unforeseen complications.

Despite its often over-the-top humor, The Brittas Empire also has a surprisingly warm heart. The staff of the Leisure Centre are shown to genuinely care for each other, even when they're at each other's throats. This sense of camaraderie is particularly evident in the show's holiday specials, which see the characters banding together to face challenges outside of the Leisure Centre.

At its core, The Brittas Empire is a classic workplace comedy, following in the tradition of shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation. Like those shows, it uses the familiar setting of an office or government department to explore larger themes like bureaucracy, ambition, and human relationships. However, The Brittas Empire sets itself apart with its consistently zany and unpredictable tone, which keeps viewers guessing even as they're laughing.

Overall, The Brittas Empire is a classic British sitcom that has stood the test of time. Its humour is unabashedly goofy and often surreal, but it's held together by a strong cast, memorable characters, and a genuine sense of heart. Whether you're a fan of workplace comedies or just looking for a good laugh, The Brittas Empire is definitely worth a watch.

The Brittas Empire is a series that ran for 7 seasons (52 episodes) between January 3, 1991 and on BritBox