Sir David Jason arrives for the Cirque du Soleil “Kooza” VIP performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London. 08/01/2013. Credit: Shutterstock. Picture by: Steve Vas.
After the BBC abruptly axed Still Open All Hours, Sir David Jason has announced a brand new one-man stage show filled with stories, laughs, and behind-the-scenes secrets.
Sir David Jason has recently announced his new show, but behind Jason’s big stage comeback lies a story of heartbreak, resentment and unfinished business.
Sir David Jason, the national treasure who brought us Mr Derek Edward Trotter – AKA Del Boy – Detective Frost, and Granville, is heading back into the limelight this August 2025 with a one-man theatre show – An Evening with Sir David Jason – at Manchester’s very own Lowry Theatre.
But this career change isn’t just a gentle shuffle into retirement nostalgia. It follows a painful parting of ways with the BBC, who, back in 2023, axed one of his most beloved projects – Still Open All Hours – with no warning and no explanation.
And the 85-year-old legend hasn’t been shy about saying how he feels.
“I had all sorts of reasons to regret and resent this decision. But in particular I regretted and resented it on behalf of Ronnie Barker,” he admitted in his memoir This Time Next Year.
Still not over Still Open All Hours
The sequel to Ronnie Barker’s classic Open All Hours ran for six successful series from 2013. A seventh was commissioned in 2019, with creator Roy Clarke writing six final episodes that would see Granville finally tie the knot with long-time flame Mavis.
But after filming was postponed due to the pandemic, Jason was left waiting for a call that never came.
“Everything was set to go… and I couldn’t wait to get cracking. But days and weeks went past, and the call never came,” he revealed.
By 2023, the BBC confirmed the show had been shelved for good. Jason’s attempts to get even a shortened final series made fell on deaf ears.
“If six episodes was going to be too much of a stretch, what about just making three?… But no. All our protests and cajolings were to no avail.”
He described the series as a tribute to his late co-star and friend Ronnie Barker, saying it was “sad” not to be able to bring the story to a proper close.
Sir David Jason is not ready to say goodbye
Far from hanging up his acting hat, Jason says he’s still hungry to perform.
“By the time the pandemic had cleared off, I was absolutely desperate to get on and make that show,” he wrote.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast last year, the Only Fools star even made a public plea to the corporation:
“So if anybody’s at the BBC wanting a series that audiences like, we’ve got it ready… It would be great.”
But with no green light in sight, the veteran actor has taken matters into his own hands.
From sitcoms to stage lights
His upcoming theatre show promises “nostalgia, laughter and exclusive insights” as Jason reflects on a career that has defined British comedy and drama. From the chandelier crash to the Batman and Robin scene, from Granville’s shop counter to DI Frost’s trench coat, no stone will be left unturned.
He’ll also open up about personal challenges – grief, ageing and health. In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, he spoke candidly about memory struggles and his 2023 hip replacement.
“My memory isn’t what it used to be… but I don’t wear a hearing aid, I don’t wear glasses, and I’ve only had to replace one bit of my body – so I’m not doing too bad.”
Tickets, telly and tenacity
The show, running on August 22 and 23 at The Lowry, has tickets priced from £48 to £93. Promoters promise a behind-the-scenes peek at the magic of British TV, with a few surprise guests thrown in for good measure.
It may not be Still Open All Hours, but Sir David’s still open for business. And if the Beeb won’t have him, Manchester will.
After all – he who dares, wins.
Get more celebrity news in English.
Get more European news in English.
Read the full article here
