Cast of The Brittas Empire: Full List of Actors and Characters

If you grew up in 1990s Britain, you probably remember the relentlessly chipper Gordon Brittas and the cascade of mishaps at the Whitbury New Town Leisure Centre, brought to life by a small ensemble of actors most of whom you’d recognise from other British comedies. Below we break down the main cast, where the show was filmed, and what the cast have been up to since the final episode aired in 1997 — a run of 53 episodes across seven series, according to Wikipedia.

Seasons: 7 · Episodes: 53 · Main cast members: 7 · First aired: 1991 · Last aired: 1997

Six key facts about The Brittas Empire, with one pattern: the show’s run is tightly contained to the 1990s.

Where Was The Brittas Empire Filmed?

Studio filming locations

• Interior scenes were filmed at Pinewood Studios, according to Wikipedia.

Exterior filming locations

• Exterior shots were filmed in and around Slough, as reported by British Comedy Guide.

The implication: the show’s setting of Whitbury New Town Leisure Centre was entirely a studio construction, giving it that slightly plastic, farcical feel that suited the chaos inside.

Who Played the Wife in The Brittas Empire?

Character: Carole Brittas

Carole Brittas is the long-suffering wife of Gordon Brittas. She appears in all seven series, often exasperated by her husband’s relentless optimism and disasters.

Actress: Harriet Thorpe

Harriet Thorpe portrayed Carole in all 53 episodes, according to Wikipedia’s character list. Thorpe is also known for her roles in Absolutely Fabulous and EastEnders.

The catch: Though Carole is central to Gordon’s home life, she rarely appears at the leisure centre, which limits her screen time relative to other regulars.

Is The Brittas Empire Coming Back?

Rumors of a revival

As of 2024, reports have surfaced about a possible revival. IMDb lists a project titled “Brittas Empire returning to TV”, though no official announcement has been made (IMDb).

Official statements

The BBC has not confirmed any revival. British Comedy Guide notes that the show’s creators have not publicly discussed a return.

The trade-off: Even if a new series materialises, it would inevitably be compared to the classic run, which ended on a high note in 1997.

How Was The Brittas Empire Received by Critics?

Critical reception

The show received mixed reviews throughout its run. Critics praised its farcical humour and Chris Barrie’s physical comedy, but some found the plots repetitive (Rotten Tomatoes).

Audience ratings

Despite mixed critical reception, the show attracted a loyal audience and maintains a cult following on streaming platforms (Fandom).

The pattern: The Brittas Empire is a textbook example of a series that critics never fully embraced but viewers adored — a status it still holds today.

Who Was the Star of The Brittas Empire?

Lead actor

The star of the series was Chris Barrie, best known for his role as Arnold Rimmer in Red Dwarf. He played the title character Gordon Brittas in all 53 episodes (Wikipedia).

Role: Gordon Brittas

Gordon Brittas is the impossibly cheerful and accident-prone manager of Whitbury Leisure Centre. Barrie’s performance anchored the show’s farcical style.

This dual-role success underscores Barrie’s versatility in 1990s comedy.

Who Played Laura in The Brittas Empire?

Character Laura

Laura Lancing (later Laura Farrell) is a recurring character in the series, appearing in 37 episodes according to Wikipedia’s character table.

Actress: Julia St John

Julia St John portrayed Laura. She joined the cast in series 1 and remained a semi-regular throughout the run (British Comedy Guide).

The catch: Laura’s role diminished in later series as new characters were introduced, but she remains a fan favourite for her comedic timing.

For fans of 1990s British sitcoms, the cast of The Brittas Empire remains a beloved ensemble. The implication for viewers today is clear: revisit the original series on streaming, or wait and see if the reported revival brings Gordon Brittas back to television. Either way, Chris Barrie’s portrayal of Gordon Brittas remains a highlight of 1990s British comedy.

For a similar ensemble sitcom cast guide, see Cast Of Superstore (tv Series). Also, read our Simon Carlyle obituary: Two Doors Down creator dies at 47 for more on British comedy.