The Mirror, 20 February 2002, by Tony Purnell.
"Last night's view: These oldies pack a paunch."
-----------------------------------------------------------

We've had twentysomething comedies and thirtysomething 
comedies so I suppose it was only a matter of time before 
the oldies got a look in. 

*Manchild* (BBC2) is about four wealthy fiftysomethings keen 
to enjoy life before it is too late.

Nigel Havers leads the group as divorced stockbroker Terry 
who talks to the audience in much the same way as Michael 
Caine did as young Alfie in the 60s movie. "Time it right 
and your fifties can once again be a full time, full-on 
hedonistic quest for pleasure," said Terry.

It can't be easy playing Jack the Lad when you are getting 
on a bit.

It was all right for charmer Nigel because he looks years 
younger than he really is. He still has that famous mop of 
hair and is slim enough not to shy away from taking his 
clothes off - even it was only for a massage.

It was no problem either for hearth-throb Anthony Head from 
*Buffy the Vampire Slayer* and the Gold Blend coffee 
commercials, who played divorced dentist James.

But the years have not been so kind to Don Warrington, who 
played bachelor art dealer Patrick, and Ray Burdis, who made 
up the group as married businessman Gary.

Don was barely recognisable as the handsome lodger from 
*Rising Damp* and Gary not only looked well into middle-age 
but had the spread to go with it.

James picked up a model half his age in a trendy bar and 
took her to his luxury passion wagon in a railway siding - 
but failed to rise to the occasion and had to seek medical 
treatment.

*Buffy* fans will have been shocked - and so would viewers 
of a prudish disposition.

It's *Sex and the City* for the older man. The pals are as 
randy and racy as the girls from Manhattan but sadly nowhere 
near as funny.

[.....]



-----------------------------------------------------------
                     Bentley's Bedlam
            http://www.BetsyDa.com/bedlam.html

This website is for information and entertainment purposes only 
and is not intended to infringe on copyrights held by others.