International Women's Day Series ~ Judy Buxton

By Helen McWilliams

 

Photo Credit: Nicholas Dawkes Photography

Judy Buxton first appeared on my television screen as Ruth Carpenter in the BBC TV series 'On The Up' ('just the one, Mrs Wembley?') and she instantly commanded my attention. Unusually so actually as the 'villain of the piece', which I suppose Ruth was, is not normally the character I'm drawn to. Judy's chemistry with Dennis Waterman was undeniable though and although she wasn't spinning catchphrases and wrapped up in the full on comedy elements of the sitcom, I thought she was terrific. When you get to know Judy, it becomes apparent extremely quickly that she couldn't be further from Ruth in personality. The saying 'don't meet your heroes' definitely does not apply here! 

Judy with Dennis Waterman in On The Up

With a new actress on my radar, I had to backtrack to try and locate footage of her past credits and I have managed to watch a fair few of them now. Caroline in Rising Damp, Joanna in Chance in a Million, Lady Hamer in Bergerac and Deborah in Lovejoy are just some of my favourites from amongst Judy's screen performances. I really enjoyed the BBC TV series 'Next Of Kin' too and Judy starred in an episode of it as a character called Angela. I don't feel that she has been particularly type cast and the range of roles that have made her famous on television showcase the ability she has to get to the heart of a character.

Judy's theatre credits are impressive and watching her on stage is always an absolute joy. Her CV boasts a number of roles for The RSC as well as farce, drama and of course, comedy. She's been a fabulous fairy in many a pantomime, and played a few other roles as well. I personally saw her at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre as Fairy Courgette in 'Jack and the Beanstalk' back in 1999 and she was phenomenal. I also thought she made a magnificent Michelle in the stage version of 'Allo Allo' and her performance as Miss Bourne in The Ghost Train was marvellous. 

Judy with Jeffrey Holland in 'Allo Allo' on stage

Judy is, in my humble opinion, a class act - on screen, on stage and you're about to find out that her talents reach beyond this as she is taking on a role in an audio series called 'James and Ivy'. Remember 'You Rang M'Lord'? starring Jeffrey Holland and Su Pollard? Well, the news that has put an enormous smile on my face, is that there is finally going to be a sequel that follows the adventures of Jeffrey and Su's characters, James Twelvetrees and Ivy Teasdale. We will find out what happened when the unlikely pair opened their B&B. Also returning will be John D. Collins as Jerry, Perry Benson as Henry Livingstone, Susie Brann as Miss Poppy and in place of the late, great Barbara New... Judy Buxton as Mabel! She sounds so much like Barbara, its quite uncanny. It's been lovely to see how many fans of the show agree as a sneak peak is available here: James and Ivy Official Facebook Page

I don't think teenage me (who possessed a few signed photos from Judy!) would believe that I've been friends with this amazing lady for a number of years now. She and lovely Jeffrey Holland (her husband, in case you didn't know) were amongst my biggest supporters when I first started blogging. Judy has been my plus one quite a few times when I've reviewed a variety of productions, too. Having a theatre buddy with so many years in the business on her CV is really useful (as well as an honour) as the details she spots that I might otherwise miss provide invaluable insights. Judy was the first person outside of my midlands circle whom I told that Connor had suggested re-launching a blog (and launching a vlog). She's the best person to have on your side, encouraging and wonderful company, as well as being ridiculously talented too! 

Source: Facebook

I'm off to see Judy, with Jeffrey Holland and Susie Brann in conversation with Robert Ross at The Carnegie Rooms, Thetford on Friday 15 May - why not join me: You Have Been Watching Tickets

You can find out more about Judy via her website: Judy Buxton Website

Photos sourced from Judy Buxton's website

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