TV series
The Brittas Empire is a British sitcom created and originally written by Andrew Norriss and Richard Fegen. Chris Barrie plays Gordon Brittas, the well-meaning but incompetent manager of Whitbury New Town Leisure Centre. The show ran for seven series and 53 episodes — including two Christmas specials — from 1991 to 1997 on BBC1. Norriss and Fegen wrote the first five series, after which they left the show. The Brittas Empire enjoyed a long and successful run throughout the 1990s, and gained itself large mainstream audiences. In 2004 the show came 47th on the BBC's Britain's Best Sitcom poll, and all series have been released on DVD. The creators Andrew Norriss and Richard Fegen often combine farce with either surreal or dramatic elements in episodes. For example in the first series, the leisure centre prepares for a royal visit, only for the doors to seal, the boiler room to flood and a visitor to become electrocuted. Unlike the traditional sitcom, deaths were quite common in The Brittas Empire.
Availability
Checked Jul 22, 2026
The Brittas Empire premiered January 3, 1991. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
The Brittas Empire is a British sitcom created and originally written by Andrew Norriss and Richard Fegen. Chris Barrie plays Gordon Brittas, the well-meaning but incompetent manager of Whitbury New Town Leisure Centre. The show ran for seven series and 53 episodes — including two Christmas specials — from 1991 to 1997 on BBC1. Norriss and Fegen wrote the first five series, after which they left the show. The Brittas Empire enjoyed a long and successful run throughout the 1990s, and gained itself large mainstream audiences. In 2004 the show came 47th on the BBC's Britain's Best Sitcom poll, and all series have been released on DVD. The creators Andrew Norriss and Richard Fegen often combine farce with either surreal or dramatic elements in episodes. For example in the first series, the leisure centre prepares for a royal visit, only for the doors to seal, the boiler room to flood and a visitor to become electrocuted. Unlike the traditional sitcom, deaths were quite common in The Brittas Empire.
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Episode 1
After the centre was destroyed by a large fire, Gordon is now back as manager. 'Songs of Praise' is going to be held in the gymnasium. Trouble ensues after a few incidents occur, causing suspicion of another serial killer. After constant interruption while being interviewed for 'Songs of Praise', Gordon discovers the unlikely culprit.
Directed by Mike StephensWritten by Andrew Norriss, Richard FegenGuest stars Stephen Churchett
Episode 2
Gordon is thinking of going to Brussels as European Commissioner for Sport. Colin gets blinded when his garden explodes, so Gordon considers sacking him. Gordon kills Colin's pet bird and tells Tim to get another one. When discovered that it's Colin's birthday and his aunt has died, Gordon decides to promote him to deputy manager!
Directed by Mike StephensWritten by Andrew Norriss, Richard FegenGuest stars Paul Simpkin, Miranda Forbes
Episode 3
Gordon is in Brussels being interviewed for European Commissioner for Sport. He keeps calling to check on the centre, although there is still chaos. Helen is in trouble after trying to kill a teacher, who's at his son's birthday party at the centre and thinks Helen is trying again. There's a rat infestation and Colin's spraying potassium chlorite on weeds. What could go wrong?
Directed by Mike StephensWritten by Andrew Norriss, Richard FegenGuest stars Pip Torrens, Alexandra Gilbreath, Jack Raymond, Martin Hyder, Mike Sherman, Robin Fegen, Jonathon Norriss, Peter Godwin
Episode 4
Gordon is explaining safety at the building site for a new room. Michael T. Farrell comes for a job which Gordon isn't keen to give but gives Michael an application form. Carole is upset because no-one remembered her birthday. Michael tells Gordon there was a party to cover for himself and Helen. News soon spreads among staff as Gordon investigates, but Colin thinks the party was real and he was not invited.
Directed by Mike StephensWritten by Andrew Norriss, Richard FegenGuest stars Leslie Schofield, Roy Alon, David Crean
Episode 5
Gordon explains that Gavin will be taking over as trial manager for the day. Gavin is keen but Gordon sticks with him and creates exaggerated emergency situations like pregnancies, marooned school buses and poisonous gas leaks. Meanwhile Carole is going out for the day but is shocked to discover that her friend is dead.
Directed by Mike StephensWritten by Andrew Norriss, Richard FegenGuest stars Sheila Keith, Donald Morley
Episode 6
Gordon has done staff urine tests which show all the women in the centre are pregnant - as well as Tim! Carole is shocked and Gordon concludes that Colin may be the father, who is prepared to do the honourable thing. Gordon believes Tim to be a woman - and isn't subtle about trying to prove it. Laura soon discovers that Julie hasn't been honest about the tests.
Directed by Mike StephensWritten by Andrew Norriss, Richard FegenGuest stars Carole Garcia
Episode 7
Colin discovers an unexploded bomb in the basement and tries to warn Gordon, who doesn't listen and tells Colin to sort it out. Gordon is preparing to depart for Brussels, though Helen isn't so keen - until she sees how well they'll be living. Colin is sent to hospital after being hit on the head by a croquet ball, leaving the staff celebrating their positive futures, oblivious to the danger in their midst.
Directed by Mike StephensWritten by Andrew Norriss, Richard FegenGuest stars Peter Cleall, Bobby Bragg
Episode 8
Could Gordon be calling off Brussels after Germany reduces its financial contribution to European Union funding? An emergency water tank is installed which falls through each floor due to the supporting wall which Carole had removed to extended the cupboard. Carole gets stuck in Ben's toy car but is pushed clear by Gordon - to his own demise. But how will heaven tolerate him?
Directed by Mike StephensWritten by Andrew Norriss, Richard FegenGuest stars Tony Steedman, Jasper Jacob, Colin Pinney, Kevin Hudson
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
Available now in United States
These shows are available now and closely match The Brittas Empire.
Chris BarrieGordon Brittas
Michael BurnsColin
Julia St. JohnLaura
Pippa HaywoodHelen Brittas
Harriet ThorpeCarole
Jill GreenacreLinda
BBC OneUnited Kingdom
