Hello!

In this Blog I am going to discuss the 1970s BBC Comedy 'Porridge' that featured Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale, posting interesting facts and figures on the programme as I find them...

If, you have watched the series before, I hope you enjoy the clips and the information that I upload, which should give more of an in-depth insight into this classic comedy.

If you are a newcomer to the series, I hope this blog will give you a taste of 'Porridge' (pardon the pun!) and that you enjoy the clips. May it encourage you to watch a full episode some time!

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Enjoy!

Thursday, 20 May 2010

And the winner is...

'No Peace for the Wicked' Series 2, Episode 4

All the episodes are excellent but for me the above one is my favourite of all time.

In my opinion, this episode embodies everything that is wonderful about Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais' 'Porridge' and with its fast pace and the actors' appreciation for the audience's laughter, it even hints at elements of the Italian theatre genre of Commedia Dell'Arte.

A summary of this episode is available at the unofficial Porridge website, http://www.porridge.org.uk/guide.html#ser2

Wednesday, 19 May 2010

So, what's it all about?

'Porridge' starring Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale is a Situation Comedy following the lives of Prisoners who are serving time in 'Slade Prison'.

Ronnie Barker is the main protagonist in this brilliantly funny programme and his character Norman Stanley Fletcher, 'Fletch' to his closest friends (and enemies!) drives the episodes with wit and superb comic timing.
Fletcher is serving a 5 year stretch for his crimes and during his time, he encounters a variety of in-mates, ranging from a young, scared first-time prisoner in the shape of Lennie Godber (Richard Beckinsale) to an experienced, bitter Prison Officer named Mackay, who is portrayed by Fulton MacKay.
Fletcher's journey includes many scrapes and adventures, and along side the hilarious comedy this all makes for great family television!

Here is a comprehensive summary of the programme, including a cast list, from the bbc website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/porridge/