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Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first transmission
of this classic BBC Brit-com which is regarded by many people
as Britain's best sitcom, Porridge was an instant hit with the
viewers when the pilot first aired in 1973 and a full series followed
in 1974. Ronnie Barker and the late Richard Beckinsale were perfectly
cast as the experienced lag and the naive first-timer and their
developing relationship had the Great British viewing public gripped
until Slade Prison closed it's doors for the last time in 1977.
The weekend starts at 8pm each evening and features
a compulsive combination of classic episodes from all three series
along with the 1975 Christmas special supported by a series
of short films exploring the origin and development
of the series until it's premature ending in 1977.
We examine how Porridge came from an initiative to
develop a new vehicle for the comic talents of Ronnie Barker called
Seven Of One but developed into the ultimate ensemble character
cast - if you want the Inside Story on Porridge look no further
than UKTV Gold on September 4th and 5th.
Our other shorts take a loving look at the favourite
characters of the series, Fletch, of course, Godber, Lukewarm,
Barrowclough, Mackay, Grouty, the careers of Clement & La
Frenais and the making of the series among many more.
Our contributors include the creators and writers
Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, actors Tony Osoba (McLaren),
Christopher Biggins (Lukewarm) Patricia Brake (Ingrid), Producer
& Director Syd Lotterby, and celebrity fans including Bob
MIlls, Nicholas Parsons, Rowland Rivron and Tony Blackburn
along with analysis from TV experts including Richard Webber
(Author - 'Porridge - The Inside Story') John Robb (Author and
pop culture expert) and Steve Berry. http://www.tv.cream.org |
