Porridge @ 30 - Production & Contact Info (original) (raw)

This weekend was dedicated to 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 ...See moreThis weekend was dedicated to 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 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. The short films 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, plus taking 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 Written by Barry Ryan See less