TV series Porridge revived on stage at the Liverpool Empire

Mar 17 2010 Ellesmere Port Pioneer

LEGENDARY TV comedy series Porridge is being revived on stage at the Liverpool Empire next week.

Shaun Williamson, of EastEnders and Extras fame, has the unenviable role of stepping into the shoes of the late great Ronnie Barker in the role of Norman Stanley Fletcher.

The show has been written especially for the stage by the series’ original creators, Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais.

The role of Godber, originally played by the late Richard Beckinsale, has gone to Daniel West.

Originally aired on BBC One between 1974 and 1977, the show featured jailbird Fletch, who was conceived for a one-off comedy, Prisoner & Escort, forming one of Ronnie Barker’s 1973 season of TV pilots, Seven of One. When the first series was aired it was greeted with outrage by sections of the Press, shocked at the notion of a comedy programme glorifying prison.

Nonetheless, two further series, two Christmas specials and a feature film proved the show’s success.

Porridge is at the Empire from March 22-24. To book, ring 0844 847 2525 or visit www.LiverpoolEmpire.org.uk.