What do you think?
Rate this book
Porridge: The Inside Story
Dust jacket has a label mark on the front. Orders received by 3pm Sent from the UK that weekday.
- GenresHumorNonfiction
228 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
December 31, 2024
Having possessed this title for several years, I felt compelled to revisit and read Porridge: The Inside Story in its entirety after rewatching the complete series of Porridge and Going Straight on BBC iPlayer.
Authored by comedy historian Richard Webber in collaboration with Porridge creators Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, Porridge: The Inside Story transcends the typical reference book of the series that reflected life behind bars and the little victories gained by old lag, Norman Stanley Fletcher, arguably the finest comic role portrayed by Ronnie Barker.
From the pilot, Prisoner and Escort, each television episode, character, and lead actor, through to the spin-off film and television sequel, Going Straight is thoroughly examined, featuring insights from Ronnie Barker, Dick Clement, and Ian La Frenais.
Additionally, classic excerpts from the scripts and relevant facts, such as television broadcast ratings, are included. The 1976 Christmas special of Porridge, titled The Desperate Hours, garnered an impressive viewership of around 20.8 million. This figure far surpasses the 12.3 million viewers reported for the 2024 Christmas Day finale of Gavin & Stacey, a number that the show's creators could only aspire to achieve.
As a comedy series, Porridge has proven to be timeless and represents a significant milestone in the careers of Ronnie Barker, Richard Beckinsale (Lennie Godber), Fulton Mackay (Mr. Mackay), and Brian Wilde (Mr. Barroclough). Regrettably, in the 24 years since the publication of this book, we have lost many cast members, including Peter Vaughan (Harry Grout), Sam Kelly (Warren), Ken Jones (Ives), Patricia Brake (Ingrid), and, of course, Ronnie Barker, who also contributed a foreword. It is fortunate that quotes from all individuals are included in this work, as well as fellow cast members of Porridge, such as Christopher Biggins (Lukewarm) and Tony Osoba (McLaren).
Among the various elements of the book, one of my favourite sections provides a fascinating glimpse into the production of The Porridge movie, authored by Rannoch Daly, the then acting governor of Chelmsford Prison. This location was utilised for filming after an unexpected fire created an opportunity for the cast and crew to work there.
Porridge: The Inside Story remains a vital reference for enthusiasts of one of the UK's most cherished sitcoms and is certainly worth seeking out.
Authored by comedy historian Richard Webber in collaboration with Porridge creators Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, Porridge: The Inside Story transcends the typical reference book of the series that reflected life behind bars and the little victories gained by old lag, Norman Stanley Fletcher, arguably the finest comic role portrayed by Ronnie Barker.
From the pilot, Prisoner and Escort, each television episode, character, and lead actor, through to the spin-off film and television sequel, Going Straight is thoroughly examined, featuring insights from Ronnie Barker, Dick Clement, and Ian La Frenais.
Additionally, classic excerpts from the scripts and relevant facts, such as television broadcast ratings, are included. The 1976 Christmas special of Porridge, titled The Desperate Hours, garnered an impressive viewership of around 20.8 million. This figure far surpasses the 12.3 million viewers reported for the 2024 Christmas Day finale of Gavin & Stacey, a number that the show's creators could only aspire to achieve.
As a comedy series, Porridge has proven to be timeless and represents a significant milestone in the careers of Ronnie Barker, Richard Beckinsale (Lennie Godber), Fulton Mackay (Mr. Mackay), and Brian Wilde (Mr. Barroclough). Regrettably, in the 24 years since the publication of this book, we have lost many cast members, including Peter Vaughan (Harry Grout), Sam Kelly (Warren), Ken Jones (Ives), Patricia Brake (Ingrid), and, of course, Ronnie Barker, who also contributed a foreword. It is fortunate that quotes from all individuals are included in this work, as well as fellow cast members of Porridge, such as Christopher Biggins (Lukewarm) and Tony Osoba (McLaren).
Among the various elements of the book, one of my favourite sections provides a fascinating glimpse into the production of The Porridge movie, authored by Rannoch Daly, the then acting governor of Chelmsford Prison. This location was utilised for filming after an unexpected fire created an opportunity for the cast and crew to work there.
Porridge: The Inside Story remains a vital reference for enthusiasts of one of the UK's most cherished sitcoms and is certainly worth seeking out.
Displaying 1 of 1 review