The classic BBC sitcom Porridge is set to return with a brand new theatre adaptation.
Written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, the much-loved 1970s comedy follows the misadventures of Norman Stanley Fletcher as he serves a five-year sentence at HM Prison Slade alongside fellow inmate Leonard 'Lennie' Godber and no-nonsense prison officer Mr MacKay.
The show originally ran on the BBC from 1974 to 1977 and starred Ronnie Barker, Richard Beckinsale, and Fulton Mackay.
But now, Porridge is set to return in a new stage adaptation.
Porridge to return in brand new adaptation
Dick Clement said: "Someone once pointed out that the best comedies thrive in captive situations.
"If you accept that premise, then Porridge is the ultimate example, where our characters are literally locked up behind bars.
"Even the Prison Officers suffer in a similar way where (prison officer) Mr Barrowclough, not looking forward to going home to a wife we never meet, says plaintively, 'Sometimes I wish I was in here with you lot'."
"I look forward to seeing our creation in the theatre.
"If the audience feels confined, they can, of course, make a run for it.
"Instead, the hope is that they will enjoy sharing the familiar experiences of Fletcher, Godber, Mr Mackay and the entire team.
"And when they have finished laughing, they will find that the doors to the street are unlocked."
A previous stage version premiered in 2009, featuring former EastEnders actor Shaun Williamson in the cast.
The new production has been adapted and will be directed by Samuel Freeman, who said: "I am utterly thrilled at the opportunity to bring Porridge back to the stage, touring across the UK in 2027.
"Dick and Ian’s script contains so many great moments of this national treasure of a British sitcom, bottled up into one fantastic evening of entertainment.
"Full of unforgettable characters, razor sharp wit and the heartfelt truth of a friendship found in one of the toughest places.
"I’m excited to be adapting this classic into a fresh new production that looks to celebrate the well known adventures of Fletcher, Godber and co, through all the theatrical magic that makes British theatre something to love and enjoy."
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The three-person cast has yet to be announced.
The tour begins at the Rondo Theatre in Bath from September 9 to 11, followed by dates at Salisbury Playhouse, Medina Theatre on the Isle of Wight, and The Lighthouse in Poole.
Further stops include Lichfield Garrick, New Theatre in Peterborough, Harrogate Theatre, and Lancaster Grand Theatre.
Additional venues on the tour include Lowther Pavilion in Lytham Saint Annes, Queen’s Theatre in Barnstaple, and The Riverfront in Newport.
The production will also visit theatres in Llanelli, Ipswich, Lowestoft, Bowness-on-Windermere, Sheffield, and Buxton.
Tickets go on sale on October 16.
Will you be seeing Porridge on stage? Let us know in the comments.
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