Porridge (1974–1977) User Reviews

The Sitcom That Made Prison Funny

[Rabical-91 · 9/10 · 25 March 2015]

For a sitcom, 'Porridge' was a brave move. After all, a prison setting is not one in which you would expect to find laughs. However, as it turned out, 'Porridge' has had more than its fair share of that. Quite simply, it is an absolute gem of a show.

'Porridge' first started as an episode of Ronnie Barker's seven part pilot series 'Seven Of One' entitled 'Prisoner & Escort', broadcast on April 1st, 1973, written by Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais and starring alongside Barker Fulton MacKay as obnoxious Principal officer McKay and Brian Wilde as kindly prison officer Barrowclough. 'Prisoner & Escort' featured Barker as Cockney criminal Norman Stanley Fletcher, who is sentenced to five years imprisonment at Slade Prison for theft. The pilot was so successful that it was later turned into a series, with the title being changed to 'Porridge'. Both Fulton MacKay and Brian Wilde returned to their posts. Richard Beckinsale was brought in to play Fletcher's naive cell mate Lennie Godber. Beckinsale gelled with Barker. In the first episode, 'New Faces, Old Hands', Fletcher showed Godber the ropes regarding prison survival. Over the course of the three series, Fletcher became a father figure to the lad.

Other regular characters included the effeminate prison chef Lukewarm ( Christoper Biggins ), Scots born West Indian McLaren ( Tony Osaba ), slimy 'Orrible Ives ( Ken Jones from 'The Squirrels' ) and dim-witted Warren ( the late Sam Kelly ). Michael Barrington made occasional appearances as prison Governor Mr. Venables, as did sexy Patricia Brake as Fletcher's busty daughter Ingrid.

My favourite episodes included 'A Storm In A Teacup' in which Fletcher tries to replace drugs that have gone missing from the Medical Officer's room. In 'No Peace For The Wicked', Fletcher finds it impossible to get peace and quiet from his fellow inmates, 'Men Without Women' saw Fletcher try to help out his inmates with their marital problems but the best one of all was 'Just Desserts' in which a tin of pineapple chunks goes missing from Fletcher's cell. Clement and La Frenais had wrote sitcom before in the '60's with 'The Likely Lads' but here their talent really shines through. Ronnie was born to play hardened lag Fletcher. Richard Beckinsale made a brilliant sidekick for Fletcher. When Beckinsale died of a heart attack in 1979, aged only 31, the country was shocked. Max Harris supplied the show's bouncy theme tune.

In 1978, a short lived sequel was made - 'Going Straight' - which saw Fletcher try to adapt to life on the outside again after being released from prison. Although gaining respectable viewing figures, many found it hard to take to Fletcher no longer behind bars and after one series was brought to an end. In 1979, a successful feature film was made which alas turned out to be one of Richard Beckinsale's last acting roles due to his death.

'Porridge' was, by turns, funny, sad and moving. A true television classic. Fortunately, it has not diminished at all with the passage of time.

This porridge is just right said Goldilocks

[gibbs-18172 · 9/10 · 12 November 2020]

Timeless bbc brit com from that era that the beeb wish hadn't happened now. But fear not no nasty men in this just good old fun and great one liners . The very sad part is that not long after these and the film young Lenny died . Leaving behind his beautiful daughter Samantha Beckinsale. He would have gone on to be a huge star I'm sure.

One half of the famous 2 Ronnie's and many other very young mega famous brit icons star in this. Show of it's time but many jokes still work now.

Dont die without watching

Doing Porridge

[ygwerin1 · 9/10 · 20 February 2019]

This is one e of my absolute all time favourite comedies, with a brilliant cast of comedy characters, top notch actors and excellent scripts. Norman Stanley Fletcher is in all likelihood the least possible candidate for a comic icon, and prison one must imagine would be the last location ever chosen. TV executives would be horrified at the very notion of it, let's face it what corporation in the States would be likely to sponsor such an idea?

Porridge marks what must be in many ways Ronnie Barker's signature comedy master class as the old lag Fletcher. Richard Beckinsale was perfect as the young cellie Lennie Godber, naive and serving his first stretch. It was a desperately tragic loss when he passed away especially at such a tender age. Fulton Mackay is the Chief Prison Warden Mr. Mackay personified, severe and authoritarian. Brian Wilde is splendid as Mr. Barrowclough the Prison Warden, who believes in prisoners rehabilitation rather than punishment.

There is also a marvellous assembly of support actors and characters, with many of Britain's best character actors. David Jason plays an old lag Blanco in sadly only a cameo appearance popping up in just 3 episodes. His disguise was so good that I honestly didn't recognise him at all. Christopher Biggins is Lukewarm Sam Kelly is Bunny Warren Tony Osoba is McLaren Brian Glover is Heslop Peter Vaughan is genial Harry Grout Slade prison Mr. Big

When Fletcher finally decided to jack in his life of crime there followed Going Straight, something that I and mine really enjoyed, but more anon. The really Bad idea from the Beeb was for the complete relaunch of the show, set 40 years after Fletcher finished his last stretch. Whether or not its written by the original script writers, I found it impossible to even bother to watch the first episode. After the pilot episode Auntie made a full series which they claimed was a great success, so why did they cancel it? Exiting new series in the pipeline yeah right.

Sheer genius

[Ecnerwal · 3 January 2002]

This is easily the funniest comedy ever made.The characters are very strong - Mackay the harsh scottish guard with his neck 'twitch', Barrowclough the well-meaning and gullible guard, bumbling around pathetically, Godber the innocent and naive prisoner, and of course Norman Stanley Fletcher. Ronnie Barker's acting is superb - his expressions and timing are perfect.

The script by Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais is one of the wittiest and sharpest ever written. For example:

(A prison inspector has just entered Fletcher's cell, and Fletcher has just made spoken to him.) Inspector: He's very articulate Mackay: Yes, like a lorry

Simply the best.

[LiamABC · 10/10 · 21 January 2004]

I've seen some great sitcoms in my time - and some not so great. But this is definitely one of the great ones. The very idea of a comedy set in prison doesn't sound like it can work. But it does - and how!

Ronnie Barker is perfect as Fletch. He's nobody's fool, and doesn't suffer other people who are fools, but underneath is a heart of pure gold - he just doesn't show it very often. This is to his credit when it is displayed, for Godber (Richard Beckinsale) or Blanco (David Jason). As with everything, Barker's timing is superb, and the simplest little line can have the viewer in stitches. This man will always be the guv'nor!

Richard Beckinsale as the first-offender Lennie Godber is just as wonderful. He takes it at a slower pace, highlighting the contrast between the two characters. A gentler man for the role it is hard to envisage. And who would want to!

Not forgetting Fulton Mackay (Mr Mackay) and Brian Wilde (Mr Barrowclough) - similarly fast and slow-paced. There is never any doubt that Mackay is an authority figure over them, and can make their lives hell if he chooses to, whereas the long-suffering Barrowclough is the perfect foil, like Sgt Wilson to Cpt Mainwaring.

This is of course due first to the wonderful writing of Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, whose names grace the credits of many wonderful shows. They have created a masterpiece. A wonderful with believable characters. Everything fits together perfectly. Not one line needs changing.

Great cast, great writers. 12/10! The best sitcom ever!

Genuine Classic British Sit-Com

[BJJManchester · 10/10 · 12 March 2007]

One of the UK's greatest sitcom's,PORRIDGE has perpetually been repeated in innumerable re-runs on British TV since it's debut in the 1970's,and issued on Video and DVD to always eternal delight and acclaim,and deservedly so.The superb scripts by Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais contained possibly the cleverest plots,funniest dialogue and most vivid characterisations ever witnessed in any sitcom arguably both in the UK and US.It is very doubtful whether or not any comedy series has possessed such an outstanding cast,even in relatively minor roles;Peter Vaughan both funny and menacing as Harry Grout;Sam Kelly as the illiterate Warren;Christopher Biggins as the gay Lukewarm;Tony Osoba as the Scottish black orphan McLaren;Ken Jones as the sneaky scouse thief Ives;David Jason as the elderly Blanco;Michael Barrington as the ineffectual governor Venables;Brian Wilde as the gentle-mannered prison warder Barrowclough;Fulton Mackay as his harder,but not totally unlikable superior Mackay,and the brilliant Richard Beckinsale (who died so tragically young) as the naive Brummie Godber.Above all these very distinguished princes was a peerlessly outstanding king:Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletcher.It is the ultimate tribute that Barker was always unselfish in letting other talented performers get laughs in PORRIDGE,but his unending brilliance in the lead role of 'Fletch' was vital to the series' enduring appeal,which is still evident to this day.The premise of the series (the day to day existence in a prison) was perhaps not natural-sounding comic material,and indeed the show had sometimes a serious and thoughtful side to it amongst the innumerable laughs,which it handled with equal skill and intelligence.

Thanks to the immense talents involved,PORRIDGE will always be one of Britains most fondly regarded sitcoms/TV programmes.Ronnie Barker apparently thought PORRIDGE the pinnacle of his dazzling comic career,and that is truly saying something.Shows like this,THE TWO RONNIES and OPEN ALL HOURS ensure he will never be forgotten.

Porridge. Probably the greatest comedy series in Britains history.

[haroldcheese · 10/10 · 14 October 2015]

The 1970's was a great time for British comedy. A lot of the most loved and popular stuff came out here like Steptoe and Son,Dads Army and Monty Pythons Flying Circus. However the one show that comes to mind the instant classic comedy is mentioned is Porridge.

Porridge is simply one of the most quotable and funny pieces of media I have ever watched. It is packed with wit and many jokes referring to 1970's pop culture (Even Kid shows like Magic Roundabout and politics get mentioned). It stands the test of time very well and has lovable characters like Warren and Mr Mackay. And watch out for the 1976 Christmas Special which is easily the best Christmas special I've ever seen.

Shows like Porridge demonstrate why British Humor was the best. I say was because British comedy has fallen hard since 1997 and rarely have there been anything good.

10/10. A masterpiece

Simply genial comedy series

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 23 November 2010]

I do like sit-coms in general. Some are great, some are good with hit and miss moments and some are lacking. Porridge is for me one of the great ones. It has everything a great comedy series should have and more, and it never ceases to entertain me. The stories are well written with a touch of humanity about them, while the writing is superb. Some of it is very sharp and always hilarious. The series is nicely filmed too, and the acting is first class. And of course I love the characters, Fletcher especially is a wonderful character, naughty yet there is something charming about him. And who better to play him than the late great Ronnie Barker. He is perfection in the role, the delivery of the lines, the comic timing and the priceless facial expressions are just brilliant. Richard Beckinsale is also suitably earnest, and I love Brian Wilde too as Barrowclough. So all in all, wonderful, really one of the best comedy series there is. 10/10 Bethany Cox

The Best

[GB65 · 10/10 · 25 June 2021]

I sometimes waiver on what I consider our greatest sitcom but as soon as I settle down with Porridge, there really is only one. The writing, as always from this legendary duo, is immense and the great Ronnie Barker plays what he himself says was his best character. The tragic Richard Beckinsale as the lovable Godber, the vulnerable Mr Barrowclough and, my favourite of the lot, Mr Mackay. When I watch Fulton Mackay's performance closely, I see what a top actor he was. His asides, facial tics, use of the language is all a masterclass of an actor creating his own character. Add to all this the great ensemble of Jock, Warren, Lukewarm and the Governor makes for the greatest sitcom.

Ronnie Barker's Best Sitcom...Britain'S Best Sitcom

[parkomatty · 10/10 · 5 February 2013]

I have always been a massive fan of Ronnie Barker, but Porridge, like so many people including himself, agree that Porridge was special and unique. Turning an un-funny situation into a sitcom where EVERY episode was a no disappointment. The funniest sitcom Britain has ever produced for television.

As well as Ronnie Barker's magnificent performance as Fletcher, there's also the sadly short lived Richard Beckinsale who plays Lennie Godber splendidly, a magnificent Mr Mackay portrayed by Fulton Mackay and Mr Barrowclough, played perfectly by Brian Wilde.

The episode, "A Night In", was definitely unique for being one of the few sitcoms to set an entire episode in just one scene with limited characters and this case, it was set in a very small cell with only two people and a prison officer (who pops in and pops out and the beginning and towards the end of the episode).

Surprised that it only came 7th in the BBC pool, Britain's Best Sitcom, true Only Fools and Horses is a classic comedy also, but it has been repeated countlessly which is why it is hard to ever forget it whereas Porridge I have hardly seen been repeated on either BBC1 or BBC2.

However, thank god for the DVD collection and the brilliant people who have downloaded the episodes on YouTube.

A fantastic cast and fantastic crew behind a fantastic sitcom!!!!

British Writing and Comedy at its BEST!!!

[mernaghandrew · 10/10 · 24 May 2017]

Ronnie Barker is without a doubt one Britain's greats, up there with David Jason, John Cleese, Peter Kay. Porridge is one of his Masterpieces where British Prison life is given humour and honesty.

I am 37 and rank this as one of my favourite British comedies to me it simply doesn't age but matures like a fine wine.

I would recommend it to any generation

Perfect

[Bulldog7 · 30 September 2002]

Very funny. I have been watching this since I was a child (early 90s reruns) and it makes me laugh every time. this has to be ronnie barkers best outing (which tells you something). richard beckinsale is great and went too soon. Wilde and Mackay are perfect in their roles and the 'backup cast' like McLaren and Ives really polish it off to leave it the perfect specimen of British comedy along with Only Fools and Horses and the Blackadder collection.

A True Comedy Great

[TheHesleyHood · 9/10 · 11 March 2020]

Norman Stanley Fletcher (Ronnie Barker) is one of the greatest tv comedy characters to ever grace British tv. His daily battles with Mr Mackay are hilarious at times as he tries to beat the system in anyway that he can while doing time. I have watched this show since I was young and can still happily place this on my tv today as it still makes me laugh even though I am at the stage where I pretty much know every episode word for word. The cast including the prison officers and fellow prisoners all offer unique personalities and traits which add to the fun on show in this sitcom of the 70's. Some of the comedy in here is simple and offers cheap laughs with often overly simple one liners which could be spotted a mile away, but that said this show has great heart and a cast of people as said before which offer so much over the course of the series. I feel anyone looking for a nice simple comedy to binge to look no further, get this classic from the vault and sit back, relax and take it all in. You will not regret it ! 9/10

Good laugh

[quadrophenia-69524 · 8/10 · 14 December 2021]

I like this programme Mr McKay does a good nasty prison officer Ronnie barker is good as fletcher Richard beckinsale is good as godbar just good old 70s tv where nobody complained about the language of the day and just had a laugh instead.

"Keep your head down and do your porridge son"

[Darkside-Reviewer · 10/10 · 14 June 2019]

Porridge is one of the greatest sitcoms ever made starring comedy legend Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletcher a repeat offender in for another stretch for robbery he knows the officers and how to con them and his fellow prisoners a smart man on the wrong side of the fence he knows how to play the game and get what he wants out of it.

This show is one of the funniest shows you will ever watch the writing is whitty and sarcastic with funny plot stories Ronnie Barker makes every line comedy gold give Porridge a watch you won't regret it you will laugh till your sides hurt.

One of the very best and long enduring sitcoms.

[RatedVforVinny · 8/10 · 8 February 2020]

Have watched possibly all the episodes of each series and just re-visited the whole of the first series (comprising of six classic situations behind bars. The way each of the characters are introduced gave a strong foundation to the the two series (+ film) that followed. It's funny today that if 'Porridge' plays on T.V, they warn you about the outdated language but it's exactly this biting prison slang, that keeps it sharp, highly funny and in many ways endearing to the time. The real 'Porridge' prison, is actually located in St Albans (which was closed in 1914). The interiors were a cleverly designed set and the audacious opening credits (of the cell doors slamming) were filmed at the police station at Ealing (West London).

Ten hours of scintillating entrainment...

[CinemaSerf · 8/10 · 10 February 2021]

It's hard to believe that there were only ever twenty episodes of this classic British comedy ever made. Ronnie Barker ("Fletch") is fantastic as the habitual criminal sent to Her Majesty's Prison "Slade" - perched in the northern reaches of England - for five years. His cellmate is the honest, but supremely naive "Godber" (Richard Becksinsale) and the series depicts their antics surviving the authoritarian regime of "Mr. Mackay" (the outstanding Fulton Mackay) in his uniform, and "Grouty" (the comically menacing Peter Vaughan) on the inside. Dick Clement and Ian la Frenais have created a wonderfully pithy, cynical and enjoyable observation of their determined struggle not to be ground down by the system. A superb ensemble cast led by the wonderfully hapless prison officer Brian Wilde ("Mr. Barrowclough") introduce us to different themes for each of the editions ranging from pinching a tin of (much sought after) pineapple chunks; their own kangaroo court with the thief amongst thieves "Warren" (Sam Kelly) and an almost constant battle to keep control of the supply of toilet rolls! The humour is dark and potent, flighty and flimsy - but there is always a wonderful spirit about the characters, an integrity, that keeps these half hour comedic adventures as funny now as they were when penned almost 50 years ago. A bit like Croft and Perry's contemporary "Dad's Army", this is another inspired example of a BBC sitcom that you can watch over and over again...

Legendary

[ronbell-23984 · 10/10 · 27 January 2020]

Brilliant comedy. Great characters just hilarious antics. Excellent.

Another ten-out-of-ten British comedy classic we do best!

[naseby · 10/10 · 2 July 2008]

A comedy that doesn't fail to deliver on any episode of a series deserves full marks! Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais excellently, it must be said, provided the nation with a fine prison-comedy, that especially excelled with Ronnie Barker at the helm, aided by the other great comedy actor of the decade, Richard Beckinsale. Fletcher 'Fletch' (Barker) and Godber (Beckinsale) are at odds naturally with the system that incarcerated them. Godber's the nice, innocent 'first-timer' under Fletch's wing, though this sometime puts them at odds, but mostly they're the best of buddies. The main battle of course, is getting one over on the 'screws' - the Prison Chief, Mr McKay (the brilliant Fulton McKay) and the nervous, spineless, but respected (probably because of those qualities!) Mr Barrowclough, (The equally great, late, Brian Wilde). Always on the make and keeping ahead of the latter two, the 'lags' are ably supported in capers by some other small-time inmates, dumb-ish 'Bunny' Warren, hard Scot, McLaren, and 'horrible' Ives. Occasional support also from the great David Jason as 'Blanco' surfaced well. A special mention too, of the 'Mr Big' character, 'genial' Harry Grout (Peter Vaughan), who's less than that. Fletch makes an attempt to disuade 'Grouty' from 'persuading' Godber to 'throw' the boxing match he's in: "Oh, Harry, not the lad," says Fletch in vain to Grouty, "...he's Got scruples." "Well," says 'Grouty', "if he doesn't throw the match, tell 'im 'e won't 'ave 'em any longer!" An excellent comedy that never failed to please.

hillarious, yet with a most brilliant humanity

[prohibited-name-1842 · 21 March 2004]

I'm not going to go on about why this is the greatest sitcom ever and what are the funniest lines ever; its up to whoever is reading this to go discover that for themselves and encourage you to do so.

I do want to comment on how this is a sitcom with exceptional timing of both visual gags and one liners, some so blatant that they are funny because you can't belive they stuck them in!

Possibly the best aspect of this programme though was the humanity.

Fletcher might sometimes seem heartless towards godber, but it is all about surviving a harsh environment intact. For evidence about this watch the episode "a night in" which revolves around godbers first night in prison. The episode takes place in their cell and never really features anyone but the two principle characters. But this is still one of the funniest episodes of any sitcom anytime, containing a few throw-away one liners, but mainly the episode is about the subtle humour of how to survive in stir and not forget the outside.

Ronnie Barker is possibly the greatest comic actor of all time, who provides perfect comic timing on every joke, but you will always believe that fletcher is real and you can see the emotion pouring out of every episode of porridge.

Richard Beckinsale as godber was the perfect foil for fletcher and again his timing was immaculate for the restraint on the delivery of his lines. He always held his own with ronnie and will always be fondly remebered by so many for this role after he died so young.

The two principles were also supported so well by other characters in the prison who came from all spectrums of life (well male life, sorry ladies)

One of the most interesting features was that they represented the two opposites of attitude from the prison guards. Mackay was load, coarse and brutal, but you could always see that underneath he was a man trying to do his job to the best of his ability. Mr Baraclough is more interesting as a "screw" who just wants to help the prisioners and be their friends whilst trying to not to hurt either side. Some people found him unbelievable; but i actually know a guy who had to leave his job as prison guard as he identified more with the inmates than the guards he was supposed to work with!

To be honest i don't care if anyone else has this as their favourite programme; it is mine and if i have persuaded just one person to go watch and love this as much as i do then i will be satisfied.

Classic comedy

[grantss · 9/10 · 18 December 2022]

Norman Stanley Fletcher is a career criminal and a regular guest of Her Majesty's Prison Service. He is about to start a five year stretch. In prison his cellmate is a young first-offender, Lenny Godber. It's up to Fletcher to teach Godber the ropes. Hijinks ensue.

A classic British comedy. Some great comedic plots and dialogue plus a wonderfully sentimental, dramatic side that adds a nice balance to proceedings.

These aspects are just the start though. The series is made by the performance of the great Ronnie Barker as Fletcher. He uses the great dialogue to fantastic effect with some great one-liners and put-downs and perfect comedic timing.

Ronnie Baker at his best

[jane_coburn · 10/10 · 2 January 2023]

The best thing of British. So good even America didn't try to copy it.

Never to be repeated or revived.

No one could mimic the late great Ronnie Bakers super comedy acting.

The entire cast couldn't have been better. Not one person out of place. From Mackay to Horrible Harris.

Ronnie Barker was pure perfection making what could have been an uncomfortable subject for comedy a inciteful look into an often ignored area of life and introducing a marvelous young actor called Richard Beckinsale. It gave him a roll that brought him to the forefront of comedy before his sad and untimely death. It wil in my opinion. Outweigh every other comedy show ever.

Should be on every humour curriculum.

[davoshannon · 10/10 · 25 January 2022]

My wife wonders why I keep watching "Porridge" - "you must know every word of the script by now!" - true enough.

I give it a 10 which is rare. But it is a complete lesson in comedy timing - and script. There are several characters who demonstrate this perfectly, led naturally by the King himself, Ronnie Barker. Close beside him is Fulton MacKay, who apparently nearly drove the floor crew crazy with his practicing beforehand - but watch him as Fletch shakes the bag of "chicken grit" virtually in his face early on in the series, shouts "face the front" at Fletcher but right in the face of the prison Governor, etc., etc - wonderful. Sam Kelly, Brian Wilde, David Jason, & Richard Beckinsale.

Then follow each actor into what they did next. David Jason (who Barker tipped for the future, anyway) in "Only Fools & Horses". Brian Wilde with imagined PTSD in "Last of the Summer Wine". And Sam Kelly as the not completely sane Captain Hans Geering in "'Allo 'Allo" - the series started to go down when he left, although Jack Haig carried the lunacy on for a while.

Finally, it's difficult to imagine the script by Ian la Frenais and Dick Clement being written in anywhere else but a pub. The humour content probably increased in line with the number of pints downed. Later on the same two boys (together with the Author, Roddy Doyle) showed their versatility by writing a hilarious Dublin script for "The Committments".

Every episode, even "A night in", has been crafted and done by comedy royalty - and it's still widely shown (over here in Europe, anyway) - so on with the lessons.

British comedy at its best

[tacobelle30 · 10/10 · 15 July 2023]

I used watched Porridge as a child when it was on the telly during the 70s, then I bought the whole dvd set in the 00s and now when I watch re-runs on some random channel, I still find it laugh out loud funny.

Ronnie Barker plays Fletcher nicknamed 'Fletch' who is a habitual criminal serving a five-year sentence for stealing a lorry. You see his daily battle to put one over the system while trying to be one step ahead of his arch-enemy prison officer, Mr Mackay.

Richard Beckinsale plays Godber his young naive cellmate, who looks upon Fletch as a father figure and Fletch takes under his wing.

The chemistry of all the characters are strong and the storylines witty and sarcastic. The little things the outside world would take for granted like, a tin of pineapple chunks, is a big deal when they go 'missing' in prison! The pettiness of trying to find out who stole the stolen pineapple chunks is sublime.

The late great Ronnie Barker has always been my favourite comedy actor and Porridge has always been one of my favourite comedy programmes, it's just very British and very funny.

Superb comedy.

[plan99 · 10/10 · 21 November 2023]

I had forgotten how good this was as I've just starting watching episodes I've not seen for many years. The scripts are a masterclass in how to do comedy writing and the casting is also perfect.

There are more laughs in one episode than can be found in a whole series of some other sitcoms. Fletcher's brief comments are always very sharp and are not dwelt upon, out they come and then move on rapidly, no padding at any time.

Fletcher is a genius at taking advantage of any situation that he finds himself in or of any useful information that comes his way.

A strong contended for the best ever UK situation comedy.