UK Theatre Network

Porridge

Theatre Royal, Newcastle

The popularity of Porridge is a phenomenon that cannot be disputed. The classic television series, created by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, ran for 20 episodes over a period of nine years from 1974 to 1977 and became a cult hit. In 2004, it was voted seventh in a BBC poll of The 100 Greatest British Sit-Coms. The success of the programme spawned a feature film, two Christmas specials and a 1978 sequel series, Going Straight.

Now thirty-five years after the series was first transmitted, Calibre Productions have brought Porridge to the stage. This formula has proven successful with recent revivals of both Dad’s Army and Allo, Allo.

Of course, Ronnie Barker, Richard Beckinsale, Fulton Mackay and Brian Wilde, the stars who created the roles of Fletcher, Godber, Mackay and Barrowclough are no longer alive so the weighty task of recreating and breathing new life into these iconic characters rests on the shoulders of a new cast, starring Shaun Williamson as Fletch, Daniel West as Godber, Nicholas Lumley as Mackay and John Conroy as Barrowclough.

Although billed as a ‘new play’, this first production for the theatre stage is essentially a selection of the best scenes and storylines pulled together. Nevertheless, the writing is good, the characters are well-drawn and the performances are convincing.

It is a testament to the superb writing of Clement and La Frenais that the humour stands the test of time so well, despite the fact that references to power cuts, IRA bombings and industrial unrest place the piece very firmly in its set period.

Obviously, all eyes were on the performance of Shaun Williamson as Fletch. Nobody could replace the legendary Ronnie Barker or aspire to better his portrayal of the crafty con, but Williamson does a sterling job, managing to bring out the warmth and likeability of the character. His scenes with Daniel West are played well and their performances contained just the right amount of mannerisms to reflect those of the original actor.

The supporting roles are played with aplomb, too, and there are a number of remarkable likenesses to the original cast.

HMP Slade is effectively recreated with a set depicting the main landing throughout the show, whilst other locations including Fletch’s cell, the infirmary and the visiting area are recreated with various other props which are added and removed by members of the cast accordingly.

If you’re a fan of great sit-coms and looking for an evening of gentle nostalgia, then a ‘stretch’ at the Theatre Royal is highly recommended.

Porridge runs at Theatre Royal Newcastle until Saturday 19^th September 2009.

Production Image: Matt Jamie (c)