Porridge
On September 3 Royal Mail issued a set of eight stamps celebrating the 50th anniversary of the beloved BBC television comedy series Porridge.
First broadcast on September 5, 1974, Porridge was set within the confines of a prison; ‘doing porridge’ is an old euphemism for being in prison, based on the breakfast slop traditionally served there.
Chronicling the exploits of a veteran prisoner, Norman Stanley Fletcher, it became one of the most popular sitcoms ever, known for its witty dialogue, poignant realism, memorable characters and the brilliant performances of Ronnie Barker in the leading role.
Written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, and filmed at Ealing Studios in West London, Porridge started out as a single half-hour special.
It was subsequently commissioned for three series, in 1974, 1975 and 1977, plus some festive specials. Eventually it led to a full-length feature film, and a spin-off sequel series called Going Straight.
Designed by Steers McGillan Eves, based on television stills, the stamps match many of the key characters and classic scenes with memorable quotes.
Printed in litho by Cartor, they are available in horizontally se tenant pairs.
2nd class ‘I READ A BOOK ONCE, GREEN IT WAS’
Cyril Heslop, the prison idiot, played by Brian Glover, tries to convince Fletcher and Godber that he’s more cultured than they suspected.
2nd class ‘I TREAT YOU ALL WITH EQUAL CONTEMPT’
Disciplinarian prison officer Mr Mackay, played by Fulton Mackay, voices his distrust of all the inmates of Slade Prison.
1st class ‘BORN FREE, TILL SOMEBODY CAUGHT ME’
Norman Stanley Fletcher, the repeat offender played by Ronnie Barker, uses his sardonic humour to help him beat the system.
1st class ‘THERE IS A THIEF AMONG US’
Following the disappearance of his tin of pineapple chunks, Fletcher breaks some unsurprising news to fellow inmates, including Lukewarm, played by Christopher Biggins, and Warren, played by Sam Kelly.
£2.00 ‘LITTLE VICTORIES, YOW TOLD ME THAT’
Lennie Godber, played by Richard Beckinsale, confirms that he’s learned from Fletcher, his cellmate and father figure, how to cherish the small wins that make prison life bearable.
£2.00 ‘FREE EGGS? MORE LIKE HALF A DOZEN, MATE’
While sewing fishing nets as a punishment for bad behaviour, Fletcher chats with fellow inmates including ‘Jock’ McLaren, played by Tony Osoba, about pilfering produce while he was working on the farm.
£2.20 ‘WHAT, FROM HERE?’
In the very first episode, Fletcher responds to the prison doctor’s request that he provide a urine sample in one of the flasks on a table across the room.
£2.20 ‘I SOMETIMES WISH I WAS IN HERE WITH YOU LOT’
Kind-hearted prison officer Mr Barrowclough, played by Brian Wilde, reflects on his miserable home life with a domineering wife.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS
The presentation pack includes descriptions of Porridge characters and episodes, written by journalist Tom Huddleston.
A first day cover and stamp cards are also available.
PRICES
Set of 8 stamps £13.40
Presentation pack £14.30
First day cover £16.75
Stamp cards £3.60
VERDICT
COMMEMORATIVE WORTH 3/5
Porridge remains one of the best loved and wittiest British sitcoms. The bottom line, though, is that it’s only a television show
QUALITY OF DESIGN 2/5
There’s a limit to what can be achieved with 50-year-old film stills, yet some of the quotes are well chosen and still very funny, 50 years on
WOW FACTOR 1/5
There’s a good reason behind the set’s overall grey quality, but of course it doesn’t help the stamps make an impact
