The Royal Mail has released a special set of stamps to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic British sitcom, Porridge. The series, which became a beloved classic, first aired in 1974 and ran for three successful series until 1977. Set in the fictional HMP Slade prison, the show starred Richard Beckinsale as Lennie Godber, Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletcher, and Fulton Mackay as the stern prison officer, Mr. Mackay. It has remained a treasured part of British television history for its sharp wit, memorable characters, and the remarkable performances of its cast.
Porridge was the brainchild of the writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, who managed to find humor in the bleakest of situations, presenting the daily lives of prisoners in a light-hearted yet insightful manner. The sitcom became known for its clever dialogue, humorous interplay between the characters, and the warmth that emerged from the unlikely friendships within the prison walls. At the heart of the show was Ronnie Barker’s portrayal of Fletcher, a streetwise habitual criminal who, despite his cynicism, served as a father figure to Beckinsale’s Lennie Godber, a naïve first-time offender. Their dynamic was central to the show’s appeal, combining humor with an undercurrent of humanity.
Ronnie Barker’s performance as Fletcher, filled with dry wit and a roguish charm, was pivotal to the show’s success. Barker was already a well-established comedian and actor by the time Porridge aired, but his role as Fletcher became one of his most iconic. Richard Beckinsale’s portrayal of Lennie Godber brought a youthful innocence to the series, providing a perfect foil to Fletcher’s world-weary cynicism. Beckinsale’s untimely death in 1979, just a few years after the series ended, only added to the sense of nostalgia surrounding the show. Fulton Mackay’s role as Mr. Mackay, the authoritarian prison officer who often clashed with Fletcher, added another layer of humor and tension. Mackay’s character, while often stern and unyielding, became a source of comedy in his ongoing battles of wits with Fletcher.
The decision to commemorate Porridge with a series of stamps marks the enduring appeal of the show. These stamps not only celebrate the individual characters but also serve as a reminder of a time when television sitcoms could balance humor with deeper social commentary. Each stamp features a classic scene from the series, capturing the essence of its humor and the memorable moments that have made it a staple of British television for half a century. For fans of the show, these stamps are a nostalgic tribute to a comedy that has stood the test of time.
Porridge remains a significant part of British cultural heritage, often cited as one of the greatest British sitcoms of all time. Its legacy endures through reruns and the continued appreciation of its humour and wit by new generations. The release of these stamps is a testament to the show’s lasting impact, ensuring that the misadventures of Fletcher, Godber, and the rest of the HMP Slade gang will be remembered and celebrated for many years to come.
