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Norman Stanley Fletcher would be amazed – he’s being celebrated by Royal Mail.
Eight special stamps marking the 50th anniversary of BBC prison sitcom Porridge are being released.
They feature quotes and pictures of the cast, including Ronnie Barker as old lag Fletcher, Richard Beckinsale as his cellmate Lennie Godber, and Fulton Mackay as prison officer Mr Mackay.
The British TV show follows jailbirds Norman and Lennie as they come face to face with the reality of imprisonment while surrounded by petty criminals and prison officers including Mr Mackay and Mr Barrowclough, played by Brian Wilde.
The show, written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, ran for three series from 1974 to 1977. The stamps go on general sale next Tuesday, with a presentation pack of all eight a steal at £14.30.
Eight special stamps marking the 50th anniversary of BBC prison sitcom Porridge are being released
They feature some of the most popular characters, including Fletcher, Godber and Mr Mackay
Speaking about the series, writer Clement said: ‘Ian and I told Ronnie that we had come up with the perfect title for the series.
‘He said he had too. We let him go first. ‘Porridge’, he said. We stared at each other and laughed. That was our title too.’
La Frenais added: ‘So it was agreed with Ronnie and ourselves that we would write a comedy set in prison.
‘In the interests of research Dick and I visited Wormwood Scrubs, Wandsworth and Brixton, after which we decided that there was absolutely no way a series about Porridge could ever be funny.’
David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said: ‘Porridge continues to resonate with audiences even after five decades thanks to the quality of the writing and the characters the cast brought to the screen.
‘These stamps celebrate British television creativity that is timeless and enduring.’
The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to pre-order from August 29 on the Royal Mail website and by telephone on 03457 641 641.
They go on general sale on September 3. A presentation pack including all eight stamps is priced at £14.30.
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