Porridge sitcom stage adaptation to tour

A new adaptation of Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais’ Porridge will embark on a UK tour in 2027.

The stage show of the BBC sitcom will be adapted and directed by Samuel Freeman, and feature a cast of three, with names to be announced.

Porridge follows career criminal Fletcher and cellmate Godber as they navigate life behind bars.

Clement said: “Someone once pointed out that the best comedies thrive in captive situations. He or she quoted Steptoe and Son, where a father and son are shackled together trying to get along and nearly come to blows in the process.

“If you accept that premise, then Porridge is the ultimate example, where our characters are literally locked up behind bars. Even the prison officers suffer in a similar way where Mr Barrowclough, not looking forward to going home to a wife we never meet, says plaintively: “Sometimes I wish I was in here with you lot”.

“I look forward to seeing our creation in the theatre. If the audience feels confined, they can of course make a run for it. Instead, the hope is that they will enjoy sharing the familiar experiences of Fletcher, Godber, Mr Mackay and the entire team. And when they have finished laughing, they will find that the doors to the street are unlocked.”

Freeman added: “I am utterly thrilled at the opportunity to bring Porridge back to the stage, touring across the UK in 2027. Dick and Ian’s script contains so many great moments of this national treasure of a British sitcom, bottled up into one fantastic evening of entertainment. Full of unforgettable characters, razor-sharp wit and the heartfelt truth of a friendship found in one of the toughest places!”

“I’m excited to be adapting this classic into a fresh new production that looks to celebrate the well-known adventures of Fletcher, Godber and co, through all the theatrical magic that makes British theatre something to love and enjoy.”

The tour is presented by Joshua Beaumont and Matthew Emeny for The Production Garden.

It will visit The Rondo Theatre, Bath (9 to 11 September), Salisbury Playhouse (13 to 18 September), Medina Theatre, Isle of Wight (21 September), The Lighthouse, Poole (24 to 25 September), Lichfield Garrick (28 September to 1 October), New Theatre, Peterborough (2 October), Harrogate Theatre (4 to 5 October), Lancaster Grand Theatre (6 to 7 October), Lowther Pavilion, Lytham Saint Annes (8 October), Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple (9 October), The Riverfront, Newport (14 October), The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury (15 October), Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli (16 October), Regent Theatre, Ipswich (18 October), Marina Theatre, Lowestoft (20 October), Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere (22 to 23 October), The Montgomery Theatre, Sheffield (25 to 27 October), Buxton Opera House (28 to 30 October), Floral Pavilion, New Brighton (1 to 4 November), Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury (5 to 6 November) and BEAM, Hertford (12 November).

Casting and creative team to be confirmed.