Special Stamps Mark 50th Anniversary of TV Series “Porridge”

Eight special stamps of the TV comedy series “Porridge” will be issued to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary, Royal Mail has announced.

These stamps feature memorable quotes and scenes from the sitcom, along with the faces of well-known cast members, including Richard Beckinsale as Lennie Godber, Ronnie Barker as Norman Stanley Fletcher, and Fulton Mackay as Mr. Mackay.

The British TV show follows jailbirds Norman and Lennie as they navigate the harsh realities of imprisonment. They are surrounded by petty criminals and prison officers, including Mr. Mackay and Mr. Barrowclough, portrayed by Brian Wilde.

Written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, the show aired for three series between 1974 and 1977. It also inspired a big-screen adaptation and a sequel series, “Going Straight.”

Reflecting on the series, writer Clement shared, “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, remarked, “’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.”

Ronnie Barker, who passed away in 2005 at the age of 76, was also known for being one half of “The Two Ronnies.” He portrayed Albert Arkwright in the TV series “Open All Hours” and appeared in the satirical TV show “The Frost Report.”

Richard Beckinsale, the father of actress Kate Beckinsale, played Alan Moore in the sitcom “The Rising Damp.” He died in 1979 at the age of 31.

The stamps, along with a range of collectible products, are available for pre-order starting August 29 on the Royal Mail website or by telephone at 03457 641 641. They will go on general sale on September 3. A presentation pack that includes all eight stamps is priced at £14.30.