With the Conservatives in line to take the reins this year and the obscene slashes in public spending that will result, there’s no doubt many an underprivileged youth will be looking at the world through bars soon. So it’s perhaps a good thing that this stage show of the celebrated prison sitcom, which in the 70s provoked controversy for glamourising the prison life, has arrived to warmly remind us that criminals are human too, no matter what The Daily Mail say.
Donning Ronnie Barker’s prison uniform in the role of Fletcher is Shaun Williamson (aka Barry from Eastenders, as Ricky Gervsais has cursed him), whose stint in Extras hinted at his comic abilities. He’ll be joined by Daniel West in the role naive newbee Godber, in a fifteen-strong cast.
Expect much guard-baiting, breakout attempts and satirising of the general indignities of prison life; and lest we forget, that cherished one-liner, “Naff off!”
Showing@King’s Theatre Edinburgh
Tue 9-13 March.