Stage version of sitcom in the works

Peter Kay could be starring in a new stage version of Porridge next year.

The Phoenix Nights comic is being lined up to play Norman Stanley Fletcher in a production of the prison sitcom currently being written by its original creators, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais.

The show is due to hit the stage in autumn 2009, with Kay ‘possibly’ taking the role made famous by Ronnie Barker, The Independent on Sunday reports.

Kay has said that Porridge inspired him to become a comedian.

And when he was starting out as a stand-up, Kay wrote a fan letter to Barker, saying he was his comedy hero and that Porridge was one of his favourite shows. Barker wrote back in the guise of Fletcher, and they became penpals.

Kay has a record of using his fame to fulfil his ambitions. He has sung with Queen and landed a part in the stage version of The Producers after writing in his autobiography that it was something that he longed to do.

Meanwhile, Porridge is not the only sitcom to be heading for the stage.

A new version of Allo Allo will be touring the UK from August, starring original cast member, Vicki Michelle, who played Yvette.

Jeffrey Holland, best known as Spike in Hi-de-Hi, will play café owner Rene in the new production, which opens in Stevenage on August 29.

The show is being produced by Ed O’Driscoll’s Calibre Productions, which is responsible for the current Dad’s Army play that is currently touring, starring Leslie Grantham.

Published: 11 May 2008