BBC Radio 4 Extra

The TV Lark

Comedy: Character

Spinoff of the classic nautical sitcom The Navy Lark as the crew take over a TV studio

Spinoff of the classic nautical sitcom The Navy Lark, as the HMS Troutbridge's crew takes over a TV studio

The TV Lark: Opening Night

Opening Night

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The TV Lark, Opening Night

Abandon ship!  The Navy Lark gang switch to some brand new roles at Troutbridge TV.

Troutbridge TV's new Deputy Controller, Henry Povey spots some old faces. The Navy Lark spin-off with Leslie Phillips. From 1963.

Abandon ship! Take one naval crew - disembark them and drop anchor at a TV station - and you have 'The TV Lark'. 

After four series of 'The Navy Lark', the BBC decided the comedy crew needed a new setting, so where better than brand new independent station, Troutbridge TV? 

New Deputy Controller of Programmes, Henry Povey spots some familiar faces... 

The Producer …. Stephen Murray 
The Floor Manager …. Jon Pertwee 
The Director …. Leslie Phillips 
Deputy Controller,Henry Povey,   …. Richard Caldicot  
‘Fatso’ Johnson …. Ronnie Barker 
'Taffy' Goldstein/The Mayor …. Tenniel Evans 
Controller,Gervais Batsford-Shaw  …. Michael Bates 
Janet …. Janet Brown 
TTV Continuity Announcer …. Robin Boyle

Written by Lawrie Wyman 

This series proved to be only a temporary change of course for the crew of HMS Troutbridge - as they were soon back aboard 'The Navy Lark' - after 10 outings of The TV Lark. 

Producer: Alastair Scott Johnston. 

First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in January 1963.

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