Left Hand Down A Bit, with Leslie Phillips

Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 7

The Navy Lark: Left Hand Down A Bit with Leslie Phillips

Comedy

The Navy Lark: Left Hand Down A Bit, with Leslie Phillips

14/10/2006

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Navy Lark: Left Hand Down A Bit with Leslie Phillips

Leslie Phillips recalls the classic comedy aboard HMS Troutbridge.

Leslie Phillips recalls the classic comedy: Operation Fag End, The Hank of Heather, The Lighthouse Lark, A Deliberate Bashing, Mr Phillips at Dartmouth and The Jubilee Navy Lark.

Sub-Lieutenant Leslie Phillips roams the high seas of comedy, with a three hour celebration of the long-running BBC radio favourite. 

The Navy Lark is almost as much of a national institution as the Navy itself. With a worldwide following, it remains one of BBC radio's most fondly remembered comedies, and continues to entertain new generations of listeners on BBC Radio 4 Extra. 

Find out how The Navy Lark got started; discover who might have been in starring roles; learn how the cast of the radio series were invited to take large bits of a real-life ship! 

Discover which other popular "Larks" appeared on radio? 
How did the Troutbridge crew come to run their own TV company? 
How exactly did Sub-Lieutenant Phillips get through his training in Dartmouth? 

Climb aboard the infamous HMS Troutbridge, as Leslie sets sail for a voyage through six classic episodes in the life and times of a legendary comic flagship. 

*    Operation Fag End 
As the top brass turn up for an inspection, 50,000 duty-free cigarettes are on their way to the island. From 1959.

*    The Hank of Heather
HMS Troutbridge launches an anti-invasion exercise for the visit of Heather's old flame. From 1959.

*    The Lighthouse Lark 
Povey probes smuggling aboard HMS Troutbridge, as she sets sail on a rescue mission. From 1960.   

*    A Deliberate Bashing 
Desperate to escape his mother-in-law, can Captain Povey rely on the crew to assist? From 1963.   

*    Sub Lt. Phillips at Dartmouth 
Just how did lovely Leslie become a sub-Lieutenant on HMS Troutbridge? From 1967.  

*    The Jubilee Navy Lark 
Chaos looms on the Royal Yacht Britannia when an unexpected crew arrives. From 1977. 

Starring:    

Leslie Phillips
Jon Pertwee
Dennis Price
Stephen Murray
Richard Caldicot 
Heather Chasen
Ronnie Barker
Tenniel Evans

Producer:  Martin Dempsey

Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in May 2006.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Navy Lark: Left Hand Down A Bit with Leslie Phillips

Genres

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra