The Navy Lark: Series 1 and 2

Synopsis

The first two series of the vintage seafaring comedy – plus Special The Wrens’ ReunionOne of BBC Radio’s most popular and long-running sitcoms, The Navy Lark sailed the airwaves for an impressive 15 series between 1959 and 1977. Included here are the complete Series 1 and 2, featuring the madcap escapades of the merry crew of HMS Troutbridge, a Royal Navy frigate based on an unnamed island just off Portsmouth. Also featured is a special episode, The Wrens’ Reunion, recorded at the Royal Festival Hall to celebrate 21 years of the Women's Royal Naval Service.It’s laughs ahoy as we meet conniving Chief Petty Officer Jon Pertwee, silly-ass Sub-Lieutenant Leslie Phillips, put-upon Commander ‘Thunderguts’ Povey (Richard Caldicot) and the constantly bemused 'Number One' (Dennis Price in Series 1 and Stephen Murray in Series 2). Below decks Ronnie Barker is just about working his passage as (Un)Able Seaman 'Fatso' Johnson, while Tenniel Evans and Michael Bates are making mischief in a variety of roles – and keeping them all on their toes is Wren Heather Chasen.Superbly remastered and restored, these 43 classic shows are as hilarious as when they were first broadcast – so jump on deck and enjoy the maritime mirth, mayhem and misadventure!NB: Some of the language on this recording reflects the era in which it was first broadcast, and due to the age of the source material, the sound quality may varyProduction creditsScripted by Lawrie WymanProduced by Alastair Scott JohnstonStarring: Leslie Phillips, Jon Pertwee, Dennis Price (Series 1), Stephen Murray (Series 2), Richard Caldicot, Michael Bates, Heather Chasen, Ronnie Barker and Tenniel EvansWith Pamela Buck and June TobinRemastered by Ted KendallThanks to Andrew PixleyNote: none of the episodes were originally given titles. The ones here have been adopted for easy reference and are in line with previous commercial releasesFor more information on the programme, contact:The Navy Lark Appreciation SocietyHoneysuckle CottageLittle StreetYoxfordSuffolkIP7 3JQEpisode guideFirst broadcast on BBC Light Programme on the following dates:Series 1The Missing Jeep 29 March 1959Operation Fag End 5 April 1959Number One’s Chair 12 April 1959The Fairground Lights 19 April 1959The Comfort Fund 26 April 1959Stuck up the Inlet 3 May 1959The Admiral’s Party 10 May 1959The Hank of Heather 17 May 1959The Multiple Mines 24 May 1959The Gun Mechanism Test 31 May 1959The Whittlesea Bay Yacht Regatta 7 June 1959The Psychology Test 14 June 1959A Watch on the Initiative Test 21 June 1959An Exercise in Filming 28 June 1959The Smuggling Spy 5 July 1959The Whittlesea Carnival and Fête 12 July 1959Series 2New at the Helm 16 October 1959Fatso's Box Brownie 23 October 1959Bringing Back the Barge 30 October 1959The Mock Action 6 November 1959Going Dutch 13 November 1959The Figurehead 20 November 1959Gunboat to Gumba 27 November 1959Johnson Finds Treasure 4 December 1959The Charter Trip to Antarctica 11 December 1959Cementing Relations 18 December 1959Strike Up the Band 25 December 1959The Route March 1 January 1960A Trip up the Thames 15 January 1960Radar Talk Down System 15 January 1960A Crisp Romance 22 January 1960The Lighthouse Lark 29 January 1960Pertwee Posted to Portsmouth 5 February 1960Johnson's Diet 12 February 1960Tug of War 19 February 1960Return to Potarneyland 26 February 1960The Cross Country Run 4 March 1960The Morning After 11 March 1960The Admiral's Present 18 March 1960Secret Mission to Calais 25 March 1960Mr Murray Goes Sick 1 April 1960The Potarneyland Fishing Limit 8 April 1960Special: The Wrens’ Reunion Recorded 5 November 1960© 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd