How time flies. It doesn’t seem feasible that we should be on series five already, but here we are. We begin with a huge figure in the British comedy landscape, The Banana Box. You may know it as Rising Damp, but Eric Chappel’s beloved sitcom began life as a stage play with this rather more visceral title. Indeed, everyone’s (least) favourite landlord Rigsby, although always portrayed by the magnificent Leonard Rossiter from stage to small screen to big screen, was originally known as Rooksby.

Rob and Guy have had mixed experiences with 1970s straight spin-offs in the past, but surely a sitcom widely regarded as ITV’s best-ever could not diminish in quality too much in adaptation. Even if Chappel’s tactic of reworking multiple episode scripts to fit a film was reminiscent of a couple of other noticeable failures, surely it wouldn’t claim the good name of Rising Damp?!

Joining our regular team to discuss this comedy institution is Jake Yapp. The writer, producer, performer, and broadcaster has a huge fondness for all things Rigsby and Miss Jones, so was an eager participant in our first adventure of a new series. Jake also acted as quizmaster for the newly reset competition and was keen to put in an early plug for his son’s new line of 1970s light entertainment Top Trumps, which will no doubt be in the shops for Christmas.

Get comfy for a new series and some Rising Damp.
Rising Damp - Funniest moments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96VpnQq197U&list=PLT2hAuUDOLMAgPlQjv0EO0YQAPuo7jgwd
Rising Damp - Pink Carnations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4honiX0_vk
Rising Damp - Disco opening sequence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhCI0JceBic
Rising Damp Movie - Rigsby’s Dream Sequence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBGvGuGKWcw
Jake Yapp - This Morning in 97 Seconds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DLx8FPtA8k
Tin Sandwich Anyone?: The History of the Harmonica - Produced by Jake Yapp, Assistant Produced by Rob Heath
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clsGakOc8AE

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices