Porridge stage adaptation announces UK tour dates for 2027

Fletcher and Godber are heading out on the road. A new stage version of Porridge, the BBC sitcom by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, will tour the UK in autumn 2027, opening at The Rondo Theatre in Bath on 9 September and finishing at BEAM in Hertford on 12 November.

The production is adapted and directed by Samuel Freeman and presented by Joshua Beaumont and Matthew Emeny for The Production Garden. General sale opens on Friday 16 October.

What is the new Porridge stage show?

The show follows career criminal Fletcher and his wide-eyed cellmate Godber as they navigate life inside Her Majesty's Prison Slade, getting by on wit, wisdom and the occasional dodgy scheme. Its producers promise the sitcom's well-observed characters in some of their most memorable moments.

Every role will be played by a cast of just three, with names yet to be announced. The show runs for about 2 hours including an interval, and under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

Porridge 2027 tour dates

The 2027 dates announced so far are:

• The Rondo Theatre, Bath: 9 to 11 September
• Salisbury Playhouse: 13 to 18 September
• Medina Theatre, Isle of Wight: 21 September
• The Lighthouse, Poole: 24 and 25 September
• Lichfield Garrick: 29 September to 1 October
• New Theatre, Peterborough: 2 October
• Harrogate Theatre: 4 and 5 October
• Lancaster Grand Theatre: 6 and 7 October
• Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Annes: 8 October
• Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple: 9 October
• The Riverfront, Newport: 14 October
• The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury: 15 October
• Ffwrnes Theatre, Llanelli: 16 October
• Regent Theatre, Ipswich: 18 October
• Farnham Maltings: 19 October
• Marina Theatre, Lowestoft: 20 October
• Victoria Wood Theatre, Bowness-on-Windermere: 22 and 23 October
• The Montgomery Theatre, Sheffield: 25 to 27 October
• Buxton Opera House: 28 to 30 October
• Floral Pavilion, New Brighton: 1 to 4 November
• Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury: 5 and 6 November
• Malvern Theatres: 9 and 10 November
• BEAM, Hertford: 12 November

What have the writer and director said?

Dick Clement recalled being told that "the best comedies thrive in captive situations", and that Porridge is the ultimate example because its characters are "literally locked up behind bars". He said he looked forward to seeing the show in the theatre, joking that audiences who feel confined "can of course make a run for it", and that when they have finished laughing "they will find that the doors to the street are unlocked."

Samuel Freeman said he was "utterly thrilled" to bring Porridge back to the stage, describing Clement and La Frenais's script as "this national treasure of a British sitcom, bottled up into one fantastic evening of entertainment". He added that the new production sets out to celebrate "the well-known adventures of Fletcher, Godber and co".

Who is behind the production?

The Production Garden is an independent producer that creates and tours live shows across the UK. Its current and upcoming work includes a UK tour of Michael Morpurgo's First World War story in autumn 2026, with more touring shows to follow in 2026 and 2027.

Who will enjoy Porridge on stage?

Anyone who grew up quoting Fletcher, or who has discovered the series since, will find familiar faces here, from Godber to the prison officers Mr Mackay and Mr Barrowclough. With a cast of three, quick changes and a long run of dates from the south coast to the Lake District, this is a chance to see one of Britain's best-loved sitcoms live in a theatre near you.

Latest on the Porridge tour

For the latest on the tour, see Porridge UK tour (coming soon).

Header image: official artwork.