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

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 Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ 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 Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ radio's most fondly remembered comedies, and continues to entertain new generations of listeners on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ 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 Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ 7 and first broadcast in May 2006.

3 hours

Last on

Sat 12 Mar 2022 19:00

Broadcasts

  • Sat 17 May 2008 09:00
  • Sat 17 May 2008 20:00
  • Sun 18 May 2008 03:00
  • Sat 28 Mar 2009 09:00
  • Sat 28 Mar 2009 20:00
  • Sun 29 Mar 2009 03:00
  • Sat 15 May 2010 10:00
  • Sat 15 May 2010 20:00
  • Sat 1 Sep 2012 09:00
  • Sat 1 Sep 2012 19:00
  • Sat 19 Apr 2014 09:00
  • Sat 19 Apr 2014 19:00
  • Sat 15 Oct 2016 09:00
  • Sat 15 Oct 2016 19:00
  • Sat 18 May 2019 09:00
  • Sat 18 May 2019 19:00
  • Sun 1 Nov 2020 13:00
  • Mon 2 Nov 2020 01:00
  • Sat 12 Mar 2022 09:00
  • Sat 12 Mar 2022 19:00