Richard Webber – författare

The best jokes, gags and scenes from a true British comedy classic.`Cheer up, could be worse. State the country's in, we could be free.’`Doctor: I want you to fill one of those containers for me.Fletcher (other side of the room): What, from 'ere?’You can count the number of truly classic British sitcoms on one hand – well, perhaps two. But however many hands you use, Porridge will be one of the first programmes to register for inclusion. Undoubtedly one of the real gems, the prison-based show starring the late Ronnie Barker as the recalcitrant yet loveable rascal, Fletcher, transcends the generations; like any other classic, it remains as accessible and funny today as it did when first aired in the 1970s.Including the pilot, transmitted a year before the first series hit the screen, twenty-one instalments were made, attracting audiences of up to 20 million. Written by those prolific scribes Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, and brought to life by an estimable bunch of actors, headed by the great Ronnie B as Fletch, a recidivist who spent most of his adult life behind bars, the sitcom quickly attracted plaudits and became a shining example of what good situation comedy is all about.The Best of British Comedy – Porridge includes:• The History: an overview of how Porridge was born and developed• Gags and Catchphrases: a collection of classic quotes• Did You Know?: snippets of info about the show, cast, etc.• Favourite scenes: the most memorable scenes in full• A Porridge quiz`New Faces, Old Hands’FLETCHERMy beloved Isobel.The little woman. Well she aint so little.I said to her the other day, 'Isobel, I'll never get over you, I'll have to get up and go round.’

The best jokes, gags and scenes from a true British comedy classic.`They don't like it up 'em!’'People shout the "Don't tell him, Pike!" line at me regularly - and I didn't even say it!’ Philip Madoc.In the annals of British television, no finer example of classic comedy exists than in the shape of Dad's Army, the Home Guard-based sitcom written by veteran writers Jimmy Perry and David Croft. Although they penned many other sterling programmes, including Hi-De-Hi! and the underrated You Rang, M'Lord?, they'll forever be remembered for their brilliant wartime comedy spotlighting the antics of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard, led by the irascible and pompous Captain Mainwaring.Between 1968 and '77, nine series and three Christmas Specials - totalling 80 instalments - were screened, much to the delight of the millions of fans who tuned in; but the show's popularity has continued unabated and even today, four decades since the platoon marched onto the scene, it remains one of the golden offerings from the sitcom genre.With the 40th anniversary of Dad’s Army in 2008, what better time to celebrate the magic of this show.The Best of British Comedy - Dad’s Army includes:• The History: an overview of how Dad’s Army was born and developed• Gags and Catchphrases: a collection of classic quotes from the programme• Did You Know?: snippets of info about the show, cast, etc.• Favourite scenes: the most memorable scenes in full• A Dad’s Army quizEpisode: 'Something Nasty in the Vault'Mainwaring and Wilson are stuck in the bank's strong room. There has been an air raid and they've ended up holding an unexploded bomb. Pike arrives.Pike: Uncle Arthur?Wilson: Oh, what it is, Frank?Pike: Do you think I ought to phone mum and tell her you're holding a bomb?Wilson: No!Pike: But she might get cross if she found out that you'd been holding a bomb and she wasn't told about it.

The best jokes, gags and scenes from a true British comedy classic.Del: You were gun running during the Spanish Civil War?Grandad: Well…that was the best time to do it!‘A man like you needs something to reflect your image – I've got a lovely Skoda in the forecourt.'Boycie (…trying to sell a used car to Del)In the history of British comedy classics, there is no better example than the hugely popular and critically-acclaimed Only Fools and Horses. Set in Peckham, inner London, it chronicles the adventures and exploits of ambitious market trader Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter, his gormless younger brother Rodney, and a host of other unusual misfit characters, in their attempts to get rich selling anything and everything to anyone who'll buy it.Written and created by comic genius John Sullivan, the classic British sitcom had an incredible cast, including, most notably, legendary actor Sir David Jason.Between 1981 and 1991 seven series of the show were broadcast in the UK, with sporadic Christmas specials until 2003. Even now it remains the most-watched British sitcom of all time, holding the record for the highest UK audience for a sitcom episode for the 1996 special 'Time On Our Hands'.The Best of British Comedy – Only Fools and Horses includes: The History: an overview of how Only Fools and Horses was born and developedGags and Catchphrases: a collection of classic quotesDid You Know?: snippets of info about the show, cast, etc.Favourite scenes: the most memorable scenes in fullAn OFAH quiz'I'm depressed because of the state of my life at the moment. I've got this 'orrible feeling that if there is such a thing as reincarnation, knowing my luck, I'll come back as me!'Rodney'I heard a rumour that Mickey Mouse wears a Rodney Trotter wristwatch.'Boycie

The complete guide to everyone’s favourite films… saucy!This book presents a detailed journey through Britain's best-loved comedies. It contains information on each of the feature films, including moments to watch out for, little-known facts, dialogue gems (Infamy! Infamy! They've All Got It In For Me!), full cast lists, production details and an informed critique on each of the films.There will be over 250 colour and b/w stills integrated in the book, including rare behind-the-scenes shots. Unique items such as annotated film scripts, film storyboards, momentos and original movie posters will also be reproduced in the book.Full biographies of the major players, including the great Kenneth Williams, Sid James, Charles Hawtrey, Hattie Jacques, Kenneth Connor and Barbara Windsor will also feature and appendices will include an exhaustive bibliography and overview of the best Carry On websites around.

In August 1958, the opening scenes of a low-budget black and white film flickered onto cinema screens up and down the country. No one could have foreseen what impact Carry on Sergeant would have then and in the future. Not only did it become one of the top three grossing films for that year, it also kick started the longest running and most successful comedy series of all time.Here, for the very first time, is the essential biography of this most treasured institution in the world of British cinema. Complete with exclusive interviews with cast and crew, and the debut publication of Vince Powell's script of Carry On Down Under, Fifty Years of Carry On is a must for any fan of the unique and ever hilarious spectacle that is Carry On.

Ronnie Barker was one of our most respected and best-loved comedy actors and here, in this fascinating biography, Richard Webber delves deep in to the heart of Barker's life and career, peppering his narrative with original and incisive memories from some of Barker's closest contemporaries, including Ronnie Corbett, Michael Palin and Barry Cryer. Star of the much-adored comedy classics Porridge, The Two Ronnies - one of the most successful and long-running television comedy shows ever on British television - and Open All Hours, Ronnie Barker was universally admired by the public and industry insiders alike. From his early days writing for and performing skits on The Frost Report right up to his retirement in 1988, he lit up television screens across the country with his wonderful gift for comedy and his remarkable skill for character acting. Beyond his performances on the stage and screen, Barker was also an accomplished comedy writer, providing many of the sketches and songs for The Two Ronnies and contributing material to a number of other television and radio shows. And despite his retirement he retained pole position in the public's affection, returning to the screen in 1999 to team up with his erstwhile comedy partner and great friend Ronnie Corbett for a Two Ronnies night on BBC1, followed by a BAFTA tribute in 2004 and a final appearance on television in 2005 on The Two Ronnies Christmas Sketchbook. Effortlessly funny, universally adored and an actor and writer responsible for some of Britain's best-loved and most-respected comedy, Ronnie Barker was a true comedy legend. Here he's brought to the page in winning style as he's remembered by those who best loved and knew him.

Geodemographic classification is ‘big business’ in the marketing and service sector industries, and in public policy there has also been a resurgence of interest in neighbourhood initiatives and targeting. As an increasing number of professionals realise the potential of geographic analysis for their business or organisation, there exists a timely gap in the market for a focussed book on geodemographics and GIS. Geodemographics: neighbourhood targeting and GIS provides both an introduction to and overview of the methods, theory and classification techniques that provide the foundation of neighbourhood analysis and commercial geodemographic products. Particular focus is given to the presentation and use of neighbourhood classification in GIS. Authored by leading marketing professionals and a prominent academic, this book presents methods, theory and classification techniques in a reader-friendly mannerSupported by private and public sector case studies and vignettesThe applied ‘how to’ sections will specifically appeal to the intended audience at work in business and service planningIncludes information on the recent UK and US Census products and resulting neighbourhood classifications

Geodemographic classification is ‘big business’ in the marketing and service sector industries, and in public policy there has also been a resurgence of interest in neighbourhood initiatives and targeting. As an increasing number of professionals realise the potential of geographic analysis for their business or organisation, there exists a timely gap in the market for a focussed book on geodemographics and GIS.

Geodemographics: neighbourhood targeting and GIS provides both an introduction to and overview of the methods, theory and classification techniques that provide the foundation of neighbourhood analysis and commercial geodemographic products. Particular focus is given to the presentation and use of neighbourhood classification in GIS.

Authored by leading marketing professionals and a prominent academic, this book presents methods, theory and classification techniques in a reader-friendly manner Supported by private and public sector case studies and vignettes The applied ‘how to’ sections will specifically appeal to the intended audience at work in business and service planning Includes information on the recent UK and US Census products and resulting neighbourhood classifications

Regarded by many critics as Britain's best sitcom, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais' tales of life inside Slade Prison first hit the screens in 1973 and ran until 1977. But it has never faded from the nation's consciousness. Ronnie Barker as Fletch the old lag and Richard Beckinsale as Godber the naive first-time offender are comic creations as fine as any in the history of television. Now, for the first time, Richard Webber has brought together the original scripts from all three series of PORRIDGE to make this the essential souvenir for all the many fans of this much-loved classic comedy.

Regarded by many critics as Britain's best sitcom, Porridge is set to become even more popular following the sad death of Ronnie Barker in October 2005. His portrayal of Fletch, the experienced, cynical old lag, won the nation's heart when the series first hit our screens in 1973.This complete companion is the only book to tell the behind-the-scenes story of how the series came to be made and is packed full of never-before-published photographs and interviews with the cast and crew. It is also the only book to bring together the original scripts from all three series, making this the essential souvenir for all the millions of Porridge fans.

Ronnie Barker was one of our most respected and best-loved comedy actors and here, in this fascinating biography, Richard Webber delves deep in to the heart of Barker's life and career, peppering his narrative with original and incisive memories from some of Barker's closest contemporaries, including Ronnie Corbett, Michael Palin and Barry Cryer. Star of the much-adored comedy classics Porridge, The Two Ronnies - one of the most successful and long-running television comedy shows ever on British television - and Open All Hours, Ronnie Barker was universally admired by the public and industry insiders alike. From his early days writing for and performing skits on The Frost Report right up to his retirement in 1988, he lit up television screens across the country with his wonderful gift for comedy and his remarkable skill for character acting. Beyond his performances on the stage and screen, Barker was also an accomplished comedy writer, providing many of the sketches and songs for The Two Ronnies and contributing material to a number of other television and radio shows. And despite his retirement he retained pole position in the public's affection, returning to the screen in 1999 to team up with his erstwhile comedy partner and great friend Ronnie Corbett for a Two Ronnies night on BBC1, followed by a BAFTA tribute in 2004 and a final appearance on television in 2005 on The Two Ronnies Christmas Sketchbook. Effortlessly funny, universally adored and an actor and writer responsible for some of Britain's best-loved and most-respected comedy, Ronnie Barker was a true comedy legend. Here he's brought to the page in winning style as he's remembered by those who best loved and knew him.

In August 1958, the opening scenes of a low-budget black and white film flickered onto cinema screens up and down the country. No one could have foreseen what impact Carry on Sergeant would have then and in the future. Not only did it become one of the top three grossing films for that year, it also kick started the longest running and most successful comedy series of all time.Here, for the very first time, is the essential biography of this most treasured institution in the world of British cinema. Complete with exclusive interviews with cast and crew, and the debut publication of Vince Powell's script of Carry On Down Under, Fifty Years of Carry On is a must for any fan of the unique and ever hilarious spectacle that is Carry On.

Many people consider Tony Hancock to be the finest comic actor of them all. November 2004 sees the 50th anniversary of his best-loved work, Hancock's Half-Hour, which began as a radio series, penned by the writers Galton and Simpson. Two years later, the first of 58 TV instalments had been screened, and Hancock's genius, coupled with Galton and Simpson's brilliant scripts, ensured that the show soon became a yardstick against which all subsequent British sitcoms have since been measured.Amazingly, no book has ever been written about the show. Fully authorised by Galton and Simpson, Fifty Years of Hancock's Half-Hour is a full history of the show, including how the show came about, behind-the-scenes stories from Hancock's fellow artists and members of the crew and production team, and the story of its demise. Incorporating extracts from the shows, the book will also feature photographs and a full listing of the radio and TV episodes.

It is not lost on commercial organisations that where we live colours how we view ourselves and others.  That is why so many now place us into social groups on the basis of the type of postcode in which we live.  Social scientists call this practice “commercial sociology”.

Richard Webber originated Acorn and Mosaic, the two most successful geodemographic classifications. Roger Burrows is a critical interdisciplinary social scientist.  Together they chart the origins of this practice and explain the challenges it poses to long-established social scientific beliefs such as:

the role of the questionnaire in an era of “big data”the primacy of theorythe relationship between qualitative and quantitative modes of understandingthe relevance of visual clues to lay understanding.

To help readers evaluate the validity of this form of classification, the book assesses how well geodemographic categories track the emergence of new types of residential neighbourhood and subject a number of key contemporary issues to geodemographic modes of analysis.

It is not lost on commercial organisations that where we live colours how we view ourselves and others.  That is why so many now place us into social groups on the basis of the type of postcode in which we live.  Social scientists call this practice “commercial sociology”.

Richard Webber originated Acorn and Mosaic, the two most successful geodemographic classifications. Roger Burrows is a critical interdisciplinary social scientist.  Together they chart the origins of this practice and explain the challenges it poses to long-established social scientific beliefs such as:

the role of the questionnaire in an era of “big data”the primacy of theorythe relationship between qualitative and quantitative modes of understandingthe relevance of visual clues to lay understanding.

To help readers evaluate the validity of this form of classification, the book assesses how well geodemographic categories track the emergence of new types of residential neighbourhood and subject a number of key contemporary issues to geodemographic modes of analysis.

It is not lost on commercial organisations that where we live colours how we view ourselves and others.  That is why so many now place us into social groups on the basis of the type of postcode in which we live.  Social scientists call this practice "commercial sociology".

Richard Webber originated Acorn and Mosaic, the two most successful geodemographic classifications. Roger Burrows is a critical interdisciplinary social scientist.  Together they chart the origins of this practice and explain the challenges it poses to long-established social scientific beliefs such as:

the role of the questionnaire in an era of "big data" the primacy of theory the relationship between qualitative and quantitative modes of understanding the relevance of visual clues to lay understanding.

To help readers evaluate the validity of this form of classification, the book assesses how well geodemographic categories track the emergence of new types of residential neighbourhood and subject a number of key contemporary issues to geodemographic modes of analysis.