Porridge

In the programme “A Night In”, Fletcher supports his cellmate Godber through the night. He draws on his boundless imagination to pass the time, delivering a comedic scenario featuring Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale. The show is a comedy that showcases the duo’s chemistry.

“A Night in” is a television programme presented as a single episode. It falls squarely within the comedy genre, offering a brief yet self‑contained story that centres on life behind bars. The piece is formatted as an episode rather than a full series, and it delivers its humour in a concise, focused manner. The narrative follows Fletcher as he looks after his cellmate Godber during a long night in prison. To help Godber get through the hours, Fletcher draws on his seemingly endless imagination, inventing diversions and stories that keep the time moving. Their interaction is driven by Fletcher’s inventive spirit, which serves as the primary mechanism for passing the night. The episode is performed by two well‑known comic actors. Ronnie Barker takes on the role of Fletcher, while Richard Beckinsale appears as Godber. Their chemistry underpins the humour, with Barker’s quick‑witted improvisations complementing Beckinsale’s more subdued responses. The pairing highlights the classic dynamic of a seasoned inmate guiding a younger prisoner. Overall, “A Night in” delivers a light‑hearted look at prison life, relying on witty dialogue and imaginative storytelling to entertain. Its brevity and focused plot make it a tidy example of British comedic television, showcasing the talents of its two leading performers without straying beyond the simple premise of surviving one night together.