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

Sub-Lieutenant Leslie Phillips roams the high seas of comedy, with a three hour celebration of the long-running BBC 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 BBC radio's most fondly remembered comedies, and continues to entertain new generations of listeners on BBC 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 BBC 7 and first broadcast in May 2006.