Rising Damp
Rising Damp Play

Rising Damp

Published: Friday, 4 May 2007, 5:11PM

First broadcast: 1974

Stars: Leonard Rossiter, Don Warrington, Richard Beckinsale, Frances de la Tour

Writer: Eric Chappell

The lowdown: Leonard Rossiter starred in this legendary Seventies comedy as the  sneering, conniving landlord Rigsby in a seedy boarding house. His main mission in life is to chase female boarder Miss Jones (Frances de la Tour) in between endlessly battling with his two male tenants, effete medical student Alan (RIchard Beckinsale) and Philip (Don Warrington), scion of an African chief.

Memorable moments: The one-liners uttered by Rigsby, including when Alan defended his hairstyle by saying Jesus had long hair to which Rigsby retorts: “Yes, but I bet he never had a hairdryer.”

Trivia: Rising Damp was originally a stage show called Banana Box.
The cast remained constant throughout the series. Gay Rose, a nude model, appeared briefly as a lodger when Frances de la Tour took a break from the show.
The format of Rising Damp was sold to the US. A pilot show was made but  American TV bosses thought it appalling and it never aired.

    WATCH THESE EPISODES

    WATCH OUR INTERVIEW

    Don Warrington aka Phillip in Rising Damp Play

    Don Warrington shares his fond memories of playing Rigby's tenant Phillip in the cult comedy show

      FAMOUS FANS

      • Trevor McDonald

        Trevor McDonald

        "I’ve always enjoyed Rising Damp... the interaction between Rossiter’s Rigsby and Frances de la Tour’s Miss Jones is absolutely sensational and makes for true comedy. She is totally wonderful. In fact, my friends used to tease me that I was in love with Frances de la Tour"

      Have Your Say

      Have your say - Best of ITV forums

      Feeling nostalgic? Chat with other TV fans about the classic shows on itv.com and much more