Ronnie Barker same year, determined not to be remembered only as Fletcher, Barker opted to end "Porridge" after three series and instead focused on the second pilot "Open All Hours", alongside David Jason. Barker starred as Arkwright, a money-grabbing, stuttering shopkeeper. Arkwright's stutter was not in the script; Barker was inspired to use it by Melvyn's performance and use of a stutter in a 1955 play the two performed at the Palace Theatre called "Hot Water". "Open All Hours" aired one series in 1976 on BBC Two but was not renewed due to low ratings. As a result, Barker backtracked on his
Open All Hours (album) last CD release by The Hamsters and that all subsequent releases will be on the DVD format. Open All Hours (album) Open All Hours (2004) is The Hamsters ninth album. It was recorded during a hectic touring schedule June/July 2003. The band's notorious self-deprecating humour came to the fore with the artwork for this particular album. It featured several pictures of famous movie stars and classic British comedy stars with heads being replaced (and not always in a flattering manner) by members of the band. The whole booklet was designed to represent the walk from the box office to the