Rumpole of the Bailey debut on 17 December 1975 to good reviews by the critics. Aware of the potential for further stories centred on Rumpole, Irene Shubik approached the BBC's Head of Plays, Christopher Morahan, and obtained permission from him to commission a further six "Rumpole of the Bailey" scripts from John Mortimer. However, Morahan left his post at the BBC a short time later and his successor was not interested in turning "Rumpole of the Bailey" into a series. At around this time, Shubik was contacted by Verity Lambert, Head of Drama at Thames Television, who was looking for ideas for an up-market
Choir of Chichester Cathedral Christmas Choice and Rumpole of the Bailey. In 2009 their recording of Christmas music won the "Critics Christmas Choice of the Year" award in both Gramophone Magazine and BBC Music Magazine. Each year, the choir visits churches in the diocese and sing Evensong. They also frequently tour other countries with links to Chichester Cathedral. Choir tours since 1998 include: Recordings since 1976 include: Close Company is the name used by the Lay Vicars of Chichester Cathedral when they sing the men's voices barbershop repertory made popular in the United Kingdom by the King's Singers. As well as being professional singers,