Rumpole of the Bailey drama series. Impressed with "Rumpole of the Bailey", Lambert offered Shubik the opportunity to bring the series to Thames. John Mortimer readily agreed, since it would mean more money, and Shubik (and "Rumpole") duly left the BBC in late 1976. "Rumpole of the Bailey" made its Thames Television debut on 3 April 1978 in a series of six episodes. These introduced and established the supporting characters including Guthrie Featherstone (Peter Bowles), Claude Erskine-Browne (Julian Curry) and Phyllida Trant (Patricia Hodge). The role of Hilda was recast, with Peggy Thorpe-Bates taking on the part. Other than McKern, David Yelland (who played
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,