Ronnie Barker in August 2017 by Ben Elton. Elton's lecture focused on the future of the British sitcom. Ronnie Barker Ronald William George Barker, (25 September 1929 – 3 October 2005) was an English actor, comedian and writer. He was known for roles in British comedy television series such as "Porridge", "The Two Ronnies", and "Open All Hours". Barker began acting in repertory theatre and decided he was best suited to comic roles. He had his first success at the Oxford Playhouse and in roles in the West End including Tom Stoppard's "The Real Inspector Hound". During this period, he was in
Shelly Manne & His Men Play Checkmate Shelly Manne & His Men Play Checkmate Shelly Manne & His Men Play Checkmate (full title Shelly Manne & His Men Play the Music of John Williams from the TV Series Checkmate) is an album by drummer Shelly Manne's group Shelly Manne & His Men performing John Williams' score from the TV show "Checkmate", recorded in 1961 and released on the Contemporary label. The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow states: "None of the melodies caught on but at least they gave these fine musicians some fresh material to improvise on. However, this album is not essential despite some strong solos".