Much Binding in the Marsh

Selected episodes from the much loved Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh series

Archive episodes of one of the UK’s most loved radio comedy sketch shows have been lovingly found and restored, bringing eleven delightful episodes back to life in this special collection. Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh began in 1944 during the Second World War and ran until 1954. The series was created for the forces and used actively serving writers and actors in the Royal Air Force at the time. Music from the BBC Men’s Chorus and the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinovitz was used throughout the series and the closing theme became one of the most loved tunes in Britain. Written by and starring Kenneth Horne, (Round the Horne) this is a listening treat not to be missed.

The show began with officers in a desolate, decrepit aerodrome with its one hangar and the solitary airplane, 'Cabbage White Mark II', that never got off the ground. The crew navigate this fictional RAF station coping with red tape and the inconveniences of life in the Second World War. After the war the station becomes a country club and, for its last season, the show moves to London and becomes the chronicle of a newspaper, The Weekly Bind. Over these brilliant episodes, finances are examined, a wireless installed, song-writing competitions entered and a festival proposed. When the war is over and the gang are looking for work they turn their hand to babysitting, gardening and elocution lessons with mixed results. There’s a Christmas special and a very special recording with Queen Elizabeth and The Duke of Edinburgh in attendance.

An extensive conservation project has brought this much-loved show out of the archive to be enjoyed by listeners young and old. Listen now to this iconic series from the heyday of BBC Radio comedy sketch shows.

Cast and credits

Written by Richard Murdoch and Kenneth Horne

Music by Stanley Black and The Augmented Dance Orchestra

Produced by Leslie Bridgmont

Featuring Kenneth Horne, Richard Murdoch, Sam Costa, Marilyn Williams, Vivienne Chatterton, Maurice Denham, Dick Griffin, Philip Slessor, Maureen Riscoe, Helen Hill, Barbara Leigh, Diana Morrison and Dora Bryan

Dates of original airing on BBC Radio Light Programme

15/05/1947

22/05/1947

21/09/1948

28/12/1948

01/02/1949

03/05/1950

10/05/1950

17/05/1950

24/05/1950

28/08/1953

01/12/1953

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