Robbing Hood

Norman Wisdom stars in this light-hearted comedy crime caper

British comedy legend, Norman Wisdom plays small-time crook Norman Hood who’s just been released from prison for burglary. Hoping to make a new life as an honest man, he is entrusted to widow Natalie Matthews (Moira Lister), who offers him a job and accommodation. However, she has an ulterior motive…

Follow the farcical misadventures of Norman, played out with a huge cast of supporting actors as he tries to stick, but mostly fails, to the straight and narrow! Charming, gentle but ever so funny, Robbing Hood is a joy to listen to. Norman’s bicycle turns out to be an unexpected treasure, there’s a trip to the Grand Hotel which triggers a safe cracking incident, and somehow the hapless ex-con becomes mixed up with the mafia – who needs brains when you’ve got bullies?! When Norman tries to earn an honest crust and gets a job in a marmalade factory, it makes for a sticky situation and the psychiatrist next door wants to know why Norman's talking to trees? This is a vintage treasure of a series, not to be missed.

Sir Norman Wisdom was a comedy legend and national treasure whose stellar career on film, stage and television spanned six decades. Charlie Chaplin once referred to him as his ‘favourite clown’. Robbing Hood is a rare radio outing for the actor and a must listen. Moira Lister was a regular cast member on Hancock’s Half Hour, and also appeared in a number of Ealing Studios comedy films.

Cast and credits
Written by John Graham and Peter Ling
Based on an idea by Norman Wisdom
Directed by Leslie Lawton

Norman Hood - Norman Wisdom
Natalie Matthews - Moira Lister
Bernard Bassington - Norman Jones
Beatrice Bassington - Rosemary Leach
Winifred Bassington/Miss Barlow - Anne Windsor
Head Waiter - Timothy Carlton
Prison Governor - Gordon Reid
Warden - Peter Gunn
Pettigrew - Royce Mills
Mr Bargery - Jonathan Adams
Mrs Bargery - Kate Binchy
Victor/Charlton Humsecke - John Church
Lorry driver - David Learner
BT youth - Matthew Sim
Valerie/Fiona - Melinda Walker
Lady helper/Poppet/Michelle - Siriol Jenkins
Nosher Nelson - Windsor Davis
The Judge - James Grout
Fifi - Sally Kinghorn
Waiter - Eric Allen
Alfredo - Nicky Henson
Tracey - Lorraine Chase
Police Sergeant - Victor Winding
Inspector/Parrot - John Graham
Petshop Girl/Receptionist - Joanna Wake
The Simpson brothers - Henry McGee
PC Harris - Jonathan Tafler
Evans - Matthew Morgan
Roderick Burrows - Keith Drinkel
Dr Doberman - Andrew Sachs
Miss Conway - Liza Goddard
Heidwig - Sally Kinghorn

First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 July - 25 August 1992

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