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 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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