Rising Damp facts for kids

Rising Damp was a super popular British TV show called a sitcom. It was made by Yorkshire Television for ITV and aired from 1974 to 1978. There were 28 episodes, each about 30 minutes long, spread across four series. The show was so well-liked that it even had a movie in 1980, also called Rising Damp.

What is Rising Damp?

Rising Damp is a funny TV show about a grumpy landlord named Rigsby. He rents out rooms in his old, run-down house to different people. The show focuses on the funny things that happen between Rigsby and his tenants. It's all about their everyday lives, their arguments, and their friendships.

Meet the Main Characters

The show had a small but very memorable cast of characters:

• Rupert Rigsby: He's the landlord, played by Leonard Rossiter. Rigsby is often trying to save money, sometimes a bit mean, and always thinks he's smarter than everyone else. He has a crush on one of his tenants, Miss Jones.
• Miss Ruth Jones: Played by Frances de la Tour, Miss Jones is a kind and artistic woman. She's often the target of Rigsby's unwanted attention, but she's very good at ignoring him.
• Alan Moore: Played by Richard Beckinsale, Alan is a polite and often naive medical student. He's usually the most sensible person in the house.
• Philip Smith: Played by Don Warrington, Philip is a clever and charming student. He often teases Rigsby and makes him feel silly, especially because Rigsby wrongly believes Philip is from an African tribe.

Where Did the Show Take Place?

The whole show mostly happens inside Rigsby's old Victorian house, which is divided into flats. It's set in a city in Yorkshire, England. The house itself almost feels like another character because it's so old and a bit falling apart, which adds to the comedy.

Why Was Rising Damp So Popular?

Rising Damp was a big hit because of its clever writing and amazing actors.

• Funny Situations: The humor came from the characters' different personalities clashing. Rigsby's attempts to be clever or save money often backfired in hilarious ways.
• Great Acting: The actors were very talented, especially Leonard Rossiter as Rigsby. He made the character both annoying and strangely lovable.
• Relatable Themes: Even though it was a comedy, the show touched on themes like loneliness, friendship, and trying to get by. Many people could relate to the characters' struggles and dreams.

From Stage to Screen

Did you know Rising Damp started as a play? It was originally a stage play called The Banana Box. The writer, Eric Chappell, then adapted it for television. This is why the show often feels like it's happening in just a few rooms, similar to how a play would be set.

Images for kids

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  Main cast of Rising Damp: (from left) Frances de la Tour, Leonard Rossiter, Richard Beckinsale and Don Warrington