The Slammer
Encyclopedia
The Slammer is a Children's Talent show
that has been broadcasting on BBC One
since 22 September 2006.
Set in a fictional prison called HM Slammer, this programme follows a variety show format where “prisoners” (who have been arrested for “showbiz” related crimes) compete, by performing to an audience, who decide which act should be released.
The show is produced by Steve Ryde
, who also produced CBBC's Dick and Dom in da Bungalow
and Harry Batt
. It was based on an item from Dick and Dom
called 'The Strangely Talented': a game in which contestants performed their specialised acts in front of the Bungalow Heads to try and win the title of Strangely Talented Champion.
The supporting cast of Dick and Dom in da Bungalow
all appear in The Slammer. They are Dave Chapman
, Ian Kirkby, Lee Barnett and Melvin Odoom
.
The opening titles introduce the show's format, showing entertainers' acts going wrong (e.g. a ventriloquist who accidentally throws his puppet off his arm, and tap-dancers who all trip over one another), their incarceration (including synchronised rock-breaking by the pick-axe-armed sequined tap-dancers), "polishing up their act" and performing to an audience of 8-12 year olds. The lyrics describe this process and the titles conclude with the line of released tap-dancers shimmying out of the prison gate.
The Slammer is headed by "The Governor" played by comedian Ted Robbins
. The Governor always wears a white suit with a golden bow tie, and fulfills his duties by hosting the Freedom Show and occasionally quizzing audience members about their views on the "Performing Prisoners".
Supporting the Governor are prison wardens Mr. Burgess, played by Ian Kirkby, and the Governor's nephew, Jeremy Gimbert played by Lee Barnett. The characters are complete opposites to one another: Mr. Burgess is intelligent, trustworthy and follows procedure and instructions carefully, accompanied by the physical mannerisms of Porridge's Mr Mackay
. Gimbert is not the sharpest tool in the box and Mr. Burgess's frustration with his colleague's stupidity is often obvious.
Dave Chapman
returns from da Bungalow to play new character Peter Nokio, a long term resident of The Slammer. He is a poor ventriloquist (his mouth moves when the puppet is speaking), having several puppets (including Titch, Alistair and Cheeky Charlie) which he keeps personified at all times, allowing the puppets to make rude comments and often tell the truth when Peter is telling a lie.
Peter's cell-mate Melvin Odoom
(played by Melvin Odoom
) is a former dancer whose act once went badly wrong in front of "none other than the Queen" at the Royal Variety Performance, resulting in him suffering from seemingly incurable stage-fright.
The show begins with 5–10 minutes of storyline with these characters, often introducing celebrity guests who may play themselves or assume characters. Keith Harris and Orville once starred in a story where a performance had gone so badly that they froze and were taken to the Slammer; the supporting cast managed to revive them and they performed later in the show.
After this, the performances begin. In-between each performance, the Governor and Mr. Burgess ask a few children on their thoughts. Traditionally Mr. Burgess asks a child to sum up the act with one word, before shouting it back to the Governor, addressing him as 'Sah!' ('sir' in a military fashion). This is often found amusing and has let to children frequently combining adjectives such as 'brilliant' and 'fantastic' to make words like 'brillitastic', to which Mr. Burgess would then shout "Brillitastic, Sah!"
Sometimes the stories are continued into the performance section. Between acts the television audience cut away to very short segments of the stories. This usually is done to create tension on stories where one of the prisoners is being devious (a prisoner is trying to escape while the guards are distracted by the Freedom Show for example).
Four acts perform each episode, and the act who gets the most support through applause and cheering (measured by a clap-o-meter
when a vote is taken at the end of the show) is released.
Series 3 introduced a new item called "solitary confinement" It's the part of the show where they keep the bad Performers in Solitary confinement for their bad performances throughout the years and can not be in Solitary, what happens is a Child judge will see the act and when it ends he/she decides thumbs up or thumbs down and if the Performing prisoner do well and get a thumbs up and get a cell upgrade or a Treat. but if they do badly and get a thumb's down and back into Solitary confinement for a Punishment.
in high definition.
Series 3 was recorded at the Elstree Studios in Borehamwood.
A computer generated image of the outside of the Slammer is used, which features London's Wormwood Scrubs Prison.
, Andy Blythe & Marten Joustra
were commissioned to write the theme. The tune itself (in E-flat
) is built around the blues scale
, presumably chosen because prisoners are meant to feel unhappy and blue. But a fast tempo
, staccato
notes and the use of modulation into B major
ensures a fun, fast and lively piece. Its chord progression
is not typical of a blues’ piece either. It is sung in the same style as da Bungalow’s piece using at least two voices shouting the lyrics.
won back in 2004 for his highly acclaimed and controversial Saturday morning children’s show Dick and Dom in da Bungalow
.
Talent show
A talent show is an event where participants perform their talent or talents of acting, singing, dancing, acrobatics, drumming, martial arts, playing an instrument, and other activities to showcase a unique form of talent, sometimes for a reward, trophy or prize...
that has been broadcasting on BBC One
BBC One
BBC One is the flagship television channel of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom. It was launched on 2 November 1936 as the BBC Television Service, and was the world's first regular television service with a high level of image resolution...
since 22 September 2006.
Set in a fictional prison called HM Slammer, this programme follows a variety show format where “prisoners” (who have been arrested for “showbiz” related crimes) compete, by performing to an audience, who decide which act should be released.
The show is produced by Steve Ryde
Steve Ryde
Steven Ryde is a British actor, voice-over artist and producer working mainly in children's television.He has appeared in various television programmes, including Your Mother Wouldn't Like It, Palace Hill, a spin-off from YMWLI, playing Jimmy the Time Warp Kid and Wizadora, in which he played the...
, who also produced CBBC's Dick and Dom in da Bungalow
Dick and Dom in da Bungalow
Dick and Dom in da Bungalow was a CBBC children's entertainment television series presented by the duo Dick and Dom...
and Harry Batt
Harry Batt
Harry Batt is a television programme starring Ian Kirkby as the fictional "Geordie copper" DI Harry Batt. The article is about both the character and the show itself.-Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow:...
. It was based on an item from Dick and Dom
Dick and Dom
Dick and Dom are a children's comic double act consisting of the presenters Richard McCourt and Dominic Wood. They are primarily known for presenting children's television, such as Dick and Dom in da Bungalow for 5 series between 2002 - 2006...
called 'The Strangely Talented': a game in which contestants performed their specialised acts in front of the Bungalow Heads to try and win the title of Strangely Talented Champion.
The supporting cast of Dick and Dom in da Bungalow
Dick and Dom in da Bungalow
Dick and Dom in da Bungalow was a CBBC children's entertainment television series presented by the duo Dick and Dom...
all appear in The Slammer. They are Dave Chapman
Dave Chapman
Dave Chapman is an English actor, television presenter, puppeteer and voice artist.-Career:Dave Chapman trained at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and The Jim Henson Company...
, Ian Kirkby, Lee Barnett and Melvin Odoom
Melvin Odoom
Melvin Odoom is an English-born comedian, radio DJ and television presenter.-Career:Melvin, alongside Rickie Haywood-Williams, hosts Kiss 100′s Breakfast Show. Their on-air chemistry and entertaining mockery is a hit with the Kiss 100 audience...
.
Overview
The Slammer is a fictitious prison for entertainers who have "committed crimes against show business"; the inmates are given the chance to earn their freedom by performing to a jury of children in the "Freedom Show".The opening titles introduce the show's format, showing entertainers' acts going wrong (e.g. a ventriloquist who accidentally throws his puppet off his arm, and tap-dancers who all trip over one another), their incarceration (including synchronised rock-breaking by the pick-axe-armed sequined tap-dancers), "polishing up their act" and performing to an audience of 8-12 year olds. The lyrics describe this process and the titles conclude with the line of released tap-dancers shimmying out of the prison gate.
The Slammer is headed by "The Governor" played by comedian Ted Robbins
Ted Robbins
Ted Robbins is an English comedian, actor, broadcaster, radio DJ, radio personality, voice-over artist and television personalityRobbins currently presents a morning show on BBC Radio Lancashire from 9am - 11am on weekdays....
. The Governor always wears a white suit with a golden bow tie, and fulfills his duties by hosting the Freedom Show and occasionally quizzing audience members about their views on the "Performing Prisoners".
Supporting the Governor are prison wardens Mr. Burgess, played by Ian Kirkby, and the Governor's nephew, Jeremy Gimbert played by Lee Barnett. The characters are complete opposites to one another: Mr. Burgess is intelligent, trustworthy and follows procedure and instructions carefully, accompanied by the physical mannerisms of Porridge's Mr Mackay
Mr Mackay
Mr. Mackay was a character in the popular BBC sitcom Porridge, played by Fulton Mackay.Mackay is a neurotic and tough prison warder whose constant obsession in life is to catch out Fletcher. The rivalry between Fletch and Mackay was a thing of comedy legend...
. Gimbert is not the sharpest tool in the box and Mr. Burgess's frustration with his colleague's stupidity is often obvious.
Dave Chapman
Dave Chapman
Dave Chapman is an English actor, television presenter, puppeteer and voice artist.-Career:Dave Chapman trained at The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and The Jim Henson Company...
returns from da Bungalow to play new character Peter Nokio, a long term resident of The Slammer. He is a poor ventriloquist (his mouth moves when the puppet is speaking), having several puppets (including Titch, Alistair and Cheeky Charlie) which he keeps personified at all times, allowing the puppets to make rude comments and often tell the truth when Peter is telling a lie.
Peter's cell-mate Melvin Odoom
Melvin Odoom
Melvin Odoom is an English-born comedian, radio DJ and television presenter.-Career:Melvin, alongside Rickie Haywood-Williams, hosts Kiss 100′s Breakfast Show. Their on-air chemistry and entertaining mockery is a hit with the Kiss 100 audience...
(played by Melvin Odoom
Melvin Odoom
Melvin Odoom is an English-born comedian, radio DJ and television presenter.-Career:Melvin, alongside Rickie Haywood-Williams, hosts Kiss 100′s Breakfast Show. Their on-air chemistry and entertaining mockery is a hit with the Kiss 100 audience...
) is a former dancer whose act once went badly wrong in front of "none other than the Queen" at the Royal Variety Performance, resulting in him suffering from seemingly incurable stage-fright.
The show begins with 5–10 minutes of storyline with these characters, often introducing celebrity guests who may play themselves or assume characters. Keith Harris and Orville once starred in a story where a performance had gone so badly that they froze and were taken to the Slammer; the supporting cast managed to revive them and they performed later in the show.
After this, the performances begin. In-between each performance, the Governor and Mr. Burgess ask a few children on their thoughts. Traditionally Mr. Burgess asks a child to sum up the act with one word, before shouting it back to the Governor, addressing him as 'Sah!' ('sir' in a military fashion). This is often found amusing and has let to children frequently combining adjectives such as 'brilliant' and 'fantastic' to make words like 'brillitastic', to which Mr. Burgess would then shout "Brillitastic, Sah!"
Sometimes the stories are continued into the performance section. Between acts the television audience cut away to very short segments of the stories. This usually is done to create tension on stories where one of the prisoners is being devious (a prisoner is trying to escape while the guards are distracted by the Freedom Show for example).
Four acts perform each episode, and the act who gets the most support through applause and cheering (measured by a clap-o-meter
Clap-o-meter
A clap-o-meter, clapometer or applause meter is a measurement instrument that purports to measure and display the volume of clapping or applause made by a studio audience or an audience at some other event. It is used to decide the result of competitions based on the popularity of the contestants,...
when a vote is taken at the end of the show) is released.
Series 3 introduced a new item called "solitary confinement" It's the part of the show where they keep the bad Performers in Solitary confinement for their bad performances throughout the years and can not be in Solitary, what happens is a Child judge will see the act and when it ends he/she decides thumbs up or thumbs down and if the Performing prisoner do well and get a thumbs up and get a cell upgrade or a Treat. but if they do badly and get a thumb's down and back into Solitary confinement for a Punishment.
Production
The Slammer is recorded at the Three Mills Studios in East London, by the BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
in high definition.
Series 3 was recorded at the Elstree Studios in Borehamwood.
A computer generated image of the outside of the Slammer is used, which features London's Wormwood Scrubs Prison.
Theme Tune
Like Dick and Dom in da BungalowDick and Dom in da Bungalow
Dick and Dom in da Bungalow was a CBBC children's entertainment television series presented by the duo Dick and Dom...
, Andy Blythe & Marten Joustra
Andy Blythe & Marten Joustra
Andy Blythe composed music for Psygnosis / Traveller's Tales games. He worked with Marten Joustra on all projects, the duo being later known as Swallow Studios. Their speciality is jazz, although they also wrote in other genres....
were commissioned to write the theme. The tune itself (in E-flat
E-flat
E-flat may refer to:* E♭ * E-flat major* E-flat minor* E-flat tuning, on a guitar...
) is built around the blues scale
Blues scale
The term blues scale is used to describe a few scales with differing numbers of pitches and related characteristics. See: blues.The hexatonic, or six note, blues scale consists of the minor pentatonic scale plus the 4th or 5th degree...
, presumably chosen because prisoners are meant to feel unhappy and blue. But a fast tempo
Tempo
In musical terminology, tempo is the speed or pace of a given piece. Tempo is a crucial element of any musical composition, as it can affect the mood and difficulty of a piece.-Measuring tempo:...
, staccato
Staccato
Staccato is a form of musical articulation. In modern notation it signifies a note of shortened duration and separated from the note that may follow by silence...
notes and the use of modulation into B major
B major
In music theory, B major is a major scale based on B. The pitches B, C, D, E, F, G, and A are all part of the B major scale. Its key signature has five sharps....
ensures a fun, fast and lively piece. Its chord progression
Chord progression
A chord progression is a series of musical chords, or chord changes that "aims for a definite goal" of establishing a tonality founded on a key, root or tonic chord. In other words, the succession of root relationships...
is not typical of a blues’ piece either. It is sung in the same style as da Bungalow’s piece using at least two voices shouting the lyrics.
Awards
On November 25, 2007 The Slammer won the Children's BAFTA for Best Entertainment Programme, an award that Steve RydeSteve Ryde
Steven Ryde is a British actor, voice-over artist and producer working mainly in children's television.He has appeared in various television programmes, including Your Mother Wouldn't Like It, Palace Hill, a spin-off from YMWLI, playing Jimmy the Time Warp Kid and Wizadora, in which he played the...
won back in 2004 for his highly acclaimed and controversial Saturday morning children’s show Dick and Dom in da Bungalow
Dick and Dom in da Bungalow
Dick and Dom in da Bungalow was a CBBC children's entertainment television series presented by the duo Dick and Dom...
.
Celebrity Guests
The Slammer has featured many celebrity guests (usually entertainers) who either play themselves or characters in the storyline, perform or do both.Series 1
- Ruth Bratt
- Alex LoweAlex LoweStuart Alexander "Alex" Lowe , was widely considered one of his generation's finest all-around mountaineers...
- Uri GellerUri GellerUri Geller is a self-proclaimed psychic known for his trademark television performances of spoon bending and other supposed psychic effects. Throughout the years, Geller has been accused of using simple conjuring tricks to achieve the effects of psychokinesis and telepathy...
- Keith Harris and Orville
- Stephen MulhernStephen MulhernStephen Daniel Mulhern is a British TV presenter, entertainer, and former magician. He began presenting in the studio on CITV in May 1998 and became a leading presenter until he left in August 2002. He has presented a number of shows, including SMTV Live, Holly & Stephen's Saturday Showdown and...
(two appearances) - Syd LittleSyd LittleSyd Little is an English comedian and straight man in the double act Little and Large, with Eddie Large....
- Alesha DixonAlesha DixonAlesha Anjanette Dixon is an English singer-songwriter, dancer, model and television personality. She first found fame in the all-female R&B trio Mis-Teeq, however, the trio separated in 2005 and Dixon continued pursuing her music career as a solo artist, signing to Polydor Records...
- Betty Curse
- McFly
- ShowaddywaddyShowaddywaddyShowaddywaddy are a 1970s pop group from Leicester, England. They specialised in revivals of hit songs from the 1950s and early 1960s, and dressed as Teddy Boys.-History:...
- Brian MurphyBrian Murphy (actor)Brian Murphy is a British actor.Murphy was born in Ventnor, Isle of Wight. Although a prolific actor in many films and theatre productions for almost half a century, Murphy's most famous role was as the henpecked husband George Roper in the sitcom Man About the House and spin-off George and...
- Rhys DarbyRhys DarbyRhys Montague Darby is an actor and stand-up comedian from New Zealand, known for his energetic physical comedy routines, telling stories accompanied with mime and sound effects of things such as machinery and animals...
Series 2
- Lionel BlairLionel BlairLionel Blair is a British actor, choreographer, tap dancer and television presenter. He is the son of Myer Ogus and Deborah Greenbaum...
- John Thomson
- Shaun WilliamsonShaun WilliamsonShaun Williamson is an English actor, singer, media personality and occasional presenter, best known for his former role as Barry Evans in soap opera EastEnders and as a version of himself in BBC sitcom Extras.- Career :...
- Tony BlackburnTony BlackburnTony Blackburn is an English disc jockey, who broadcast on the "pirate" stations Radio Caroline and Radio London in the 1960s and was the first disc jockey to broadcast on BBC Radio 1 in 1967. In 2002 he was the winner of the ITV reality TV programme I'm a Celebrity.....
- Jon CulshawJon CulshawJonathan Peter Culshaw is an English impressionist and comedian. He was educated at St Bede's RC High School, Ormskirk and St John Rigby College, in Orrell, Wigan....
- Roy BarracloughRoy BarracloughRoy Barraclough MBE is a comic actor. He is best known for his role as the shifty, lugubrious landlord of the Rovers Return, Alec Gilroy in the long-running British TV soap Coronation Street where he formed an on-screen partnership with Bet Lynch .- Career :Roy Barraclough...
- Sam & Mark
- Ross LeeRoss LeeRoss Lee is a British comedian, actor and television presenter originally from Calverley, Pudsey, Leeds.-Ross Lee's Ghoulies:Lee was the host of Ross Lee's Ghoulies, a horror-comedy themed Saturday morning studio-based show which began broadcasting on Sunday 28 September and ended 13 December 2008...
- Mark BentonMark BentonMark Benton is an English actor, perhaps most famous for his roles as Eddie in Early Doors and Howard in Northern Lights.-Life and career:Benton was born in Guisborough, in the North Riding of Yorkshire, England....
- 3 Pin Socket
- Lesley JosephLesley JosephLesley D Joseph is an English actress and broadcaster.-Life and career:Joseph was born in Northampton. She is best known for starring in the BBC sitcom Birds of a Feather from 1989–1998, in which she played Dorien Green, the Jewish next-door neighbour of the main characters Sharon and Tracy...
Series 3
- Flaming Fun - Johnathan Reynolds
- Justin M. Monehen
- James Freedman (magician)James Freedman (magician)James Freedman is a British pickpocket entertainer and magician. He is most well known for his skill as a pickpocket and his ability to secretly pick the pockets of volunteers. For this reason, he is also known as 'The Man of Steal'....
- The Zaporozhian Cossack dancers
Contestants in the Slammer
- Series OneThe Slammer (series one)Series one of The Slammer.Episode 1*Horn-O-Phone*Iona- a contortionist who also appeared on Britain's Got Talent*Pete And Titch- Peter explains he’s had several unsuccessful attempts to get a slot on the Freedom Show, but when someone drops out his chance finally arises, but it doesn't go down too...
- Series TwoThe Slammer (series two)Series two of The Slammer.Episode 1*Gabarjobat - Comedy act*Attila Endrész - A skillful balancing act, in which he gets on a unicycle, and rides up a system of ramps , and going back down again backwards....
- Series ThreeThe Slammer (series three)Series three of The Slammer which will air from 4.30 to 5.00pm from Friday 10th September 2010 for a third series on the BBC CBBC Channel.-Episode Listing:*It's a Puppet - Friday 10th September 2010, 16:30 on CBBC...
Transmissions
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