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 ©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd