The Slammer
| The Slammer | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | 'The Slammer Returns (2013–2015) |
| Genre | Children's |
| Starring |
Ted Robbins Lee Barnett Dave Chapman Ian Kirkby Melvin Odoom |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of series | 7 |
| No. of episodes | 85 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Release | |
| Original network |
BBC One (2006–8) CBBC Channel (2010–15) |
| Picture format | 16:9 1080i |
| Audio format | Stereo |
| Original release | 22 September 2006 – 3 July 2015 |
The Slammer (also known as The Slammer Returns) is a children's talent show that has been broadcasting on BBC One and CBBC from 22 September 2006 until 3 July 2015.
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 to 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 show returned, after a two-year absence, to CBBC in October 2013, under the new name of 'The Slammer Returns'. Special editions of the show including 'The Slammer by the Sea' will also air during the revived series.
On 2 June 2016 Ian Kirkby announced that the series had ended, stating "Unfortunately CBBC have retired Ted Governor and Mr Burgess, probably for good...but, never say never!"
The Slammer is a fictitious prison (where everyone is dressed like it's the 50s) for entertainers who have "committed crimes against show business"; the people 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. Making three appearances in the opening credits of the first four series is British Illusionist Andrew Van Buren, presenting his version of the Miss Made Girl illusion, a flower production & "featured backstage" behind a piece of falling scenery.
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