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Series · 1961 · Comedy

The Rag Trade

★6.2 1961 5 Seasons Ronald Chesney TV-MA

The Rag Trade is a British television sitcom broadcast by the BBC between 1961 and 1963 and by LWT between 1977 and 1978. The scripts were by Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, who later wrote Wild, Wild Women, Meet the Wife and On the Buses. Wild, Wild Women was a period variation of The Rag Trade. The action centred on a small clothing workshop, Fenner Fashions in London. Although run by Harold Fenner and Reg the foreman, the female workers are led by militant shop steward Paddy Fleming, ever ready to strike, with the catchphrase "Everybody out!" Other cast members included Sheila Hancock, Esma Reese Cannon, Wanda Ventham and Barbara Windsor. The Rag Trade was revived by ITV company LWT in 1977, with Jones and Karlin reprising their roles. The 1977 version ran for two series, most of the scripts being based on the BBC episodes from the 1960s, and featured Anna Karen and future EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth as factory workers. The theme tune for the LWT series was written and performed by Lynsey De Paul.

Seasons & episodes

5 seasons · 58 episodes

Episode 01

The Baby

Oct 6, 1961 · 30 min

When Fenner finds one of the girls has brought her baby to work, the resultant fracas between management and staff threatens production of a line of polka dot gowns.

Episode 02

Getting Married

Oct 13, 1961 · 30 min

Paddy promises Carole the girls will be able to make her a wedding dress with material left over from an order for Arcadia Gowns.

Episode 03

Early Start

Oct 20, 1961 · 30 min

Fenner installs a time clock to help gain a contract with chain store Parks & Spicer and the resultant docking of wages leaves the girls with no money to bet on a sure thing at the races.

Episode 04

The French Fashions

Oct 27, 1961 · 30 min

Fenner arranges for Carole to model a pair of slacks at the Ritz Plaza to help secure an American order.

Episode 05

The Sample

Nov 3, 1961 · 30 min

Paddy allows Carole to wear a sample dress to lunch with her sailor boyfriend and a resultant mishap jeopardizes a 3:30 viewing by a prospective buyer.

Episode 06

Unhappy Customer

Nov 10, 1961 · 30 min

Fenner is determined to enforce a ban on eating in the workroom when an angry customer returns items of food in his garments.

Episode 07

Series 1, Episode 7

Nov 17, 1961 · 30 min

(Lost Episode) Fenner Fashions has been awarded a contract to supply Wren uniforms to the Admiralty by inadvertently tendering bankruptingly low prices so the girls have to show their workmanship is shoddy to save the situation.

Episode 08

Doctor's Orders

Nov 24, 1961 · 30 min

Fenner is laid low with a heavy cold at the very moment he has to produce a gown which is to be worn on television by an international singing star and lead to numerous orders.

Episode 09

The Italian Designer

Dec 1, 1961 · 30 min

(Lost Episode) The arrival of Roberto, an Italian beachwear designer, causes strained relations among the girls in the workroom.

Episode 10

Christmas Box

Dec 8, 1961 · 30 min

To make a bit of pocket money for the Festive season, Paddy and the girls produce 300 golliwog dolls, unbeknownst to Fenner.

About the series

The Rag Trade poster
Audience score
★ 6.2 /10

based on 4 votes

Synopsis

The Rag Trade is a British television sitcom broadcast by the BBC between 1961 and 1963 and by LWT between 1977 and 1978. The scripts were by Ronald Wolfe and Ronald Chesney, who later wrote Wild, Wild Women, Meet the Wife and On the Buses. Wild, Wild Women was a period variation of The Rag Trade. The action centred on a small clothing workshop, Fenner Fashions in London. Although run by Harold Fenner and Reg the foreman, the female workers are led by militant shop steward Paddy Fleming, ever ready to strike, with the catchphrase "Everybody out!" Other cast members included Sheila Hancock, Esma Reese Cannon, Wanda Ventham and Barbara Windsor. The Rag Trade was revived by ITV company LWT in 1977, with Jones and Karlin reprising their roles. The 1977 version ran for two series, most of the scripts being based on the BBC episodes from the 1960s, and featured Anna Karen and future EastEnders star Gillian Taylforth as factory workers. The theme tune for the LWT series was written and performed by Lynsey De Paul.

Comedy

Cast

5 principal cast

Barbara Windsor

Barbara Windsor

Gloria

Sheila Hancock

Sheila Hancock

Reg Varney

Reg Varney

Esma Cannon

Esma Cannon

Wanda Ventham

Wanda Ventham

Where to watch The Rag Trade

The Rag Trade is available to stream on Flicksy via 6 verified sources, aggregated from publicly available embed providers. The comedy from Ronald Chesney, Ronald Wolfe has 5 seasons and 58 total episodes, rated 6.2/10 by 4 viewers.

Frequently asked

How many seasons does The Rag Trade have?

The Rag Trade has 5 seasons with 58 episodes in total.

Is The Rag Trade still on the air?

The Rag Trade is currently in production and returning for new episodes.

What network airs The Rag Trade?

The Rag Trade airs on BBC One, London Weekend Television.

When did The Rag Trade first air?

The Rag Trade first aired on October 6, 1961.

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