L for Lester
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox television
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| genre = Sitcom
| runtime = 30 minutes
| creator = Dudley Long
| producer =
| director = John B Hobbs
| starring = Brian Murphy
Amanda Barrie
Hilda Braid
Linda Robson
| country = United Kingdom
| network = BBC2
| first_aired = {{Start date|1982|10|8|df=y}}
| last_aired = {{End date|1982|11|12|df=y}}
| num_series = 1
| num_episodes = 6
}}
L for Lester is a BBC sitcom first broadcast in 1982, starring Brian Murphy. The programme followed the misfortunes of a small town driving instructor. It was intended as a new vehicle for Murphy after his previous hit show - George and Mildred - was axed following the sudden death of Yootha Joyce in 1980.
Premise
Lester Small is a driving instructor in a quiet West Country town with quite a reputation - for taking on clients that cause havoc and mayhem whenever they are on the road. His most consistent pupil is the hapless Mrs Davies, who usually drives into a perilous situation in each episode where Lester's car is usually either badly damaged or destroyed in the process (e.g. though a level crossing onto railway tracks, into a river, onto a firing range, and with a leaking petrol tank (on two occasions; the first time after Mrs Davies crashes into a barn, the second when a passing cyclist discards a cigarette).
None of these antics ingratiate Lester to either the local police chief (with whom he has a long standing feud), or with his bank manager - from whom he keeps having to borrow more money to repair or replace the damaged vehicles. All this puts a strain on his long suffering wife (Amanda Barrie) and secretary (Linda Robson).
Reception
The series was a ratings failure and received mixed reviews from critics, and therefore was not renewed beyond its original run.
External links
- {{IMDb title|0083439}}
- {{British Comedy Guide|tv|l_for_lester}}
Category:1980s British sitcoms
Category:1982 British television series debuts
Category:1982 British television series endings