Watch The Fenn Street Gang

The Fenn Street Gang is a classic British sitcom that aired on ITV from 1971 to 1973. The show was set in the fictional comprehensive school of Fenn Street in the East End of London and followed the misadventures of a group of anarchic teenagers who formed a gang. These teenagers were the less academically inclined students of the school, often causing trouble and disrupting classes.

The show was shot on location and had a realistic, gritty feel to it, which was a departure from other sitcoms at the time. The characters were relatable and believable, and the show dealt with issues that were relevant to teenagers in the 70s, such as rebellion, drugs, and young romance.

The lead character of the show was Horace Wiggins (Peter Cleall), who was the self-appointed leader of the gang. Horace was a lovable rogue, always getting himself into trouble, but he had a good heart and was fiercely loyal to his friends. His best friend was Frankie Abbott (David Barry), a clumsy teenager with a high-pitched voice, who was often the cause of the gang's mishaps. The other members of the gang included Maureen Bullock (Carol Hawkins), a strong-willed girl who fought against the gender stereotypes of the time; Penny Wheeler (Linda Hooks), a pretty, ditzy blonde who always fell for the wrong guys; and Eric Duffy (Brian Grellis), a bespectacled nerd who was never quite able to fit in.

The teachers of Fenn Street School were a source of frustration for the gang, especially Bernard Hedges (Derek Newark), the authoritarian headmaster who was always looking for ways to catch them out. The gang would often play pranks on Hedges and other teachers, such as the biology teacher Miss Benjamin (Christine Ozanne), who was the object of Frankie's crush.

The Fenn Street Gang was a spin-off from the successful 1970 film Please Sir!, which also starred Peter Cleall as Horace Wiggins. The film followed the exploits of a young teacher, Mr. Hedges (John Alderton), who was sent to Fenn Street School to teach the mischievous class of 5C. The film was a box-office success and led to the creation of the TV series.

The show was produced by Thames Television and was created by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, who went on to write other successful sitcoms such as The Good Life and Ever Decreasing Circles. The Fenn Street Gang was an instant hit with audiences and ran for three seasons, with a total of 47 episodes.

The show's popularity led to a number of tie-in products, such as books, annuals, and even a board game. The theme song of the show, "Beanz Meanz Heinz", became a catchphrase of the time and was referenced in other TV shows and films.

The Fenn Street Gang was a groundbreaking show that tackled important issues while still being entertaining and funny. It was a reflection of the changing times in the 70s, where young people were becoming more rebellious and questioning authority. The characters of the show were relatable and showed the struggles of being a teenager, whether it was dealing with school or relationships.

Overall, The Fenn Street Gang is a classic sitcom that still holds up today. Its well-written characters and clever humor make it a must-watch for fans of British comedy.

The Fenn Street Gang is a series that ran for 4 seasons (46 episodes) between September 17, 1971 and on FilmRise