The Rag Trade
Series Overview
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.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
5 Seasons • 58 Episodes
30 min per episode
1961 – Present
Premiered: Fri, Oct 6, 1961
Latest Aired Episode
Season 5, Episode 7: “Fenner's Folly”
Fenner's in a flap over a sample cocktail dress, and even agrees to an extortionate rate from Paddy, the reason, Miss Butler of The Chelsea Boutique.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ronald Chesney, Ronald Wolfe
Dennis Main Wilson
Department Leadership Roster
Dennis Main Wilson
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Unlikely to upset children 8 and older.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Rag Trade.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Rag Trade
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is The Rag Trade about?
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.
How many seasons does The Rag Trade have?
The Rag Trade comprises 5 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in The Rag Trade?
Key cast members in The Rag Trade include Barbara Windsor, Sheila Hancock, Reg Varney, Esma Cannon, Wanda Ventham.
Who created or directed The Rag Trade?
The Rag Trade was developed and directed by Ronald Chesney, Ronald Wolfe.