Bleak Expectations

Episodes

SeriesEpisodeTitleFirst
Broadcast
RepeatedComments
0101A Childhood Cruelly Kippered20070815Mark Evans' Dickensian spoof reveals the downward spiral of young Pip Bin's life.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0101A Childhood Cruelly Kippered2007081520080109 (R4)Mark Evans' Dickensian spoof reveals the downward spiral of young Pip Bin's life.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0102An Adolescence Utterly Trashed20070822Young Pip aims to escape school, with a crone's help.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0102An Adolescence Utterly Trashed2007082220080116 (R4)Young Pip aims to escape school, with a crone's help.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0103A Youth Utterly Crocked20070829Young Pip must thwart his evil guardian's plans. Mark Evans's Dickensian spoof.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0103A Youth Utterly Crocked2007082920080123 (R4)Young Pip must thwart his evil guardian's plans. Mark Evans's Dickensian spoof.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0104A Young Adulthood Bitterly Dismantled20070905Young Pip finds himself adrift at sea. Mark Evans' Dickensian spoof.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0104A Young Adulthood Bitterly Dismantled2007090520080130 (R4)Young Pip finds himself adrift at sea. Mark Evans' Dickensian spoof.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0105A Young Love Mercilessly Dismembered20070912Pip falls in love but great drama awaits. Dickensian spoof stars Richard Johnson.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0105A Young Love Mercilessly Dismembered2007091220080206 (R4)Pip falls in love but great drama awaits. Dickensian spoof stars Richard Johnson.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0106A Life Sadly Smashed Then, Happily, Restored a Bit20070919Pip lands in court - can a friend save the day?

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0106A Life Sadly Smashed Then, Happily, Restored a Bit2007091920080213 (R4)Pip lands in court - can a friend save the day?

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0201A Happy Life, Cruelly Re-kippered20080807

The further remarkable adventures of Pip Bin, inventor of the bin, as he struggles against the cruel plotting of his evil guardian Mr Gently Benevolent, recently returned from the dead.

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens after far too much gin.

Volume Two, Chapter the First: A Happy Life, Cruelly Re-kippered

You're invited to bask in the kindness of St Lovely's school, with its classes of double Definitely-Not-Latin and its School Cakery. But what is that sinister presence lurking with a very large number of horses? Could it be that Mister Benevolent has plans to steal the school?

Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent.......................Anthony Head
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Lily.....................................Sarah Hadland
Mr Parsimonious...............Laurence Howarth
Pippa........................................Susy Kane
Sundry boys..............................Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.

In Mark Evans's Dickensian spoof, Pip's exceedingly evil guardian causes school havoc.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0201A Happy Life, Cruelly Re-kippered2008080720100712 (R4)

The further remarkable adventures of Pip Bin, inventor of the bin, as he struggles against the cruel plotting of his evil guardian Mr Gently Benevolent, recently returned from the dead.

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens after far too much gin.

Volume Two, Chapter the First: A Happy Life, Cruelly Re-kippered

You're invited to bask in the kindness of St Lovely's school, with its classes of double Definitely-Not-Latin and its School Cakery. But what is that sinister presence lurking with a very large number of horses? Could it be that Mister Benevolent has plans to steal the school?

Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent.......................Anthony Head
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Lily.....................................Sarah Hadland
Mr Parsimonious...............Laurence Howarth
Pippa........................................Susy Kane
Sundry boys..............................Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.

In Mark Evans's Dickensian spoof, Pip's exceedingly evil guardian causes school havoc.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0202A Re-Kippered Life Smashed Some More20080814

You're invited to marvel at the engineering genius of the early railways, including a tunnel made of beef and pastry and a man who sends loud telegrams to say "He's on the train. Stop."

But as Pip travels the length and breadth of the land in search of his beloved school could it be that there is another even more sinister plan underway? And will the evil Mister Benevolent be involved somehow? Yes! And yes again!

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Volume Two, Chapter the Second: A Re-Kippered Life Smashed Some More

Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent.......................Anthony Head
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Lily.....................................Sarah Hadland
Mr Parsimonious...............Laurence Howarth
Pippa........................................Susy Kane
Sundry railwaymen.....................Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.

Pip and Harry must build an entire railway network in their bid to catch Benevolent.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0202A Re-Kippered Life Smashed Some More2008081420100719 (R4)

You're invited to marvel at the engineering genius of the early railways, including a tunnel made of beef and pastry and a man who sends loud telegrams to say "He's on the train. Stop."

But as Pip travels the length and breadth of the land in search of his beloved school could it be that there is another even more sinister plan underway? And will the evil Mister Benevolent be involved somehow? Yes! And yes again!

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Volume Two, Chapter the Second: A Re-Kippered Life Smashed Some More

Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent.......................Anthony Head
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Lily.....................................Sarah Hadland
Mr Parsimonious...............Laurence Howarth
Pippa........................................Susy Kane
Sundry railwaymen.....................Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.

Pip and Harry must build an entire railway network in their bid to catch Benevolent.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0203A Recovery All Made Miserable20080821

The thrilling Victorian comic epic sees young Pip nursed to health by the Reverend Fecund and his daughter Ripely, but why must her face remain hidden? Witness the horrors the rural poor in the stricken parish of Poverty Saint Mary.

But will Pip choose to fight against the injustice of it all in Parliament, where the walls are soaked in brandy, and so are the MPs, or will he follow his heart, just as soon as he can work out what it is saying to him. Meanwhile Harry has developed the steam powered Pippa detector. But will it work?

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Volume Two, Chapter the Third: A Recovery All Made Miserable

Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent/Sourquil............Anthony Head
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Reverend Godly Fecund..........David Mitchell
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Ripely Fecund......................Sarah Hadland
Pippa........................................Susy Kane
Sundry MPs..............................Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.

Poorly Pip faces rural poverty and a mystery nurse. Mark Evans's Dickensian spoof.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0203A Recovery All Made Miserable2008082120100726 (R4)

The thrilling Victorian comic epic sees young Pip nursed to health by the Reverend Fecund and his daughter Ripely, but why must her face remain hidden? Witness the horrors the rural poor in the stricken parish of Poverty Saint Mary.

But will Pip choose to fight against the injustice of it all in Parliament, where the walls are soaked in brandy, and so are the MPs, or will he follow his heart, just as soon as he can work out what it is saying to him. Meanwhile Harry has developed the steam powered Pippa detector. But will it work?

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Volume Two, Chapter the Third: A Recovery All Made Miserable

Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent/Sourquil............Anthony Head
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Reverend Godly Fecund..........David Mitchell
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Ripely Fecund......................Sarah Hadland
Pippa........................................Susy Kane
Sundry MPs..............................Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.

Poorly Pip faces rural poverty and a mystery nurse. Mark Evans's Dickensian spoof.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0204A Restoration Re-Ruined Only Even Worse20080828

As the Victorian comic epic continues, Pip finds himself heavily in debt when he has to bribe the whole of the House of Commons not to hang him. But has he found true love at last in the form of wealthy Southern belle Talullah Not-A-Man?

Or is it some sort of fiendishly subtle plot hatched by an evil villain in a frock.

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Volume Two, Chapter the Fourth: a Restoration Re-Ruined Only Even Worse.

Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent........................Anthony Head
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Ripely Fecund......................Sarah Hadland
Pippa/Woman............................Susy Kane
The Bailiff................................Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.

Pip finds himself heavily in debt, but has he found true love at last?

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0204A Restoration Re-Ruined Only Even Worse2008082820100802 (R4)

As the Victorian comic epic continues, Pip finds himself heavily in debt when he has to bribe the whole of the House of Commons not to hang him. But has he found true love at last in the form of wealthy Southern belle Talullah Not-A-Man?

Or is it some sort of fiendishly subtle plot hatched by an evil villain in a frock.

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Volume Two, Chapter the Fourth: a Restoration Re-Ruined Only Even Worse.

Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent........................Anthony Head
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Ripely Fecund......................Sarah Hadland
Pippa/Woman............................Susy Kane
The Bailiff................................Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.

Pip finds himself heavily in debt, but has he found true love at last?

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0205An Already Bad Life Made Worse but Sort of on Purpose20080904

The comic Victorian epic sees Pip reach his lowest ebb in the worst place in the world, the East End of London in the first half of the 19th century.

Full of self-loathing Pip drinks some very strong gin, finds he is really quite keen on opium, and falls in with a gang of thieving boys. But is their leader, Mr Abraham Bagel, a Roman Catholic ne'er-do-well, all he seems?

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Volume Two, Chapter the Fifth: An Already Bad Life Made Worse But Sort Of On Purpose.

Sir Philip

0206A Happy Life Broken and Then Mended a Bit20080911

You're cordially invited to cower before the terrifying spectacle of the Martian invasion, where only Pip and some geese stand between Mr Benevolent's army of long-eared purple space villains and all that is good and true....

The final chapter of the Victorian comic epic, and the whole planet is in terrible danger when Pip's evil ex-guardian Mr Gently Benevolent summons a massive Martian invasion. Is this the end for Pip, Harry and the rest of the human race? And will Pippa's goose sanctuary be all right?

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Chapter the Last: A Happy Life Broken and then Mended a Bit

Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent........................Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely Fecund......................Sarah Hadland
Mr Parsimonious...............Laurence Howarth
Pippa........................................Susy Kane
Sundry learned gentlemen...........Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2008.

Gently Benevolent summons a massive Martian invasion. Is this the end for Pip?

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0206A Happy Life Broken and Then Mended a Bit2008091120100816 (R4)

You're cordially invited to cower before the terrifying spectacle of the Martian invasion, where only Pip and some geese stand between Mr Benevolent's army of long-eared purple space villains and all that is good and true....

The final chapter of the Victorian comic epic, and the whole planet is in terrible danger when Pip's evil ex-guardian Mr Gently Benevolent summons a massive Martian invasion. Is this the end for Pip, Harry and the rest of the human race? And will Pippa's goose sanctuary be all right?

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Chapter the Last: A Happy Life Broken and then Mended a Bit

Sir Philip...........................Richard Johnson
Mr Benevolent........................Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit......................James Bachman
Young Pip..................................Tom Allen
Sternbeater...................Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely Fecund......................Sarah Hadland
Mr Parsimonious...............Laurence Howarth
Pippa........................................Susy Kane
Sundry learned gentlemen...........Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2008.

Gently Benevolent summons a massive Martian invasion. Is this the end for Pip?

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0301A Lovely Life Re-Kippered Again Once More20091029

Pip Bin's happiness is shattered once again.

Fog-filled streets, murders, and apparitions abound, and through it all echoes the terrible, menacing coo of a possessed evil pigeon.

The return of Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy pastiche in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson
Young Pip ...... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman
Dr Wackwallop ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely Fecund ...... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ...... Susy Kane
Other parts ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2009.

In Mark Evans's Dickensian spoof, even death cannot prevent an old enemy from returning.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0301A Lovely Life Re-kippered Again Once More2009102920110114 (R4)Pip Bin's happiness is shattered once again.

Fog-filled streets, murders, and apparitions abound, and through it all echoes the terrible, menacing coo of a possessed evil pigeon.

The return of Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy pastiche in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip - Richard Johnson

Young Pip - Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent - Anthony Head

Harry Biscuit - James Bachman

Dr Wackwallop - Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely Fecund - Sarah Hadland

Pippa - Susy Kane

Other parts - Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2009.

In Mark Evans's Dickensian spoof, even death cannot prevent an old enemy from returning.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0302A Now Grim Life Yet More Grimified20091105

Pip Bin faces his most gruelling fate yet at the hands of his evil undead ex-guardian and an enormous quantity of cheese.

But can the spirits of Harvest Festival past, present and future show him a way to redemption?

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip Bin ...... Richard Johnson
Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head
Young Pip ...... Tom Allen
Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman
Dr Wackwallop ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely Fecund ...... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ...... Susy Kane
Other parts ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.

Young Pip is betrayed and receives a spectral visitor.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0302A Now Grim Life Yet More Grimified2009110520110121 (R4)Pip Bin faces his most gruelling fate yet at the hands of his evil undead ex-guardian and an enormous quantity of cheese.

But can the spirits of Harvest Festival past, present and future show him a way to redemption?

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip Bin - Richard Johnson

Gently Benevolent - Anthony Head

Young Pip - Tom Allen

Harry Biscuit - James Bachman

Dr Wackwallop - Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely Fecund - Sarah Hadland

Pippa - Susy Kane

Other parts - Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.

Young Pip is betrayed and receives a spectral visitor.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0303A Sort of Fine Life De-Niced Completely20091112

Pip Bin strives to improve working conditions in his bin factory.

But will his quest distract him from a dastardly plan to steal London and sell it to the French?

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip Bin ...... Richard Johnson
Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head
Young Pip ...... Tom Allen
Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman
Dr Wackwallop ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely Fecund ...... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ...... Susy Kane

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.

Pip wants to save the poor and Harry Biscuit wants swans.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0303A Sort of Fine Life De-Niced Completely2009111220110128 (R4)

Pip Bin strives to improve working conditions in his bin factory.

But will his quest distract him from a dastardly plan to steal London and sell it to the French?

Mark Evans's epic comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip Bin ...... Richard Johnson
Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head
Young Pip ...... Tom Allen
Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman
Dr Wackwallop ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely Fecund ...... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ...... Susy Kane

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.

Pip wants to save the poor and Harry Biscuit wants swans.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0304A Horrible Life Un-Ruined and Then Re-Ruined a Lot20091119

Pip, Harry, Pippa and Ripely are reduced to abject poverty on the banks of the Thames.

Will Pip and Harry be able to find work, or will they have to end their days eating mud and listening to the gloating of Mr Benevolent?

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman
Barker Wackwallop ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ...... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ...... Susy Kane
Vegetarian Lion ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009

In the depths of poverty, Pip finds his true calling and Harry makes a machine from moles.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0304A Horrible Life Un-Ruined and Then Re-Ruined a Lot2009111920110204 (R4)

Pip, Harry, Pippa and Ripely are reduced to abject poverty on the banks of the Thames.

Will Pip and Harry be able to find work, or will they have to end their days eating mud and listening to the gloating of Mr Benevolent?

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman
Barker Wackwallop ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ...... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ...... Susy Kane
Vegetarian Lion ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009

In the depths of poverty, Pip finds his true calling and Harry makes a machine from moles.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0305An Evil Life Sort Of Explained2009112620110211 (R4)Pip Bin, Harry Biscuit and Gently Benevolent find themselves trapped in the vast emptiness of space.

As their doom looks increasingly inevitable, Mr Benevolent finally explains just why it is that he is so very very evil.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip - Richard Johnson

Young Pip Bin - Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent - Anthony Head

Lovely Benevolent - Jane Asher

Harry Biscuit - James Bachman

Hardthrasher/Sternbeater/Wackwallop - Geoffrey Whitehead

Miss Christmasham - Sarah Hadland

Miss Sweetly Delightful - Raquel Cassidy.

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2009.

Floating in the most peculiar way, Harry and Pip hear Gently Benevolent's life story.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0306Lives Lost, Ruined, Wrecked and Redeemed20091203

Pip and Ripely find themselves facing a vast and evil undead army.

England has only one hope - that Miss Sweetly Delightful can melt Mr Benevolent's cruel, undead heart.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman
Bishop Wackwallop ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely Bin ...... Sarah Hadland
Miss Sweetly Delightful ...... Raquel Cassidy
The Duke of Chelsea ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.

Can Pip and Ripely save the nation or will Mr Benevolent get his evil way?

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0306Lives Lost, Ruined, Wrecked and Redeemed2009120320110218 (R4)

Pip and Ripely find themselves facing a vast and evil undead army.

England has only one hope - that Miss Sweetly Delightful can melt Mr Benevolent's cruel, undead heart.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman
Bishop Wackwallop ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely Bin ...... Sarah Hadland
Miss Sweetly Delightful ...... Raquel Cassidy
The Duke of Chelsea ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2009.

Can Pip and Ripely save the nation or will Mr Benevolent get his evil way?

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0401A Tolerable Life De-Happified20101111

Our hero Pip sees his former nemesis - the badly named Gently Benevolent - thwarted and locked up in a prison within a jail within a gaol spelled the other way, and apparently repentant of his crimes.

But late one foggy night when Pip is attacked with a bowl of sinister custard, he realises a new form of evil is stalking the streets of London. He is obliged to ask for help from his erstwhile foe.

Can Benevolent now be trusted? And who is the sinister evil figure?

Meanwhile, Pip's wife Ripely, has become obsessed with cutlery, and the purchase of some diamond-handled dodo knives will probably force Pip into bankruptcy.

And his best friend Harry Biscuit claims to be having terrible problems with an angry badger.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy - with apologies to Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.

Attacked by sinister custard, Pip must fight a new form of evil.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0401A Tolerable Life De-Happified2010111120120723 (R4)

Our hero Pip sees his former nemesis - the badly named Gently Benevolent - thwarted and locked up in a prison within a jail within a gaol spelled the other way, and apparently repentant of his crimes.

But late one foggy night when Pip is attacked with a bowl of sinister custard, he realises a new form of evil is stalking the streets of London. He is obliged to ask for help from his erstwhile foe.

Can Benevolent now be trusted? And who is the sinister evil figure?

Meanwhile, Pip's wife Ripely, has become obsessed with cutlery, and the purchase of some diamond-handled dodo knives will probably force Pip into bankruptcy.

And his best friend Harry Biscuit claims to be having terrible problems with an angry badger.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy - with apologies to Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.

Attacked by sinister custard, Pip must fight a new form of evil.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0402A Now Spoiled Life Smashed Some More20101118

Pip and Harry must journey to the Underworld to rescue Ripely.

But Mr Gently Benevolent has got there first and is planning to unleash the demons of Hell on the streets of London, making them even worse than usual.

Meanwhile Ripely seems to be enjoying the company of some Greek Heroes a little too much.

Can Pip prevent a demon invasion of the streets of London? Can Harry win back the affections of his wife Pippa who has fallen for Benevolent's evil charms?
Can anything be more terrifying the Clive the massive cake dragon?

And will Mr Benevolent be in trouble with the Devil when she gets back from maternity leave?

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.

Pip and Harry try to rescue Ripely, only to find evil Mister Benevolent got there first.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0402A Now Spoiled Life Smashed Some More2010111820120730 (R4)

Pip and Harry must journey to the Underworld to rescue Ripely.

But Mr Gently Benevolent has got there first and is planning to unleash the demons of Hell on the streets of London, making them even worse than usual.

Meanwhile Ripely seems to be enjoying the company of some Greek Heroes a little too much.

Can Pip prevent a demon invasion of the streets of London? Can Harry win back the affections of his wife Pippa who has fallen for Benevolent's evil charms?
Can anything be more terrifying the Clive the massive cake dragon?

And will Mr Benevolent be in trouble with the Devil when she gets back from maternity leave?

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.

Pip and Harry try to rescue Ripely, only to find evil Mister Benevolent got there first.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0403A Wretched Life Made Much, Much Sadder20101125

After an embarrassing disaster involving a bridge and a train full of puppies and orphans Pip and Harry travel to America on the SS Massive Britain, where Pip begins a reading tour.

But all is not as it seems and Mister Benevolent lures our hero into a gunfight at the "All Right I Suppose Corral"

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.

Pip faces fresh dangers on a reading tour to New York.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0403A Wretched Life Made Much, Much Sadder2010112520120806 (R4)

After an embarrassing disaster involving a bridge and a train full of puppies and orphans Pip and Harry travel to America on the SS Massive Britain, where Pip begins a reading tour.

But all is not as it seems and Mister Benevolent lures our hero into a gunfight at the "All Right I Suppose Corral"

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2010.

Pip faces fresh dangers on a reading tour to New York.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0404A Painful Life Further Re-Miserabled20101202

Pip and Harry put to sea with Captain Beehab in a bid to thwart a sea-going Mister Benevolent and rescue Ripely.

But fate has other plans and they are shipwrecked. Pip soon finds himself on a desert island that holds many surprising secrets.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman
Grimpunch ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ...... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ...... Susy Kane

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.

Pip and Harry put to sea, but fate has other plans and they are shipwrecked.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0404A Painful Life Further Re-Miserabled2010120220120813 (R4)

Pip and Harry put to sea with Captain Beehab in a bid to thwart a sea-going Mister Benevolent and rescue Ripely.

But fate has other plans and they are shipwrecked. Pip soon finds himself on a desert island that holds many surprising secrets.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman
Grimpunch ...... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ...... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ...... Susy Kane

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.

Pip and Harry put to sea, but fate has other plans and they are shipwrecked.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0405A Now Tricky Life Woefully Miseried Up20101209

Pip and Harry have escaped the exploding desert island, but Harry has been transformed into a dinosaur.

Now they must catch Mister Benevolent and prevent him taking over the world, but the trail has led them to France.

Here they must face unimaginable horrors, including a bacon free breakfast and a deadly confrontation in a cheese mine.

But there is a glimmer of hope in the form of The Scarlet Pimple.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane
Reverend Godly Fecund ..... David Mitchell
Frenchman ..... Mark Evans

Producer Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.

Pip and Harry pursue Mister Benevolent to France, where a dark and pungent fate awaits.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0405A Now Tricky Life Woefully Miseried Up2010120920120820 (R4)

Pip and Harry have escaped the exploding desert island, but Harry has been transformed into a dinosaur.

Now they must catch Mister Benevolent and prevent him taking over the world, but the trail has led them to France.

Here they must face unimaginable horrors, including a bacon free breakfast and a deadly confrontation in a cheese mine.

But there is a glimmer of hope in the form of The Scarlet Pimple.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane
Reverend Godly Fecund ..... David Mitchell
Frenchman ..... Mark Evans

Producer Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.

Pip and Harry pursue Mister Benevolent to France, where a dark and pungent fate awaits.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0406A Life Destroyed Then Repaired and Rehappied20101216

Pip in the company of Pippa, the Reverend Fecund and Harry Biscuit, now just a brain in a jar, have tracked Mister Benevolent to the heart of the vast Russian Empire.

But when they find him, he is at the head of a mighty army.

Who will triumph in the final battle between good and evil? Will Harry get a new body? Will Mister Benevolent detonate his infamous cheese bomb? And what is the correct way to spell Czar?

As fate decides these crucial questions it seems there are a few surprises in store for Pip.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane
Reverend Godly Fecund ..... David Mitchell

Producer: Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.

Our hero Pip faces his nemesis Mister Benevolent for an epic Russian battle.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0406A Life Destroyed Then Repaired and Rehappied2010121620120827 (R4)

Pip in the company of Pippa, the Reverend Fecund and Harry Biscuit, now just a brain in a jar, have tracked Mister Benevolent to the heart of the vast Russian Empire.

But when they find him, he is at the head of a mighty army.

Who will triumph in the final battle between good and evil? Will Harry get a new body? Will Mister Benevolent detonate his infamous cheese bomb? And what is the correct way to spell Czar?

As fate decides these crucial questions it seems there are a few surprises in store for Pip.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson
Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen
Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head
Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman
Grimpunch ..... Geoffrey Whitehead
Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland
Pippa ..... Susy Kane
Reverend Godly Fecund ..... David Mitchell

Producer: Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2010.

Our hero Pip faces his nemesis Mister Benevolent for an epic Russian battle.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0501A Pleasant Yet Dull Life Re-evilled2012112020130603 (R4)Pip Bin is beginning to miss the conflict with his absent evil nemesis Mr Gently Benevolent.

Then he receives an intriguing invitation to a house party with Britain's poshest man, the Baron-Viscount-Marqu-earl-et the Lord-Dukey Clampvulture of Too-Many Titles.

But one of the other guests may not be all he seems....

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson

Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head

Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman

Clampvulture ...... Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely ...... Sarah Hadland

Pippa ...... Susy Kane

General Kartoffel-Kopf ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.

Pip Bin is beginning to miss the conflict with absent evil nemesis Mr Gently Benevolent.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

Pip Bin is beginning to miss the conflict with his absent evil nemesis Mr Gently Benevolent.

Then he receives an intriguing invitation to a house party with Britain's poshest man, the Baron-Viscount-Marqu-earl-et the Lord-Dukey Clampvulture of Too-Many Titles.

But one of the other guests may not be all he seems....

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson

Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head

Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman

Clampvulture ...... Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely ...... Sarah Hadland

Pippa ...... Susy Kane

General Kartoffel-Kopf ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.

Pip Bin is beginning to miss the conflict with absent evil nemesis Mr Gently Benevolent.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0502A Re-excited Life Made Distinctly Dangerous2012112720130610 (R4)The Victorian comedy adventure sees Pip and his friends travel to India in their quest to thwart the evil machinations of smooth but sinister genius Mr Gently Benevolent.

Gasp as our heroes struggle with super-intelligent tigers, giant snakes, and secret gin!

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson

Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head

Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman

Clampvulture ...... Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely ...... Sarah Hadland

Pippa ...... Susy Kane

Viceroy Roy Weiss ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.

Can Pip thwart the plans of evil Mr Gently Benevolent?

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

The Victorian comedy adventure sees Pip and his friends travel to India in their quest to thwart the evil machinations of smooth but sinister genius Mr Gently Benevolent.

Gasp as our heroes struggle with super-intelligent tigers, giant snakes, and secret gin!

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson

Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head

Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman

Clampvulture ...... Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely ...... Sarah Hadland

Pippa ...... Susy Kane

Viceroy Roy Weiss ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2012.

Can Pip thwart the plans of evil Mr Gently Benevolent?

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0503An Alrightish Life Savagely Frozen To Bits2012120420130617 (R4)Pip races to Antarctica to thwart another fiendish plot by his evil ex-guardian, Mr Gently Benevolent.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson

Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head

Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman

Clampvulture ..... Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland

Pippa ..... Susy Kane

Explorer ..... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.

Pip races to Antarctica to thwart another fiendish plot by the evil Mr Gently Benevolent.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

Pip races to Antarctica to thwart another fiendish plot by his evil ex-guardian, Mr Gently Benevolent.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ..... Richard Johnson

Young Pip Bin ..... Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent ..... Anthony Head

Harry Biscuit ..... James Bachman

Clampvulture ..... Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely ..... Sarah Hadland

Pippa ..... Susy Kane

Explorer ..... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.

Pip races to Antarctica to thwart another fiendish plot by the evil Mr Gently Benevolent.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0504A Writerly Life Made Dreadfully Different2012121120130624 (R4)There's a novel writing showdown between Pip and Charles Dickens to find out who is the greatest writer in Britain.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson

Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head

Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman

Clampvulture ...... Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely ...... Sarah Hadland

Pippa ...... Susy Kane

Lily ...... Sarah Hadland

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.

Pip and Charles Dickens engage in a novel-writing showdown to find the greatest writer.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

There's a novel writing showdown between Pip and Charles Dickens to find out who is the greatest writer in Britain.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson

Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head

Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman

Clampvulture ...... Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely ...... Sarah Hadland

Pippa ...... Susy Kane

Lily ...... Sarah Hadland

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.

Pip and Charles Dickens engage in a novel-writing showdown to find the greatest writer.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0505A Terrifying Life Made Even Scarier A Bit Some More2012121820130701 (R4)A new and terrible danger threatens Victorian Britain.

Harry Biscuit becomes possessed by the evil Pen of Penrith which turns his heart to inky black.

Pip and Gently Benevolent join forces to take on this new, cruel and cake-obsessed nemesis and his army of robot swans.

They also turn out to share a love of antiquing in the Cotswolds.

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip - Richard Johnson

Young Pip Bin - Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent - Anthony Head

Harry Biscuit - James Bachman

Servewell ....... James Bachman

Clampvulture - Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely - Sarah Hadland

Pippa - Susy Kane

Lily ....... Sarah Hadland

Hector the Holy Horse ....... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.

A new and terrible danger threatens Britain.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

0506A Loved-up Life Potentially Totally Annihilated2012122520130708 (R4)The inappropriately-named arbiter of all evil Mister Gently Benevolent unveils an advent calendar of evil that will culminate on Christmas day with the total destruction of the universe.

Only one man can prevent the end of everything for all time. But at a terrible terrible cost.

Is this the end for our hero Pip? Or is it curtains for the whole of creation? And does that mean Harry needn't get Pippa a Christmas present?

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson

Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head

Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman

Servewell ...... James Bachman

Clampvulture ...... Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely ...... Sarah Hadland

Lily ...... Sarah Hadland

Pippa ...... Susy Kane

The Ghost of Christmice ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.

Mister Gently Benevolent unveils an advent calendar of evil culminating on Christmas Day.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans

The inappropriately-named arbiter of all evil Mister Gently Benevolent unveils an advent calendar of evil that will culminate on Christmas day with the total destruction of the universe.

Only one man can prevent the end of everything for all time. But at a terrible terrible cost.

Is this the end for our hero Pip? Or is it curtains for the whole of creation? And does that mean Harry needn't get Pippa a Christmas present?

Mark Evans's epic Victorian comedy in the style of Charles Dickens.

Sir Philip ...... Richard Johnson

Young Pip Bin ...... Tom Allen

Gently Benevolent ...... Anthony Head

Harry Biscuit ...... James Bachman

Servewell ...... James Bachman

Clampvulture ...... Geoffrey Whitehead

Ripely ...... Sarah Hadland

Lily ...... Sarah Hadland

Pippa ...... Susy Kane

The Ghost of Christmice ...... Mark Evans

Producer: Gareth Edwards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2012.

Mister Gently Benevolent unveils an advent calendar of evil culminating on Christmas Day.

Comedy Victorian adventures by Mark Evans