Charlotte And Lillian

She signs up as a volunteer to visit the elderly, expecting to be paired with a frail and needy old lady who's full of gratitude and appreciation for such a selfless act. Instead she meets 82-year-old Lillian, a belligerent and feisty old bat who sees through her in an instant.

Needless to say, they don't get on - but Charlotte and Lillian's conflicting outlooks on life belie a striking similarity in their personalities. Both are profoundly selfish, self-involved and stubborn; both are quietly curious about each other (though they'd never dream of admitting it); and both are lonely.

With every visit, their arguments grow more heated, the resolutions more uneasy and the outcomes more entertaining, as Charlotte and Lillian discover eye-opening truths about themselves and each other.

Starring Helen Monks as Charlotte and Miriam Margolyes as Lillian.

Written by Holly Walsh and Kat Sommers

Recorded on location.

As the series opens, Charlotte arrives -late - at Lillian's flat, fresh from another argument with her soon-to-be-ex. She's expecting a grateful, attentive old lady, so is pretty put out when Lillian seems more concerned with that afternoon's edition of Flog It!. Lillian, on the other hand, is irritated by the constant chirrups from Charlotte's phone and how Charlotte can't stop looking at it.

Neither of them is expecting things to develop so speedily.

Producer Lucy Armitage

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in September 2017.

A young charity volunteer meets the old lady she has been paired with for the first time.

Comedy by about a young charity volunteer and the old lady she has been paired with.

In the throes of splitting up from her boyfriend, 29-year-old Charlotte is determined to prove she's not as self-centred as he says she is.

She signs up as a volunteer to visit the elderly, expecting to be paired with a frail and needy old lady who's full of gratitude and appreciation for such a selfless act. Instead she meets 82-year-old Lillian, a belligerent and feisty old bat who sees through her in an instant.

Needless to say, they don't get on - but Charlotte and Lillian's conflicting outlooks on life belie a striking similarity in their personalities. Both are profoundly selfish, self-involved and stubborn; both are quietly curious about each other (though they'd never dream of admitting it); and both are lonely.

With every visit, their arguments grow more heated, the resolutions more uneasy and the outcomes more entertaining, as Charlotte and Lillian discover eye-opening truths about themselves and each other.

Starring Helen Monks as Charlotte and Miriam Margolyes as Lillian.

Written by Holly Walsh and Kat Sommers

Recorded on location.

As the series opens, Charlotte arrives -late - at Lillian's flat, fresh from another argument with her soon-to-be-ex. She's expecting a grateful, attentive old lady, so is pretty put out when Lillian seems more concerned with that afternoon's edition of Flog It!. Lillian, on the other hand, is irritated by the constant chirrups from Charlotte's phone and how Charlotte can't stop looking at it.

Neither of them is expecting things to develop so speedily.

Producer Lucy Armitage

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in September 2017.

A young charity volunteer meets the old lady she has been paired with for the first time.

Comedy by about a young charity volunteer and the old lady she has been paired with.

Needless to say, they don't get on.

But Charlotte and Lillian's conflicting outlooks on life belie a striking similarity in their personalities. Both are profoundly selfish, self-involved and stubborn. Both are quietly curious about each other - though they'd never dream of admitting it. And both are lonely.

For Charlotte, spending time with Lillian brings certain benefits, and she's keen to maximise them for her 'personal brand'. She starts capturing moments of their time together with her phone's camera - something Lillian quickly takes exception to. She wants full editorial control, along with the final say over any photos. A battle of wills and vanities ensues, but not before each of them has picked up some unforeseen advice from across the generational divide.

Starring Helen Monks as Charlotte and Miriam Margolyes as Lillian.

Written by Holly Walsh and Kat Sommers

Recorded on location.

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in September 2017.

Charlotte wants a photo of all the good she is doing. Lillian demands editorial control.

Comedy by about a young charity volunteer and the old lady she has been paired with.

Needless to say, they don't get on.

Helping Lillian clear out her garage is undoubtedly a Good Turn, but it's not long before Charlotte's self-interest gets the better of her. She spots a vintage treasure in amongst Lillian's junk and, determined to get her hands on it, attempts to manipulate Lillian into giving it to her. Not only does her plan backfire spectacularly, but it also reveals how both women are just as greedy as each other.

This four-part, two-actress comedy, written by Holly Walsh and Kat Sommers, was recorded on location and features the fantastic combination of Miriam Margolyes and Helen Monks, working together for the first time.

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2017.

Charlotte spots a priceless vintage treasure as she helps Lillian clear out her garage.

Comedy by about a young charity volunteer and the old lady she has been paired with.

In the throes of splitting up from her boyfriend, 29-year-old Charlotte (Helen Monks) is determined to prove she's not as self-centred as he says she is. She signs up as a volunteer to visit the elderly, expecting to be paired with a frail and needy old lady who's full of gratitude and appreciation for such a selfless act. Instead she meets 82-year-old Lillian (Miriam Margolyes), a belligerent and feisty old bat who sees through her in an instant.

Needless to say, they don't get on.

Helping Lillian clear out her garage is undoubtedly a Good Turn, but it's not long before Charlotte's self-interest gets the better of her. She spots a vintage treasure in amongst Lillian's junk and, determined to get her hands on it, attempts to manipulate Lillian into giving it to her. Not only does her plan backfire spectacularly, but it also reveals how both women are just as greedy as each other.

This four-part, two-actress comedy, written by Holly Walsh and Kat Sommers, was recorded on location and features the fantastic combination of Miriam Margolyes and Helen Monks, working together for the first time.

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2017.

Charlotte spots a priceless vintage treasure as she helps Lillian clear out her garage.

Comedy by about a young charity volunteer and the old lady she has been paired with.

Needless to say, they don't get on.

With the split from her boyfriend seemingly final, Charlotte has moved back in with her parents. In a desperate attempt to revamp her life, she's decided she wants to become a journalist, and announces to Lillian that she wants to jump start her new career with a poignant profile of her that will warm the hearts of everyone who reads it. Lillian is initially flattered by Charlotte's interest in her previous career as an actress - until she realises footage of her greatest ever role can be found at the touch of a button on Charlotte's mobile.

This four-part, two-actress comedy, written by Holly Walsh and Kat Sommers, was recorded on location and features the fantastic combination of Miriam Margolyes and Helen Monks, working together for the first time.

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2017.

Lillian's tales about her life and acting career prompt Charlotte to investigate further.

Comedy by about a young charity volunteer and the old lady she has been paired with.

They may bicker about everything from signs of dementia to the appeal of Harry Styles, but underneath it's clear they are two kindred spirits. Two selfish, self-absorbed spirits, but ones who mirror and rely on each other nonetheless.

Very nearly 30, Charlotte is still living at home with her parents and chronically unable to figure out what to do with her life. Beneath her attempt at do-gooding is barely disguised despair. She's terrified she is no good. Useless. Unloveable. She looks to Lillian to provide some meaning to her life - if she can help to improve Lillian's life somehow, she'd feel a lot better about her own. And there's all the kudos and social media likes that come with charity work - not to mention the lure of Lillian's large spare room.

Lillian meanwhile is still her ebullient self, but her facade hides a nagging fear of what's to come - her body is giving up on her. Lillian's motto is still `Keep Buggering On` - aka keep getting at Charlotte - but increasingly, she's forced to wonder why. She masks all this by doubling down and manipulating Charlotte into carrying out all her menial tasks. If Charlotte won't do them, there are plenty of other volunteers who will.

Charlotte has met a new man, prompting Lillian to offer up her best dating advice. Things may have changed since Lillian's day, but some of her suggestions contain hard-won, ageless wisdom.

The trouble is, Charlotte can't tell which ones - and Lillian may not have her best interests at heart.

Charlotte - Helen Monks

Lillian - Miriam Margolyes

Written by Kat Sommers and Holly Walsh.

Producer: Lucy Armitage

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2019.

Charlotte has met a new man, prompting Lillian to offer her best dating advice.

Comedy by about a young charity volunteer and the old lady she has been paired with.

~Charlotte And Lillian are back, spending time together as part of a Befriend the Elderly scheme.

They may bicker about everything from signs of dementia to the appeal of Harry Styles, but underneath it's clear they are two kindred spirits. Two selfish, self-absorbed spirits, but ones who mirror and rely on each other nonetheless.

Very nearly 30, Charlotte is still living at home with her parents and chronically unable to figure out what to do with her life. Beneath her attempt at do-gooding is barely disguised despair. She's terrified she is no good. Useless. Unloveable. She looks to Lillian to provide some meaning to her life - if she can help to improve Lillian's life somehow, she'd feel a lot better about her own. And there's all the kudos and social media likes that come with charity work - not to mention the lure of Lillian's large spare room.

Lillian meanwhile is still her ebullient self, but her facade hides a nagging fear of what's to come - her body is giving up on her. Lillian's motto is still `Keep Buggering On` - aka keep getting at Charlotte - but increasingly, she's forced to wonder why. She masks all this by doubling down and manipulating Charlotte into carrying out all her menial tasks. If Charlotte won't do them, there are plenty of other volunteers who will.

Charlotte has met a new man, prompting Lillian to offer up her best dating advice. Things may have changed since Lillian's day, but some of her suggestions contain hard-won, ageless wisdom.

The trouble is, Charlotte can't tell which ones - and Lillian may not have her best interests at heart.

Charlotte - Helen Monks

Lillian - Miriam Margolyes

Written by Kat Sommers and Holly Walsh.

Producer: Lucy Armitage

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in October 2019.

Charlotte has met a new man, prompting Lillian to offer her best dating advice.

Comedy by about a young charity volunteer and the old lady she has been paired with.

They may bicker about everything from signs of dementia to the appeal of Harry Styles, but underneath it's clear they are two kindred spirits. Two selfish, self-absorbed spirits, but ones who mirror and rely on each other nonetheless.

Very nearly 30, Charlotte is still living at home with her parents and chronically unable to figure out what to do with her life. Beneath her attempt at do-gooding is barely disguised despair. She's terrified she is no good. Useless. Unloveable. She looks to Lillian to provide some meaning to her life - if she can help to improve Lillian's life somehow, she'd feel a lot better about her own. And there's all the kudos and social media likes that come with charity work - not to mention the lure of Lillian's large spare room.

Lillian meanwhile is still her ebullient self, but her facade hides a nagging fear of what's to come - her body is giving up on her. Lillian's motto is still 'Keep Buggering On' - aka keep getting at Charlotte - but increasingly, she's forced to wonder why. She masks all this by doubling down and manipulating Charlotte into carrying out all her menial tasks. If Charlotte won't do them, there are plenty of other volunteers who will.

Lillian leaves Charlotte an answerphone message telling her not to come round any more, but Charlotte doesn't take rejection lying down. She turns up at Lillian's house unannounced, where things go from bad to worse when she discovers she has a rival for Lillian's approval.

They may bicker about everything from signs of dementia to the appeal of Harry Styles, but underneath it's clear they are two kindred spirits. Two selfish, self-absorbed spirits, but ones who mirror and rely on each other nonetheless.

Very nearly 30, Charlotte is still living at home with her parents and chronically unable to figure out what to do with her life. Beneath her attempt at do-gooding is barely disguised despair. She's terrified she is no good. Useless. Unloveable. She looks to Lillian to provide some meaning to her life - if she can help to improve Lillian's life somehow, she'd feel a lot better about her own. And there's all the kudos and social media likes that come with charity work - not to mention the lure of Lillian's large spare room.

Charlotte is forced to intervene when Lillian gets in too deep with a group from the local church with a suspicious - and all-too familiar - agenda.

When Lillian's new friends turn up at the door, she and Charlotte hide. Until they're caught red-handed, that is.

Lillian realises there's nothing for it but to claim Charlotte is holding her hostage.

They may bicker about everything from signs of dementia to the appeal of Harry Styles, but underneath it's clear they are two kindred spirits. Two selfish, self-absorbed spirits, but ones who mirror and rely on each other nonetheless.

Very nearly 30, Charlotte is still living at home with her parents and chronically unable to figure out what to do with her life. Beneath her attempt at do-gooding is barely disguised despair. She's terrified she is no good. Useless. Unloveable. She looks to Lillian to provide some meaning to her life - if she can help to improve Lillian's life somehow, she'd feel a lot better about her own. And there's all the kudos and social media likes that come with charity work - not to mention the lure of Lillian's large spare room.

Lillian returns from a stay in hospital to find Charlotte's taken over the house, and is being her usual irritating self. Lillian is keen to get rid of her, but there's just one problem - she can no longer ignore the fact she is getting older and needs help around the house.

Guess who's ready to step up to the plate.

Neither have seen much of anyone during lockdown. Lillian is as determined as ever to remain independent with Puzzles Weekly, the companionship of daytime TV and the occasional phone call. Charlotte, meanwhile, has been gaining ground as a social media influencer, sharing updates of her good deeds and bringing joy to just about everyone's life. Apart from Lillian's, of course.

In this new series, Charlotte is ever eager to embrace the latest trends, from dog ownership and online fundraising to improved nutrition for the local community. She's also determined to get Lillian out of the house, where Lillian promptly reveals her unique take on the rules of the road, domestic animals and Charlotte's preoccupation with what other people think of her.

Episode 1: The Book

Lillian has joined a book group, though is having difficulty completing this month's selection. Charlotte suggests she rents the film instead, and agrees to accompany Lillian to their local library.

Miriam Margolyes is one of the most recognisable actresses working today. This year, at the age of 80, she has told her life story, which is being published as a memoir.

Helen Monks is the Co-Artistic Director of Lung Theatre, and the co-host of Bitchin', a podcast with Tilly Steele. She plays Shakespeare's daughter Susanna in Upstart Crow, and the young Caitlin Moran in Raised by Wolves.

Written by Kat Sommers

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4

Self-absorbed Charlotte perseveres as a charity befriender to the irascible Lillian.

Comedy by about a young charity volunteer and the old lady she has been paired with.

In this new series, Charlotte is ever eager to embrace the latest trends, from crowd funding and henna tattos to improved nutrition for the local community. She's also determined to get Lillian out of the house, where Lillian promptly reveals her unique take on the rules of the road, library membership and Charlotte's preoccupation with what other people think of her.

Episode 2: The Dog

As a way of winning over Mo, a local dog owner (Kiell Smith-Bynoe), Charlotte is desperate to prove her love of all things canine. She lures Lillian into borrowing a dog - and promptly discovers that they're inseparable.

Miriam Margolyes is one of the most recognisable actresses working today. This year, at the age of 80, she has told her life story, which is being published as a memoir.

Helen Monks is the Co-Artistic Director of Lung Theatre, and the co-host of Bitchin', a podcast with Tilly Steele. She plays Shakespeare's daughter Susanna in Upstart Crow, and the young Caitlin Moran in Raised by Wolves.

Written by Kat Sommers.

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4

Comedy as Charlotte desperately wants to like dogs, with far less effort from Lillian.

Comedy by about a young charity volunteer and the old lady she has been paired with.

In this new series, Charlotte is ever eager to embrace the latest trends, from crowd funding and henna tattos to improved nutrition for the local community. She's also determined to get Lillian out of the house, where Lillian promptly reveals her unique take on the rules of the road, library membership and Charlotte's preoccupation with what other people think of her.

Episode 3: The Car

Having discovered that Lillian still has her old car the garage, Charlotte takes advantage of some extra experience on the road - with Lillian as her instructor - in the run up to her (sixth) driving test.

Miriam Margolyes is one of the most recognisable actresses working today. This year, at the age of 80, she has told her life story, which is being published as a memoir.

Helen Monks is the Co-Artistic Director of Lung Theatre, and the co-host of Bitchin', a podcast with Tilly Steele. She plays Shakespeare's daughter Susanna in Upstart Crow, and the young Caitlin Moran in Raised by Wolves.

Written by Kat Sommers.

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4

Comedy on BBC Radio 4, topped off with an impromptu driving lesson.

Comedy by about a young charity volunteer and the old lady she has been paired with.

Episode 4: The Jump

In the last episode of the series, self-absorbed Charlotte, ever keen to do good and feel good, signs up for a charity bungee jump - inadvertently discovering that her fear of death is far greater than Lillian's. An unexpected discovery in Lillian's house leads to them both contemplating life, death and the prospect of being forgotten.

Miriam Margolyes is one of the most recognisable actresses working today. This year, at the age of 80, she has told her life story, which is being published as a memoir.

Helen Monks is the Co-Artistic Director of Lung Theatre, and the co-host of Bitchin', a podcast with Tilly Steele. She plays Shakespeare's daughter Susanna in Upstart Crow, and the young Caitlin Moran in Raised by Wolves.

Written by Kat Sommers.

A Giddy Goat production for BBC Radio 4

Comedy and philosophy on BBC Radio 4, as Charlotte and Lillian contemplate mortality.

Comedy by about a young charity volunteer and the old lady she has been paired with.