Conversations From A Long Marriage

The show follows their conversations that take them from the local caf退, to their kitchen table, taking in her resentment of new glasses - a symbol of ageing - and fury at being lectured by the dental hygienist. He has a dodgy knee and is on statins, and when they discuss the marriage break-up of their closest friends, Sally and Peter, there's jealousy and talk of affairs. She suggests there are advantages to single beds, separate holidays and wants to go clubbing in Ibiza for her imminent ‘big' birthday.

When a couple stop kissing each other, the marriage is in trouble, she believes. ‘What it says in the Shoop Shoop Song is so true. It IS in his kiss!

Written for Joanna Lumley by award-winning comedy writer and journalist Jan Etherington, who herself has been married for 35 years. Jan has created and written many long-running radio and television series with her husband Gavin Petrie (Second Thoughts, Next of Kin, Faith in the Future) and has written sketches for Radio 4's Ayres on the Air, but this is her first solo-scripted, half-hour comedy. She says: `Conversations from a Long Marriage will resonate with couples of any age but especially those who are still dancing in the kitchen, singing in the car and trying to keep the passion alive.`

Producer: Claire Jones

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam star as a couple who have been married for over 40 years.

Children of the 60s, they're still free spirits, drawn together by their passion for music and each other.

A two-hander, we follow their dangling conversations, as they prepare for Christmas 'à deux', open their Christmas cards, dissect their neighbours' relationships – and Joanna reveals she's planned some rather surprising activities for Christmas Day because ‘All I want for Christmas is you

A late-night phone call means that her Christmas wish may not be granted

Written for Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam by award-winning comedy writer and journalist Jan Etherington.

Jan has been married for 34 years to Gavin Petrie, with whom she has created many hit radio and TV series (Second Thoughts, Next of Kin, Faith in the Future, The Change).

Producer: Claire Jones

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in December 2018.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam, married 'for ever', plan the perfect Christmas 'a deux'.

Will a married ‘for ever' couple's wish for a perfect Christmas ‘a deux' come true? Stars Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. From 2021.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play a couple who have been married ‘for ever'.

Written for Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam by award-winning comedy writer and journalist Jan Etherington - who's been married for 34 years to Gavin Petrie, with whom she has created many hit radio and TV series (Second Thoughts, Next of Kin, Faith in the Future, The Change).

Written for Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam by award-winning comedy writer and journalist Jan Etherington - who's been married for 34 years to Gavin Petrie, with whom she has created many hit radio and TV series (Second Thoughts, Next of Kin, Faith in the Future, The Change),

We join them as Joanna breathily compliments Roger - ‘How do you get it so perfect every time?' His reply ‘Hot goose fat and regular tossing' reveals that they are enjoying his signature roast potatoes. They're spending a quiet Christmas with Peter and Sally but this snowballs into an extravagant houseparty when Peter is offered a rich friend's country pile and invites other couples.

Their recently widowed friend, Marian, is anticipating her pregnant daughter, Rosie's, arrival but as Rosie cancels and Peter changes the arrangements yet again, Joanna picks up a flyer which offers her and Roger ‘a kind and important Christmas, rather than a glitzy gorgefest'. Can they get back to a Christmas they actually want?

Starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam.

Written by Jan Etherington. Production co-ordinator Beverly Tagg.

Produced and directed by Claire Jones.

A BBC Studios Production.

Award-winning comedy in which Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam plan their perfect Christmas.

We join them as Joanna breathily compliments Roger - ‘How do you get it so perfect every time?' His reply ‘Hot goose fat and regular tossing' reveals that they are enjoying his signature roast potatoes. They're spending a quiet Christmas with Peter and Sally but this snowballs into an extravagant houseparty when Peter is offered a rich friend's country pile and invites other couples.

Their recently widowed friend, Marian, is anticipating her pregnant daughter, Rosie's, arrival but as Rosie cancels and Peter changes the arrangements yet again, Joanna picks up a flyer which offers her and Roger ‘a kind and important Christmas, rather than a glitzy gorgefest'. Can they get back to a Christmas they actually want?

Children of the 1960s, they're still free spirits, drawn together by their passion for music and each other. Their recognisable warm and witty conversations dance around the everyday chores and appointments, as well as dealing with problems within long-held friendships, and tackling their own frustrations with each other.

For starters, they're invited to a party with old friends - but return home with a burning question: why didn't you ask me to dance?

Written for Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam by award-winning comedy writer and journalist Jan Etherington - who's been married for 34 years to Gavin Petrie, with whom she has created many hit Radio 4 Extra and TV series (Second Thoughts, plus Next of Kin, Faith in the Future, The Change).

Producer: Claire Jones

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2020.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam as a long-married couple trying to keep the passion alive.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play a couple who have been married ‘forever'.

Children of the 60s, they're still free spirits, drawn together by their passion for music and each other. Their warm and witty conversations dance around everyday chores and appointments as well as dealing with problems within long-held friendships, and tackling their own frustrations with each other. But underlying it all is their enduring love for each other and their desire to keep the passion alive.

This time, their together time is severely hampered by their broken-hearted house guest and her dog. Just how long are they going to stay?

Written for Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam by award-winning comedy writer and journalist Jan Etherington, who's been married for 35 years to Gavin Petrie, with whom she created many hit radio and TV series (Second Thoughts, Next of Kin, Faith in the Future, The Change). Conversations from a Long Marriage is her first solo narrative comedy series.

Producer: Claire Jones

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in 2020.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play a long-married couple with a broken-hearted house guest

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play a couple who have been married ‘for ever'.

Children of the 60s, they're still free spirits, drawn together by their passion for music and each other. Their warm and witty conversations dance around everyday chores and appointments as well as dealing with problems within long-held friendships, and tackling their own frustrations with each other. But underlying it all is their enduring love for each other and their desire to keep the passion alive.

Joanna's nursing skills are found wanting after Roger's knee op.

Written for Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam by award-winning comedy writer and journalist Jan Etherington, who's been married for 35 years to Gavin Petrie, with whom she created many hit radio and TV series (Second Thoughts, Next of Kin, Faith in the Future, The Change). Conversations from a Long Marriage is her first solo narrative comedy series.

Producer: Claire Jones

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in January 2020.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play a long-married couple, trying to cope with his knee op.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play a couple who have been married ‘for ever'.

Children of the Sixties, they're still free spirits, drawn together by their passion for music and each other. Their warm and witty conversations dance around everyday chores and appointments as well as dealing with problems within long-held friendships, and tackling their own frustrations with each other. But underlying it all is their enduring love for each other and their desire to keep the passion alive.

On a long car journey, they reminisce about their first meeting and a long-held secret is revealed.

Written for Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam by award-winning comedy writer and journalist Jan Etherington, who's been married for 35 years to Gavin Petrie, with whom she created many hit radio and TV series (Second Thoughts, Next of Kin, Faith in the Future, The Change). Conversations from a Long Marriage is her first solo narrative comedy series.

Producer: Claire Jones

A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in February 2020.

Playing a long-married couple, Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam reminisce about their past.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play a couple who have been married ‘for ever'.

In episode one, Roger gives Joanna a masterclass in dishwasher stacking while Joanna instructs him on how to wave goodbye to departing guests. As the turbulent year turns, Joanna makes some New Year Resolutions - for Roger - and suggests their marriage needs a re-boot' . ‘Out the door?' is his response.

Written by Jan Etherington. Produced and directed by Claire Jones.

A BBC Studios Production.

Series 1 received excellent reviews including:

‘Sublimely funny, touching series. Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' Simon O'Hagan. RADIO TIMES

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is a two-hander comedy, starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam, as a long-married couple who met in the Summer of Love and are still passionate about life, music and each other. We listen to – and empathise with - their dangling ‘conversations' covering everything from health scares, jealousy and confessions, to TV incompatibility and sourdough bread.

In episode one, Roger gives Joanna a masterclass in dishwasher stacking while Joanna instructs him on how to wave goodbye to departing guests. As the turbulent year turns, Joanna makes some New Year Resolutions - for Roger - and suggests their marriage needs a re-boot' . ‘Out the door?' is his response.

‘Sublimely funny, touching series. Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' Simon O'Hagan. RADIO TIMES

Conversations - Is the delicious fruit of Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio comedy (previously with husband Gavin Petrie), blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. They are lifelike and likeable. Comedies about likeable people are not common. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones.' Gillian Reynolds. SUNDAY TIMES

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return as the couple who've been married 'for ever'.

In Episode two, Joanna gets distracted by a work project, which happens to be with a man who just happens to be much younger and rather more exciting than Roger. When Roger complains about being pushed out of her life, he's told, in no uncertain terms, 'it's just work'. But is it?

Written by Jan Etherington. Produced and directed by Claire Jones. Production co-ordinator Beverly Tagg. A BBC Studios Production.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam's marriage is tested when another man comes between them.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is a two-hander, starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam, as a long-married couple who met in the Summer of Love and are still passionate about life, music and each other. We listen to – and empathise with - their dangling ‘conversations' covering everything from health scares, jealousy and confessions, to TV incompatibility and sourdough bread.

In Episode three, Roger is best man at their friend's second marriage, in a country hotel, and Joanna makes excessive demands of room service.

Written by Jan Etherington. Produced and directed by Claire Jones. Production co-ordinator Beverly Tagg. A BBC Studios Production.

Joanna and Roger book into a country hotel, for their friend's second wedding.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is a two-hander, starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam, as a long-married couple who met in the Summer of Love and are still passionate about life, music and each other. We listen to – and empathise with - their dangling ‘conversations' covering everything from health scares, jealousy and confessions, to TV incompatibility and sourdough bread.

In EPISODE 4, Joanna has a health scare and tells Roger that she's frightened they'll both die before HS2 is completed and ‘I don't want to be in a world if we are not in it.' He struggles to respond with a sensible answer. Then they both receive very bad news.

Written by Jan Etherington. Produced and directed by Claire Jones. Production co-ordinator Beverly Tagg. A BBC Studios Production.

Joanna has a health scare, and then she and Roger receive sad news.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is a two-hander, starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam, as a long-married couple who met in the Summer of Love and are still passionate about life, music and each other. We listen to – and empathise with - their dangling ‘conversations' covering everything from health scares, jealousy and confessions, to TV incompatibility and sourdough bread.

In EPISODE 4, Joanna has a health scare and tells Roger that she's frightened they'll both die before HS2 is completed and ‘I don't want to be in a world if we are not in it.' He struggles to respond with a sensible answer. Then they both receive very bad news.

In Episode 5, ‘Should I stay or should I go?' - Roger is late home from a pub lunch and Joanna finds out he had a ‘chance encounter' on the train home with a former student and didn't tell her.

In spite of his protests that it was innocent, Joanna warns the woman off - but then confesses she has been strongly attracted to another man.

Written by Jan Etherington. Produced and directed by Claire Jones. Production co-ordinator Beverly Tagg. A BBC Studios Production.

Roger meets a former student with a crush on him, and Joanna makes a confession.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is a two-hander, starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam, as a long-married couple who met in the Summer of Love and are still passionate about life, music and each other. We listen to – and empathise with - their dangling ‘conversations' covering everything from health scares, jealousy and confessions, to TV incompatibility and sourdough bread.

In Episode 5, ‘Should I stay or should I go?' – Roger is late home from a pub lunch and Joanna finds out he had a ‘chance encounter' on the train home with a former student and didn't tell her.

In spite of his protests that it was innocent, Joanna warns the woman off – but then confesses she has been strongly attracted to another man.

In EPISODE 6, ‘I've Been Loving you too long to stop now', Joanna complains they're ‘in a rut', so Roger plans a spontaneous day out but is thwarted at every turn. Undeterred, he cooks her a ‘date night' supper and they talk about their long marriage.

Written by Jan Etherington. Produced and directed by Claire Jones. Production co-ordinator Beverly Tagg. A BBC Studios Production.

When Joanna tells Roger that they're 'in a rut', he plans a spontaneous day out.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is a two-hander, starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam, as a long-married couple who met in the Summer of Love and are still passionate about life, music and each other. We listen to – and empathise with - their dangling ‘conversations' covering everything from health scares, jealousy and confessions, to TV incompatibility and sourdough bread.

In EPISODE 6, ‘I've Been Loving you too long to stop now', Joanna complains they're ‘in a rut', so Roger plans a spontaneous day out but is thwarted at every turn. Undeterred, he cooks her a ‘date night' supper and they talk about their long marriage.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘The writing is spot on and Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam exquisite. So real, so entertaining. Please never stop making such terrific radio'. BBC DUTY LOG

‘Absolutely brilliant!! May it never end!' BBC DUTY LOG

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington and produced by Claire Jones. It is a BBC Studios Production.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam star as a couple still passionate about life and each other.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return with the third series of Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy about a long-married couple in love with life and each other. Most of the time. This week, it's a big birthday for Roger. But he doesn't want a party and he doesn't like his present - an electric bike - which he believes is for ‘old geezers'. However, when he starts a healthy diet, whitens his teeth and she catches him using her face cream, Joanna wonders if it is just a big birthday life crisis – or could it be an affair?

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘The writing is spot on and Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam exquisite. So real, so entertaining. Please never stop making such terrific radio'. BBC DUTY LOG

‘Absolutely brilliant!! May it never end!' BBC DUTY LOG

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘The writing is spot on and Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam exquisite. So real, so entertaining. Please never stop making such terrific radio'. BBC DUTY LOG

‘Absolutely brilliant!! May it never end!' BBC DUTY LOG

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington and produced by Claire Jones. It is a BBC Studios Production.

Joanna Lumley & Roger Allam star in the award-winning comedy about life as long-marrieds.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘The writing is spot on and Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam exquisite. So real, so entertaining. Please never stop making such terrific radio'. BBC DUTY LOG

‘Absolutely brilliant!! May it never end!' BBC DUTY LOG

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener and Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘The writing is spot on and Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam exquisite. So real, so entertaining. Please never stop making such terrific radio'. BBC DUTY LOG

‘Absolutely brilliant!! May it never end!' BBC DUTY LOG

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington. It is produced and directed by Claire Jones. It is a BBC Studios Production.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam star as long marrieds, in love with life and each other.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘The writing is spot on and Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam exquisite. So real, so entertaining. Please never stop making such terrific radio'. BBC DUTY LOG

‘Absolutely brilliant!! May it never end!' BBC DUTY LOG

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘The writing is spot on and Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam exquisite. So real, so entertaining. Please never stop making such terrific radio'. BBC DUTY LOG

‘Absolutely brilliant!! May it never end!' BBC DUTY LOG

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington. It is produced and directed by Claire Jones. It is a BBC Studios Production.

Joanna Lumley & Roger Allam star as long marrieds, in love with life and each other.

Joanna Lumley & Roger Allam star in Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy, as a couple who are passionate about life and each other. This week: Roger`s caught talking in his sleep - and attempts to appease Joanna backfire, so she walks out. But when Joanna babysits for friends, she has to ask for Roger's help and is surprised to find he's a ‘baby whisperer'.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘The writing is spot on and Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam exquisite. So real, so entertaining. Please never stop making such terrific radio'. BBC DUTY LOG

‘Absolutely brilliant!! May it never end!' BBC DUTY LOG

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington. It is produced and directed by Claire Jones. It is a BBC Studios Production.

Details of organisations offering information and support with some of the issues in this episode are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘The writing is spot on and Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam exquisite. So real, so entertaining. Please never stop making such terrific radio'. BBC DUTY LOG

‘Absolutely brilliant!! May it never end!' BBC DUTY LOG

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam star as long marrieds, in love with life and each other.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘The writing is spot on and Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam exquisite. So real, so entertaining. Please never stop making such terrific radio'. BBC DUTY LOG

‘Absolutely brilliant!! May it never end!' BBC DUTY LOG

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington. It is produced and directed by Claire Jones. It is a BBC Studios Production.

Details of organisations offering information and support with some of the issues in this episode are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘The writing is spot on and Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam exquisite. So real, so entertaining. Please never stop making such terrific radio'. BBC DUTY LOG

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam star as long marrieds, in love with life and each other.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘The writing is spot on and Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam exquisite. So real, so entertaining. Please never stop making such terrific radio'. BBC DUTY LOG

This week, Amy moves in. She has long, thin legs and lots of black hair, which is why their new rescue dog is called after Amy Winehouse. Joanna's attempts at training are scuppered by Roger and Amy's ‘lovefest', prompting her to observe ‘There are three in this marriage.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington.

It's produced and directed by Claire Jones.

And it is a BBC Studios Production.

Wilfredo Acosta - sound engineer

Jon Calver - sound designer

Katie Baum - production coordinator

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020.

‘Sitcom is what most marriages are really like - repetitive and ridiculous - and Jan's words are some of the best ever written on the subject' RICHARD CURTIS

‘This gives me hope that life and marriage might permanently include taking the absolute piss while simultaneously dancing in the kitchen'. EMMA FREUD

‘Can Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? Sublimely funny, touchin

This week, Amy moves in. She has long, thin legs and lots of black hair, which is why their new rescue dog is called after Amy Winehouse. Joanna's attempts at training are scuppered by Roger and Amy's ‘lovefest', prompting her to observe ‘There are three in this marriage.

‘Sitcom is what most marriages are really like – repetitive and ridiculous – and Jan's words are some of the best ever written on the subject' RICHARD CURTIS

‘This gives me hope that life and marriage might permanently include taking the absolute piss while simultaneously dancing in the kitchen'. EMMA FREUD

‘Can Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? Sublimely funny, touching - This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' SIMON O'HAGAN, RADIO TIMES

‘An endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. This series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return as the couple still in love with life and each other.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington. The sound engineer is Wilfredo Acosta. The sound designer is Jon Calver. The production coordinator is Katie Baum. It is produced and directed by Claire Jones. It is a BBC Studios Production.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020 and was nominated for a Writers' Guild Award in 2022

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

Joanna Lumley & Roger Allam star as a couple still passionate about life and each other.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return with the fourth series of Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy about a long-married couple in love with life and each other. This week, Joanna's goddaughter, Jools, discovers she cannot have children and wants advice from her godmother. Roger and Joanna recall the day they learned they would never become parents but Joanna reassures Jools that ‘I'm lucky. I have a love affair with my husband and I don't have to share it with hordes of kids'. ‘And it's cheaper', Roger adds, helpfully.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

This week, Roger is invited to talk about his Fleet Street career, on a cruise ship. Initially scathing about ‘a floating tower block', Joanna is won round by snake-hipped Carlos, in the salsa class. Roger, meanwhile, is attracting adoring fans to his lectures. Are troubled waters ahead?

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020. Nominated for a Writers' Guild Award in 2023.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington and produced by Claire Jones. The production coordinator is Katie Baum, the studio engineer is Wilfredo Acosta and the sound design is by Jon Calver. It is a BBC Studios Production.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

This week, our passionate couple, Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam, are all at sea.

This week, Roger is invited to talk about his Fleet Street career, on a cruise ship. Initially scathing about ‘a floating tower block', Joanna is won round by snake-hipped Carlos, in the salsa class. Roger, meanwhile, is attracting adoring fans to his lectures. Are troubled waters ahead?

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

This week, it seems everything is making Roger grumpy, including a neighbour putting out his bin on the wrong day; a car alarm in the night and a shortage of streaky bacon. Roger claims he's ‘normal' because ‘most men live lives of quiet desperation' but Joanna discovers it's her fault he's feeling fed up.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020. Also, nominated for a Writers Guild Award 2023.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington and produced by Claire Jones. The production coordinator is Katie Baum, the studio engineer is Wilfredo Acosta and sound design is by Jon Calver. It is a BBC Studios Production.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam star as a couple still passionate about life and each other.

This week, it seems everything is making Roger grumpy, including a neighbour putting out his bin on the wrong day; a car alarm in the night and a shortage of streaky bacon. Roger claims he's ‘normal' because ‘most men live lives of quiet desperation' but Joanna discovers it's her fault he's feeling fed up.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return in the fourth series of Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy, as a long-married couple in love with life and each other. This week, Roger's formidable Auntie Hilda, ‘cut from the same starched underwear as Bertie Wooster's Aunt Agatha' announces she's coming to live with them. Feisty but frail, she bonds instantly with Amy the dog, and is a hit with all their friends. But Amy's squeaky pheasant alerts them to an emergency, and after a dash to hospital, a nightmare situation unfolds and spins out of control.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020. Nominated for a Writers Guild Award 2023.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington and produced by Claire Jones. The production coordinator is Katie Baum, the studio engineer is Wilfredo Acosta and sound design is by Jon Calver. It is a BBC Studios Production.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam star. This week, Auntie Hilda comes to stay.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return in the fourth series of Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy, as a long-married couple in love with life and each other. This week, Roger's formidable Auntie Hilda, ‘cut from the same starched underwear as Bertie Wooster's Aunt Agatha' announces she's coming to live with them. Feisty but frail, she bonds instantly with Amy the dog, and is a hit with all their friends. But Amy's squeaky pheasant alerts them to an emergency, and after a dash to hospital, a nightmare situation unfolds and spins out of control.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return in the fourth series of Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy, as a long-married couple in love with life and each other. This week, Joanna is accused of ‘mollycoddling' by Roger, after his health scare. They meet the new partner of their recently widowed friend, Marian, and Roger tells Joanna ‘This is what'll happen to us! When I'm gone, a few months later, you'll find someone else and put my photo in a drawer'. But a goddaughter's joyful wedding brings back memories and they both agree that they're still keeping the dream alive.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020. Nominated for a Writers Guild Award 2023.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington and produced by Claire Jones. The production coordinator is Katie Baum, the sound engineer is Wilfredo Acosta and sound design is by Jon Calver. It is a BBC Studios Production.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

Joanna Lumley & Roger Allam star as a couple still passionate about life and each other.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return in the fourth series of Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy, as a long-married couple in love with life and each other. This week, Joanna is accused of ‘mollycoddling' by Roger, after his health scare. They meet the new partner of their recently widowed friend, Marian, and Roger tells Joanna ‘This is what'll happen to us! When I'm gone, a few months later, you'll find someone else and put my photo in a drawer'. But a goddaughter's joyful wedding brings back memories and they both agree that they're still keeping the dream alive.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘The delicious fruit of the writer, Jan Etherington's experience of writing lots of TV and radio, blessed by being acted by Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Treasure this one, produced by Claire Jones. Unlike many a current Radio 4 ‘comedy', this series makes people laugh' GILLIAN REYNOLDS. SUNDAY TIMES

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return with the fifth series of Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy about a long-married couple in love with life and each other.

This week, Roger and Joanna are left exhausted by bickering dinner guests and Joanna observes ‘Sometimes I think we're the only happy couple in the world'. Roger responds ‘And then I forget to put the bins out – and you think again'. Roger makes plans to surprise Joanna with a nostalgic birthday trip – in a hippy love bus. Her response is not quite what he had hoped, as she declares ‘I am a five star woman, living a two star life!' Peace and love are in short supply - until she has a magical birthday encounter.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is Written by Jan Etherington. It is produced and directed by Claire Jones. And it is a BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Wilfredo Acosta - sound engineer

Charlotte Sewter - studio assistant

Jon Calver - sound designer

Katie Baum - production coordinator

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020, was nominated for a Writers' Guild Award in 2022 and a British Comedy Guide award in 2024.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘Sitcom is what marriage is really like – repetitive and ridiculous – and Jan's words are some of the best ever written on the subject'. RICHARD CURTIS

Roger's plans for Joanna's birthday take a wrong turn.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam star as a long-married couple in Jan Etherington's much-loved comedy. This week: Roger's plans for Joanna's birthday take a wrong turn.

This week, Joanna is tetchy because the internet is down and Roger is generally grumpy. ‘Is this all because you had to buy trousers in a bigger size?' she enquires. A friend asks them to model her new clothes collection but Roger cracks a tooth before the photoshoot, which Joanna thinks he's done deliberately. The ‘prop' is a Harley Davidson motorbike, which gives Roger groin strain but brings Joanna fond memories of their 60s Harley ride. Keen to do it once more, she plans to book an Easy Rider trip but the internet has gone down again. Or has it?

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington. It is produced and directed by Claire Jones. It is a BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Wilfredo Acosta - sound engineer

Charlotte Sewter - studio assistant

Jon Calver - sound designer

Katie Baum - production coordinator

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020, was nominated for a Writers' Guild Award in 2022 and a British Comedy Guide award in 2024.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘Sitcom is what marriage is really like – repetitive and ridiculous – and Jan's words are some of the best ever written on the subject'. RICHARD CURTIS

Tension mounts as the internet goes down, and Roger breaks a tooth.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam are loving, long-marrieds in Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy. This week: tension mounts, as the internet goes down, and Roger breaks a tooth.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return as the loving, long-married couple, in the 5th series of Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy.

This week, Joanna witnesses a random act of kindness and believes they should all do more. ‘You give a little love and it all comes back to you'. Roger responds ‘So your guru is Bugsy Malone, is it?'. Her resolve is tested when she is asked to stay with her old friend, Paula, once a 60s party girl, now suffering from Alzheimers, while her exhausted husband takes a break. Joanna is apprehensive but Roger and the dog accompany her and in spite of the heartbreak and moments of panic, Joanna sees the ‘party Paula' emerge, joyfully, as they relive old times.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington. It is produced and directed by Claire Jones. It is a BBC Studios Production.

Wilfredo Acosta - sound engineer

Charlotte Sewter - sound assistant

Jon Calver - sound designer

Katie Baum - production coordinator

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020, was nominated for a Writers' Guild Award in 2022 and a British Comedy Guide award in 2024.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘Sitcom is what marriage is really like – repetitive and ridiculous – and Jan's words are some of the best ever written on the subject'. RICHARD CURTIS

Joanna Lumley & Roger Allam play the long-married couple in Jan Etherington's much-loved comedy. This week: Joanna witnesses a random act of kindness and helps a friend in need.

Series 5, Episode 3: 'I'm Still Here

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play loving, long-marrieds, in the 5th series of Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy. This week, everybody's talking – but not necessarily to each other.

In the care home, indomitable Auntie Hilda is moving in with fellow resident, Jack, who tells Roger he's worried she'll expect him to ‘perform'. Their friend Sally's wayward husband, Peter, is in Canada, with the mother of his child and ‘not answering his phone'. Jack won't talk to Hilda because ‘their generation didn't talk about sex' and Sally won't ask Peter what's going on because ‘she's afraid of the answer'. Roger tells Joanna lack of communication is ‘not a problem we're ever likely to have'. But Joanna is definitely in the mood for a little less conversation -

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is written by Jan Etherington. It is produced and directed by Claire Jones. And it is a BBC Studios production for Radio 4.

Wilfredo Acosta - sound engineer

Charlotte Sewter - studio assistant

Jon Calver - sound designer

Katie Baum - production coordinator

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020, was nominated for a Writers' Guild Award in 2022 and a British Comedy Guide award in 2024.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘Sitcom is what marriage is really like – repetitive and ridiculous – and Jan's words are some of the best ever written on the subject'. RICHARD CURTIS

Everybody's talking - but not necessarily to each other.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam are loving, long-marrieds in Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy. This week: Everybody's talking – but not necessarily to each other.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam star as a couple still passionate about life and each other.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam star as the loving, long-married couple, in the 5th series of Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy.

This week, Roger feels abandoned as Joanna heads off for a daily sunrise swim, reminding him ‘Don't let your tea get cold!' Their younger neighbours are having a party. Roger finds excuses not to go - including the dog's upset tummy. ‘You're going,' Joanna snaps. Inevitably, Roger leaves early and Joanna stays, drinking martini in the hot tub. Next morning, she is hungover but Roger's goddaughter, Rosie, is arriving, with her babies. ‘They like a runny egg with soldiers', Roger tells her. She begs him to stay and do breakfast but he's off on a bike ride ‘Don't let your tea get cold!

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is Written by Jan Etherington. It is produced and directed by Claire Jones. And it is a BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Wilfredo Acosta - sound engineer

Charlotte Sewter - studio assistant

Jon Calver - sound designer

Katie Baum - production coordinator

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020, was nominated for a Writers' Guild Award in 2022 and a British Comedy Guide award in 2024.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘Sitcom is what marriage is really like – repetitive and ridiculous – and Jan's words are some of the best ever written on the subject'. RICHARD CURTIS

Joanna Lumley & Roger Allam play the long-married couple in Jan Etherington's much-loved comedy. This week, Roger feels abandoned as Joanna heads off for a daily sunrise swim.

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play loving, long-marrieds, in the 5th series of Jan Etherington's award-winning comedy.

This week, Joanna rescues a spider from the bedroom ceiling and there are joyful preparations for the wedding of Auntie Hilda and Jack in the care home. ‘The last wedding we planned was our own' Joanna says, reminding Roger they've been together for 50 years. ‘On and off' Roger responds. Then Roger has a visitor from his past that will rock the foundation of their marriage. Struggling through Auntie Hilda's wedding day, a devastated Joanna tells him ‘I feel like I'm looking down on myself and trying to work out how I can live with this' and she finally has to make a decision that breaks Roger's heart.

~Conversations From A Long Marriage is Written by Jan Etherington. It is produced and directed by Claire Jones. And it is a BBC Studios Production for Radio 4.

Wilfredo Acosta - sound engineer

Charlotte Sewter - studio assistant

Jon Calver - sound designer

Katie Baum - production coordinator

~Conversations From A Long Marriage won the Voice of the Listener & Viewer Award for Best Radio Comedy in 2020, was nominated for a Writers' Guild Award in 2022 and a British Comedy Guide award in 2024.

‘Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam have had illustrious acting careers but can they ever have done anything better than Jan Etherington's two hander? This is a work of supreme craftsmanship.' RADIO TIMES

‘Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance – and something like love.' THE GUARDIAN

‘You've been listening at my window, Jan'. JOANNA LUMLEY

‘Sitcom is what marriage is really like – repetitive and ridiculous – and Jan's words are some of the best ever written on the subject'. RICHARD CURTIS

Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam are loving, long-marrieds in Jan Etherington's much-loved comedy. This week: A spider rescue, a wedding and a huge shock. Can their marriage survive?