Episodes
| Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Interesting Talks | 20121111 | 20121116/17 (BBC7) 20200814 (BBC7) 20200815 (BBC7) 20220826 (BBC7) 20220827 (BBC7) 20240131 (BBC7) 20240201 (BBC7) | It's back to the 1930s at the BBC's Broadcasting House in London. Head of programmes, John Tharb and his assistant, Mabel Hopcraft struggle to deal with the foibles and fragile egos of radio's biggest stars. These include perpetually drunk band-leader, Ronaldo and the most boring man in radio, Mallard Tofts. Tharb's task is not made any easier by having to constantly defer to the whims and wishes of his irascible boss, Lord Reith. First radio sitcom written by Channel 4's Father Ted writer, Arthur Mathews. Starimg Robert Bathurst. In this episode, a series of mysterious deaths brings the police to the BBC. What could be causing people to die in front of their wireless sets? Meanwhile, Mabel tries to introduce some modern entertainment to the BBC from up north. John Tharb - Robert Bathurst Mabel Hopcraft - Vicky McClure Lord Reith - Ford Kiernan Inspector Cawls - Peter Egan Captain Mallard Tofts - Malcolm Tierney Chip Gibney - Kevin Bishop Ronaldo / Dickie Squires - Ewan Bailey What is causing people to die in front of their wireless sets? The police come to the BBC. Staring Robert Bathurst. Meanwhile, Mabel tries to introduce some modern entertainment to the BBC from 'up north'. Set in 1930s BBC. A spate of mysterious deaths begs the question ‘what's killing everyone?'. Stars Robert Bathurst. From 2012. |
| 02 | Saturday Sports Parade | 20121118 | 20121123/24 (BBC7) 20200821 (BBC7) 20200822 (BBC7) 20220902 (BBC7) 20220903 (BBC7) 20240207 (BBC7) 20240208 (BBC7) | Tharb and Lord Reith have to help the King overcome a bizarre speech impediment, with the dubious aid of tempestuous children's presenter, Lancelot Wyndham. Meanwhile, Mabel tries to revamp the BBC's flagship sports show, Saturday Sports Parade. First radio sitcom written by Channel 4's Father Ted writer, Arthur Mathews. Starring Robert Bathurst. Set in the BBC's Broadcasting House in London during the 1930s, this series follows head of programmes, John Tharb and his assistant, Mabel Hopcraft as they struggle to deal with the foibles and fragile egos of radio's biggest stars. These include the perpetually drunk band-leader, Ronaldo and the most boring man in radio, Mallard Tofts. Tharb's task is not made any easier by having to constantly defer to the whims and wishes of his irascible boss, Lord Reith. John Tharb - Robert Bathurst Mabel Hopcraft - Vicky McClure Lord Reith - Ford Kiernan Lancelot Wyndham - Peter Egan The Queen Consort - Pippa Evans The King / Edward Fellowes - Kevin Bishop Gerald Merry - Ewan Bailey Tharb and Lord Reith have to help the King overcome a bizarre speech impediment. Meanwhile, Mabel tries to revamp the BBC's flagship sports show, 'Saturday Sports Parade'. 1930s at the BBC. Helping the King's speech impediment with the help of a children's presenter. Stars Ford Kiernan. From 2012. |
| 03 LAST | Minority Appeal | 20121125 | 20121130 (BBC7) 20121201 (BBC7) 20121202 (BBC7) 20200828 (BBC7) 20200829 (BBC7) 20240214 (BBC7) 20240215 (BBC7) | Mabel suggests making some programmes for minorities; a suggestion which takes Lord Reith by surprise. Meanwhile, Tharb does his best to cheer up BBC Radio's most depressed newsreader, Roger Eves. Set in the BBC's Broadcasting House in London during the 1930s, this series follows head of programmes, John Tharb and his assistant, Mabel Hopcraft as they struggle to deal with the foibles and fragile egos of radio's biggest stars. Starring Robert Bathurst. Conclusion of the radio-based sitcom written by Arthur Mathews. Robert Bathurst.....John Tharb Vicky McClure.....Mabel Hopcraft Ford Kiernan.....Lord Reith Peter Egan.....Doctor Ganley Malcolm Tierney.....Sergeant Major Kevin Bishop.....Ordinary Cockney Father / Perfumed Pete Pippa Evans.....Ordinary Cockney Mother Ewan Bailey.....Roger Eves / Fancy Dan Moisty.....Arthur Mathews Mabel suggests making some programmes for 'minorities', which takes Lord Reith by surprise Mabel suggests making some programmes for 'minorities'; a suggestion which takes Lord Reith by surprise. 1930s at the BBC. Mabel suggests making shows for 'minorities', taking Lord Reith by surprise. Stars Ford Kiernan. From 2012. |