The Babysitting Circle

All six episodes of the sharp-edged sitcom set around an unconventional babysitting club, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 as The Circle. Wheeler-dealer snooker club owner Geoff Bryant and his wife Jenny have recently moved onto a new estate in Whittleshulme, Cheshire. Described in the brochure as an 'exclusive village development', it's squarely aimed at yuppies, the nouveau-riche and high-fliers. The trouble is, there are no local teenagers to babysit, leaving the residents to juggle careers and kids as best they can. So when local bigwig Julian Percival sets up a babysitting circle, it seems like the ideal solution. Not only does it present an opportunity for Geoff (who has a sneaky ulterior motive for joining) but it's a lifeline for his neighbours, including frazzled doctor Tariq and hardworking headmistress Carla. But none of them have banked on naughty five-year-old Crystal, whose behaviour is so bad it's embarrassing. And when the group are faced with a childcare crisis, who will be left holding the baby? Written by prize-winning author Elizabeth Baines, this funny, feelgood comedy drama stars Sherrie Hewson, John McArdle, Jane Hazelgrove, Lyndam Gregory and Jonathon Morris. Production credits Written by Elizabeth Baines Directed by Andy Jordan Cast Jenny Bryant - Sherrie Hewson Geoff Bryant - John McArdle Trish Abbas - Jane Hazelgrove Tariq Abbas - Lyndam Gregory Julian Percival - Jonathon Morris Doug Lewis - Shaun Parkes Vanessa Percival - Melissa Sinden Emma - Tara Pendergast Hayley - Jane Cawdron Crystal - Holliday Grainger Benedict - Oliver Hamilton Jessica - Gemma Salusbury Carla McInnan - Maxine Burth Shaneela - Rina Mahoney Sammy - Anthony Hickling Tim (Teenager) - Ciaran Griffiths Elliot (News Boy) - Gregg Baines Edmund - Christopher Limond Mike Quigley - Andrew Whyment First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 April-3 June 1999 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd