Semi Circles: The Complete Series 1 and 2

Paula Wilcox and David Wood star in this BBC Radio sitcom about an upwardly mobile husband and wife climbing the social ladder in suburbia Helen and Ben have recently moved into a lovely semi-detached house in an up-and-coming area, and are eager to restore their home to its original character (complete with open fireplace in the living room and milkmaid's yoke on the wall). They're also keen to host dinner parties and mix with the right sort of people - to the bafflement of their elderly neighbour, Mrs Kelly, who's lived in the neighbourhood all her life and preferred it before it filled up with middle-class incomers. In these twelve episodes, Ben and Helen join an action committee to oppose the opening of a new restaurant on their street, contemplate the attractions of the countryside and squabble over spending Christmas with Helen's mother in West Wittering. Plus, Helen flirts with feminism, Ben contemplates private education, and the couple unite to fight the forces of materialism... Written by Simon Brett, whose sitcom credits include After Henry, this improving story of life and improving times in an improving neighbourhood stars Paula Wilcox as Helen and David Wood as Ben. Produced by Pete Atkin First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 March-5 April 1982 (Series 1), 16 November-21 December 1982 (Series 2) Cast Helen - Paula Wilcox Ben - David Wood Mrs Kelly - Pat Heywood Alastair - Bruce Alexander/Tony Millan Mr Juke - Arthur English Roger - Ben Aris Mo - Penelope Nice Mr Mukerjee - Tariq Yunis Willy - Robert Longden Blythe - Bryan Coleman Perpetua - Patience Tomlinson Laura - Anita Carey Nigel - James Griffiths Linda - Jill Lidstone Kevin - Stuart Organ Julian - Mark Wing-Davey Maureen - Miranda Forbes Doctor - Robert Rietty Mr Cullingford - Michael Bilton Dick - David Gooderson Marian - Jean Trend Neil - Nick Wilton Britt - Rosalind Adams