Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North By Northamptonshire: Full Stop | 20151231 | A heart-warming comedy drama with a stellar cast who come together, one last time, to bring the much-loved and critically acclaimed series to a close.
It's New Year's Eve and the inhabitants of Wadenbrook, having recently performed their own amateur production of My Fair Lady are excited to be off to see a professional and starry production at Birmingham's Hippodrome. Former school teacher Mary has, of course, organised the trip, with a rather uncharacteristic ulterior motive at the end of it. The indefatigable Norman will come along too, spurred on at the thought of seeing Strictly dancer Favia Cacace in the flesh. Long suffering Jan's excited about the qualities Lionel Blair will bring to the role of Higgins, and gentle Jonathan follows wherever Jan goes. (As long as his ex-wife Esther and the cuckoo Orson don't object). At least they will have Ken and Keith there - Wadenbrook's most enduring couple and the cement that binds them all together and a badly kept secret that everyone's bursting to tell.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
Narrator...Sheila Hancock
Esther and Radio DJ... Katherine Jakeways
Script Editor...Richard Turner
Producer...Julia Mckenzie
A BBC Radio Comedy Production
Stars abound in this special final chapter of the much-loved comedy by Katherine Jakeways. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | |||
| North By Northamptonshire: Full Stop | 20151231 | 20191231 (R4) | A heart-warming comedy drama with a stellar cast who come together, one last time, to bring the much-loved and critically acclaimed series to a close.
It's New Year's Eve and the inhabitants of Wadenbrook, having recently performed their own amateur production of My Fair Lady are excited to be off to see a professional and starry production at Birmingham's Hippodrome. Former school teacher Mary has, of course, organised the trip, with a rather uncharacteristic ulterior motive at the end of it. The indefatigable Norman will come along too, spurred on at the thought of seeing Strictly dancer Favia Cacace in the flesh. Long suffering Jan's excited about the qualities Lionel Blair will bring to the role of Higgins, and gentle Jonathan follows wherever Jan goes. (As long as his ex-wife Esther and the cuckoo Orson don't object). At least they will have Ken and Keith there - Wadenbrook's most enduring couple and the cement that binds them all together and a badly kept secret that everyone's bursting to tell.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
Narrator...Sheila Hancock
Esther and Radio DJ... Katherine Jakeways
Script Editor...Richard Turner
Producer...Julia Mckenzie
A BBC Radio Comedy Production
Stars abound in this special final chapter of the much-loved comedy by Katherine Jakeways. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 01 | 01 | 20100616 | Clever, funny and touching series about a small town in the middle of Northamptonshire as it prepares for a talent night.
Sheila Hancock heads a stunning cast including Mackenzie Crook, Penelope Wilton, Felicity Montagu and Kevin Eldon.
Written by and also starring Katherine Jakeways.
Get to know the local supermarket manager who shares rather more than is usual about his private life over the store's tannoy system. Recently divorced Jan has been trying unsuccessfully to 'find herself' with a trip abroad to an elephant sanctuary. But it is at home in Wadenbrook that she starts to feel happier with herself as her friendship blossoms with ex-teacher Mary. And, joy of joys, could it be that Jan is going to experience a touch of romance at last?
Meet driving instructor and forthright self-defence teacher Esther and her gentle and put-upon Jonathan as they struggle to start a family and we meet possibly the only happy couple in town, Ken and Keith, as they attempt to teach their pet whippets to dance for the town talent night.
In this opening episode, Mary starts rehearsals for the town talent night and is shocked by 12 year old Gregory's slide show of Victorian ladies.
Meanwhile Esther sends her husband Jonathan out to collect money for the Leicestershire Infertile Males Project but he ends up at The Bricklayer's Arms looking at pictures of elephants with Jan.
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2010.
As a town prepares for its talent night, Mary gets a shock and Jonathan gets side-tracked. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 01 | 01 | 20100616 | 20130725 (R4) | Clever, funny and touching series about a small town in the middle of Northamptonshire as it prepares for a talent night.
Sheila Hancock heads a stunning cast including Mackenzie Crook, Penelope Wilton, Felicity Montagu and Kevin Eldon.
Written by and also starring Katherine Jakeways.
Get to know the local supermarket manager who shares rather more than is usual about his private life over the store's tannoy system. Recently divorced Jan has been trying unsuccessfully to 'find herself' with a trip abroad to an elephant sanctuary. But it is at home in Wadenbrook that she starts to feel happier with herself as her friendship blossoms with ex-teacher Mary. And, joy of joys, could it be that Jan is going to experience a touch of romance at last?
Meet driving instructor and forthright self-defence teacher Esther and her gentle and put-upon Jonathan as they struggle to start a family and we meet possibly the only happy couple in town, Ken and Keith, as they attempt to teach their pet whippets to dance for the town talent night.
In this opening episode, Mary starts rehearsals for the town talent night and is shocked by 12 year old Gregory's slide show of Victorian ladies.
Meanwhile Esther sends her husband Jonathan out to collect money for the Leicestershire Infertile Males Project but he ends up at The Bricklayer's Arms looking at pictures of elephants with Jan.
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Claire Jones
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2010.
As a town prepares for its talent night, Mary gets a shock and Jonathan gets side-tracked. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | |
| 01 | 02 | 20100623 | Clever, funny and touching series about a small town in the middle of Northamptonshire as it prepares for a talent night.
Sheila Hancock heads a stunning cast including Mackenzie Crook, Penelope Wilton, Felicity Montagu and Kevin Eldon.
Written by and also starring Katherine Jakeways
Rehearsals for the town talent night are well underway, with some of the worst acts ever seen on stage.
Recently divorced Jan has a surprise visit from neighbour and ex-teacher Mary and finds they have more than an untidy hedge in common.
Jan's ex, Frank, thinks his new love Angela may be eating too many peanuts.
Esther knocks Jan to the floor in her self-defence class but wait - could this be Jonathan coming to Jan's rescue?
And meanwhile supermarket manager Rod (Mackenzie Crook) gets trapped in an upturned shopping trolley.
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Claire Jones.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2010.
As talent night rehearsals grind on, peanuts and a trolley challenge some town residents. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 01 | 02 | 20100623 | 20130801 (R4) | Clever, funny and touching series about a small town in the middle of Northamptonshire as it prepares for a talent night.
Sheila Hancock heads a stunning cast including Mackenzie Crook, Penelope Wilton, Felicity Montagu and Kevin Eldon.
Written by and also starring Katherine Jakeways
Rehearsals for the town talent night are well underway, with some of the worst acts ever seen on stage.
Recently divorced Jan has a surprise visit from neighbour and ex-teacher Mary and finds they have more than an untidy hedge in common.
Jan's ex, Frank, thinks his new love Angela may be eating too many peanuts.
Esther knocks Jan to the floor in her self-defence class but wait - could this be Jonathan coming to Jan's rescue?
And meanwhile supermarket manager Rod (Mackenzie Crook) gets trapped in an upturned shopping trolley.
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Claire Jones.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2010.
As talent night rehearsals grind on, peanuts and a trolley challenge some town residents. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | |
| 01 | 03 | 20100630 | Clever, funny and touching series about a small town in the middle of Northamptonshire as it prepares for a talent night.
Sheila Hancock heads a stunning cast including Mackenzie Crook, Penelope Wilton, Felicity Montagu and Kevin Eldon.
Written by and also starring Katherine Jakeways.
Recently divorced Jan gets two compliments in one day. Meanwhile her ex husband Frank performs the most embarrassing version of Je T'Aime ever heard, with his new love, Angela.
Across town Rod the local supermarket manager is still sharing rather more than is usual about his private life over the store's tannoy system.
Could he be getting closer to Tanya on till 4?
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Claire Jones.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2010.
Jan gets complimented, as her ex-husband Frank sings a song, and supermarket revelations. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 01 | 03 | 20100630 | 20130808 (R4) | Clever, funny and touching series about a small town in the middle of Northamptonshire as it prepares for a talent night.
Sheila Hancock heads a stunning cast including Mackenzie Crook, Penelope Wilton, Felicity Montagu and Kevin Eldon.
Written by and also starring Katherine Jakeways.
Recently divorced Jan gets two compliments in one day. Meanwhile her ex husband Frank performs the most embarrassing version of Je T'Aime ever heard, with his new love, Angela.
Across town Rod the local supermarket manager is still sharing rather more than is usual about his private life over the store's tannoy system.
Could he be getting closer to Tanya on till 4?
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Claire Jones.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2010.
Jan gets complimented, as her ex-husband Frank sings a song, and supermarket revelations. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | |
| 01 | 04 | 20100707 | Clever, funny and touching series about a small town in the middle of Northamptonshire as it prepares for a talent night.
Sheila Hancock heads a stunning cast including Mackenzie Crook, Penelope Wilton, Felicity Montagu and Kevin Eldon.
Written by and also starring Katherine Jakeways.
It's Town Talent Night at last and Ken and Keith are busy fine-tuning their pet whippets' dance routine.
Everyone nervously awaits the arrival of the celebrity judge Lady Ballantyne who is unfortunately in the spotlight for being the most recent Royal racist.
Jan does her last minute preparations for her trip to Australia. Will she be going alone or could she possibly dare to dream that Jonathan might join her at the last minute?
And finally supermarket manager Rod gets to take Tanya from till 4 on a date. The true measure of success will be how many packets of scampi fries they consume. Will it be just the one? Or perhaps too many to count?
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Claire Jones.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2010.
Can Ken and Keith's whippets win talent night? Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 01 | 04 | 20100707 | 20130829 (R4) | Clever, funny and touching series about a small town in the middle of Northamptonshire as it prepares for a talent night.
Sheila Hancock heads a stunning cast including Mackenzie Crook, Penelope Wilton, Felicity Montagu and Kevin Eldon.
Written by and also starring Katherine Jakeways.
It's Town Talent Night at last and Ken and Keith are busy fine-tuning their pet whippets' dance routine.
Everyone nervously awaits the arrival of the celebrity judge Lady Ballantyne who is unfortunately in the spotlight for being the most recent Royal racist.
Jan does her last minute preparations for her trip to Australia. Will she be going alone or could she possibly dare to dream that Jonathan might join her at the last minute?
And finally supermarket manager Rod gets to take Tanya from till 4 on a date. The true measure of success will be how many packets of scampi fries they consume. Will it be just the one? Or perhaps too many to count?
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Claire Jones.
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2010.
Can Ken and Keith's whippets win talent night? Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | |
| 02 | 01 | 20111202 | As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys.
Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians.
Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each with envious eyes. Now Katherine Jakeways is giving Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, benevolently, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.
Geoffrey Palmer joins the same incredible cast from the first series - including Sheila Hancock as the Narrator, Penelope Wilton, Mackenzie Crook, Felicity Montagu and Kevin Eldon.
Wadenbrook is a small market town in a corner of Northamptonshire, and will be familiar to anyone who has ever lived anywhere. This year, its residents are building up to a Dickensian Festival weekend, so expect mob caps, cravats and shawls which are usually used as cat-blankets.
Written by and also starring Katherine Jakeways.
Keith ...... John Biggins
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
Residents of the market town of Wadenbrook are preparing for the Dickensian Festival. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 02 | 01 | 20111202 | 20220910 (R4) | As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys.
Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians.
Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each with envious eyes. Now Katherine Jakeways is giving Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, benevolently, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.
Geoffrey Palmer joins the same incredible cast from the first series - including Sheila Hancock as the Narrator, Penelope Wilton, Mackenzie Crook, Felicity Montagu and Kevin Eldon.
Wadenbrook is a small market town in a corner of Northamptonshire, and will be familiar to anyone who has ever lived anywhere. This year, its residents are building up to a Dickensian Festival weekend, so expect mob caps, cravats and shawls which are usually used as cat-blankets.
Written by and also starring Katherine Jakeways.
Keith ...... John Biggins
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
Residents of the market town of Wadenbrook are preparing for the Dickensian Festival. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | |
| 02 | 02 | 20111209 | Jan has Helen back at home, but is it what she really wants?
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of Wadenbrook - a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways
Keith ...... John Biggins
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
Jan has Helen back at home, but is it what she really wants? Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 02 | 02 | 20111209 | 20220919 (R4) | Jan has Helen back at home, but is it what she really wants?
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of Wadenbrook - a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways
Keith ...... John Biggins
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
Jan has Helen back at home, but is it what she really wants? Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | |
| 02 | 03 | 20111216 | A visiting choir sets hearts aflutter amongst the ladies of Wadenbrook, while Mary's dad, Norman, has an adventure of his own.
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
Keith ...... John Biggins
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
A visiting choir sets hearts aflutter among the ladies of Wadenbrook. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 02 | 04 | 20111223 | Esther has a big question to ask Ken and Keith, while on the horizon, storm clouds gather...
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
Keith ...... John Biggins
Producer: Victoria Lloyd
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2011.
A storm is gathering in the town, and Esther has a big question for Ken and Keith. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 02 | 05 | 20120106 | The dawn of the Dickensian festival brings chaos to Wadenbrook, and Angela has something to tell Frank. Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire. Written by Katherine Jakeways. John Biggins................................Keith Mackenzie Crook...........................Rod Kevin Eldon...................Jonathan / Ken Shelia Hancock....................... Narrator Jessica Henwick...........................Helen Katherine Jakeways........ Esther / Jacqui Felicity Montagu..............................Jan Geoffrey Palmer........................Norman Lizzie Roper..............................Angela Penelope Wilton............................Mary Rufus Wright................................Frank Producer: Victoria Lloyd First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2012. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 02 | 06 | 20120113 | Norman may have stopped the parade, but the festival must go on. Meanwhile Helen has news for Jan and Frank, and love blossoms for a most unlikely couple. Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire. Written by Katherine Jakeways. John Biggins................................Keith Mackenzie Crook...........................Rod Kevin Eldon...................Jonathan / Ken Shelia Hancock....................... Narrator Jessica Henwick...........................Helen Katherine Jakeways........ Esther / Jacqui Felicity Montagu..............................Jan Geoffrey Palmer........................Norman Lizzie Roper..............................Angela Penelope Wilton............................Mary Rufus Wright................................Frank Producer: Victoria Lloyd First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2012. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 03 | 01 | 20131223 | Relationships have come and gone but life continues in Wadenbrook and Ken and Keith have a birthday to celebrate.
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys.
Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians. Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each enviously.
Katherine Jakeways gives Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, eagerly, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
Life continues in Wadenbrook, and Ken and Keith have a birthday to celebrate. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 03 | 02 | 20131230 | Against her better judgement, Jan has dinner with her ex-husband, and Mary and Jonathan have crossed wires.
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys.
Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians. Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each enviously.
Katherine Jakeways gives Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, eagerly, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in December 2013.
Against her better judgement, Jan has dinner with her ex-husband. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 03 | 03 | 20140106 | Visitors are expected in Wadenbrook, and a revelation is long overdue.
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys. Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians. Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each enviously.
Katherine Jakeways gives Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, eagerly, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
Visitors are expected in Wadenbrook, and a revelation is long overdue. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 03 | 04 | 20140113 | Waiting in for a delivery tests the patience of even the most well meaning of daughters.
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys. Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians. Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each enviously.
Katherine Jakeways gives Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, eagerly, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
Waiting in for a delivery tests the patience of even the most well meaning of daughters. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 03 | 05 | 20140120 | It's Jan's birthday and she's determined to do something unexpected.
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys. Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians. Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each enviously.
Katherine Jakeways gives Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, eagerly, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.
The Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
.
It is Jan's birthday, and she is determined to do something unexpected. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire | ||
| 03 | 06 | 20140127 | A funeral focuses everyone's mind in Wadenbrook.
Sheila Hancock narrates the bittersweet adventures of the residents of a small town in Northamptonshire.
Written by Katherine Jakeways.
As is well-known: Yorkshiremen wear flat caps and Essex girls wear short skirts; Liverpudlians are scallies and Cockneys are wideboys. Northamptonians gaze wistfully at these stereotypes and wish for an identity of any kind and a label less ridiculous than Northamptonians. Northamptonshire, let us be clear, is neither north, nor south nor in the Midlands. It floats somewhere between the three eyeing up the distinctiveness of each enviously.
Katherine Jakeways gives Northamptonshire an identity. And she waits, eagerly, for her home-county to thank her. And possibly make her some kind of Mayor.
Narrator ...... Sheila Hancock
Producer: Steven Canny
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2014.
A funeral focuses everyone's mind in Wadenbrook. Comedy by Katherine Jakeways about the inhabitants of a small town in Northamptonshire |