Synopsis
Wonderful comedy drama adapted from the beloved novels featuring an all-star cast Welcome to Thrush Green, a small and peaceful village in the Cotswolds, where everything and nothing happens. This wonderful, gentle comedy features and all-star cast including Adam Godley (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Anna Massey (Rebecca), Geoffrey Whitehead (Poirot) and Trevor Peacock (The Vicar of Dibley). Over two series we follow the highs and lows of village life in this 60s village.In series one, a young doctor comes to Thrush Green on the day of the spring fair and causes a stir. A host of unforgettable characters, from the school mistress to the church sexton, show that village life is far from quiet and challenges, secret love affairs, and even trials can make the seemingly most peaceful of villages teem with intrigue and delight. In the second series, we return to Thrush Green our familiar cast of characters is mixed with some new faces. When a young woman arrives in a red mini with her son in tow, confirmed bachelor Harold is smitten. The vicar is battling with not only a crumbling rectory but also an unexpected crisis and who will take care of Dotty Harmer’s animals when she is taken ill?Written in the 1960s by Dora Saint, under the pen name Miss Read, these charming stories are laced with gentle humour and subtle social commentary. If you are fan of Barbara Pym or E.M. Delafield, then this is the perfect listen for you. A treat from the archive not to be missed. Cast and credits Series 1 Written by Miss ReadDramatised by Lesley BruceDirected by Clare Grove and Marylin ImrieDoctor Lovell - Adam GodleyDotty Harmer - Anna Massey Ella Bembridge - Maggie McCarthyDimity Dean - Janet MawDr Bailey - Terence EdmondMrs Bailey - Marlene SidawayMiss Fogerty - Marcia WarrenMiss Watson - Linda BassetCharles Henstock - Ian MastersHarold Shoosmith - John RoweAlbert Piggott - Trevor PeacockNelly Tiling - Annette BadlandMrs Butler - Ann BeachMrs Cooke - Colleen PrendergastWillie/Mulloy - Paul Ritter PC - Ben CroweWitness - Harry MyersMiss Potter - Tilly GauntRay - Christopher ScottMrs White/Kathleen - Jillie MeersRobert/Edward - Andrew HarrisonFirst Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24th May - 28th Jun 1999 Series 2 Written by Miss ReadDramatised by Nick WarburtonDirected by Mary Peate and Marylin ImrieCharles Henstock - Ian MastersElla Bembridge - Salina CadwellDimity Dean - Janet MawHarold - Geoffrey WhiteheadPhil - Teresa GallagherBetty - June BarrieFrank - Andrew Harrison Anthony - Duncan BellIsobel - Dinah StabbWinnie - Marlene SidawayDr Lovell - Adam Godley Dotty Harmer - Anna MasseyAlbert Piggott - Trevor PeacockNelly Tiling - Annette BadlandMolly - Alison PettitBen - Tom GeorgeWillie - Paul Ritter Miss Potter - Tilly GauntRay - Christopher ScottMrs White/Kathleen - Jillie MeersJenny - Rachel AtkinsPercy - Geoffrey GreenhillFirst Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3rd Apr - 8th May 2000©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd