麻豆约拍

Johnny Vegas and Katherine Parkinson play Mr and Mrs Pooter in Andrew Lynch's adaptation of the Grossmith brothers' comic novel of 1892.

The story is a social vignette of Charles, the self-important but highly likeable clerk, his loving wife Carrie and their son William (played by Andrew Gower).

Much of the action takes place in the house that the Pooters share with their maid Sarah...and the noisy sound of passing trains. The Laurels in Brickfield Terrace is frequently visited by colourful and amusing characters, not least Gowing and Cummings, Pooter's 'trusty' fair-weather friends.

This full dramatisation has a Victorian sit-com feel and stays true to the book - with a couple of twists of Lynch's own - capturing a kind of lower-middle-class aspiration that still has a tangible familiarity in 2012.

In Episode Two, Lupin's lifestyle upsets the measured balance of everyday life, Carrie hosts a seance with Mrs James, while Mr and Mrs Pooter dine with Franching in Peckham and meet a Mr Hardfur Huttle.

Cast:
Charles Pooter ....... Johnny Vegas
Carrie Pooter ....... Katherine Parkinson
William / Lupin ...... Andrew Gower
Sarah ....... Sinead Matthews
Cummings (and Horwin) ....... Adrian Scarborough
Gowing (and Borset) ....... Stephen Critchlow
Mrs James ....... Jo Neary
Hardfur Huttle ....... John Guerrasio
Murray Posh ........ Joe Ransom
Frank Mutlar ....... Adam Gillen
Lillie Girl / Daisy Mutlar ...... Sarah Sweeney

Other parts were played by members of the cast.

Adapted by Andrew Lynch, from the original by George and Weedon Grossmith.

Produced by Sally Harrison
Directed by Marilyn Imrie
A Woolyback Production for 麻豆约拍 Radio 4.