Thrush Green

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 (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), (Rebecca), (Poirot) and (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

Written by Miss Read

Dramatised by Lesley Bruce

Directed by Clare Grove and Marylin Imrie

Doctor Lovell -

Dotty Harmer -

Ella Bembridge -

Dimity Dean -

Dr Bailey -

Mrs Bailey -

Miss Fogerty -

Miss Watson -

Charles Henstock-

Harold Shoosmith -

Albert Piggott -

Nelly Tiling -

Mrs Butler -

Mrs Cooke -

Willie/Mulloy -

PC -

Witness -

Miss Potter -

Ray -

Mrs White/Kathleen -

Robert/Edward -

First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24th May - 28th Jun 1999

Written by Miss Read

Dramatised by Nick Warburton

Directed by Mary Peate and Marylin Imrie

Charles Henstock-

Ella Bembridge -

Dimity Dean -

Harold -

Phil -

Betty -

Frank -

Anthony -

Isobel -

Winnie -

Dr Lovell -

Dotty Harmer -

Albert Piggott -

Nelly Tiling -

Molly -

Ben -

Willie -

Miss Potter -

Ray -

Mrs White/Kathleen -

Jenny -

Percy -

First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3rd Apr - 8th May 2000

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