The Babysitting Circle

All six episodes of the sharp-edged sitcom set around an unconventional babysitting club, first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 as The Circle . Wheeler-dealer snooker club owner Geoff Bryant and his wife Jenny have recently moved onto a new estate in Whittleshulme, Cheshire. Described in the brochure as an 'exclusive village development', it's squarely aimed at yuppies, the nouveau-riche and high-fliers. The trouble is, there are no local teenagers to babysit, leaving the residents to juggle careers and kids as best they can. So when local bigwig Julian Percival sets up a babysitting circle, it seems like the ideal solution. Not only does it present an opportunity for Geoff (who has a sneaky ulterior motive for joining) but it's a lifeline for his neighbours, including frazzled doctor Tariq and hardworking headmistress Carla. But none of them have banked on naughty five-year-old Crystal, whose behaviour is so bad it's embarrassing. And when the group are faced with a childcare crisis, who will be left holding the baby? Written by prize-winning author Elizabeth Baines, this funny, feelgood comedy drama stars Sherrie Hewson, John McArdle, Jane Hazelgrove, Lyndam Gregory and Jonathon Morris . Production credits Written by Elizabeth Baines Directed by Andy Jordan Cast Jenny Bryant - Sherrie Hewson Geoff Bryant - John McArdle Trish Abbas - Jane Hazelgrove Tariq Abbas - Lyndam Gregory Julian Percival - Jonathon Morris Doug Lewis - Shaun Parkes Vanessa Percival - Melissa Sinden Emma - Tara Pendergast Hayley - Jane Cawdron Crystal - Holliday Grainger Benedict - Oliver Hamilton Jessica - Gemma Salusbury Carla McInnan - Maxine Burth Shaneela - Rina Mahoney Sammy - Anthony Hickling Tim (Teenager) - Ciaran Griffiths Elliot (News Boy) - Gregg Baines Edmund - Christopher Limond Mike Quigley - Andrew Whyment First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 April-3 June 1999 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd