Thrush Green

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 Read Dramatised by Lesley Bruce Directed by Clare Grove and Marylin Imrie Doctor Lovell - Adam Godley Dotty Harmer - Anna Massey Ella Bembridge - Maggie McCarthy Dimity Dean - Janet Maw Dr Bailey - Terence Edmond Mrs Bailey - Marlene Sidaway Miss Fogerty - Marcia Warren Miss Watson - Linda Basset Charles Henstock - Ian Masters Harold Shoosmith - John Rowe Albert Piggott - Trevor Peacock Nelly Tiling - Annette Badland Mrs Butler - Ann Beach Mrs Cooke - Colleen Prendergast Willie/Mulloy - Paul Ritter PC - Ben Crowe Witness - Harry Myers Miss Potter - Tilly Gaunt Ray - Christopher Scott Mrs White/Kathleen - Jillie Meers Robert/Edward - Andrew Harrison First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24th May - 28th Jun 1999 Series 2 Written by Miss Read Dramatised by Nick Warburton Directed by Mary Peate and Marylin Imrie Charles Henstock - Ian Masters Ella Bembridge - Salina Cadwell Dimity Dean - Janet Maw Harold - Geoffrey Whitehead Phil - Teresa Gallagher Betty - June Barrie Frank - Andrew Harrison Anthony - Duncan Bell Isobel - Dinah Stabb Winnie - Marlene Sidaway Dr Lovell - Adam Godley Dotty Harmer - Anna Massey Albert Piggott - Trevor Peacock Nelly Tiling - Annette Badland Molly - Alison Pettit Ben - Tom George Willie - Paul Ritter Miss Potter - Tilly Gaunt Ray - Christopher Scott Mrs White/Kathleen - Jillie Meers Jenny - Rachel Atkins Percy - Geoffrey Greenhill First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3rd Apr - 8th May 2000 ©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd