Maureen & Friends

Synopsis

Two series of Maureen Lipman's monologues and musings, plus four comedy dramas written especially for her'Marvellous' Daily TelegraphAward-winning actress and comedian Maureen Lipman has been entertaining audiences for over half a century. Her career has encompassed film, theatre, TV and radio; she has written several bestselling autobiographies; and in 2020 she was made a Dame in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. In this sparkling collection, the irrepressible 'Queen of Coronation Street' takes to the airwaves with her hilarious monologues, diverting duologues and amusing anecdotes - all recorded in front of a live audience. Also included are four comedy dramas showcasing her manifold talents.Maureen & Friends finds her following in the footsteps of the late, great Joyce Grenfell as she brings her own incisive wit to the monologue tradition. Series 1 finds her riffing on topics as diverse as Jane Austen, pesky rodents, stroppy teenagers, Balkan windscreen-washers and life in the Covid era; while in Series 2 she is joined by fellow actor Oliver Cotton to give life and opinions to a variety of comic characters, both human and animal - from a crossword whiz to a Canada goose.In A Month of Maureen, she stars in four comedy dramas specially scripted for her:Three Journeys tells the poignant, funny tale of a mother and son. Five Lessons is a delightful comedy about a pianist and his pupil. Dead Rellies centres around a revelatory trip to a Jewish cemetery. Theodora Potts: Victorian Psychic is a surreal comedy-drama featuring a medium with a secret, who's about to meet her match.Among Maureen Lipman's co-stars are Jasper Britton, Julian Rhind-Tutt, George Layton and Tracy-Ann Oberman.CreditsMaureen & FriendsWritten and performed by Maureen Lipman with Oliver CottonProduced by David Hunter and Tracey NealeFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 December 2019-3 January 2020 (Series 1) and 16-23 March 2022 (Series 2)A Month of MaureenProduced and directed by Marion NancarrowFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6-27 November 2017Three JourneysMolly - Maureen LipmanPaul - Jasper BrittonWritten by Gary BrownFive LessonsPW - Maureen LipmanConrad - Julian Rhind-TuttWritten by Marcy KahanPianist Peter RingroseDead RelliesFay - Maureen LipmanAlan - George LaytonCynthia - Julie TealWritten by Gary BrownTheodora Potts: Victorian PsychicTheodora Potts - Maureen LipmanSioux Sioux - Tracy-Ann ObermanAdolphus/Dr von Ubermench - Neil McCaulCountess - Ellie DarvillThe Earl - Clive HaywardMr Brown - Rupert Holliday EvansClemmie - Abbie AndrewsMr Soames - Gary DuncanWoman with birthmark - Isabella InchbaldWritten by Tracy-Ann Oberman and Ivor Baddiel© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd