A Full-Cast BBC Radio Comedy Drama

Never Too Late

Vintage comedy drama starring Dame Thora Hird as straight-talking Hilda Springett, one very determined widow… 
 Treat yourself to this vintage sitcom from the 80’s, full of charm and humour starring the inimitable Dame Thora Hird as the strong-willed yet lovable Hilda Springett. This is a laugh-out-loud drama about the antics of a group of fun-loving pensioners making the most of life. Hilda believes everyone should have a purpose. However, she also believes her purpose is to make sure everyone else has one…In Series One, busy Hilda is organising a collection for her overseas charity whilst giving a pep talk to her pal Emily. On top of this, she’s making holiday plans and halting Social Services from sending Tommy to a care home. Meanwhile, man-mad Mildred's passions are aroused by the return of an old flame. Will the gang make it to Weston-super-Mare despite transport problems and will Tommy be able to keep Emily and Mildred’s surprise birthday plans a secret?“Old people should value the future - they've got less of it.” Hilda, Tommy, Mabel and Emily return in Series 2 with yet more hilarious adventures. Hilda is spurred into action when the council threatens to close Carson Street Day Centre and she is convinced a fancy dress sponsored fund-raiser will be a walk in the park. Meanwhile, Tommy gets an unusual offer knocking on a door while collecting for charity. Friends, fundraisers and fete dramas unfold in this charming listen, perfect for fans of As Time Goes By, The Thursday Murder Club and For Better or Worse.BAFTA winning actress Dame Thora Hird’s career spanned over 70 years. She appeared in film and on stage as well as in many television roles. She became a household name, and is perhaps best-known for her role of nearly two decades, as Edie Pegdenin in Last of the Summer Wine. Cast and creditsSeries 1 Written by Terry GregsonProduced by Edward TaylorHilda Springett - Thora Hird 
Mildred Emmett - Avis Bunnage 
Emily Holroyd - Megs Jenkins 
Tommy Preston - Joe GladwynDoctor Brown/Albert Pickles/The Vicar - Kenneth ConnorMabel - Pearl HackneyWith David Gooderson, Jon Glover, David Bradshawe, Martyn Read and Tom MennardFirst Broadcast BBC Radio 4, December - February 1980Series 2 Written by Terry GregsonProduced by Edward TaylorHilda Springett - Thora Hird 
Mildred Emmett - Avis Bunnage 
Emily Holroyd - Megs Jenkins 
Tommy Preston - Joe GladwynDoctor Brown - Kenneth ConnorGeorge/Sam the Butcher - John LiveseyMabel - Pearl HackneyBen Wilkinson - Lockwood WestWith John Graham, Henry Knowles, David Ryall, Barbara Miller, Michael Tudor Barnes and Katherine ParrFirst Broadcast BBC Radio 4, December - February 1981©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Terry Gregson

Rodney Bewes

Daphne Oxenford

Ann Bell

Paula Tildrook

Peter Wheeler

A BBC Radio Comedy

A young couple dream of moving to the Yorkshire Dales, with hilarious consequences 
 Listen now to this delightful comedy from the archive starring Rodney Bewes (The Likely Lads) as David Parkinson, a young husband and a man with big dreams of country life.David and his wife Helen decided to swap the frenzy of Croydon for the serenity of the Yorkshire countryside. They dream of the idyllic life up north, and there is also the opportunity to escape the dreaded mother-in-law back down south… Having left without a forwarding address the couple hope for some peace - but there are obstacles to overcome. When they finally reach their new secluded home, David’s dream of isolation is even more remote. There are teething problems with country life and the couple’s relationship is put to the test. A romantic reconciliation meal does not quite go as planned and it’s panic stations for Helen as her mother arrives unannounced. Can she keep her and David apart? Helen prepares to celebrate her mother's birthday and David has fears for their marriage. Things go from bad to worse when a visit is planned by his mother which is enough to drive Helen to get back on the job ladder.Recorded in front of a live audience in Manchester and packed with north vs south jokes, this is a must listen for fans of The Likely Lads and Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads?Cast and creditsWritten by Terry GregsonProduced by Ron McDonnellDavid Parkinson - Rodney Bewes Helen Parkinson - Ann Bell Mrs Henderson - Daphne Oxenford Mrs Arthur - Paula Tildrook Mr Sands - Peter Wheeler Mrs Wilshaw - Marlene SidawayFirst Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2nd February - 9th March 1981©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Terry Gregson

Books by Terry Gregson

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