Bleak Expectations. Image shows from L to R: Hardthrasher (Geoffrey Whitehead), Aunt Lily (Celia Imrie), Young Pip (Tom Allen), Mr Gently Benevolent (Anthony Head), Sir Philip Bin (Richard Johnson), Harry Biscuit (James Bachman). Copyright: BBC
Bleak Expectations
- Radio sitcom
- BBC Radio 4
- 2007 - 2012
- 30 episodes (5 series)
Radio comedy following the adventures of Pip Bin as he struggles against the cruel plotting of his evil guardian Mr Gently Benevolent. Stars Tom Allen, Anthony Head, Richard Johnson, James Bachman, Susy Kane and more.
Episode menu
Series 4, Episode 3 - A Wretched Life Made Much Much Sadder
After an embarrassing disaster involving a bridge and a train full of puppies and orphans, Pip and Harry travel to America on the SS Massive Britain.
Further details
After an embarrassing disaster involving a bridge and a train full of puppies and orphans, Pip and Harry travel to America where Pip begins a reading tour. But all is not as it seems and Mister Benevolent lures our hero into a gunfight at the "All Right I Suppose Corral"
Broadcast details
- Date
- Thursday 25th November 2010
- Time
- 6:30pm
- Channel
- BBC Radio 4
- Length
- 30 minutes
Repeats
Show past repeats
| Date | Time | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 6th August 2012 | 11:30am | Radio 4 |
| Monday 4th February 2013 | 9:00am | Radio 4 Extra |
| Tuesday 5th February 2013 | 2:00am | Radio 4 Extra |
| Sunday 10th February 2013 | 7:30am | Radio 4 Extra |
| Sunday 10th February 2013 | 10:00pm | Radio 4 Extra |
| Tuesday 23rd September 2014 | 11:00pm | Radio 4 Extra |
| Tuesday 12th April 2016 | 10:30pm | Radio 4 Extra |
| Thursday 14th June 2018 | 11:30pm | Radio 4 Extra |
| Monday 24th February 2020 | 10:30pm | Radio 4 Extra |
| Wednesday 10th November 2021 | 11:00pm | Radio 4 Extra |
| Friday 19th May 2023 | 9:30am | Radio 4 Extra |
| Friday 19th May 2023 | 2:30pm | Radio 4 Extra |
| Friday 19th May 2023 | 7:30pm | Radio 4 Extra |
| Saturday 20th May 2023 | 5:30am | Radio 4 Extra |
Cast & crew
| Tom Allen | Young Pip |
| Anthony Head | Mr Gently Benevolent |
| Richard Johnson | Sir Philip Bin |
| James Bachman | Harry Biscuit |
| Susy Kane | Pippa Bin |
| Sarah Hadland | Lily |
| Anthony Head | Sourquill |
| James Bachman | Servewell |
| Geoffrey Whitehead | Grimpunch |
| Sarah Hadland | Ripely |
| Mark Evans | Ensemble Actor |
| Mark Evans | Writer |
| Gareth Edwards | Producer |