Episode menu

Series 2, Episode 5 - The Theory and Practice of Hanky Panky

Unable to tell their sons about the facts of life, Henry and Vera ask their friends. But the Foxes do not like kids, the Goslings do not like each other, and Venus takes things to far.

Further details

Vera and Henry are undecided about whether it is time for their Eton-educated sons, Charlie and Fred, to be told the facts of life. Neither parent feels that they are sufficiently qualified to discuss the birds and bees with their sons, so they go in search of somebody who is. Ginny and Lionel, conveniently staying, are invited to contribute, but it soon becomes clear that they are urgently in need of sex education themselves.

The Goslings deliver conflicting opinions: Mrs Gosling is affronted by the very mention of the facts of life, whilst Gosling, dealing with pollination on a daily basis, would happily talk of nothing else all year.

Finally a willing educator is found. Venus, deeply broody for her first child, volunteers to rush down to Eton and enlighten Charlie and Fred over ginger beer and crumpets. Worried lest they should suddenly become grandparents before their time, Henry and Vera swiftly call a halt to the whole scheme and pack Venus off to climb Everest instead.

Broadcast details

Date
Wednesday 30th April 2014
Time
11:30am
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Length
30 minutes

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Tuesday 8th December 2015 6:30pm Radio 4
Tuesday 15th December 2015 7:30am Radio 4 Extra
Tuesday 15th December 2015 5:30pm Radio 4 Extra
Tuesday 15th December 2015 10:00pm Radio 4 Extra
Wednesday 16th December 2015 5:30am Radio 4 Extra
Sunday 20th August 2017 10:35pm Radio 4 Extra

Cast & crew

Cast
Miriam Margolyes Vera Sackcloth-Vest
Alison Steadman Ginny Fox
Morwenna Banks Venus Traduces
Jonathan Coy Henry Mickleton
Alison Steadman Mrs Gosling
Roger Lloyd Pack Gosling
Roger Lloyd Pack Lionel Fox
Writing team
Sue Limb Writer
Production team
Jamie Rix Director
Jamie Rix Producer
Clive Brill Executive Producer

Share this page