Mucking In. Image shows from L to R: Archie (Tony Gardner), Beatrix (Morwenna Banks), Cicely (Alison Steadman), Ben (Nigel Planer)

Key details

Genre
Sitcom
Broadcast
2022
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Episodes
6 (1 series)
Stars
Alison Steadman, Nigel Planer, Morwenna Banks and Tony Gardner
Writers
Sue Limb and Betsy Vriend
Producers
Clive Brill and Jamie Rix
Company

Organic farmer Ben and his musician wife Cicely run Dangerfield Farm in Gloucestershire - but they're not getting any younger and are feeling the strain of such a demanding occupation. Their daughter Beatrix turns up unexpectedly, fleeing from London after a bust-up with her husband Archie, with whom she runs a children's party company. She won't say much about the split and regresses into childish and disruptive behaviour. Archie, who is adored by his in-laws, turns up regularly with new ideas to try and woo Beatrix back. He always fails - yet inadvertently manages to fix the household's dilemmas.

An escape to the country and a jaunt though the eternal agonies of love and the complexities of family life. The seasonal rhythms and tasks of farming life give structure and atmosphere to a story about a family adapting to the return of an adult child in crisis.

Catch-up

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Friday 22nd July 2022 at 11:30am on BBC Radio 4

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