Spread A Little Happiness
Sitcom about a sandwich shop in East Yorkshire run by two ladies trying to introduce designer sandwiches to the locals
- Genres
- Comedy Drama, Sitcom
- Broadcast
- 2009 - 2011
- Channel
- BBC Radio 4
- Episodes
- 12 (2 series)
- Starring
- Nicola Duffett, Debra Stephenson, Suranne Jones, Susan Cookson, Neil Dudgeon, Elizabeth Godber, Ralph Brown, Joanne Frogatt and others
- Writers
- John Godber and Jane Thornton
- Producer
- Chris Wallis
Sitcom about a newly divorced woman helping her old schoolfriend with her new project, bringing designer sandwiches to the hinterland of Hull. But Hull seems more interested in bumper breakfast baps than smoked salmon bagels.
Hope and Jodie are understandably nervous as they open their new sandwich shop. As they arrive for their first day, they hope to spread a little happiness to their customers - something they could both do with a bit more of themselves too actually.
It's clear that Hope is rather at sea with this new venture, as it's the first time she has had a proper job. Recently split from her successful businessman husband, Gavin, and waiting for the divorce settlement, Hope ends up sleeping on an airbed in the spare bedroom at Jodie's house.
Hope and Jodie are the 'Thelma and Louise' of the sandwich world and have known each other since school, but Jodie is a workaholic and Hope an alcoholic. The duo discuss the detailed differences between a bap, a stottie cake and a bread bun - not to mention a fish cake and a turnover.
In Series 2, Jodie has to go to Portugal in a hurry, leaving Hope to hold the fort. So the arrival of Hope's cousin Maria, from Dagenham is a bonus, until she starts bringing her southern ideas to a northern makeover, and her advice to Hope's relationship with ex-husband Gavin.
Jodie's husband Dave is none too pleased with the makeover either, but comes round when Hope and Maria agree to look after his Mam while he plumbs in toilets in Goole.
Other characters include passionate roadmender Ray, triumphant divorcee and anxious would-be poet Jenny, posh restaurant reviewer Anita and Hope's moody teenage daughter Carrie.
- Production company
- Soundtrack
- The theme tune is sung by Suranne Jones.
- Laugh track
- None
Broadcast details
- First broadcast
- Wednesday 27th May 2009 on BBC Radio 4 at 11:30am
- Last new broadcast
- Friday 8th April 2011 on BBC Radio 4 at 11:30am
- Length of episodes
- 30 minutes
- Last repeat
- Wednesday 11th March 2015 at 9:30am on Radio 4 Extra