The Circle

  • Radio sitcom
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 1999
  • 6 episodes (1 series)

Comedy about a group of babysitters. Stars Sherrie Hewson, John McArdle, Jane Hazlegrove, Shaun Parkes, Melissa Sinden and more.

The Babysitting Circle

All six episodes of the sharp-edged sitcom set around an unconventional babysitting club.

Wheeler-dealer snooker club owner Geoff Bryant and his wife Jenny have recently moved onto a new estate in Whittleshulme, Cheshire. Described in the brochure as an 'exclusive village development', it's squarely aimed at yuppies, the nouveau-riche and high-fliers. The trouble is, there are no local teenagers to babysit, leaving the residents to juggle careers and kids as best they can.

So when local bigwig Julian Percival sets up a babysitting circle, it seems like the ideal solution. Not only does it present an opportunity for Geoff (who has a sneaky ulterior motive for joining) but it's a lifeline for his neighbours, including frazzled doctor Tariq and hardworking headmistress Carla. But none of them have banked on naughty five-year-old Crystal, whose behaviour is so bad it's embarrassing. And when the group are faced with a childcare crisis, who will be left holding the baby?

First released: Thursday 25th January 2024

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