Ladies Of Letters. Image shows from L to R: Vera Small (Anne Reid), Irene Spencer (Maureen Lipman). Copyright: Tiger Aspect Productions
Ladies Of Letters

Ladies Of Letters

  • TV comedy drama / sitcom
  • ITV3
  • 2009 - 2010
  • 20 episodes (2 series)

Comedy drama about two warring widows. Based on the books and BBC Radio 4 series of the same name. Stars Maureen Lipman, Anne Reid, Morag Siller, Daniel Crowder, Paul Chahidi and more.

  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 5,163

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Series 1, Episode 8

Vera organises a prison production of Les Mis. Meanwhile Irene is being driven to distraction by Howard's childishness and Karen's irresponsible behaviour.

Further details

At Sheepdippers Shed, Irene is being driven to distraction by Howard's childishness and Karen's irresponsible behaviour (she's neglecting her new born baby Sabrina, and is out clubbing every night).

On the prison ship, Vera has found peace and contentment - and is looking forward to 15 years of analysis with the prison psychiatrist. But Howard is suffering without her - all his hair has fallen out. He tries a succession of exciting hats & wigs: the Kathy Kirby look is particular triumph.

The 'Free Vera Small' fund-raiser goes well. Posh and Becks fail to show, but local journalist Nigel Norris (a particular close friend of Howie's) brings along snooker champion Les Spatchcock. Irene appears to get on very well with him. Obstinately, Vera insists she's rather stay in prison, where she has started a literacy programme. Compared to life outside, life "inside" is full of interest. Vera is organising a production of Les Mis with her cell mates.

Irene - exhausted by life at Sheepdippers moves to Vera's old house, evicting squatters drawn by the Vera's reputation as an OAP drugs baron, and tacking the wilderness of mint with a flamethrower. But there's grim news. The local authority is threatening to build a bypass right through Vera's back garden. What with one thing and another it might be best if she DOES stay in prison. At last Vera is motivated to come out.

Broadcast details

Date
Tuesday 24th March 2009
Time
10pm
Channel
ITV3
Length
30 minutes

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Wednesday 25th March 2009 9:00pm ITV3
Sunday 29th March 2009 11:30pm ITV3
Thursday 23rd July 2009 8:30pm ITV3
Wednesday 24th March 2010 11:35pm ITV3
Thursday 19th August 2021 10:30pm ITV3
Tuesday 14th December 2021 11:30pm ITV3
Wednesday 14th December 2022 1:45am ITV3
Monday 17th April 2023 12:45am ITV3

Cast & crew

Cast
Maureen Lipman Irene Spencer
Anne Reid Vera Small
Morag Siller Karen
Daniel Crowder Howard
Paul Chahidi Anthony
Natasha Redhead Beefy
Guest cast
Sapphire Casebourne Sabrina
Writing team
Lou Wakefield Writer
Carole Hayman Writer
Production team
John Henderson Director
Geoffrey Perkins Producer
Matthew Francis (as Francis Matthews) Producer
Sophie Clarke-Jervoise Executive Producer
Carole Hayman Associate Producer
Lou Wakefield Associate Producer
Philippa Catt Line Producer
David Yardley Editor
Heather Gibson Production Designer
Kate Day Casting Director
Aideen Morgan Costume Designer
John Ignatius Director of Photography
Jane Walker Make-up Designer
Mark Thomas Composer
Robert Fabbri 1st Assistant Director

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