Thought you'd like to know about a lovely radio job I did recently, to be broadcast on December 22nd on BBC Radio 4.

My old friend Mark (League of Gentlemen) Gatiss wrote a good, funny part for me to play alongside a stellar cast. The BBC press release (below) fails to mention me for some strange reason - my obscurity probably. But I have a great part and I was delighted that all my scenes were with the brilliant Julia Davis, whose BBC4 series Nighty Night was one of the funniest, cleverest things I have seen on tv in years. I also had scenes with that man who plays Dr. Who, and I am happy to report that he was not only superb in the role but very, very nice to work with. Oh, if only jobs like this came along every week. One grabs them when they do and makes the bloody most of them!

Hope you enjoy. You should be able to hear it on the BBC website after the initial broadcast, if you miss it.


The Wooden Overcoat
Saturday 22 December
2.30-3.30pm BBC RADIO 4

David Tennant and Julia Davis star in this macabre and hilarious drama set in London in 1951 and dramatised by Mark Gatiss. Benji has murdered his mistress and, much to his surprise, he has got away with it.

At a loss as to what to do after his acquittal, Benji discovers the Asterisk Club, founded by Clifford Flush. The Club is for those who have strayed beyond the pale, but not paid the ultimate price. To join, qualified prospective members must name the Club as the beneficiary of their will to enjoy its comforts and unique benefits.

However, with the Club full, Benji finds himself lodging in a rat-infested house next door with a young bohemian couple, Fan and Peter. Retired rat catcher Mr Alfred L Beesum arrives but, suddenly, Benji is found dead.

Set in the pre-chic Chelsea of rat-infested boarding houses and tattered ration books, The Wooden Overcoat stars Tom Allen as Benji, Julia Davis as Fan, David Tennant as Peter and Alan David as Mr Beesum.

Producer/Kate McAll