Mr Willow's Wife: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama

Empty nester Felicity Willow tries to rekindle her marriage with hilarious consequences

When her 13-year-old twins head off to boarding school, Felicity Willow decides it's time to reconnect with her husband, Paul. The years of childcare have taken their toll on the marriage and Felicity dives headfirst into trying to re-ignite that spark of love. Paul, somewhat bewildered by his wife's endeavours, gamely plays along with her efforts.

Hilarity ensues as Felicity devotes all her energies into the new project but as it turns out, recapturing romantic bliss isn't as easy as it sounds, and poor Felicity feels thwarted at every turn. The cost-of-living crisis means she might have to lose the twins' beloved nanny, and is there time to make plans with Paul when she feels she must give advice to their friends Diana and Dickie on the state of their marriage? What's more, Felicity decides to organise a fundraiser for single mothers by writing, directing, and starring in her own rhyming pantomime in the local church hall. Is there any time for love...?

When an unexpected cash windfall allows the couple to escape for a passionate weekend to Brighton, the riotous consequences are not exactly what Felicity had in mind. Mr and Mrs Willow must work against the odds if they are to fan the flames of their romance and rekindle a loving spark.

Recorded in front of a live audience for the BBC, this vintage production feels as fresh and funny as it did when it was first broadcast in 1971. Written by Ray Cooney and John Chapman, and starring Moria Lister and Terence Alexander with a cameo feature from national treasure Miriam Margolyes, this hilarious six-part series is perfect for fans of One Foot in the Grave and Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads.

Cast and credits
Written by Ray Cooney and John Chapman
Produced by David Hatch
Music by Bill McGuffie


Felicity Willow - Moira Lister
Paul Willow - Terence Alexander
Nanny - Doris Hare
Marigold Foskett - Jo Kendall
Madame Rondeberge - Miriam Margolyes
Diana Saunders - Alethea Charlton
Mrs Cadwalader - Judith Furse
Mary Flynn - Denise Coffey
Vicar - Richard Goolden
Mr Smith -Harold Bennett
The Boutique Owner/Wolfgang Schmidt/Motel Receptionist - Ray Cooney
Manager/Vicar/Garage Man/Mr Foskett - John Chapman

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, December 1971

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