Kalangadog Junction. BBC RADIO DRAMA

A BBC Radio comedy drama about a 1950s couple from Manchester trying to make it Down Under.

Dr Thomas Barrett and his wife Jane have a perfectly nice existence in 1950s Manchester, but dreams of a new life won’t let them rest. Leaving the security of their home and a successful doctor’s practice, they set out for adventure, heading to Kalangadog Junction, a small Australian town of population fifty-nine that is so remote it’s not even on the map…

Setting up Down Under isn’t quite as simple as the duo thought it would be. A cast of colourful characters make for some interesting new neighbours, including Gaelene, an Olympic wannabe with dreams of a gold medal. When Thomas’s new practice doesn’t take off, he tries to drum up business by judging the local beautiful baby competition, but can he do it without causing offence? Whatever they try, things don’t quite go to plan, especially with the unexpected arrival of the mother-in-law and an ex-fiancé. Will the happy couple be able to keep their marriage on track when their shared dream isn’t turning out quite how they thought it would?

There’s a twist in this comedic tale of adventure, marriage and kangaroos that will have you crying ‘Crikey!’ louder than discovering a dingo playing the didgeridoo.

Jane - Caroline Quentin
Thomas - John Duttine
Jimmy - Niall Ashdown
Pete - Toby Longworth
Len - Brian Bowles
Madge - Joanna Monro
Milly - Julie Gibbs
Phoebe - June Whitfield
Gaelene - Moya O'Shea

Written by Moya O’Shea
Directed by Liz Anstee
Music by Bill Bailey
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1996

Episode 1 00:00
Episode 2 29:10
But his appointment as judge of the Beautiful Baby Contest risks offending his new Aussie neighbours.

Starring Caroline Quentin and John Duttine.

Comedy drama series by Moya O'Shea.

Jane .... Caroline Quentin
Thomas .... John Duttine
Jimmy .... Niall Ashdown
Pete .... Toby Longworth
Len .... Brian Bowles
Madge .... Joanna Monro
Milly .... Julie Gibbs
Phoebe .... June Whitfield
Gaelene .... Moya O'Shea

Episode 3 59:10
1956: It's a big week at Kalangadog Junction as everyone prepares to go to the movies.

And the Australian town witnesses a version of On the Waterfront unlike any other...

Starring Caroline Quentin and John Duttine.

Comedy drama series by Moya O'Shea.

Jane .... Caroline Quentin
Thomas .... John Duttine
Jimmy .... Niall Ashdown
Pete .... Toby Longworth
Len .... Brian Bowles
Madge .... Joanna Monro
Milly .... Julie Gibbs
Phoebe .... June Whitfield
Gaelene .... Moya O'Shea

Episode 4 1:29:00
Len takes over Gaelene's Olympic training schedule - a recipe for trouble with Madge.

Meanwhile, Thomas and Jane endeavour to find some time for romance.

Starring Caroline Quentin and John Duttine.

Comedy drama series by Moya O'Shea.

Jane .... Caroline Quentin
Thomas .... John Duttine
Jimmy .... Niall Ashdown
Pete .... Toby Longworth
Len .... Brian Bowles
Madge .... Joanna Monro
Milly .... Julie Gibbs
Phoebe .... June Whitfield

Episode 5 1:58:05
Jane is in turmoil when her mum and ex-fiance reappear.

But that's nothing compared to what's in store for Gaelene at her farewell barbecue.

Starring Caroline Quentin and John Duttine.

Comedy drama series by Moya O'Shea.

Jane .... Caroline Quentin
Thomas .... John Duttine
Jimmy .... Niall Ashdown
Pete .... Toby Longworth
Len .... Brian Bowles
Madge .... Joanna Monro
Milly .... Julie Gibbs
Phoebe .... June Whitfield
Gaelene .... Moya O'Shea

Episode 6 2:28:00
Will Jane be able to refuse a new proposal?

Will Gaelene's gold medal dreams come true?

Starring Caroline Quentin and John Duttine.

Conclusion of the comedy drama series written by Moya O'Shea.

Jane .... Caroline Quentin
Thomas .... John Duttine
Jimmy .... Niall Ashdown
Pete .... Toby Longworth
Len .... Brian Bowles
Madge .... Joanna Monro
Milly .... Julie Gibbs
Phoebe .... June Whitfield
Gaylene .... Moya O'Shea

Producer: Liz Anstee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 1996.

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