Join Anthony Head, Celia Imrie, Richard Johnson and Geoffrey Whitehead in this gloriously daft Victorian romp in the style of Charles Dickens after too much gin. First performed on the British Broadcasting Club's Radio 4 Gasp at the evil Mr Gently Benevolent, played by Mr Anthony Head! Weep at the trials of our young hero Pip Bin, played by Master Tom Allen! Be moved to joy and sorrow by the remarkable narration of Mr Richard Johnson! Swoon at the fragile beauty of Pip's poor Mama, played by Miss Celia Imrie! Wonder at the thespian prowess of Mr Geoffrey Whitehead as six different siblings!Follow the remarkable adventures of young Pip Bin as he struggles to rescue himself and his sisters from the schemes of his evil and badly-named guardian Mr Gently Benevolent, and the blood-curdling Hardthrasher family. Immerse yourself in a timeless epic featuring terrifying schools, even worse prisons, disguises, court-cases, shipwrecks, underwater squirrels and swash-buckling long-lost aunts. Revel in the many fine quips, characters and scenarios in these six magnificent episodes written by Mr. Mark Evans and produced by Mr.

Gareth Edwards, previously renowned for their craftsmanship on the works of Messrs. Mitchell and Webb. 'A joy!' - "The Times". 'We are amused' - "The Independent".

2008-05-06 Yes, but, no but

Sorry to voice a note of slight discontent..but.... although this is a very vibrant, well acted, fast firing parody of Dickensian childhood tales (mostly Great Expectations and David Copperfield)... I felt it lacked a little in staying power. Yes, when I first heard it, driving to B+Q, I actually stayed listening to it in the carpark until it had finished (mostly with jaw dramatically dropped). Then I promptly missed most of the following weeks so I was really looking forward to catching up.

There isn't much actual story. I mislabled it on itunes in my haste to listen to it while gardening. The first time through I didn't actually notice that it was out of order until 5 episodes in! The plot was that loose.

Yes, the totally self absorbed Miss Flora Dies-Early and the ravaging underwater squirrels are very delightful creations. However compared to the other great Radio 4 historical pastiches such as The Wordsmiths of Gorsemere and the Christopher Marlowe Mysteries, there seemed to be little background research to the enterprise. Once you get past the jokes, there is very little to keep you amused the second time through.