Author:Michael Butt,Marcy Kahan,Nick Warburton,Jeremy Front,Gary Ogin,Prunella Scales,Roger Allam,Full Cast,Kenneth Cranham,Bill Nighy,Eleanor Bron,Philip Jackson,Rebecca Front,Indira Varma,Richard Coyle
Seven BBC full-cast romantic comedies about love, longing and life-changing moments
Written by a host of top radio writers and starring some of Britain's finest actors, these sparkling, beautifully crafted comedy dramas are centred around people with unconscious yearnings. From the serial seducer to the lonely mother's boy, each is looking for love - but will they find it?
Vongole by Michael Butt: Oxford professor Tristram Swann's favourite pastime is wooing his female students with Petrarch and pasta. But what is he really after? Starring Bill Nighy.
The Non-Entity by Marcy Kahan: Once a successful Soviet hack, Dimitri hasn't sold a story since the fall of Communism. So why has a British publisher flown out to Moscow to see him? Starring Kenneth Cranham, Eleanor Bron and Sylvestre Le Touzel.
Toad Squad by Nick Warburton: Bitter at being retired prematurely, Reg embarks on a mission to protect the humble toad. Starring Philip Jackson and Amanda Root.
The Anniversary Waltz by Jeremy Front: Deli owners Max and Shirley spend their days sniping at one another - but a sudden epiphany makes them realise things have got to change... Starring Prunella Scales, Roger Allam and Rebecca Front.
Catching Heathcliff by Nick Warburton: Lindsey dreams of someone brooding and passionate - and then Morton walks into her book group... Starring Philip Jackson and Amanda Root.
Battersea Triangle by Michael Butt: Passive Dougie is trapped in a relationship with his domineering boss, Angela. When he meets the docile India, his problems seem to be over - but are they just beginning? Starring Mark Benton, Christine Kavanagh and Indira Varma.
The Dangers of Self-Hypnosis by Gary Ogin: Having had no luck with speed-dating, Maurice turns to a self-hypnosis CD to find romance. Exploring his subconscious, he finds the beautiful Rachel... Starring Richard Coyle, Prunella Scales and Sophie Winkleman.
Produced and directed by Peter Kavanagh
Vongole
Tristram - Bill Nighy
Minnie - Emma Callander
Helen - Miranda Colchester
Freddie - Stephen Critchlow
Mamma/Judy - Carolyn Jones
Written by Michael Butt
The Non-Entity
Dmitri - Kenneth Cranham
Annoushka - Eleanor Bron
Claire - Sylvestra Le Touzel
Robert - Stephen Critchlow
Written by Marcy Kahan
Toad Squad
Reg - Philip Jackson
Bel - Amanda Root
Mr Topping - Jonathan Coy
Written by Nick Warburton
The Anniversary Waltz
Shirley - Prunella Scales
Max - Roger Allam
Roszinka - Rebecca Front
Girl - Rosie Fellner
Marcy - Liza Sadovy
Toastmaster/Old man - Bruce Purchase
Written by Jeremy Front
Catching Heathcliff
Graham - Philip Jackson
Lindsey - Amanda Root
Heathcliff/Morton - Mark Straker
Postman - Nick Warburton
Written by Nick Warburton
Battersea Triangle
Dougie - Mark Benton
India - Indira Varma
Angela - Christine Kavanagh
Fiona - Emily Rose Smith
Written by Michael Butt
The Dangers of Self-Hypnosis
Maurice - Richard Coyle
Mother - Prunella Scales
Rachel - Sophie Winkleman
Abigail - Christine Kavanagh
Hypnotist/Judge - Sam Dale
Daniel - Mark Straker
Written by Gary Ogin
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Tremendous fun, with a big heart and gorgeous locations to get lost in - it's the perfect uplifting Christmas read, unashamedly romantic and beautifully written. Emily is this year's Queen of Christmas!
—— Veronica HenryA spur-of-the-moment summer romance in Verona, a snowy Christmas in Dublin, a soundtrack of opera, jazz and Motown . . . For me, this is the perfect festive treat! I really enjoyed Emily Bell's believable, sympathetic characters and her sensitive and wise writing about friendship and bereavement which deliver richness and depth to a charming love story
—— Kate EberlenBaby It's Cold Outside captures the magic of Christmas in Dublin perfectly! A heartfelt and irresistibly romantic read to cosy up with over the festive season
—— Carmel HarringtonA refreshing romance filled with holiday spirit and second chances. The descriptions of Dublin at Christmas time alone will leave you longing for your very own trip . . .
—— Woman & HomeThe most perfect, festive, heartwarming read. Curl up in front of the Christmas tree and get lost in the magic
—— CloserWith gorgeous descriptions of a festive Dublin, this beautifully romantic tale is particularly evocative at this magical time of year
—— My WeeklyA great read that's not just for the holiday season. The descriptions will make you feel as though you're walking down Grafton Street with her
—— Belfast TelegraphCosy up with this fab festive read!
—— SunIncluded in 'Best Books'
—— WomanThis uplifting read is full of Christmas magic and perfectly captures the sparkly delights of Dublin in the festive season
—— My WeeklyTrisha Ashley delivers yet another Christmas cracker
—— My WeeklyThe pleasure of the novel lies in the tension between the familiar story of patriarchal injustice and a more complex investigation of supernatural belief and disbelief. It's a thrilling read. But, beyond the thrill, is the beauty of the language. Lancashire dialect and vocabulary are used to immense poetic affect, disarmingly evocative of time and place. The characters too, are well drawn and multi-faceted and its closure is both deeply satisfying and truly sad. A pleasure to read - with an undercurrent of genuine fear.
—— Annie Garthwaite, author of CECILYA gorgeous gothic novel ... sure to be loved by fans of The Essex Serpent and The Mercies ... Elizabeth Lee has conjured an engrossing tale of young love and a shattering story of the intolerance that reigned during the long shadow of the Witch Trials.
—— Northern Life MagazineElizabeth Lee's historical debut is a powerful tale of love, loyalty and prejudice.
—— CultureFlyRich and lyrical
—— HeatInventive.
—— BookmunchUtterly and completely wonderful: an intelligent, forensic portrait of a family. A thrillingly honest depiction of a long marriage and an unsentimental look at the lives of their four children, which also happens to be a hugely engaging, sometimes very funny, page-turner
—— Marian KeyesLiane Moriarty is back with another tour de force
—— GraziaAcutely observed and often poignant, this is a brilliant portrayal of a long marriage, warts and all. Just as compelling [as Big Little Lies] - the story of a family that appeared perfect but is unravelling at top speed
—— Sunday ExpressFull of realistic characters and sharp human insights
—— Good HousekeepingDeliciously dark . . . An utterly absorbing mystery that will hook you in
—— Real People[A] sharp and perceptive tale of ambition, pressure and family politics
—— Daily MailMoriarty is excellent - amusing and astute - on the small indignities that make up a marriage, a family and a life . . . Possesses the insight and warmth that Moriarty brings to all her books
—— GuardianThe latest book from one of your favourite authors
—— PrimaThrilling, a masterclass
—— SunClever & relatable . . . Explores sibling bonds, parental relationships & how events can change your future forever
—— Woman & HomeA real pleasure to read
—— Daily MailWith heart, humour and a killer plot - this is another smash hit read
—— BestThe perfect mix of edge-of-your-seat plotting, well-crafted characters and a satisfying ending
—— Good HousekeepingA deliciously dark tense mystery drama
—— Good HousekeepingThrilling
—— GraziaThis will keep you guessing until the end
—— RedIf you love a good mystery with deep emotion at its heart, this is the novel for you
—— Living NorthIngenious . . . This is one book you can't miss out on. Moriarty has an extraordinary talent. Thrilling
—— Female FirstThere is not a word wasted. I could not put it down
—— Today UK NewsThe ending is witty and satisfying, but comes with a dark twist. Apples Never Fall is another enjoyable offering full of intrigue, suspense and surprises, sure to delight
—— Press AssociationPraise for Liane Moriarty
—— -Wise, honest, beautifully observed. One of the few writers I'll drop anything for
—— Jojo MoyesStaggeringly brilliant, literally unputdownable
—— Sophie HannahKeeps you guessing until the very end - perfect summer read
—— Reese WitherspoonMoriarty writes vividly, wittily and wickedly
—— Sunday ExpressStraight-from-life characters, knife-sharp insight and almost unbearable suspense will have you racing through it
—— Good HousekeepingAs brilliantly accomplished as it is dark, twisty and compulsive
—— HeatA hell of a good book. Funny and scary
—— Stephen KingRiveting drama packed with suspense and secrets
—— Woman & HomeLike drinking a pink Cosmo laced with arsenic . . . a fun, engaging and sometimes disturbing read
—— USA TodayPerfect
—— HelloFascinating and compassionate
—— Daily TelegraphI loved every line of it
—— Louise CandlishFunny and captivating
—— CloserA cracking story cleverly told
—— Fabulous