For Better or for Worse: The Complete Series 1-3 cover art

For Better or for Worse: The Complete Series 1-3

A BBC Radio Comedy Drama

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For Better or for Worse: The Complete Series 1-3

By: Vince Powell
Narrated by: full cast, Gorden Kaye, Su Pollard
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About this listen

All three series of the BBC radio comedy about the turbulent relationship of an odd couple.

Dithering undertaker's assistant Bernard Pringle has finally got engaged to his sweetheart, Iris Bickerdyke - but Iris still has to persuade her fiancé to buy her a ring. And goodness knows when he'll manage to get her down the aisle....

The course of their true love runs rather less than smooth in these 20 episodes, as a trip to the cinema turns into an off-screen disaster, Iris faces competition in the shape of new office secretary Crystabelle, and Bernard is all at sea after he's asked to scatter a client's ashes. There are problems with their parents too, as Iris' mum, Daisy, is conned out of her inheritance and Bernard's dad, Wilf, is caught with his guard - and his trousers - down. But as father and son stride to the crease in the annual cricket match, Bernard finds himself just 22 yards from glory - can he save the day?

Written by Vince Powell, who scripted a string of successful TV sitcoms including For the Love of Ada, Bless This House and Here's Harry for Harry Worth, this warm-hearted comedy stars Gorden Kaye ('Allo 'Allo!) as Bernard and Su Pollard (Hi-de-Hi!) as Iris.

Written by Vince Powell

Produced by Mike Craig

Cast:

Iris - Su Pollard

Bernard - Gorden Kaye

Wilf - David Ross

Daisy - Paula Tilbrook/Marlene Sidaway

Mr Foley/Police Sergeant - Peter Wheeler

Mr Matthews - John Jardine

Miss Parker/Myrtle/Doreen/Crystabelle - Julie Higginson

Tommy/Mr Cameron - Roger John-Lee

Other parts played by members of the cast

First broadcast BBC Radio 2, 11th February-1st April 1993 (Series 1), 3rd December 1994-12th January 1995 (Series 2), 18th January-22nd February 1996 (Series 3)

©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Literature & Fiction Heartfelt Funny
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its a good easy to listen to comedy, numerous different comedy situations and catchphrases . would highly recommend

Great comedy

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Lovely little show. Great chemistry and performances from the 2 leads, storylines which are very obvious and a trifle cliched but none the worse for it, it's jut a nice pleasant listen and there's definitely room in the world for that.

A small issue is that Peter Wheeler the announcer and occasional "voices man" has a real whistle when he speaks, especially the letter "s", and once you've noticed it it's vey distracting! Fortunately he doesn't appear in too many episodes.

Only other slight jar is that this was broadcast in the mid 1990s, and feels like a 70s show in terms of the setup and style. And given the 2 leads are supposed to be somewhat young innocent lovers Kaye was 56 when it finished and Pollard 47!

Easy, comfortable listening

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gentle humour easy listening good to heat when walking the dog not difficult to folloe

funny gentle humour

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Really enjoyed this light hearted easy going series. Great to listen to before bed to take your mind off your days worries.

Great fun

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nothing spectacular...nice easy listening.. laughed out loud a few times.. good for passing The time of day

quite good

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