A Whole New Ball Game: The Complete Series 1 and 2: A BBC Radio 4 Dark Comedy
A hilarious dark comedy about a football-crazy priest, starring BAFTA winner Brenda Blethyn
The late Gregory Patterson was a stalwart of the Roman Catholic Parishioners. With his passing, how will Mrs Patterson cope with her headstrong daughter, Barbara? And can young Robert step into his father’s shoes and face up to new responsibilities? The man with the answers would appear to be football-crazy priest Father Benedict who tries to help the grief stricken family as best he can…
The priest decides that holding a Golden Oldie night in honour of the late faithful parishioner would be a good first step. But is it really the right occasion for a eulogy from his only son, Robert? Not when Barbara is determined to ruin the evening… As the Patterson family spiral out of control, with Barbara succumbing to temptation in the shape of biker Andy, Robert attending a rival school and a bereft Mrs Patterson hoping a small dog will fill the hole in her heart left by her husband’s death, Father Benedict has more pressing concerns - the Frewitt Cup final is weeks away and the team must win at all cost.
This charming and darkly funny comedy about faith, families and football will have you cheering in delight from the pews to the terraces. Starring Desmond Barrit as Father Benedict and BAFTA winner Brenda Blethyn (best known for her starring role in Vera) as Mrs Patterson.
Cast and credits
Written by Martin Davies
Produced by Lissa Evans (series 1) & Richard Wilson (series 2)
Father Benedict - Desmond Barrit
Mrs Patterson - Brenda Blethyn
Robert Patterson – Paul Parris / Richard Pearce
Barbara Patterson - Charlotte Coleman / Melanie Hudson
Guy Entwhistle - Martino Lazzeri / Henry Woolley
Andy - Mark Straker
Janet - Claire Skinner / Nicola Buckingham
Mr Plant/Father Hugh - Gordon Reid / Geoff McGivern
Mrs Plant - Jane Dolamore
Manageress/Lady at Counter - Jill Meers
First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3 Feb - 10 Mar 1993 (series 1), 26 May - 30 Jun 1994 (series 2)
©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Martin Davies (Author), Brenda Blethyn, Charlotte Coleman, Claire Skinner, Desmond Barrit, Full Cast, Mark Straker, Martino Lazzeri, Paul Parris, Richard Pearce (Narrator)
Audiobook
