Coming Alive: The Complete Series 1-3: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy drama

Karl Howman stars in Jim Eldridge's sitcom about a likeable ex-convict trying to turn over a new leaf

Released from prison early, chirpy Cockney conman Terry King is given a chance to find his feet again. His challenge is to breathe new life into a run-down community centre - with the support of Sandra Gaines, a social worker with a warm heart but an unhappy past. If he succeeds, he'll prove that rehabilitation is possible. But if he fails, he'll be sent back to jail...

Situated in the middle of a rough council estate, Grove Hill Farm needs a lot of work. The windows are broken, the plumbing's out of action and part of the centre was burned down during a riot. But it's not just the buildings that could use some TLC - the community's pride needs restoring too. Can Terry get the locals to come together and make the centre a neighbourhood hub again? He's got big plans - concerts, dances, bingo - but first he must raise the funds, and win over the residents...

As he uses his charm and his con artist skills to start turning the place around, he finds himself growing closer to Sandra, and love slowly blossoms between the two of them. But will Terry be able to stay out of trouble - and out of prison? And as the end of his sentence approaches, will he and Sandra finally get together?

Created by Jim Eldridge, whose numerous radio credits include King Street Junior and Albert & Me, this feel-good comedy drama stars Karl Howman (Brush Strokes, EastEnders) as Terry and Phyllis Logan (Lovejoy, Downton Abbey) as Sandra.

Production credits Written by Jim Eldridge Directed by Marilyn Imrie and David Hitchinson Music: Jacqueline Dankworth and Harvey Brough

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 January-2 March 1999 (Series 1), 26 July-30 August 2000 (Series 2), 12 October-16 November 2001 (Series 3)

Cast Terry King - Karl Howman Sandra Gaines - Phyllis Logan Steve Addison - Ben Crowe Mr Wade/Harry Howard/Bert Higgs/Mr Addison - Geoffrey Whitehead Mr Preston - David Holt George - Chris Pavlo Whizzer/Sam Stone/Police officer/Don Gaines - Giles Fagan Hobb/Ed Bayliss - Harry Myers Ellie Higgs - Priyanga Elan Woman on the estate - Frances Jeater Supt. Anne Robinson - Rachel Atkins Gail Gaines - Victoria O'Donnell/Jennifer Wheelan Mrs Watson - Ann Beach Mrs Barnes - Jillie Meers Mick/Mr Evans - Gavin Muir Keith/Jerry - David Thorpe Annie - Alison Pettitt Mavis - Tilly Vosburgh Warren/Scaggs - Clinton Mullings-Dodson Mrs Wilson - Maggie McCarthy Ernie/Mr Marsden - Roger Walker Miss Graham/Mrs Baxter - Richenda Carey Marlene - Hetty Baynes Andrew - Tom George Pianist at concert - Peter Ringrose Mrs McKendrick - Sandra Voe Drunk man/Barman - Ewan Bailey Netball player - Helen Longworth Girl at club - Sarah Paul Matt - Ray Lonnen David - Sean Baker Wendy Wilson - Clare Corbett Matthew - George Allonby Mary - Elaine Claxton Mrs Barnes/Pauline - Carolyn Pickles Wally - Carl Prekopp

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Lydbog: 25. marts 2021