Mrs Pepperpot: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisation

Alison Steadman stars in this full-cast adaptation of the much-loved Mrs Pepperpot stories

Mrs Pepperpot lives in a cottage in the countryside with her husband, but she has a big secret: She shrinks to the size of a pepperpot – and she can talk to animals!

In these five magical stories, hear Mrs Pepperpot swim through the snow, ride on a cat and seek the help of a talking horse. There’s big trouble for the little heroine at a Christmas market and when her sister arrives for an unexpected visit, she brings a very handy handbag. There’s near tragedy when she falls headfirst into a baked potato and in the final episode the incredible shrinking woman brings home a troublesome bionic baby!

First published in 1956, The Mrs Pepperpot books became a global phenomenon and an enduring children’s classic. This stunning adaptation stars Olivier Award winner actor Alison Steadman, perhaps best known for her role as Pam in the BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, as Mrs Pepperpot. Geoffrey Hinsliff (Coronation Street and Doctor Who) stars as her husband Mr Pepperpot. If you are a fan of Children’s classics such as Paddington, The Borrowers, The Railway Children or Peter Pan then you will love Alf Prøysen's adventures of the incredible shrinking Mrs Pepperpot.

Cast and credits

Written by Alf Prøysen Adapted by Lavinia Murray Directed by Melanie Harris

Mrs Pepperpot - Alison Steadman Mr Pepperpot - Geoff Hinsliff Hannah - Jane Cawdron Herbert the Cat / Celia / Auntie Solamina - Alison Darling Gerry the Horse / Delia / Ronan Kitten / Margaret Anne - Sarah Parks

First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6th-10th April 1998

Cover illustration © Hilda Offen

©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

© 2026 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529964080

Udgivelsesdato

Lydbog: 22. oktober 2026