The Architects: The complete series 1 and 2: A BBC Radio comedy

Arch-Brutalist Sir Lucien founded his architectural practice on a commitment to brutalist concrete in all its forms. But fashion has been a cruel mistress, and four decades later things are not going well for Sir Lucien and his loyal(ish) employees. With no money and no commissions, times are tough – but it’s onwards and upwards (and upwards again) for the staff, as they go all out to win new contracts, deal with nightmare clients and fight to get their ambitious projects past the planners.

In the pilot episode, architects Sarah (Laura Solon) and Dan (Ben Willbond) contemplate escape from a malfunctioning multi-storey car park in Esher and the pure aesthetic of the open sandwich.

Series 1 finds Sir Lucien (Geoffrey Whitehead) trying to overcome his creative block by visiting a spa in Baden Baden – accompanied by reluctant colleague Tim (Alex Carter). Back at the practice, the other partners are juggling ambition, principles and scary Americans – and dreaming of taking minimalism to the max.

In Series 2, Sir Lucien and Partners chase a lucrative airport contract, head to Watford to restyle a Premier League footballer’s mansion, design a building with a great big turret (possibly) and decide to go into house building – negotiating marshland, unexploded bombs and homicidal relatives en route...

Written by Jim Poyser and Neil Griffiths, this caustic, satirical comedy also stars Dominic Coleman, Ingrid Oliver, Anna Crilly and Aisling Bea.

Written by Jim Poyser and Neil Griffiths Directed by Toby Swift

Pilot Sarah – Laura Solon Dan – Ben Willbond Sir Lucien – Geoffrey Whitehead Rasmus – Ewan Bailey Tim – Tim Downie Mayoress – Joanna Brookes Car Park Attendant – Ben Crowe

Series 1 and 2 Matt – Dominic Coleman Sarah – Ingrid Oliver/Anna Crilly Sir Lucien – Geoffrey Whitehead Tim – Alex Carter Hayley – Aisling Bea Gregory Nettles/Mr Douglas – Sean Murray Mr Russell/Gentle Energy MD – Steve Toussaint Nurse/Amanda/Helene/Planning Officer – Carolyn Pickles Lotte – Georgie Fuller Snadaker/Dave – Stephen Critchlow Mr McCoy – Harry Myers Justin – Ben Crowe Dawn – Susie Riddell Murray – Peter Forbes Noel – David Hounslow Ella – Rhiannon Neads Danny – Richie Campbell Sean – Jude Akuwudike John/Darvo/Council Receptionist – Ian Conningham Computer Caddie/Tony – Sam Dale Jemima – Hannah Genesius Bob – David Acton Jane/Lucy – Jane Slavin

First broadcast BBC Radio 4: 27 March 2013, (Pilot), 14 March-4 April 2014 (Series 1), 2-23 February 2015 (Series 2)

© 2020 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781787539426

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Lydbog: 16. april 2020