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Barbara

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Summary

Barbara Liversidge (Gwen Taylor) is a blunt, opinionated Yorkeshirewoman in her fifties who works as a receptionist at a doctor's surgery. She's married to Ted (Sam Kelly), a mild-mannered cab driver who has long since learned that there's not much point in arguing with his wife.

Son Neil (Benedict Sandiford) still lives with his parents and is beginning to think he'll never "escape" from home. Daughter Linda (Elizabeth Carling) is married to Martin Pond (Mark Benton), front man of a local TV current affairs programme called "Pond Life".

Other regular characters include Barbara's sister Jean (Sherrie Hewson) and fellow receptionist, Doreen (Madge Hindle).

The pilot formed part of a series called Comedy Firsts, shown in 1995.

There were several major cast changes between the pilot and the series. The spelling of Barbara's surname changed from "Liversage" to "Liversidge". The surname of Martin and Linda also changed (from "Benson" to "Pond").

Cast List

  Gwen Taylor as Barbara Liversidge
  Sam Kelly as Ted Liversidge
  Elizabeth Carling as Linda Pond
  Mark Benton as Martin Pond
  Benedict Sandiford as Neil Liversidge
  Sherrie Hewson as Jean
  Madge Hindle as Doreen
  Caroline Milmoe as Linda Benson (Pilot)
  Glen Davies as Martin Benson (Pilot)
  Shirley-Anne Field as Jean (Pilot)

Production Details

Written by:
Mark Bussell, Rob Clark, Ramsay Gilderdale, Graham Mark Walker, Justin Sbresni

Directed by:
Richard Boden, Les Chatfield, Nic Phillips

Produced by:
Mark Bussell, Justin Sbresni

4 series, 29 episodes

Transmitted: 1995 (Pilot); 1999-2003

TV Channel: ITV

Central Television
Carlton Television

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