The Break

Written by Ian Brown and James Hendrie

The Break series 2 airs on BBC Radio 4. 11:30am on Mondays From May 14th 2018

Following the hugely successful and critically acclaimed first series we return to Flamford, the town logic forgot, for the second series of Ian Brown and James Hendrie’s sitcom The Break. Its all-star cast features Philip Jackson, Tom Palmer, Alison Steadman, Mark Benton, Shobna Gulati and Rasmus Hardiker.

In Series 1 of The Break, we learned that Andy Chambers (Tom Palmer), edgy, sharp-tongued, late 20s, used to be something high-powered in the City but burnt himself out. For the sake of his health, Andy was advised to make a clean break with his toxic metropolitan lifestyle and came to stay in Flamford with his bluff northern uncle, Jeff Whitaker (Philip Jackson).

When Series 2 begins, Andy has been living with Jeff for a few months now, and their relationship has developed into one of edgy tolerance. Andy is now more likely to push back against Jeff’s wiles and schemes, and Jeff is less wary of pushing Andy too far.

Many of the characters we met in Series 1 will return. Corinne (Alison Steadman), Jeff’s on-off lover (mostly ‘on’) has yet to find her sense of humour. Fish Shop Frank(Mark Benton) is still frying with a smile, dishonest pensioner Mr Truepenny (Rasmus Hardiker) still has his eye out for a dodgy deal, and vicar-with-a-past, The Reverend Beverley (Shobna Gulati) is still hoping for a regular slot on “Thought for the Day”. Other returning characters will include Derek Horrox The Mayor, his close friend, Peter Humfriss, the Town Crier, and Andy’s long term ex, Liz — niece of Fish Shop Frank’s sworn rival… Frank.

Episode 1 – The Longest Day, Mon. 14^th May

City burn-out Andy returns to his uncle’s seaside home. Oddly, the town has been taken over by Brad Pitt and some Hollywood Nazis. Starring Philip Jackson, Tom Palmer and Alison Steadman.

Episode 2 – Van Crazy, Mon 21^st May

Jeff and Andy (Philip Jackson & Tom Palmer) borrow a van from Frank (Mark Benton) setting them on the road to ruin – or rather, a nude beach, A&E and a search for some drip trays.

Episode 3 – The Mystery of Room 66,  Mon 28^th May

To win back Corinne’s heart, Jeff takes her to an escape room. But no-one expects a puzzle set by Death himself. Philip Jackson, Alison Steadman and Mark Benton star.

Episode 4 – Monday On The Beach With George, Mon 4^th June

Andy helps Jeff track down a vital document. Thanks to a rapacious seagull, the quest ends in a literal cliffhanger. Philip Jackson, Tom Palmer and Shobna Gulati star.

Episode 5 – The Clench, Mon 11^th June

Andy and Jeff clash with The Mayor (Rasmus Hardiker) as a missing sweet shop sets off a tale of kompromat, corruption and coastal erosion. Starring Philip Jackson and Mark Benton.

Episode 6 – The Last Farewell, Mon 18^th June

The death of Frank’s rival, Frank, causes Frank mixed emotions – glee and joy. Starring Philip Jackson, Tom Palmer, Alison Steadman, Mark Benton, Shobna Gulati and Rasmus Hardiker.

Full Production Credits

Cast:       

Philip Jackson
Alison Steadman
Tom Palmer
Shobna Gulati
Rasmus Hardiker
Mark Benton

Written by  –  Ian Brown and James Hendrie
Produced and Directed by –  Gordon Kennedy
Studio Managers  –  Leon Chambers
Production Manager  –  Sarah Tombling
BBC Executive – Jeremy Howe
Executive Producer – Chris Pye
Photographer – Richard Bailey
Graphics  – Sean Jones
Production Company  – Absolutely Productions Ltd
Studios – The Soundhouse Studios

Read about series one of the Break