Whole New Ball Game: The Complete Series 1 and 2

A hilarious dark comedy about a football-crazy priest, starring BAFTA winner Brenda Blethyn

The late Gregory Patterson was a stalwart of the Roman Catholic Parishioners. With his passing, how will Mrs Patterson cope with her headstrong daughter, Barbara? And can young Robert step into his father’s shoes and face up to new responsibilities? The man with the answers would appear to be football-crazy priest Father Benedict who tries to help the grief stricken family as best he can…

The priest decides that holding a Golden Oldie night in honour of the late faithful parishioner would be a good first step. But is it really the right occasion for a eulogy from his only son, Robert? Not when Barbara is determined to ruin the evening… As the Patterson family spiral out of control, with Barbara succumbing to temptation in the shape of biker Andy, Robert attending a rival school and a bereft Mrs Patterson hoping a small dog will fill the hole in her heart left by her husband’s death, Father Benedict has more pressing concerns - the Frewitt Cup final is weeks away and the team must win at all cost.

This charming and darkly funny comedy about faith, families and football will have you cheering in delight from the pews to the terraces. Starring Desmond Barrit as Father Benedict and BAFTA winner Brenda Blethyn (best known for her starring role in Vera) as Mrs Patterson.

Cast and credits

Written by Martin Davies

Produced by Lissa Evans (series 1) & Richard Wilson (series 2)

Father Benedict - Desmond Barrit

Mrs Patterson - Brenda Blethyn

Robert Patterson – Paul Parris / Richard Pearce

Barbara Patterson - Charlotte Coleman / Melanie Hudson

Guy Entwhistle - Martino Lazzeri / Henry Woolley

Andy - Mark Straker

Janet - Claire Skinner / Nicola Buckingham

Mr Plant/Father Hugh - Gordon Reid / Geoff McGivern

Mrs Plant - Jane Dolamore

Manageress/Lady at Counter - Jill Meers

First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3 Feb - 10 Mar 1993 (series 1), 26 May - 30 Jun 1994 (series 2)

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