Coming Alive: The Complete Series 1-3

Synopsis

Karl Howman stars in Jim Eldridge's sitcom about a likeable ex-convict trying to turn over a new leafReleased from prison early, chirpy Cockney conman Terry King is given a chance to find his feet again. His challenge is to breathe new life into a run-down community centre - with the support of Sandra Gaines, a social worker with a warm heart but an unhappy past. If he succeeds, he'll prove that rehabilitation is possible. But if he fails, he'll be sent back to jail...Situated in the middle of a rough council estate, Grove Hill Farm needs a lot of work. The windows are broken, the plumbing's out of action and part of the centre was burned down during a riot. But it's not just the buildings that could use some TLC - the community's pride needs restoring too. Can Terry get the locals to come together and make the centre a neighbourhood hub again? He's got big plans - concerts, dances, bingo - but first he must raise the funds, and win over the residents...As he uses his charm and his con artist skills to start turning the place around, he finds himself growing closer to Sandra, and love slowly blossoms between the two of them. But will Terry be able to stay out of trouble - and out of prison? And as the end of his sentence approaches, will he and Sandra finally get together?Created by Jim Eldridge, whose numerous radio credits include King Street Junior and Albert & Me, this feel-good comedy drama stars Karl Howman (Brush Strokes, EastEnders) as Terry and Phyllis Logan (Lovejoy, Downton Abbey) as Sandra.Production creditsWritten by Jim EldridgeDirected by Marilyn Imrie and David HitchinsonMusic: Jacqueline Dankworth and Harvey BroughFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 January-2 March 1999 (Series 1), 26 July-30 August 2000 (Series 2), 12 October-16 November 2001 (Series 3)CastTerry King - Karl HowmanSandra Gaines - Phyllis LoganSteve Addison - Ben CroweMr Wade/Harry Howard/Bert Higgs/Mr Addison - Geoffrey WhiteheadMr Preston - David HoltGeorge - Chris PavloWhizzer/Sam Stone/Police officer/Don Gaines - Giles FaganHobb/Ed Bayliss - Harry MyersEllie Higgs - Priyanga ElanWoman on the estate - Frances JeaterSupt. Anne Robinson - Rachel AtkinsGail Gaines - Victoria O'Donnell/Jennifer WheelanMrs Watson - Ann BeachMrs Barnes - Jillie MeersMick/Mr Evans - Gavin MuirKeith/Jerry - David ThorpeAnnie - Alison PettittMavis - Tilly VosburghWarren/Scaggs - Clinton Mullings-DodsonMrs Wilson - Maggie McCarthyErnie/Mr Marsden - Roger WalkerMiss Graham/Mrs Baxter - Richenda CareyMarlene - Hetty BaynesAndrew - Tom GeorgePianist at concert - Peter RingroseMrs McKendrick - Sandra VoeDrunk man/Barman - Ewan BaileyNetball player - Helen LongworthGirl at club - Sarah PaulMatt - Ray LonnenDavid - Sean BakerWendy Wilson - Clare CorbettMatthew - George AllonbyMary - Elaine ClaxtonMrs Barnes/Pauline - Carolyn PicklesWally - Carl Prekopp©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd