In a Spin

In a Spin is a cult radio sitcom produced by the University of East Anglia's Drama Society. Its first season ran from the 14 October to the 9 December 2007, and was broadcast on the University's student radio station, Livewire on Sunday evenings. Though at first the show did not receive vast acclaim, it gradually built up a cult following, and plans are now being made for a second season to commence in January 2008.

Origins

At the start of the Autumn term of 2007 at UEA, the university's Drama Society was allotted a 90-minute show on Sunday evenings, with Drama Soc President Melanie Smith placed in charge. Smith has reported on the radio show for the University's newspaper , describing it as "a Livewire show on Sundays at 6pm, during which we avoid playing music and have 90 minutes packed full of drama." The first broadcast of this radio show did not feature an episode of In a Spin, but following the broadcast, the cast discussed the merits of having a regular radio soap and began making plans for it. The first episode was then written to be broadcast the following Sunday, with subsequent episodes being written gradually, one per week, over the subsequent term. The first episode was co-written by cast members Angharad Bullward, Josiah Norris, Gemma Richmond, and Smith herself, but all subsequent episodes were written solely by Norris, except the Series Two episode This Ship Has Sailed, co-written by both Norris and Jonathan Brittain. Regular cast members include Brittain, Myles Brock, Bullward, Laura Coyne, Paul Heath, Norris, Pete Ralph, Richmond, Smith, Jack Swain and Tanya Thorne, but there have also been appearances from Sarah Blake, Anoushka Davy, Abby Hunt, Adam MacMillan, Isobel Palmer, Kirsten Peter, Darius Piraitis and Leeanna Pitt.

Concept and Style

The first season of the show was set in two rival launderettes, and it was this early decision that inspired the show's title, a deliberately weak pun on the use of washing machines and tumble dryers in such establishments. Nominally, the central figure is that of Clive. Though he is not always the focal character in every episode, and several will focus on other characters and feature him as a more minor role, the show essentially follows his trials and tribulations. Most of the episodes of the first season followed Clive's family unit and his launderette, "Clive's Clothes," sometimes pushing the characters who appear in the rival launderette, "Audrey's Laundry," into the background, for which the show received some minor criticism. The ongoing feud between these two launderettes was rarely the focus of an episode, but acted as the backdrop against which the various stories would unfold. The plans for the second season have it set instead in a Bed and Breakfast run by Clive, with Audrey and her followers playing a more major role as antagonists to the adventures experienced by Clive and his family.

The first season of the show, in keeping with its dramatic roots, took the form of a parody of a well-known stage play or musical each week, with every episode lampooning the works of writers such as Shakespeare, Arthur Miller or Andrew Lloyd Webber. The final episode of the first season, Xmas Xtravaganza, was not a parody of a stage play, but instead an original story in its own right. Norris has decided that the second season will all follow this pattern, abandoning the original format of the show as some of the humour was often considered as being too obscure for people who weren't familiar with the plays.

Comic Style

There are four main styles of humour within the show. The early episodes broadly follow only one real form of homour, the direct parody of the play on which they were based, taking the characters or situations of the play and exaggerating them to comic effect. As the show progressed, more levels of humour began to creep in, the most famous of which being the show's extremely formulaic nature. Certain recurring jokes began to be introduced to the show, and would then recur at least once every episode as a deliberate nod to the regular listeners. These recurring jokes varied from repeated catch-phrases such as "She is the extra-special fabric conditioner that makes my clothes super-soft," to more elaborate jokes such as Anita's plans - every week, Anita will be called upon to make a plan and will commence by reciting "Don't worry, little Michelle, I have a plan. I believe that true love is what matters most, and I can see that that's what's on your mind. So listen to me," before launching into a series of ludicrous plans, one of which would always hint at some bizarre obsession she has with Clive, before finally deciding on a decent plan. This joke would often appear in slightly altered form to stop it from becoming stale, such as in the episode The Sound of Washing Machines, in which the concept was reversed and Michelle had to think of a plan to save Anita. The show also relies heavily on its self-awareness as a radio show, and several jokes would be made about its own repetitive nature, and how the characters seem to be aware that they are merely characters. The character of Riff, in particular, is a deliberate parody of Norris' own self-confessedly naive and shy nature. The final level of humour that crept into the show was the use of surrealism and non-sequiturs, which became more prevalent towards the end of Season One, when the characters and situations would become more and more bizarre, particularly scenes involving Eddie Rage, the Bumbling Policeman and Hugo the Stable Boy.

Characters

Major Characters

Clive - Clive is the proprietor of the launderette "Clive's Clothes" in the first series, and of the B&B that is the setting of the second series. Clive is essentially a bully and insensitive braggart, frequently insulting every other character on the show, particularly his wife. The only character with whom he seems to have a close rapport is Riff. He seems always to be completely unaware of how he is insulting or offending other people, and it is possible that he never actively intends to hurt people's feelings. Clive has several delusions of grandeur and always tries to place himself as the centre of attention. He is very quick to anger, but has also been shown to be easily frightened. In the first series he takes the feud between the launderettes very seriously, and his pride is very easily injured. Clive is Scottish and there are several jokes at the idea that this is the only defining characteristic he possesses, and he will frequently refer to icons of Scottish culture, such as The Proclaimers or Ewan McGregor. Presumably, as Mrs Clive's name is Latifah Clive, Clive's full name is Clive Clive. In the very first episode, The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Darius and Michelle, Clive was played by Josiah Norris, but in all subsequent episodes he is played by Jonathan Brittain. Brittain's performance became so closely identified with the character that on an occasion that he could not attend the broadcast, Clive was actively written out for that episode.

Mrs Clive - Mrs Clive is Clive's wife, though various jokes in the show have suggested that she is also his sister - whether or not this is true is open to conjecture. Mrs Clive is almost purely a foil to Clive's irascible temper, and rarely has any further character development than this. This is the subject of several jokes in the script, such as in MacRiff, when ownership of the launderette is passed on directly to Riff, ignoring Mrs Clive. Mrs Clive seems on the most to be remarkably tolerant of the way her husband abuses her, although in Series Two she will occasionally refer to her desire to get a divorce from Clive. In Xmas Xtravaganza she became the bride of the Closet, something she relished as the first bit of character development she'd had in eight episodes. Mrs Clive was played by Anoushka Davy in the first ever episode, but in all subsequent episodes is played by Melanie Smith.

Audrey - Audrey is in a sense the "villainess" of the show, first running the rival launderette to Clive's Clothes, "Audrey's Laundry." Audrey is a ruthless businesswoman, meticulously scheming ways to bring about Clive's downfall. She has a thick Bristolian accent and a massively inflated ego, repeatedly announcing to everyone that she is "amazing," and treating others as inferior, particularly Eddie Rage, who she views as "a lost cause" and "bordering on retarded." In the first series she rarely plays an actively villainous role, although she did plot Anita's removal in order to win the feud between the two launderettes. She apparently doesn't care much for her husband, as she has flirted overtly with Eddie Rage in A Late Autumn/Early Winter Night's Dream and even gone on a date with him in Xmas Xtravaganza. In Murder Mystery, she was tortured and killed by Eddie Rage, but came back at the end of the episode. She also briefly became the writer and host of the show, in the overtly self-aware episode This Ship Has Sailed. Audrey was played by Abby Hunt in the first episode, and by Tanya Thorne in all subsequent episodes.

Mr Audrey - Mr Audrey is one of the show's greatest running jokes, in that for most of the first series he never appeared. He was mentioned at least once in every episode, sometimes as a passing reference, sometimes in a more protracted scene, but he never appeared. In MacRiff he was directly addressed by both Audrey and Eddie Rage, but his voice was not heard. In the finale of Xmas Xtravaganza, the final episode of Series One, he finally put in an appearance and saved the characters from The Closet. He is apparently something of an eccentric, and possibly has magical powers as he was able to banish The Closet. He is also something of an exhibitionist, as he removes all his clothes in the B&B lobby in Xmas Xtravaganza. In this episode he is killed by Eddie Rage, but Audrey believes he will return. Mr Audrey is played by Pete Ralph.

Darius - Darius is the son of Clive, though apparently not Mrs Clive, as Clive claims he got Darius "from a prostitute." Darius was Riff's best friend, and one of the more sensitive characters, often reflecting on his place in the world. He had a frequent on-off relationship with Michelle, which was always forbidden by their parents, who would go to great lengths to forbid their union. Darius was very easily thrown into confusion and hysteria and would often go off on a rambling, surreal speech trying to describe how he felt. Darius was viewed as a "drip" by his father, though most other characters viewed him with affection. Darius has been shown to have an obsession with smoothies, even to the extent that he wanted to make a smoothie out of Father Christmas. Darius was voiced by Darius Piraitis, and the character was written out of two episodes when Piraitis was unable to attend broadcasts. However, towards the end of the first series, Piraitis became less available and so was voiced in two episodes by new actors, first Myles Brock, then Jonathan Brittain. At the start of Series Two it was revealed that Darius had been killed by a "rhino on crack," and he was replaced by a new character, Dexter.

Michelle - Michelle is the daughter of Audrey and Mr Audrey, though in Series Two Clive seems to think she is his own daughter. Michelle is consistently amazed by the world around her and feels a strong affinity with nature, frequently believing herself to be a sprig of willow or talking directly to the natural world around her. She is easily impressed by the intelligence of others and will frequently exclaim "Oh, you're so clever" to anyone who seems remotely more intelligent than her. She is deeply in love with Darius and almost every episode she plots to elope with him in some way, though their union is frowned upon by their parents. Michelle is a strict vegetarian and has been seen testing herself to see if she is an honest vegetarian at heart. In Series One, every episode she would run away with Darius to a cafe somewhere and drink smoothies with him. She seems to be quite fickle as in Series Two she immediately falls in love with Dexter, apparently forgetting Darius. Michelle was first played by Isobel Palmer, but around halfway through Series One Angharad Bullward took over the role, and continues to play the part in Series Two.

Riff - Riff is Darius' best friend, and Clive's laundry boy in the first series, his head chef in the second. Riff is essentially a parody of Norris' own personaity, and as such has been identified by Norris as the easiest character to write for. He is possibly one of the friendliest characters, usually being cheerful to most of the others. However, when his pride is pricked he becomes fiercely defensive and he can be quick to start a fight or a confrontation. Mostly, Riff becomes defensive when accused of not being a real man, something he denies. He has got into serious debates as to whether or not he is actually manly, or whether he has any sexual magnetism. Riff claims to embody the notion of "geek chic," but denies any accusations that he enjoys typically "geeky" activities. He also seems to have little experience of women, though he claims to be "prolific" in that respect, as a running joke suggests that he has no concept of anything more intimate than a hug. He seems to be obsessed with celebrity culture and has a knowledge of internet slang. Riff is played by Josiah Norris and, along with Anita, is the only major character to be voiced by the same actor in every episode.

Anita - Anita used to be Audrey's chief washerwoman, but is now the housekeeper at Clive's B&B. Essentially inspired by the character from Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story, Anita is Hispanic, and will frequently make reference to this fact, or come out with what she claims are traditional Hispanic phrases. Anita is often viewed as the wisest character in the show, and every episode a character (usually Michelle) will turn to her for aid, begging her to think of a plan to help them out of a sticky situation. Anita's plans always go through three stages, the first two being awful, before she comes up with a good plan. She is one of the most rational characters and in Treasure Hunt was able to argue Riff out of hysteria into calm reflection. However, throughout the series a bizarre obsession with Clive becomes apparent in her character through her plans, and she reveals increasingly strange things she wants to do to him. Only once has she voiced her love for Clive to him, in The Sound of Washing Machines. In Xmas Xtravaganza, it is revealed that Anita only pretends to be Hispanic, and she is ultimately revealed, quite bizarrely, to be a giant pigeon from Croydon. In Series Two this plot point seems to have been dropped. Anita is played by Gemma Richmond.

Eddie Rage - In Series One, Eddie Rage seemed to be either an employee or a regular customer at Audrey's Laundry. His main characteristic is that all his lines are shouted, with no inflection. Originally Eddie Rage was conceived as merely an "angry man" to act as a villain-type character, but as the show developed, he turned into more of a simple, childlike soul who just happened to shout all the time. He has shown signs of sensitivity and creativity, such as when he paints a picture of a dead dog for Michelle, though he apparently just doesn't understand social conventions. He has a love of Medieval weapons and fantasy lore, such as the idea of summoning demons in MacRiff. In Xmas Xtravaganza he confesses his love for Audrey but has their relationship ruined by his friends Hugo and the Bumbling Policeman, and he becomes a vicious sadist. However, by Series Two Episode Two he seems to be back to normal. Eddie Rage was played by Adam MacMillan in Series One, though the character was played once each by Isobel Palmer and Josiah Norris. In Series Two he is voiced by Paul Heath.

The Bumbling Policeman - The Bumbling Policeman (whose name is revealed in Murder Mystery to be Sebastian) used to be the embodiment of law enforcement in the show. In the early episodes his sole purpose was to act as an authority figure, punishing wrongdoers and solving crimes, rarely given any character development. As Series One progressed, however, he came less and less to actively do any police work, and instead spent time with Eddie Rage and Hugo, engaging in increasingly bizarre activities with them. He seems to value his friendship with the two, concocting a plan to make Eddie Rage his friend again in Xmas Xtravaganza. His superior officer is Chief Inspector Dennis, who fires him in Murder Mystery. However, he returns in This Ship Has Sailed to help the characters with their existential crisis. He is one of the main characters in the spin-off show In a Spin-Off, and will be seen going on a road trip with Hugo to end his midlife crisis. The Bumbling Policeman was originally voiced by various actors, including Melanie Smith, Adam MacMillan and Angharad Bullward, but towards the end of Series One came to be voiced by Pete Ralph, who has voiced him in all subsequent episodes.

Hugo the Stable Boy - Hugo the Stable Boy was originally introduced at the end of The Phantom of the Soap Opera as something of an injoke. Based on Norris' own cousin Hugo, who left home to become a farrier's assistant, Hugo had a very brief appearance in the early episodes, but gradually came to be fleshed out into a real character. He is one of the least popular characters in the show, often ignored, insulted or talked over by the others. Even the open-minded Mrs Clive describes him as being "silly." Hugo's only friends seem to be Eddie Rage and the Bumbling Policeman, with whom he engages in surreal activities, such as splashing around in a paddling pool filled with Tango and wine. Hugo has a very high-pitched voice, and is seen going on a road trip with the Bumbling Policeman in the spin-off show In a Spin-Off. Hugo was originally voiced by Gemma Richmond, but from halfway through Series One onwards he came to be voiced by Laura Coyne, though Myles Brock played the role in one episode, and Kirsten Peter in another.

Dexter - Dexter was introduced at the last minute into the first episode of Series Two as Darius' replacement. Dexter is Darius' long-lost twin brother, who has been on a work placement in the Urals all his life, and comes back to the B&B after Darius' death to help Clive deal with his grief. Originally, Dexter and Darius seemed to have exactly the same personality, but soon the distinguishing elements of Darius' character were lost. A running joke in the show was introduced that everybody found Dexter very bland and preferred it when Darius was around. Dexter is voiced by Jack Swain.

Minor Characters

Fraser the Scientist - Fraser is a genius scientist who was responsible for the creation of the Love Detergent Clive misuses in A Late Autumn/Early Winter Night's Dream. Fraser appears at the end of the episode and sings a song to teach Clive the error of his ways. He also appears in Xmas Xtravaganza as the Mayor of Croydon, and informs Anita that she was hatched out of an egg found in the sewers. If any of the actors laugh during the live broadcast, it is usually improvised that this is due to Fraser appearing out of nowhere with a can of laughing gas. Fraser was voiced by Laura Coyne in his first appearance and by Leeanna Pitt in his second.

The Closet - The Closet was introduced in The Sound of Washing Machines as the sentient furniture owned by Clive, where he put things he didn't want, such as a copy of the Bible in a translation not authorised by King James I. It was established that everybody is afraid of the Closet except for Riff. In MacRiff the Closet hides Clive inside it and refuses to let him out, as Mrs Clive ruined his DVD collection. In Xmas Xtravaganza it is revealed that the Closet is pure evil, and it attempts to create a totalitarian regime of furniture, with Mrs Clive as his Queen, and subjugate all the other characters. He is eventually banished by Mr Audrey, but has a brief reappearance in Treasure Hunt, when Clive finds him in a corner of the attic "where characters go when they're no longer wanted." The Closet is voiced by Jack Swain.

Furniture - In Xmas Xtravaganza we encounter further examples of talking furniture that do the Closet's bidding, including an Antique Lacquered Mahogany Armoir and a Wicker Laundry Basket. The Furniture was voiced by Leeanna Pitt.

Sound Effects Guy - A character borrowed from another show broadcast on the drama radio show, "John Hudson: Special Agent" by Jack Swain, the Sound Effects Guy is simply a character who appears out of nowhere and provides amateurish sound effects for the show, which is frowned upon by the other characters. She appears only in Xmas Xtravaganza and is voiced by Leeanna Pitt.

Colonel Majolica - In Series Two, Colonel Majolica is the only evident guest at the B&B and will frequently appear complaining about something wrong with his room, such as the fact that he has a horse in his bath or a family of pygmies in the shower. Originally it was intended that he would end every sentence with a nonsense phrase, but this was soon abandoned. Colonel Majolica was voiced by Tanya Thorne in Murder Mystery and Pete Ralph in Treasure Hunt.

Chief Inspector Dennis - Dennis is the senior officer of the local police force, and appears towards the end of Murder Mystery to arrest Eddie Rage. He takes a dim view of the Bumbling Policeman's games and fires him in this episode. The policemen he is in charge of are named, in an homage to Trumpton, Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and Sebastian. Chief Inspector Dennis is voiced by Myles Brock.

Ship - Ship is Clive's new financial adviser who appears in This Ship Has Sailed. Ship arrives and introduces massive changes to the show, claiming that it has got too exclusive and has too many injokes. He orders the old characters to leave the show, replacing them with new ones, and severely punishes the characters when they try to break his rules. He claims everything he does is for "the little people," and eventually Hugo, the littlest person of all, persuades him to change things back to normal. Ship was based on the Drama Soc's own treasurer, David Sheppard, affectionately known as "Shep," who made similar complaints as Ship about the nature of the radio show, though the meaning of the story ultimately is that change should be welcomed. Ship was played by Pete Ralph.

New Characters - In This Ship Has Sailed, Ship enforces the introduction of new characters to replace Audrey, Dexter, Michelle and Anita. Audrey is replaced by Agnes, who is very shy and humble and completely submits to Clive. Dexter is replaced by Dan, who is characterised as being sterotypically "cool" and very interesting. Michelle is replaced Candi, a superficial, constantly giggling American girl, and Anita by Edwina, a violent German woman. Agnes was played by Tanya Thorne, Dan by Myles Brock, Candi by Kirsten Peter and Edwina by Sarah Blake.

Unseen Characters

Jocelyn - The unseen object of Darius' affections in The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Darius and Michelle, and also a girl Hugo meets at the Waterfront in Treasure Hunt.

Priscilla - A stuffed antelope belonging to Eddie Rage and apparently his only real friend. He feels great affection for Priscilla and has been seen violently threatening anyone who wishes to do harm to her. However, on other occasions he has slept on her as a cushion.

Caligula - A horse who sleeps in Colonel Majolica's bed, who has apparently earned this right by his long friendship with Clive. Apparently, Audrey was sent to prison for being caught in flagrante with Caligula.

Marbella Con Blue - The Bumbling Policeman's unpleasant and domineering girlfriend. Never seen in In a Spin, she is however a major character in In a Spin-Off.

Episode Guide

Series One

1. The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Darius & Michelle - Based on Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. The adherents of Clive's Clothes and Audrey's Laundry brawl in the streets, after which Riff speaks to Darius, who is pining over his love for Jocelyn. However, Darius soon meets Audrey's daughter Michelle and falls in love with her, which angers Eddie Rage. Audrey forbids Michelle to pursue her relationship with Darius, but Anita helps the two to meet in secret and have smoothies together. Mrs Clive nearly catches them together, but Darius evades her. Back at the launderette, Eddie Rage angers Riff and they have a thumb war. Eddie Rage throws washing powder in Riff's face and he flees into solitude. As revenge, Darius breaks Eddie Rage's glasses, for which the Bumbling Policeman gives him an ASBO. Audrey now encourages Michelle to go out with Eddie Rage, but again Anita helps her to meet with Darius. Michelle evades Eddie Rage's attentions and escapes into the night with Darius, just before the heartbroken parents arrive on the scene. Cast - Melanie Smith (The Bumbling Policeman); Josiah Norris (Clive/Riff); Anoushka Davy (Mrs Clive); Abby Hunt (Audrey); Adam MacMillan (Eddie Rage); Darius Piraitis (Darius); Isobel Palmer (Michelle); Gemma Richmond (Anita)

2. The Phantom of the Soap Opera - Based on The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. Clive and Audrey form an uneasy truce in order to compete for the Launderette Double Team of the Year Award, though Mrs Clive warns them of the evil Phantom that haunts the launderette. An accident in a rehearsal causes their star washerwoman, Anita, to walk out, so they replace her with Michelle, who has being taking lessons in secret. Darius congratulates her, but she soon goes to see her teacher - the mysterious Phantom - who clumsily tries to seduce her. Clive and Audrey are distraught over Michelle's disappearance, but she soon come back and continues practicing. As the Phantom attempts to sabotage the show, she flees with Darius and they confess their love for each other, which drives the Phantom into a rage. He arrives at a party given by Audrey and demands that they do his washing. Mrs Clive reveals that the Phantom is in fact Riff. After again attempting to seduce Michelle, this time by pretending to be her father, Riff abducts her and takes her back to his lair. By giving him a hug, Michelle convinces him to change his ways and Riff goes back to the launderette. Hugo the Stable Boy announces that Clive and Audrey have won the competition, but Clive gets angry when Audrey decides to keep the trophy. Cast - Melanie Smith (The Bumbling Policeman/Mrs Clive); Jonathan Brittain (Clive); Tanya Thorne (Audrey); Gemma Richmond (Anita/Hugo the Stable Boy); Isobel Palmer (Eddie Rage/Michelle); Darius Piraitis (Darius); Josiah Norris (Riff)

3. Less Miserable - Based on Les Miserables by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg. Clive is caught by the Bumbling Policeman trying to break into Audrey's Laundry and steal back the trophy. As punishment, the Bumbling Policeman decrees that Darius will be adopted by Audrey, and swears to bring Clive to justice. Deciding she misses Darius, Mrs Clive orders Clive to go and get him back. Clive successfully reclaims Darius, but both Michelle and Anita have fallen in love with him. Back at Clive's Clothes, Riff teaches the others to rise up and start a revolution against Audrey's Laundry, resulting in a street brawl. The Bumbling Policeman stops it, but fails to catch Clive. Michelle and Darius meet for smoothies, but are caught by Clive, who is furious with them. Resolving to give up her love for Darius, Anita decides to talk Clive round. Moved by her words, Clive blesses the union between the two and, when Riff catches the Bumbling Policeman, lets him go free. However, he changes his mind on discovering that Eddie Rage has made his favourite violin into colcannon. Cast - Jonathan Brittain (Clive); Melanie Smith (Mrs Clive); Tanya Thorne (Audrey); Adam MacMillan (Eddie Rage/The Bumbling Policeman); Josiah Norris (Riff); Isobel Palmer (Michelle); Gemma Richmond (Anita/Hugo the Stable Boy)

4. A View From the Launderette - Based on A View From the Bridge by Arthur Miller. Audrey gloats over how Clive has finally given up and gone to discover a new life in Ipswich, taking Mrs Clive and Michelle with him. In Ipswich, Clive begins to develop an unhealthy obsession over Michelle, which Mrs Clive criticises him for. He begins to panic at the news that Darius and Riff are coming to stay, worried that they will oust him as alpha male. Darius and Riff arrive, and Darius immediately falls in love with Michelle. Clive attempts to forbid their union, but when Mrs Clive drills him he cannot think of any reason to oppose it, so wildly claims Darius is gay. He visits the Bumbling Policeman to seek legal aid, but is offered none. Meanwhile, Audrey, Anita and Michelle complain about how they aren't in the episode very much. Clive challenges Darius to a boxing match and, fed up of Clive's behaviour, Riff asserts his dominance by lifting up a chair. Later on, Darius and Michelle have a tender moment but are disturbed by the Bumbling Policeman, who deports Darius and Riff back to Norwich after Clive's tip-off. Riff comes after Clive and stabs him with a joke knife, then decides to leave it and let things get back to normal. Cast - Gemma Richmond (The Bumbling Policeman/Anita/Hugo the Stable Boy); Tanya Thorne (Audrey); Josiah Norris (Eddie Rage/Riff); Angharad Bullward (Michelle); Jonathan Brittain (Clive); Melanie Smith (Mrs Clive); Darius Piraitis (Darius)

5. A Late Autumn/Early Winter Night's Dream - Based on A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Clive gives Mrs Clive a sub-par anniversary present, then says he's acquired a box of Fraser the Scientist's Love Detergent, that makes anybody who wears clothes washed with it fall in love with the next person they see. Meanwhile, Darius and Michelle are sad that Mr Audrey has forbidden their union, while Riff is still pursuing Michelle, and Anita is pursuing Riff. Eddie Rage, meanwhile, is rehearsing a play with Hugo and the Bumbling Policeman to perform to the others, over which Mrs Clive despairs. Clive sneaks into Audrey's Laundry and pours the Love Detergent into the washing machines. Darius and Michelle flee into Earlham Park but are followed by Riff, who thinks it's ok to tag along. To Riff's annoyance, Anita has also followed him. Trying on the clothes, Audrey immediately falls in love with Eddie Rage, who is very confused by her behaviour. In Earlham Park, both Darius and Riff try on the clothes and both fall in love with Anita, getting into a fight with her. Clive eventually reveals to Audrey that it was all a big joke, and Fraser turns up and tells him not to misuse his Love Detergent. Eddie Rage and his friends perform the play to them all, which doesn't go down very well. Cast - Jonathan Brittain (Clive); Melanie Smith (Mrs Clive); Darius Piraitis (Darius); Isobel Palmer (Michelle); Josiah Norris (Riff); Adam MacMillan (Eddie Rage); Angharad Bullward (The Bumbling Policeman); Laura Coyne (Hugo the Stable Boy/Fraser the Scientist); Tanya Thorne (Audrey); Gemma Richmond (Anita)

6. The Sound of Washing Machines - Based on The Sound of Music by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Audrey decides that Anita's approach to washing is too soft, so she sends her and Michelle over to Clive's Clothes to get rid of them. Clive steals Mrs Clive's Bible and throws it into the Closet, then welcomes Anita, who begins teaching Riff and Michelle (Darius is on work experience in Croatia). Michelle is very keen to learn, but Riff refuses to acknowledge her authority. Audrey begins to miss Anita, and orders Eddie Rage to go and get her back. Eddie Rage makes up with Hugo, who he had a disagreement with, and enlists his aid. At Clive's Clothes, Anita confesses her love for Clive, who then talks about her with Mrs Clive. Anita finally manages to get through to Riff, but is then taken back by Eddie Rage, Hugo and the Bumbling Policeman. She begs to be freed, and eventually Michelle thinks of a plan to free her. However, when she gets to Clive's Clothes, Clive merely turns her away. Cast - Tanya Thorne (Audrey); Adam MacMillan (Eddie Rage); Jonathan Brittain (Clive); Melanie Smith (Mrs Clive); Jack Swain (The Closet); Gemma Richmond (Anita); Josiah Norris (Riff); Angharad Bullward (Michelle); Laura Coyne (Hugo the Stable Boy); Pete Ralph (The Bumbling Policeman)

7. MacRiff - Based on Macbeth by William Shakespeare. Eddie Rage, the Bumbling Policeman and Hugo use a Magic 8 Ball to predict that Riff will become the owner of Clive's Clothes. This news peaks Riff's interest. Clive is hiding in The Closet and refuses to come out, so Audrey begins plotting ways of manipulating Riff into fulfilling his destiny. Persuaded by Audrey, Riff convinces Darius that an assassin is chasing him, so Darius flees. With both Clive and Darius removed, Riff becomes the owner of Clive's Clothes. Fearing that Riff will turn the place into a dreadful club, Anita and Michelle go to find Darius and bring him back. Racked with guilt, Riff seeks help first from Audrey, then from Eddie Rage and his friends, who jokingly tell him he is invincible. Riff believes them and throws a big party, but is disturbed by the return of Darius, who prepares to fight Riff. However, just in time, Clive comes out of the Closet and reclaims ownership of the launderette. Cast - Adam MacMillan (Eddie Rage); Pete Ralph (The Bumbling Policeman); Laura Coyne (Hugo the Stable Boy); Josiah Norris (Riff); Melanie Smith (Mrs Clive); Jack Swain (The Closet); Myles Brock (Darius); Angharad Bullward (Michelle); Gemma Richmond (Anita); Tanya Thorne (Audrey)

8. Xmas Xtravaganza - Riff attempts to celebrate Christmas at the B&B, but is forbidden by Clive, who explains that his mother was killed by Father Christmas when he was small. As a favour to Clive, Riff teams up with Darius and they both go to Lapland to kill Father Christmas, arguing on the way about who is more of a geek. Meanwhile, Michelle finds Anita's secret diary and discovers that she is not actually Hispanic but from Croydon. They decide to go to Croydon and find her parents, but when they get there Fraser the Scientist explains that Anita was hatched from an egg and is actually a giant pigeon. Eddie Rage confesses his love for Audrey and the two go on a date, but the Bumbling Policeman and Hugo miss him. They go after him and embarrass him in front of Audrey, ruining the date. Eddie Rage is furious and runs off. Clive, meanwhile, faces the wrath of the Closet, who becomes evil and attempts to take control of the B&B, taking Mrs Clive as his bride. At the last minute, Mr Audrey arrives and banishes the Closet, then explains the meaning of Christmas. Cast - Josiah Norris (Riff); Jonathan Brittain (Clive/Darius); Angharad Bullward (Michelle); Tanya Thorne (Audrey); Gemma Richmond (Anita); Melanie Smith (Mrs Clive); Adam MacMillan (Eddie Rage); Pete Ralph (The Bumbling Policeman/Mr Audrey); Laura Coyne (Hugo the Stable Boy); Leeanna Pitt (The SFX Guy/Furniture/Fraser the Scientist)

Series Two

1. Murder Mystery - Clive welcomes Riff to the show's new setting, the B&B, and explains that Darius is dead and replaced by Dexter. Mr Audrey turns up at the B&B, removes all his clothes and is then shot by a bow and arrow. Dexter and Riff discover the body and decide to track down the murderer. Meanwhile, Michelle is suffering from hunger pangs and convinces Anita to steal Clive's toast as he talks to Colonel Majolica. Clive thinks Anita is a ghost and runs in fear. The Bumbling Policeman is playing games with Hugo and gets a call from Chief Inspector Dennis, but refuses to investigate the murder. Riff and Dexter interrogate Eddie Rage, using good cop/bad cop tactics, but eventually Eddie Rage confesses to the murder and flees. Mrs Clive, finding Clive, urges him to fight his fears and get revenge on the ghost. Clive sets up a trap and waits, but then realises his mistake too late as the trap kills Michelle before a horrified Anita. Locked in a basement, Riff and Dexter reminisce on the good times and then see Audrey tied up in the next room. Eddie Rage forces her to play Boggle and Guess Who, but eventually kills her for not being very good. Chief Inspector Dennis arrives and arrests Eddie Rage, then fires the Bumbling Policeman for being so lazy. Everyone laments the loss of the characters, but then Michelle and Audrey return as though nothing happened. Cast - Josiah Norris (Riff/Narrator); Jonathan Brittain (Clive); Pete Ralph (Mr Audrey/The Bumbling Policeman); Jack Swain (Dexter); Angharad Bullward (Michelle); Gemma Richmond (Anita); Tanya Thorne (Colonel Majolica/Audrey); Laura Coyne (Hugo the Stable Boy); Paul Heath (Eddie Rage); Melanie Smith (Mrs Clive); Myles Brock (Chief Inspector Dennis)

2. Treasure Hunt - Colonel Majolica seeks Anita's aid, but she ignores him and asks Riff to help her do a jigsaw puzzle. He agrees. Clive and Mrs Clive are clearing out the attic and find an ancient pirate map. Excited, Clive summons Dexter and Michelle and persuades them to help him find the treasure. Meanwhile, Hugo brags to Eddie Rage of his night the night before when Audrey arrives, revealing Clive's plan and announcing that she wants to follow him and get the treasure for herself. Anita and Riff begin quarreling as they start the jigsaw puzzle, and refuse to join the voyage when Dexter tries to convince them. Clive leads his crew to Skullface Island and gives orders. Annoyed at being largely neglected, Dexter complains to Michelle. Clive tells them not to take pirating for granted and leads them on. Audrey, Eddie Rage and Hugo argue amongst themselves as they climb the cliff, and end up in the cave with Clive, who explains that there is no treasure. Back at the B&B, Riff gets overexcited about the puzzle and throws abuse at Anita, but she calms him down as Clive and his crew return. Cast - Pete Ralph (Colonel Majolica); Gemma Richmond (Anita); Josiah Norris (Riff); Jonathan Brittain (Clive); Melanie Smith (Mrs Clive); Jack Swain (The Closet/Dexter); Angharad Bullward (Michelle); Paul Heath (Eddie Rage); Myles Brock (Hugo the Stable Boy); Tanya Thorne (Audrey)

3. This Ship Has Sailed - A parody of the changes introduced to the show's format early in the development of the second series. At a dinner party, Clive announces the arrival of his new financial adviser, Ship, who believes the show is too exclusive and needs new life breathed into it. He orders all the old characters out of the B&B, though he lets Riff stay as Riff writes the show. New characters are introduced into the format, which Clive loves, but Riff misses the old days. Meanwhile, the old characters start plotting ways to get back into the show and the Bumbling Policeman, now reborn as Bumbling Sebastian, hatches a plan. They disguise themselves as new characters, such as Eddie Calm and the Suave Policeman, but Ship sees through their disguises. Thinking Clive and Riff masterminded the plan, Ship fires them and employs Audrey as the new writer, causing the ship to turn into a breakfast show with Audrey and Mrs Clive. While doing Audrey's chores, Ship is approached by Hugo, who is sad about the changes. Ship realises he was wrong to impose change, but Riff also realises he was wrong to be so opposed to change. Everybody learns to get on with each other again. Cast - Melanie Smith (Mrs Clive); Jack Swain (Dexter); Angharad Bullward (Michelle); Josiah Norris (Riff); Gemma Richmond (Anita); Tanya Thorne (Audrey/Agnes); Paul Heath (Eddie Rage); Jonathan Brittain (Clive); Pete Ralph (Ship/Bumbling Sebastian); Myles Brock (Dan); Kirsten Peter (Candi/Hugo the Stable Boy); Sarah Blake (Edwina)

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