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About Patterson

An eight-part comedy serial set in a provincial university with a most unusual English department Against his better judgement, Andrew Patterson accepts a job as a lecturer in English literature at a remote Northern redbrick university. His departmental colleagues are an eccentric bunch: doddery Head of English Professor Misty, who looks like he went to school with Little Dorrit; Amy Spade, who's suffering from an identity crisis and given to sending anonymous letters, and man-eating Melissa Murgatroyd, the honeypot of the Senior Common Room. Fortunately, Patterson has old friend and fellow lecturer Victor to show him the ropes - but even so, his first day does not go well. University life continues to throw up bewildering challenges, from tracking down Misty's lawnmower to surviving his inaugural lecture, writing a soft porn novel and dealing with the demands (both erotic and otherwise) of his students. Meanwhile, his wife Jane is becoming worryingly keen on their nerdy neighbour Cuthbertson, and the English department is in crisis... Can Patterson salvage his marriage and make it through term without getting fired? Written by acclaimed authors Malcolm Bradbury and Christopher Bigsby, both former university lecturers, this lively campus comedy was the first sitcom to be broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Australian Lewis Fiander stars as the hapless Patterson, with John Barron as the Vice-Chancellor, Richard Vernon as Professor Misty and Maureen Lipman as Melissa. Production credits Written by Malcolm Bradbury and Christopher Bigsby Produced by Geoffrey Perkins Theme music: 'Jester's Jig' by Gordon Giltrap Cast Patterson - Lewis Fiander Vice-Chancellor - John Barron Professor Misty - Richard Vernon Jane - Judy Parfitt Melissa - Maureen Lipman Cuthbertson - Richard O'Callaghan Victor - Hugh Thomas Amy Spade/Cleaner - Maggie Steed Probity - Jack May Mary/Lady Professor/Mrs Jackson/Mrs Misty/Verity - Frances Jeater Mrs Vice-Chancellor - Irene Prador Sandra - Liza Hayden Bannerji - Tariq Yunus Jake - Philip Davis Valerie Candle - Leueen Willoughby Inspector Firestone - David Tate Ancient boy - Patrick Barr Hotel manager - Rowland Davies Landlady - Patricia Hayes First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 19 February-9 April 1981 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd