Never Too Late: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Comedy Drama
"Vintage comedy drama starring Dame Thora Hird as straight-talking Hilda Springett, one very determined widow…
Treat yourself to this vintage sitcom from the 80’s, full of charm and humour starring the inimitable Dame Thora Hird as the strong-willed yet lovable Hilda Springett. This is a laugh-out-loud drama about the antics of a group of fun-loving pensioners making the most of life. Hilda believes everyone should have a purpose. However, she also believes her purpose is to make sure everyone else has one…
In Series One, busy Hilda is organising a collection for her overseas charity whilst giving a pep talk to her pal Emily. On top of this, she’s making holiday plans and halting Social Services from sending Tommy to a care home. Meanwhile, man-mad Mildred's passions are aroused by the return of an old flame. Will the gang make it to Weston-super-Mare despite transport problems and will Tommy be able to keep Emily and Mildred’s surprise birthday plans a secret?
“Old people should value the future - they've got less of it.” Hilda, Tommy, Mabel and Emily return in Series 2 with yet more hilarious adventures. Hilda is spurred into action when the council threatens to close Carson Street Day Centre and she is convinced a fancy dress sponsored fund-raiser will be a walk in the park. Meanwhile, Tommy gets an unusual offer knocking on a door while collecting for charity. Friends, fundraisers and fete dramas unfold in this charming listen, perfect for fans of As Time Goes By, The Thursday Murder Club and For Better or Worse.
BAFTA winning actress Dame Thora Hird’s career spanned over 70 years. She appeared in film and on stage as well as in many television roles. She became a household name, and is perhaps best-known for her role of nearly two decades, as Edie Pegdenin in Last of the Summer Wine.
Cast and credits
Series 1
Written by Terry Gregson
Produced by Edward Taylor
Hilda Springett - Thora Hird
Mildred Emmett - Avis Bunnage
Emily Holroyd - Megs Jenkins
Tommy Preston - Joe Gladwyn
Doctor Brown/Albert Pickles/The Vicar - Kenneth Connor
Mabel - Pearl Hackney
With David Gooderson, Jon Glover, David Bradshawe, Martyn Read and Tom Mennard
First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, December - February 1980
Series 2
Written by Terry Gregson
Produced by Edward Taylor
Hilda Springett - Thora Hird
Mildred Emmett - Avis Bunnage
Emily Holroyd - Megs Jenkins
Tommy Preston - Joe Gladwyn
Doctor Brown - Kenneth Connor
George/Sam the Butcher - John Livesey
Mabel - Pearl Hackney
Ben Wilkinson - Lockwood West
With John Graham, Henry Knowles, David Ryall, Barbara Miller, Michael Tudor Barnes and Katherine Parr
First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, December - February 1981
©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"
Terry Gregson (Author), Avis Bunnage, Barbara Miller, David Ryall, Full Cast, Joe Gladwyn, John Livesey, Jon Glover, Kenneth Connor, Lockwood West, Martyn Read, Megs Jenkins, Michael Tudor Barnes, Pearl Hackney, Thora Hird (Narrator)
Audiobook
