Cast

Synopsis

When Tom and Barbara Good decide to exchange the pressures of the rat race for an alternative, more sustainable way of living, they set about turning their suburban home in Surbiton into a model of self-sufficiency. It’s the good life for them – but not for Margo and Jerry Leadbetter, who live next door, and are
desperately trying to maintain the Surbiton status quo.

Directors Notes

Welcome to BLT for our first production of a brand-new season. We are starting with a classic 1970s sitcom, The Good Life, which ran for four seasons between 1975 and 1978 on the BBC during their golden era of comedy.

The Good Life became a firm favourite with BBC audiences and has over the years become a classic. Written by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey it was loved by television audiences from the first episode. It went on to make stars of its cast, Felicity Kendal and Richard Briers, Paul Eddington and, of course, Dame Penelope Keith. They all went on to perform in many other TV sitcom classics, some also written by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey.

After being adapted for the stage, The Good Life went on an extensive tour of the UK in 2021. This stage version was also directed by Jeremy Sams and starred Rufus Hound, Preeya Kalidas, Dominic Rowan and Sally Tatum. The story in a nutshell – when Tom and Barbara Good decide to exchange the pressures of the rat race for an alternative, more sustainable way of living, they set about turning their suburban home in Surbiton into a model of self-sufficiency. They grow their own fruit and veg, keep livestock in the garden, make their own clothes, and even generate their own electricity from manure. It’s the good life for them – but not for Margo and Jerry Leadbetter, who live next door, and are desperately trying to maintain the Surbiton status quo. Jeremy Sams’ stage play reunites the well-loved characters (not forgetting Geraldine the goat) as they get themselves into and out of scrapes – some old, some new, all hilarious. Tapping into issues that resonate
now more than ever, The Good Life is a witty reimagining of a television classic, with a wellyful of laughs that’s sure to delight audiences everywhere.

We have had so much fun rehearsing this play for your enjoyment this evening and I would like to thank everyone involved here at BLT who have made it all possible. The set builders, props and wardrobes ladies and gentlemen, our brilliant tech team and my production support team led by Brian and Leigh. BLT is a wonderful institution to be involved in, and we should all be proud of the quality theatre it provides right here in Bingley. I would like to thank David Ayres and the reading and casting team for giving me the opportunity to direct this wonderful play to start what I’m sure will be a great 2025/26 season.