Talking to Strangers

Comic monologue character studies by Sally Phillips and Lily Bevan, with star guests.

In this delightfully inventive series of short solo sketches, an eclectic range of unusual individuals find themselves cheerfully engaging in a deeply un-British activity: chatting to a stranger. And in each scenario, the silent recipient of their confidences is the listener themselves.

We may encounter these garrulous souls in a lift or the post office queue, at a yoga class or café, or over the tannoy on the last train home. They may be a stranger you thought you knew, a stranger you've just met, or the only stranger in a room full of friends. But whatever the situation, they all want to open their hearts to us - and they're not shy about sharing....

Meet the woman who isn't twins, the Swedish executive with a herring-smoker for a husband, the woman who likes to help too much ('I'm a serial helpist....') and the ethnologist who's spent her whole life among lions. There's also an aggrieved allotment-holder, a plain-speaking palm-reader and a frustrated falconer, not to mention a nervous historical re-enactor, a not-very-motivational speaker, a musical barista and a really rubbish spy....

Frank, perceptive, touching and beautifully observed, these marvellous miniature playlets will introduce you to a host of surprising characters, with stories both beguiling and hilarious. Written and performed by Sally Phillips and Lily Bevan, they feature special guest stars Emma Thompson, Olivia Colman, Jessica Hynes, Steve Evets, Mike Wozniak, Sinead Matthews and Joel Fry.

Production credits:

Written and performed by Sally Phillips and Lily Bevan.

With guest stars including Emma Thompson, Olivia Colman, Jessica Hynes, Steve Evets, Mike Wozniak, Sinead Matthews and Joel Fry.

Produced by Sam Bryant.

A BBC Comedy production.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 4-25 February 2016.