Are You From the Bugle?

Hilarious series about life in Butterthwaite's local newspaper office

Laugh out loud as you listen to this six-part satirical comedy series about a hapless news reporter trying to make his way in the tight-knit Butterthwaite community – starring Robert Beck and Jeffrey Holland, with guest appearances by Mark Gatiss and Peter Serafinowicz

Graham Carpenter has big dreams of being a serious journalist, but he doesn’t quite have the skills to match. Starting a new job as local cub reporter for the Butterthwaite newspaper is Graham’s big chance. With pad and pencil in hand, he’s willing and ready - what could possibly go wrong?

Follow Graham’s (mis)adventures as he tries to land the ultimate scoop. In the first week of the job he gets a lucky break and an unexpected story lead when there’s whispers of royalty coming to town, but can he get the front page? Celebrity visits, new museum openings and all manner of local scandal and gossip make for challenging work and Graham becomes increasingly frustrated. It’s a steep learning curve for the roving reporter whose pursuit of an exclusive remains elusive…

Cast and credits

Written by John Gradwell

Produced by Kathy Smith

Graham Carpenter - Robert Beck

Bert Ball - Jeffrey Holland
Brenda Thistlethwaite - Frances Jeater
Arnold Beasley - David Ryall
Vicky Cox - Sue Devaney
Lawrence Stevens - Dean Williamson

All other parts played by Rachel Atkins, Mark Gatiss, Peter Serafinowicz, Peter Silverleaf, Dave Lamb, Margaret Stallard and Carolyn Bonnyman

First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 22 May - 26 June 1996

©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd