On Mardle Fen: Series 1-6

The Complete BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramas

By: Nick Warburton

Narrated by: full cast, Helen Longworth, John Rowe, Kate Buffery, Sam Dale, Trevor Peacock

Length: 16 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's Summary

Trevor Peacock (The Vicar of Dibley) stars as inspired chef Warwick Hedges in this comedy drama set in an idiosyncratic restaurant in the Cambridgeshire Fens. Warwick’s son, Jack, works alongside his father, which makes him permanently anxious. They are assisted by Samuel, an earthy odd-job man 'who crawled out of the slime with the eels', and Zofia the Polish waitress. 

Whether hosting unusual guests, dealing with flooding, fuelling father-son rivalry or moving strange stones from the edge of the Fen to his restaurant 'at his own peril', Warwick certainly keeps Mardle Fen on its toes.

The mixture of food, family relationships and Fenland legend is handled with Nick Warburton's characteristic deft comic touch. 

Cast:
Warwick Hedges...Trevor Peacock
Jack Hedges...Sam Dale
Zofia...Helen Longworth
Samuel...John Rowe
Marcia Hedges...Kate Buffery 

Other parts played by Chris Pavlo, Liza Sadovy, Christine Kavanagh, Liz Sutherland, Lizzy Watts, Victoria Inez Hardy, Malcolm Tierney, Paul Rider, Lauren Mote, Claire Rushbrook, Tony Bell, Adam Billington, Ben Crowe, Tilly Tremayne, Paul Bazely and Gyles Brandreth.

Produced and directed by Claire Grove.

©2018 BBC Worldwide Limited (P)2018 BBC Worldwide Limited

Excellent, but by *no* means is this a Brit-Com.

Excellent performances and compelling plot-lines, but how this got classified as a "BBC Comedy" is a mystery. The description--'Kooky dad and his zany family contend with colorful guests and eccentric employees'--seems designed to entice fans of 'Fawlty Towers', which is inaccurate and does a great disservice.

One of the best books I've listened to

I've been an Audible member for many years but this is the first time I've felt compelled to leave a review. On Mardle Fen completely ticks all the boxes from an amazing cast to a compelling series of stories that link on to each other. What a read! I got into trouble for laugh out loud moments in bed whilst my husband was sleeping. Not sure about the rest of Nick Warburton but, based on this, I'm about to download another of his books in the hope that his writing theme continues. Helen Longworth and the cast are to be congratulated. Sad I've finished it.

Superb!

‘On Mardle Fen’ is a delight from start to finish with outstanding performances all around. I was especially taken with Helen Longworth’s Zofia! Enjoy!

Luke

Absolutely delightful. A comedic, relational family drama with a touch of fairy magic and mafia-style danger! You may have trouble categorizing this one as it flits between mystery, fairytale, comedy, and a classic revenge story. Once you realize it’s all of these things, it’s much easier to enjoy. Fantastic performances from the entire cast. I could keep listening to this one. Great series!

You may fall in love with these characters

You will have to stay with these stories, and it may be easy to stop listening. Please keep listening. If you're lucky like me you'll fall in love with the characters presented in these stories. I first fell in love with Marcia's voice and character and the way she interacts with Warwick and Jack. As the stories progress Zofia and Samuel come out as wonderful characters as well. By the end of the last story I was wanting more of these stories. Watch out for Chapter 6, as it may get under your skin like it did mine.

disappointing

The series is very good for four episodes, then it loses one of its main characters and changes course. The remainder is repetitive and banal.

innocent escapism

On mardle fen was pure, innocent escapism. for me, this was the audible version of snuggling up by a warm fire with a good book. The acting was wonderful.

Wonderfully enchanting!

The central character, 'Warwick' he of the restaurant on Mardle Fen, is really rather annoying. But in the same way the Fawlty Towers only works with Basil Fawlty, On Mardle Fen works because of Warwick Hedges. The acting is great and the timing exceptional. I'd highly recommend this series, it is an enchanting listen.

So Special

Despite an entirely forgivable false start, this series of plays becomes one of the brightest stars of recent BBC drama, and possibly the very best. It will not disappoint; it will intrigue, delight, spook, shake to laughter or to cry, amaze, set-you-on-the-seat's-edge, endear you to characters, attract you the Cambridgeshire Fens - astound you with the writer's creativity and skill. Stunning. For those who side with Toad from the Wind in the Willows, here you will see his human counterpart in riot; outrageous AND vulnerable. I followed this series with when broadcast with greed. Atmospherically it is true to the Fens, and having stayed 3 times where it is rumoured the plays are based, it seems all perfectly credible. There are no weak links in acting, writing, or production - such well matched music too. Snap this up. Something like this does not come along every day. Become a fan of Warwick, and all at Mardle Fen (The Anchor). Riddled with goodness and value for money/credit. Enjoy.

Enjoyed all the disagreements - you armpit

Loved this very entertaining. I want to live on Mardle Fen. Enjoyed all the arguments between Mr Hedges and his son and just loved Zophia

Fantastic Mardle Fen

As others have said .. Mardle Fen is pure joy.. like being wrapped in a comfortable blanket.. I absolutely loved it.. charming.. funny.. fantastic dramatisation.. pure escapism.. wish nick wharburton would do another series.. very special.. highly recommend..

Warburton's Wizardry

Spectacularly good. I'd take this to my Desert Island for it"s humanity. Laughter & tears!

Fantastic, please do more

I was sad when I’d finished listening , well done, what quality would recommend a listen, you will be spellbound.

Top

Been an audible member for a number of years and this was the best use of a credit yet. Each episode draws you deeper in.

Really different

Really liked the quirky stories. However some characters disappeared after 1st series Loved Polish Sophia

Amazing

One of my favourite ever audio books. Mystical, magical, wonderful arse! I listen over and over.