Beryl's Lot

'Beryl's Lot' starred Carmel McSharry as Beryl Humphries, a middle-aged housewife with time on her hands who, to the surprise of her friends and family decides to study philosophy at night school. It results in a change of attitude on her part to life, much to her husband's disdain, as well as new friends whom he doesn't warm to. Being the brainchild of 'Emmerdale Farm' creator Kevin Laffan, there were bound to be soap opera elements inbuilt into this comedy drama series. The pub scenes were not unlike those in The Rovers Return. Robin Askwith ( in his pre 'Confessions' days ) appeared in the first season as the Humphries' lovelorn lodger. Sadly, this was to be the final work of that fine actress Barbara Mitchell, who played talkative busybody Vi Tonks. Her early death from cancer robbed showbiz of a great talent. The third season halved the length of the episodes and, predictably, the show lost some of its warmth and charm. But that theme tune...absolutely brilliant!