70s BBC sitcom makes a return after 46 years – with a twist

A beloved BBC sitcom that aired in the 70s has made a return decades after it ended.

Running for four seasons from 1975 until 1978, was written by Bob Larbey and John Esmonde.

It followed the midlife crisis of Tom Good, a 40-year-old plastics designer, who alongside his wife Barbara decided to escape the modern ‘rat race’ lifestyle by becoming ‘totally self-sufficient’ in their suburban house in Surbiton.

It starred Richard Briers and Felicity Kendal as the couple, while Penelope Keith and Paul Eddington played their neighbours Margo and Jerry Leadbetter, who were alternately appalled and bemused by the Goods’ attempts to live off the land.

Now, nearly 50 years after the show ended, the story has been revived.

The Good Life has recently been reimaged for a stage adaptation by director Verity Ramsden.

The show, which is currently running at the Green Room Theatre in Carlisle features fresh ‘twists and turns’.

‘Jeremy Sams’ stage play, based on the hugely popular sitcom by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, 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,’ the production company has teased.

Those who have already attended have praised the show.

‘Geat time at The Good life last night…great production and very funny xx,’ Julie posted on Facebook.

‘We had a great time watching The Good Life on Tuesday. What a hoot! All the actors were good, but Felicity’s facial expressions were hilarious and Margo was brilliant – loved the dinner party scene! 😂 Well done everyone!’ Lisa shared.

‘We really enjoyed last night’s (Tuesday) performance. Very funny and well acted by all on stage. The lighting effects were well used and what a lot of props!!! The Goat had a smashing role… well done to all concerned,’ Ivor added.

It’s not the first time the series has been adapted for the stage, with a version from director Jeremy Sams previously shown at the Theatre Royal in Bath in October 2021.

After the success of The Good Life, Larbey and Esmonde created a new show for Richard Briers, co-starring Michael Gambon.

The Other One was a seven-part sitcom that aired on BBC1 in 1977, running concurrently with The Good Life Christmas Special – Silly, but it’s fun.

A second season of six episodes aired two years later.

In 1992, Kendal and Eddington reunited in the Channel Four adaptation of Mary Wesley’s The Camomile Lawn.