Linda Smith's A Brief History of Timewasting
Encyclopedia
Linda Smith’s A Brief History of Timewasting was a BBC Radio 4
situation comedy series written by and starring the late Linda Smith
. It ran for two series of six episodes each from July 2001 until July 2002.
Set in East London, where Smith herself lived, A Brief History of Timewasting concerned the struggle of a single woman to fill the day, helped by her inept, sugar-loving, live-in builder Chris (Chris Neill
), morbid elderly neighbour Betty (Margaret John
), and Cab driver Worra (Femi Elufowoju Junior). Supporting roles were played by Jeremy Hardy
and Martin Hyder.
Many familiar voices from Radio 4, including then-chief announcer Peter Donaldson
, Thought for the Day
regular Rabbi Lionel Blue, and Woman's Hour
stalwart Jenni Murray
appeared as themselves.
Despite the claim of the programme’s page on the Radio 4 website, many of Chris’s antics revealed that Linda and Betty did not live in neighbouring flats in a tower block, but in neighbouring houses.
After her death, it was revealed by Jeremy Hardy that Linda had been working on a third series.
BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4 is a British domestic radio station, operated and owned by the BBC, that broadcasts a wide variety of spoken-word programmes, including news, drama, comedy, science and history. It replaced the BBC Home Service in 1967. The station controller is currently Gwyneth Williams, and the...
situation comedy series written by and starring the late Linda Smith
Linda Smith (comedian)
Linda Helen Smith was a British stand-up comic and comedy writer. She appeared regularly on Radio 4 panel games, and was voted "Wittiest Living Person" by listeners in 2002...
. It ran for two series of six episodes each from July 2001 until July 2002.
Set in East London, where Smith herself lived, A Brief History of Timewasting concerned the struggle of a single woman to fill the day, helped by her inept, sugar-loving, live-in builder Chris (Chris Neill
Chris Neill
Chris Neill is a British comedian, producer and writer who features regularly on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio Scotland. Performing also as a stand-up comedian on the UK circuit, he has presented five solo shows on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe since 2002.-Early career:Chris Neill began his career...
), morbid elderly neighbour Betty (Margaret John
Margaret John
Margaret John was a Welsh, BAFTA award-winning actress, best known for her role as Doris in Gavin & Stacey. She has been described, by fellow actress Ruth Jones, as "an absolute national treasure".-Early life:...
), and Cab driver Worra (Femi Elufowoju Junior). Supporting roles were played by Jeremy Hardy
Jeremy Hardy
Jeremy James Hardy is a British alternative comedian who is also known for his socialist politics.-Career:Hardy was born in Farnborough, Hampshire. He attended Farnham College and studied Modern History and Politics at the University of Southampton...
and Martin Hyder.
Many familiar voices from Radio 4, including then-chief announcer Peter Donaldson
Peter Donaldson
Peter Ian Donaldson is a main newsreader on BBC Radio 4.He was born in Cairo, Egypt and moved to Cyprus in 1952 at the time of the overthrow of King Farouk. He was a frequent listener to the BBC World Service and the BFBS....
, Thought for the Day
Thought for the Day
Thought for the Day is a daily scripted slot on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 offering "reflections from a faith perspective on issues and people in the news", broadcast at around 7.45 each Monday to Saturday morning...
regular Rabbi Lionel Blue, and Woman's Hour
Woman's Hour
Woman's Hour is a radio magazine programme broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in the United Kingdom.-History:Created by Norman Collins and originally presented by Alan Ivimey the programme was first broadcast on 7 October 1946 on the BBC's Light Programme . It was transferred to its current home in 1973...
stalwart Jenni Murray
Jenni Murray
Dame Jennifer Susan "Jenni" Murray, DBE is a British journalist and broadcaster. She attended Barnsley Girls High School and has a degree in French and Drama from Hull University...
appeared as themselves.
Despite the claim of the programme’s page on the Radio 4 website, many of Chris’s antics revealed that Linda and Betty did not live in neighbouring flats in a tower block, but in neighbouring houses.
After her death, it was revealed by Jeremy Hardy that Linda had been working on a third series.
Series 1
| Episode | Original Airdate | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 July 2001 | The Carpet Sweeper |
| 2 | 19 July 2001 | East End Mafia |
| 3 | 26 July 2001 | Opera, Gas and Gardening |
| 4 | 02 August 2001 | A Day Trip To Romney Marsh |
| 5 | 09 August 2001 | Coffins, Funerals and Nursing Homes |
| 6 | 16 August 2001 | 999 Emergency |
Series 2
| Episode | Original Airdate | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 04 June 2002 | Fragile Peace |
| 2 | 11 June 2002 | Poltergeist |
| 3 | 18 June 2002 | Museum Of East End Life |
| 4 | 25 June 2002 | New Islington |
| 5 | 02 July 2002 | Neighbourhood Watch |
| 6 | 09 July 2002 | The End Of Timewasting |