Ever Decreasing Circles (TV Series 1984–1989) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error Martin is a committee man. He has numerous schemes and committees organised around the neighbourhood. He is so obsessive about every detail of everything he does he is driving his long ... See full summary » Stars: Everything looks rosy, despite the big changes. 9.1 The friends rent a country cottage. Martin shines with his practical knowledge. But then he gets a bit stuck. 9.1 Ann is in hospital leaving martin to manage at home by himself. He plans everything down to the finest detail, but the best laid plans.

8.9 a list of 65 titles created 09 Jun 2014 a list of 23 titles created 31 Jul 2014 a list of 22 titles created 8 months ago a list of 42 titles created 7 months ago a list of 46 titles created 5 months ago Title: Ever Decreasing Circles (1984–1989) 7.4/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Ria, a happily married suburban housewife, reaches the age where she feels as if life is passing her by. Being taken for granted by her butterfly collecting dentist husband doesn't help. So... See full summary » Stars: Wendy Craig, Geoffrey Palmer, Bruce Montague The series followed the wavering relationship between two ex-lovers, Penny Warrender, a secretary for an advertising firm, and Vincent Pinner, an ex ice cream salesman turned turf ...

See full summary » Stars: Paul Nicholas, Jan Francis, Sylvia Kay A rather naive, middle-class man is admitted to a hospital ward and finds that he is sharing it with a working-class layabout and an upper-class hypochondriac. All three of them cause headaches for the hospital staff. Stars: James Bolam, Peter Bowles, Christopher Strauli Wolfie Smith is an unemployed dreamer from Tooting London, a self proclaimed Urban Guerilla who aspires to be like his hero Che Guevara. Leading a small group called the Tooting Popular ... See full summary » Stars: Robert Lindsay, Mike Grady, Hilda Braid The perils of "escaping the rat race" and dropping out of society - to start a farm in Surbiton (and to drive Margo nuts). Stars: Richard Briers, Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith Audrey fforbes-Hamilton is sad when her husband dies but is shocked when she realises that she has to leave Grantleigh Manor where her family has lived forever. The new owner is Richard De ... See full summary » Stars: Penelope Keith, Peter Bowles, Angela Thorne Comic goings on in this series set in an English holiday camp called Maplins.

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Will he settle down as he gets older ? Stars: Karl Howman, Mike Walling, Jackie Lye The comic adventures of a group of misfits who form an extremely bad concert party touring the hot and steamy jungles of Burma entertaining the troops during World War II. Stars: Windsor Davies, Melvyn Hayes, Donald Hewlett Edit Storyline Martin is a committee man. He has numerous schemes and committees organised around the neighbourhood. He is so obsessive about every detail of everything he does he is driving his long suffering wife, Anne, slowly crazy. Then the new neighbour Paul arrives. He has a more worldly outlook than those who live under Martin's organisational spell. There is an immediate clash of personalities because Martin treats everything so seriously, but to Paul, life is for enjoying and not to be taken so seriously. Written by Steve Crook <steve@brainstorm.co.uk> 29 January 1984 (UK) See more » Also Known As: The role of Martin was written with Richard Briers in mind. See more » Quotes Martin Bryce : [describing the road in which he lives, giving a laugh like he's pleased with his joke] We're a very close close.

(United Kingdom) – See all my reviews Apart from Only Fools and Horses there is no better mainstream 80s comedy than this, on the surface it's the usual middle class suburban fare with clichéd characters but is a whole lot deeper, cleverer and funnier than that. Richard Bryers gives his best comedy performance, quality support from Penelope Wilton and Peter Egan is well cast as his foil Paul. Then of course the shows light relief in the form of 'his and hers' outfits, Howard and Hilda. The show exists in very ordinary unspectacular surroundings of a London suburb but no shame there, as thats pretty much the situation most of us live in. Much of the comedy derives from Martin Bryce's (Byrers) insecurity as he see's Paul as the threat to his quiet little corner of England. 3 of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Yes BFI Screenonline: Ever Decreasing Circles (1984-87) Ever Decreasing Circles (1984-87) 26x30 min episodes in three series plus one special, colour John Esmonde Cast: Richard Briers (Martin Bryce); Penelope Wilton (Ann Bryce); Peter Egan (Paul Ryman); Stanley Lebor (Howard); Geraldine Newman (Hilda) Seven years after the demise of their successful satire of suburban non-conformity, The Good Life John Esmonde and Bob Larbey reunited with its star The character created for Briers , Martin Bryce, is a neighbourhood busybody and chairman of the residents' association, who has transformed his box room into an office with essential duplicating machine. He is also an obsessive-compulsive, who is deeply uncomfortable about change and insists that the telephone receiver is the 'right way round'. Ever Decreasing Circles is full of such acute observations of human behaviour. Though happy to interfere in the lives of his neighbours (in particular Howard and Hilda Hughes, a devoted couple with a penchant for matching sweaters), Martin takes for granted his long suffering wife, Ann, leaving her in a state of perpetual exasperation.

Martin's world is turned upside down by the arrival of next door neighbour Paul, his complete antithesis. A hairdresser and a suave ladies man, Paul has a long list of friends to call on to solve problems, and ingratiates himself into the community with little effort. Martin's inferiority complex kicks in and he becomes obsessed with his own little game of one-upmanship. Frustrated with the emotional inhibitions of her insufferable bore of a husband, Ann strikes up a flirtatious relationship with Paul, leaving the audience wondering if they will embark on an affair. The writers had intended the pair to elope at the end of the first series, but instead Ann remains as faithful, if vexed wife. After a repeat of the first series, more than nine million viewers tuned into the second. The sitcom's success owed much to Briers' characterisation, by turns infuriating and endearing. When Martin briefly leaves Ann at the end of the fourth series, Briers ' performance is poignant and genuinely moving as he wrestles with the character's inner turmoil.

With 'alternative' comedy now almost the mainstream, suburban sitcoms were increasingly unfashionable by the end of the 1980s, and the writers brought the story to a close with an 80-minute special (tx. 24/12/1989), with Martin and Ann's marriage finally finding some openness. Martin is hit by a number of bombshells: his firm, Mole Valley Valves, is relocating and Anne is expecting their first child. Martin's final act as the pair leave for a new life in Oswestry is to place the telephone receiver around the right way. Graham Rinaldi Ever Decreasing Circles - Cast, Crew and Credits - TV.com Ever Decreasing Circles Saturday No results found. Important: You must only upload images which you have created yourself or that you are expressly authorised or licensed to upload. By clicking "Publish", you are confirming that the image fully complies with TV.com’s Terms of Use and that you own all rights to the image or have authorization to upload it. Please read the following before uploading Do not upload anything which you do not own or are fully licensed to upload.

The images should not contain any sexually explicit content, race hatred material or other offensive symbols or images. Remember: Abuse of the TV.com image system may result in you being banned from uploading images or from the entire site – so, play nice and respect the rules! Choose background: Ever Decreasing Circles Classic TV Show Home Programmes Genres Tributes Games Downloads Store Newsletter Contact Us Ever Decreasing Circles Classic TV Show From the writers of The Good Life and Please Sir comes a satirical swipe at modern suburban life. Martin Brice means well. He wants a safe neighbourhood, he wants a clean neighbourhood, but in the process he gets a little over zealous. Ever Decreasing Circles Fan Tributes 80 ann from derbyshire: Loved all the episodes but my 3 best are 1. Where martin thinks paul and anne are having an affair but it ends up fine when she finds him in the library and explains. 2. When anne is in hospital and martin decides to spring clean the house. 3. When martin's nerves are frayed and paul helps him to relax. Brilliant casting. Better than the good life in my opinion but doesn't seem to receive equal praise.

79 Lacy from Knoxville TN: My husband and I just discovered this great series. Loved The Good Life, too. We can't figure out what the name of the van was called. We think we're hearing "The Dome Mobile" but we're not sure. If anyone knows the name of their van, please post the answer. Thank you! 78 Bill from Cardiff: I've just finished watching the whole series again and am in awe of such a brilliant crafted and hilarious sitcom. I've become obsessed with everything EDC! 77 Gareth from Oswestry: I was a big fan of Ever Decreasing Circles and continue to enjoy the repeats, however Martin would've been disappointed when he moved to Oswestry in the last episode - the railway station he references closed as part of Beeching's cuts in the 1960s. 76 John from Ireland: I just watched the episode where Ann was collecting for the OU and have worked out using google maps where Howard & Hilda's house is. I couldn't in other episodes because of the shooting angles. Anyway, they live right at the corner of the turning that Martin and everyone else takes when driving in/out of the close.

They're not the house on the corner that's closest to Martin's, but the one on the opposite side of the street, if that makes any sense. 75 John from London: I loved EDC, but I found the 1989 Christmas Special, where Martin and Ann were going to move to Oswestry, to be a let down. It was as if that episode had been written by a different writer than the rest of the series, and it was completely 'BBC-fied', with unnecessary musical clips in the background, and I didn't find any of that episode funny in the slightest. A similar thing happened with the entire final series of Terry and June - Terry Scott appeared to be angry throughout, and the scripts just weren't funny. Most odd 74 Chris from Billingshurst: Back again, you tube is great you can watch every episode if you dont want to get the DVD's. Thanks also to Charlie from Worhting ref. to the shopping center question. To answer the cricket pitch question in moving on it looks very much like West Chiltington. Over and out keep the posts coming edc fans !

73 Joan from London: Does anyone know the location of Paul's second Hair Salon (I know the first one was in Billingshurst), the old people's home and Mole Valley Valves? 72 Tim from Billingshurst: Can't believe that I'm renovating the main house at the moment (that of Richard and Penny) - I'm in shock a bit and very proud!! I loved the series, but fans will we pleased to know that the new kitchen will look lovely and the frontage remains the same 71 mike andrews from romsey hants: The finest sit come ever, I like the Sleep walker episode with Martin holding court in the pub and feeling great as he hands out each drink...gin and tonic for you etc...the new neighbours buying into him and Paul hamming it up as ever.All wonderful and entertaining, my wife thinks Im crazy but do believe that I'm getting to be like Martin!!!!!!!!!!! 70 charliefarley from Worthing west Sussex: Loved the show as a child watching it with my mum and dad. Now own the DVD box set. In answer to 66 ( chris from Billingshurst ) the shopping centre was in Worthing.

It was the Guildbourne Centre as my mum remembers them filming. 69 Tony Gerard from Plymouth, Devon: Wonderful series. I watch it time and time again! Just an observation- yes Paul has a degree, but should this mean that his girlfriends would automatically be high class snobs with diction akin to the queen? Even the BBC announcers sound common next to them! This was a strange move on the part of the casting director? 68 Sue Holmes from Findon Village: Loved this sitcom as a young teenager and remember watching the fete scenes being filmed at Yapton village; this was one episode I missed and have never seen since but remember lots of schoolfriends telling me I was in the background watching....really wish I could find this episode:) 67 Scott Fisher from Birmingham: Loved this series, especially Howard and Hilda, as I have lived next door to a couple like this for the past 25 years. No smut, just good honest comedy, brilliant writing and acting, I was sad when it finished as I thought they could have made more series. Modern comedy could learn a lot from this.

66 CHRIS from BILLINGSHURST: Loved EDC and heard Richard Briers on a Radio 2 interview a few months ago saying it was his favourite TV show he did! EDC fans!!Have some questions that have been bugging me for months and as follows. Which shopping mall was used where Ann does her protest ? Also does anyone know what location used in the episode Martin gets stuck in the loft , location looks to me south Downs some where but was hoping some might know the exact location ! 65 Hayley from Hampshire: Just found that you can look at the close on google street view! Have a look everyone..it's really good! 64 Paul from Billingshurst: I actually live and my parents now do in Howard and Hilda's house!! It was all filmed in Dell Lane, Billingshurst 63 Matt from Melbourne, but Crawley originally: I can confirm that the scene of Paul inviting Martin into his Health Salon ''The Bordello'' in the final episode was filmed on the corner of Beach Road and East Street in Littlehampton.

The shop depicted as a butcher's in the episode is now a cycle shop but the dry cleaners that Martin walks past is still a dry cleaners - albeit with updated signs and new colours. The entrance to ''The Bordello'' is in fact not a shop premises but the entrance to a narrow private residence. The front of the building next to the branch of Barclays has been radically altered since the filming took place but the Barclays building itself is hardly changed. 62 N. Robinson from Sussex: After visiting The Close I reckon Howard and Hilda lived on the left corner on the way in. However the TV people often filmed the shots in such a way as to make it impossible to figure out the true layout. For instance, Martin can be seen moving away from his house when he is meant to going towards it and the protest in the road is also filmed the wrong way around. To figure it out you really need to visit The Close. Where did L. Treadwell live? 61 Hayley Brewer from Hampshire: I have seen on google earth the close where edc was filmed. Can someone tell me whereabouts Howard and Hilda lived in the close?

I've been trying to figure it out and I always thought they lived on the corner on the left side as you come into the close. Does anyone know? 60 Tim from Kent: We all know a Martin & Ann, Howard & Hilda and a Paul in real life of course, but for me the real recognition lies in the sharply observed desperation of Martin's life. Real life for him simply never lives up to his expectations does it? The episode where Ann's in the hospital and Martin attempts to spring clean the house is an absolute tour de force, with Martin being beaten not by Paul this time, but instead by "things". As fresh now as it was when first shown, the series hasn't suffered from the passing of years in my view and - quite simply - there's nothing that's even come close to it during those years... 59 Kilmer from east sussex: My girlfriend and i are huge fans, definitely the most underrated british sitcom.I would only put classics like reggie perrin and fawlty towers above it.

Also if NIck Robinson from east sussex comes across this message or indeed any E.D.C fans please e-mail me cause we'd love to meet up with other fans...my e-mail is kilmervarient@yahoo.co.uk 58 Matt from Melbourne, but Crawley originally: Such a shame that this series has been slightly 'forgotten' over the years, as it was very popular back in the 1980's during its original run. I wonder what caused this to happen? Who can say. Like anything that's this good it has that winning combination of perfect scripts and perfect casting. It is simply beautiful to watch and at no time does it rely on being crude or offensive. Yes, a few episodes do have continuity errors and Martin, Howard and Hilda perhaps LOOK older than their characters are actually meant to be but these are small issues next to the brilliance of the series. Would love to know where all the fields are - the cavaliers/roundheads field, Martin's football field, and the final epidodes fete field. Also, where is the cottage?!

57 D Dobaon from Ystradgynlais S Wales: Never to be bettered English sit:com: The television that is shown today cannot be compared with Richard and his neighbours, No bad language no sex nothing objectionable Just a good laugh. Thank you script writers 56 sam southwell from sedgley,west midlands: absolutely love edc. have the complete boxed set, and never tire of watching it. all the 5 main actors are brilliant to watch-martin's obsessiveness, ann's long suffering, howard and hilda's devotion to matching knitwear - and each other, and most of all paul [what a dish !] every episode is pure gold. 55 Dave Hawkins from Farnham: I loved watching this as a boy on Sunday night have just recently got the complete box set and still love it, Great cast, even better scripts can't stop watching them. They don't make them like EDC any more!!!! 54 Brenda from South East: Not sure what programme Matthew from Bradford has been watching if he thinks Martin was a socialist! Don't you remember his horror when Anne had a book about Soviet history?

Also, Paul was helped by his "mates" and not by corrupt council officials! This was a great series - let's not analyse it to death! 53 ronnie duncan from comber ni: my fav moments are the playing the horns in the glockenspiel, hope spelling is correct and the scene in the cricket match, were martin trying to look official, says well its good news paul anyone agree 52 Roger from Bury, Lancs.: I thoroughly agree with the other plaudits.. EDC was definitely underrated, despite being beautifully observed, written and acted. Incidentally, in a recent interview (2008) Richard Briers described it as his favourite. 51 Rebecca Blacklock from Workington England: My favorite episode is the christmas one. But they are all brill. I like the way Martin gets so worked up about everything. He thinks Pauls out to out do him in everything and funny thing is Paul dosn't know he is doing it. Martin is obsessive and it's very funny. Classic comedy. 50 Leigh Mathers from Sutton Coldfield: Wonderful show, very underrated.

I adored Howard & Hilda as a kid - I wanted to grow up and get married and have the sort of marriage they did!! 49 Gloria Webb from Great yarmouth: WONDERFUL SERIES Wonderful series. Managed to get the complete series from ebay and watch them all over and over again. Love the episode where Ann goes to Paul's party and Martin who doesn't go rings Ann up from next door to tell her he has the milk on for the cocoa. Magic! They don't make them like that any more! 48 tony forbes from high wycombe: Has ever so many words been spoken in just a single expression- like that of of martin's angst and frustration at yet another "paul victory". Unique series and fondly cherished. 47 beastyclarke from london: Just watched a clip from the good life forgot how superb you were. I adored u in ever decreasing also. Love u Richard. Thankyou 4 all the wonderful laughs. 46 Jeremy fWilliams from USA: EDC was awesome because Martin represented everything English that is rapidly disappearing.

He was determined to continue the fight against the Normans "land barons" (Paul and the modern world) on behalf of the honest Anglo Saxons (Martin & Olde England). I would love to have a half with him and wasn't his wife a real lady. 45 mary james from sussex: My father loves the shows and is keen to know where the cottage, is where the holiday episode was fimed. Thanks 44 Ian from Arundel, West Sussex: This was one of the greatest british sitcoms of all time, and the new comdey shows cannot touch this, i can watch every episode over and over again. I have 1 question if someone out there can answer it for me i would be so greatful, in 1 episode martin goes into town and i think he goes to see paul in his gym, now is that town Littlehampton at all? it looks remarkably like it, if anyone cud answer it for me i would be forever thankful 43 Ian from Portsmouth: For those asking where the cricket match was played in the earlier part of the series it was at Durbans Road, Wisborough Green which is about 2.5 West of Billingshurst.

Still there today and looks just the same as it did in the series. Don't know where the last episodes cricket pitch was filmed though as it's not the same as Wisborough's 42 Paul Emery from WITNEY: I loved EDC from when I was a child and it is one of my alltime faves too, it has always been underrated in my opinion. I find it funny and very sad at the same time. I cant remember the final episode, can anyone tell me what happens to them all? 41 john from bognor regis: hi there one of the greatest and funniest shows on tv, but can anyone tell me the location of the village fete, when they where dressed as cavaliers and roundheads. please as we have an on going dispute in our house, and i do not want to sleep in the spare room for much longer ...thanks 40 Nick from East Sussex: Does anyone know where Paul's salon was located after its move from alongside Billingshurst train station? The front is clearly visible as Martin puts up a poster outside. Also where is Paul's health club located? And where is his lovely conservatory when it's not in his garden?! It keeps vanisning!

Great show though! 39 Shaqui Le Vesconte from Crawley: On the subject of locations, the night scenes at the end of the 'Vicars & Tarts' episode were filmed in Crawley Town Centre. It may seem that Martin is driving along one long road but in fact he driving up and down the Broadway, between the main Post Office (visible at the end of the 'road' in some shots) and the church (which isn't visible in the dark). Most of the scenes take place in the middle of the Broadway, where the zebra crossing (also visible) used to be, between Queens Square and the pedestrian only Broadwalk. Dixons, which used to be on the corner of the Broadway and Queens Square, is also clearly seen, as is the old cigarette and sweet kiosk. On the opposite corner used to be the Co-op, latterly Living and now TJ Hughes! Unfortunately for EDC sightseers, there has been a lot of development in Queens Square in recent years, and a new block of shops occupies the area where the kiosk and 'open' side of Queens Square used to be.

The traffic in the middle is single lane only, for buses and taxis, meaning the zebra crossing has also ceased to be... 38 Stephen Wadey from Crawley: When the outside scenes were being filmed in 'The close' my wife used to live with her parents in the house next door - you can see her fathers Ford Sierra in several episodes. 37 LINZ from SURREY: Yes brilliant series. Fav.episode is the cricket match and the scene of Martin watching Paul win the match with total disbelief on his face just brilliant. Have been to The Close and Paul's Salon but where did they film the cricket match, the field where they held the fetes, the shopping centre and the high st.driving back from the tarts and vicars party? 36 Nick Robinson from East Sussex: Absolutely brilliant show! Watched it so many times my knowledge is almost encyclopaedic. There are loads of mistakes, continuity errors and even some confusion over where the Close is. Both Sussex and Surrey it would seem! In fact it is Billingshurst, W.Sussex and I easily located The Close and plan another pilgrimage with a fellow fan soon!

The writing is sharp, the performances faultless and the combination of humour and real sadness quite irresitible. Without doubt the most underrated T.V.comedy. Thankfully the arrival of D.V.D. re-issues keeps E.D.C. alive for us all to enjoy. Quick mistake question: which of the old ladies on the visit to 'Brooks Mead' makes it to Martin's driveway but not into the house? A mysterious change of actress occurs! 35 Scott Cappleman from Leighton Buzzard: I never really watched this when it first came out but have recently bought the DVD boxset as I have discovered a love of the British sitcom. I must say, I have fell head over heels in love with this sitcom, it really has charmed the pants off me (not literally). It's very rarely that I cry, but the very last episode had tears streaming down my face. Brilliant!!!!!

34 GIDEON ROSE from CROYDON,SURREY: To Christine Haynes, In answer to your question about Peter Egan's other screen appearances - Lillie - 1978 Richard Briers as Martin Bryce Penelope Wilton as Anne Bryce Peter Egan as Paul Ryman Stanley Lebor as Howard Hughes Geraldine Newman as Hylda Hughes GUEST STARS Ray Winstone and John Challis (Boycie from Only Fools and Horses). AWARDS Peter Egan won a Best Newcomer BAFTA award in 1974 for his role in The Hireling. EVENTS 1934-01-14: Richard Briers was born in Merton, England. 1934-02-18: Geraldine Newman was born in Brighton, England 1934-09-24: Stanley Lebor was born in East Ham, London, England. 1946-06-03: Penelope Wilton was born in Scarborough, England. 1946-09-28: Peter Egan was born in London, England.

WEB LINKS If you know of a web site for Ever Decreasing Circles, or run a fan site, tell us about it here . MERCHANDISE DVD Boxset Click here for more Ever Decreasing Circles Memorabilia at Amazon. NEWSLETTER Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter filled with the latest classic television news. Sign up here. Ever Decreasing Circles - BBC1 Sitcom - British Comedy Guide Ever Decreasing Circles Ever Decreasing Circles Like this show BBC One sitcom. 27 episodes (4 series), 1984 - 1989. Stars Richard Briers , Peter Egan , Penelope Wilton , Stanley Lebor and Geraldine Newman . Ever Decreasing Circles Ever Decreasing Circles Martin's self-important world is about to crumble when a charismatic new neighbour tramples all over his kingdom Genre Sydney Lotterby and Harold Snoad Martin Bryce lives in a cul de sac in a quiet suburban area. He is the chairman of every club committee going and believes himself to be the pivotal member of the community. The stability of Martin's life is disturbed when Paul moves in next door.

He has the poise, looks and self-confidence to dent Martin's self-imposed rule of 'the Close'. His wife, Ann, has tolerated his compulsive behaviour as she knows he is a good man at heart, but Paul is somebody who will test her loyalty to Martin in more ways than one. En.wikipedia.org. Preview of URL you want to access Go Not found or connection timeout Domain not found, the page cannot be display, server not found or connection timeout, the stream was stopped HTTP status code: Not available Preview of URL you want to access We was created to preview next URL: This preview page is for security reasons, we won't redirect you to any URL you don't want to go. Les Tendances en 2017 | Las Tendencias en 2017 | The Trending for 2017 The referring site you are going to visit is not controlled by us, so please remember not to enter your private information unless you are sure this is not scam. Also be sure to access or download only from sites you trust and remember to always check the site's Privacy Policy first. Thumbnail image from the URL Thumbnail image not available Before access please be sure this is the site you want to see.

Check the box if you have read and agree to our Terms of Use . Terms of Use The information forward from this site may be provided by third parties. We will not be responsible with outside links, contents from source of information, methods of using, using or consequence of contents with users. All direct or indirect risk related to use of this site is borne entirely by you, the user. Privacy Policy We use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our website. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, see Ever Decreasing Circles: Complete First series [VHS]: Richard Briers, Penelope Wilton, Peter Egan, Stanley Lebor, Geraldine Newman, Gabrielle Daye, Timothy Bateson, Ann Davies: Amazon.co.uk: Video By Kindle Customer VINE VOICE on 28 April 2007 Format: DVD Verified Purchase This is without doubt the best, under-rated comedy series ever made by the BBC.

At last we have a complete BBC release of the entire collection in one edition containing not only the four series broadcast between 1984 and 1989 but the two Christmas specials from those years as well. As a reminder, this is the gem of a series that contained classics such as Martin getting to grips with the housework while Anne is in hospital (and with such funny lines in it Peter Egan is killing himself with laughter at some points), the first Christmas special when loads of Paul's house guests descend upon Martin for the festive season, Cavaliers and Roundheads and the Neighbourhood Watch classics. Wonderfully inspired casting included Stanley Lebor as Howard and the team gelled together like nothing I have seen before or since. Although these episodes have previously been available as individual series, this is an offial BBC release edition which apparently also includes comentary on selected episodes from Richard Briers, Penelope Wilton and Peter Egan. I urge you to treat yourself to this set, you will not be disappointed - and you can enjoy the 'will they, won't they?' chemistry between Ann and Paul all over again with Martin blisfully unaware that anything is wrong!

11/10 - they just don't make series like this anymore and it is to be cherished forever. By FionaShopsalot on 27 Jan. 2008 Format: DVD I saw two episodes when a friend bought this set round one night and really enjoyed the easygoing scripts, the affection and rapport between the characters, and the clever undercurrents always just beneath the surface. I ordered it for myself and spent a very pleasant couple of months steadily going through the whole run and also the final special. I loved it all. It was a comedy for grown ups from the theme music onwards and was rewarding to enjoy. Subtlety is missing from much of today's tv, and this shows up so much of the comedies on offer these days. I found myself wondering how such a comedy would be done today, 20 years after it actually aired! The extras are light and trivial but little nuggets of their time. Appearances on the Wogan show are squeezed on and although they're not too enlightening and if anything they're embarrassing in places, they're still nice to see.

There are some commentaries over a few episodes which are okay and nice to listen to but I do wish the 'interviewer' could either have done some research or found a way to kep the conversations going. There are some long pauses while the cast's main trio watch themselves and giggle away, which is alright once or twice but becomes frustrating after too many. It's a very enjoyable set and unfairly forgotten, I feel. Treat yourself to this and you won't be disappointed. Comment 79 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback... Thank you for your feedback. Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again By keith livingstone on 5 July 2004 Format: DVD The recent purchase of the 'Complete Works'of Martin Bryce brought back to me just how superb this oft forgotten series actually was. The characters are brilliantly written by surely one of the best writing pairings ever of John Esmonde and Bob Larbey( The Good Life, Please Sir! etc.)and the acting comic genius.Richard Briers plays Martin, a man so in tune with his life that Stradovarius could have fashioned him.

Ablely assisted by his long suffering but ultimatly loving wife Ann, played with great ability by Penelope Wilton, his life bounces from one catastrophe, in small letters, to the next. His misdoings usually involve his nemisis - the next door neighbour,Paul, a man who gets so far up Martins nose that a surgeon couldn't remove him. Peter Egan plays Paul with great gusto and you can tell he enjoys the part. Incidentally, Peter was actually recommended for the role by Richard Briers - excellent as a casting agent as well. The other strings on Martins fiddle are Howard and Hilda - Tweedledum and Tweedledee in pullovers - who aid and/or disrupt Martins way of life to his delight/disgust in the 26 episodes( plus a final heart-tugging finale)on four DVDs - A must buy item. Comment 48 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback... Thank you for your feedback. Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again By sharkspeed007 on 3 Jan.

2006 Format: DVD The Main Feature: A delicious situation comedy – one of the earliest, one of the most oft-forgotten, but unquestionably one of the best. Richard Briers plays the pedantic, officious, but well-meaning Martin Bryce. He lives life in a Quiet English Way, personifies pieces of wood and nails, and views filing as art form. Actually, not art – that’d be a little too left wing - more a necessary accompaniment to life. Martin runs every society in The Close – from the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme to the Cricket Club – keeping him busy, in control and the centre of attention. That is, until Paul Ryman moves in next door. Paul is the original Neil Godwin to Martin’s David Brent; he’s everything Martin isn’t - a Cambridge Cricket Blue, effortlessly charming and has a seemingly infinite number of ‘mates’. It is around these unlikely neighbours that the series is based – with Martin’s long-suffering wife, Anne, somewhere in the middle. This is a wonderfully observed sitcom that’s as good the first time you curl up with it on a Friday night, as it is when you’re laughing at it for the twenty-third time on a drizzly Sunday afternoon.

As with other great comedies, the premise is a simple one; a glimpse of ordinary people and the way they live their lives together. And that is largely from where Ever Decreasing Circles derives its power and timeless appeal; we all know a Martin, a Paul or an Anne – we may even have a little bit of them inside of us. Although naturally, Martins will do as Martin would, and not even think of admitting it. Highlights: Writing that deftly shows how the boring bits in life can be funny too. Read more › Comment 39 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback... Thank you for your feedback. Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again Ever Decreasing Circles - New Horizons [VHS]: Richard Briers, Penelope Wilton, Peter Egan, Stanley Lebor, Geraldine Newman, Gabrielle Daye, Timothy Bateson, Ann Davies: Amazon.co.uk: Video By Kindle Customer VINE VOICE on 28 April 2007 Format: DVD Verified Purchase This is without doubt the best, under-rated comedy series ever made by the BBC.

At last we have a complete BBC release of the entire collection in one edition containing not only the four series broadcast between 1984 and 1989 but the two Christmas specials from those years as well. As a reminder, this is the gem of a series that contained classics such as Martin getting to grips with the housework while Anne is in hospital (and with such funny lines in it Peter Egan is killing himself with laughter at some points), the first Christmas special when loads of Paul's house guests descend upon Martin for the festive season, Cavaliers and Roundheads and the Neighbourhood Watch classics. Wonderfully inspired casting included Stanley Lebor as Howard and the team gelled together like nothing I have seen before or since. Although these episodes have previously been available as individual series, this is an offial BBC release edition which apparently also includes comentary on selected episodes from Richard Briers, Penelope Wilton and Peter Egan. I urge you to treat yourself to this set, you will not be disappointed - and you can enjoy the 'will they, won't they?' chemistry between Ann and Paul all over again with Martin blisfully unaware that anything is wrong!

11/10 - they just don't make series like this anymore and it is to be cherished forever. By FionaShopsalot on 27 Jan. 2008 Format: DVD I saw two episodes when a friend bought this set round one night and really enjoyed the easygoing scripts, the affection and rapport between the characters, and the clever undercurrents always just beneath the surface. I ordered it for myself and spent a very pleasant couple of months steadily going through the whole run and also the final special. I loved it all. It was a comedy for grown ups from the theme music onwards and was rewarding to enjoy. Subtlety is missing from much of today's tv, and this shows up so much of the comedies on offer these days. I found myself wondering how such a comedy would be done today, 20 years after it actually aired! The extras are light and trivial but little nuggets of their time. Appearances on the Wogan show are squeezed on and although they're not too enlightening and if anything they're embarrassing in places, they're still nice to see.

There are some commentaries over a few episodes which are okay and nice to listen to but I do wish the 'interviewer' could either have done some research or found a way to kep the conversations going. There are some long pauses while the cast's main trio watch themselves and giggle away, which is alright once or twice but becomes frustrating after too many. It's a very enjoyable set and unfairly forgotten, I feel. Treat yourself to this and you won't be disappointed. Comment 79 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback... Thank you for your feedback. Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again By keith livingstone on 5 July 2004 Format: DVD The recent purchase of the 'Complete Works'of Martin Bryce brought back to me just how superb this oft forgotten series actually was. The characters are brilliantly written by surely one of the best writing pairings ever of John Esmonde and Bob Larbey( The Good Life, Please Sir! etc.)and the acting comic genius.Richard Briers plays Martin, a man so in tune with his life that Stradovarius could have fashioned him.

Ablely assisted by his long suffering but ultimatly loving wife Ann, played with great ability by Penelope Wilton, his life bounces from one catastrophe, in small letters, to the next. His misdoings usually involve his nemisis - the next door neighbour,Paul, a man who gets so far up Martins nose that a surgeon couldn't remove him. Peter Egan plays Paul with great gusto and you can tell he enjoys the part. Incidentally, Peter was actually recommended for the role by Richard Briers - excellent as a casting agent as well. The other strings on Martins fiddle are Howard and Hilda - Tweedledum and Tweedledee in pullovers - who aid and/or disrupt Martins way of life to his delight/disgust in the 26 episodes( plus a final heart-tugging finale)on four DVDs - A must buy item. Comment 48 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback... Thank you for your feedback. Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again By sharkspeed007 on 3 Jan.

2006 Format: DVD The Main Feature: A delicious situation comedy – one of the earliest, one of the most oft-forgotten, but unquestionably one of the best. Richard Briers plays the pedantic, officious, but well-meaning Martin Bryce. He lives life in a Quiet English Way, personifies pieces of wood and nails, and views filing as art form. Actually, not art – that’d be a little too left wing - more a necessary accompaniment to life. Martin runs every society in The Close – from the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme to the Cricket Club – keeping him busy, in control and the centre of attention. That is, until Paul Ryman moves in next door. Paul is the original Neil Godwin to Martin’s David Brent; he’s everything Martin isn’t - a Cambridge Cricket Blue, effortlessly charming and has a seemingly infinite number of ‘mates’. It is around these unlikely neighbours that the series is based – with Martin’s long-suffering wife, Anne, somewhere in the middle. This is a wonderfully observed sitcom that’s as good the first time you curl up with it on a Friday night, as it is when you’re laughing at it for the twenty-third time on a drizzly Sunday afternoon.

As with other great comedies, the premise is a simple one; a glimpse of ordinary people and the way they live their lives together. And that is largely from where Ever Decreasing Circles derives its power and timeless appeal; we all know a Martin, a Paul or an Anne – we may even have a little bit of them inside of us. Although naturally, Martins will do as Martin would, and not even think of admitting it. Highlights: Writing that deftly shows how the boring bits in life can be funny too. Read more › Comment 39 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Sending feedback... Thank you for your feedback. Sorry, we failed to record your vote. Please try again '80s Actual: Ever Decreasing Circles Ever Decreasing Circles Martin - an officious little man... His wife, Ann, introduced him to suave new neighbour Paul Ryman in 1984... Martin's friends and neighbours, Hilda and Howard Hughes (!), often liked to wear matching outfits, and made a wickerwork donkey called "Neddy".

Actor Richard Briers had worked with writers John Esmonde and Bob Larbey before - most notably on the highly popular BBC TV comedy The Good Life. The premise of The Good Life had been that middle aged, middle class Tom Good, stuck in a boring nine-to-five office job and living in suburbia, was suddenly galvanised by a notion born of the 1960s: he would leave the rat race - give up his wretched job and try self sufficiency! The Good Life was a huge success. In 1984, Richard Briers set to work with John Esmonde and Bob Larbey again - to produce a sitcom I enjoyed even more than The Good Life, and one which turned the premise of that worthy show completely on its head. The leading character of this new show, Martin Bryce, was a pain in the neck. He loved routine; loved to organise; loved detail. He was in charge of a mass of local committees and clubs and generally got up a lot of people's noses. Courtesy of his unhappy childhood, he was a real control freak.

Esmonde and Larbey wanted a funny man for the role, somebody who would prevent the character from being completely hateful, and offered it to Briers. In my view this role was more demanding than that of Tom Good - Martin was far more intricate. Briers managed to make the character extremely funny, but also so irritating at times that many viewers wanted to strangle him - and so vulnerable and boyish-looking in defeat that many of the would-be stranglers then wanted to hug him. Underneath it all, Martin was a thoroughly decent man, willing to sacrifice his own wellbeing for the sake of the happiness of the woman he loved, as one episode proved. A terrific performance - and Richard Briers's favourite sitcom role. Martin's wife, Ann, was played by Penelope Wilton. Ann had been proposed to by Martin whilst she was at a low ebb, her life at a difficult and disorganised juncture. "Let me do the organising," Martin had said. And that was it. Ann was a faithful wife but she was strongly attracted to suave new neighbour Paul Ryman, who moved into Martin's beloved suburban Close in 1984.

Paul, played by Peter Egan, owned a hairdressing salon and was a success. Everything he touched turned to gold. He was attracted to Ann too and initially amused by the humourless and detail-obsessed Martin. But gradually the amusement became mingled with fondness and, having witnessed a couple of Martin's selfless deeds (yes, he was capable of them!), some respect. Also living in The Close were Martin's friends, Howard and Hilda Hughes (Geraldine Newman and Stanley Lebor). Howard and Hilda were twee to the max, with their matching outfits, wickerwork Neddy and addiction to rosehip syrup, but they adored each other. Whilst very happy with her lot in life, and usually hard to ruffle, Hilda was sometimes troubled by strange thoughts: had she attracted a poltergeist? And what was that strange buzzing in her ear? "It's her time of life!" said an auntie of mine, very significantly. A title for the show had proved elusive, and Ever Decreasing Circles was dreamt up at the last moment, out of desperation.

Not everybody enjoyed Every Decreasing Circles, but for those of us who were in tune (and the show was tremendously popular) each episode was a great pleasure. The series was rounded off with a special feature length episode in 1989. Ann became pregnant and the couple were forced to up sticks and leave Martin's adored Close as his employers relocated. Richard Briers' performance as Martin was positively inspired throughout the show's run - indeed, it was this role that convinced me Mr B was a great actor - but the rest of the cast could not be faulted either. From Penelope Wilton as long-suffering-but-never-wimpish Ann, to Peter Egan as suave-but-not-smug Paul, and across the road to Geraldine Newman and Stanley Lebor as the slightly surreal Howard and Hilda, the entire cast was terrific, painting a vivid picture of life in The Close. The place where, according to Martin, "England lives". Poor England! All together now: "Three hundred and seventy five men went to mow, went to mow a meadow..." Oh, and you'd better put the telephone receiver right. Posted by

Question: Which 80s sitcom starred Penelope Wilton as Ann Bryce and Peter Egan as Paul Ryman?
Answer: EVER DECREASING CIRCLES