Bread (TV Series 1986–1991) - IMDb IMDb 7 January 2017 5:00 AM, UTC NEWS 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 The Liverpool-based Boswell family are experts at exploiting the system to get by in life. Despite the fact that none of the Boswells are officially employed, they manage to live a fairly ... See full summary » Creator: The family cannot afford the electricity bill so Joey sends Billy to the DHSS to charm the stone-faced clerk into helping but he lacks his older brother's persuasiveness. Freddie's brother Cyril, a ... 7.0 All the family is pleased when estranged father Freddie comes to visit - except Nellie, who confesses her loathing of him to the local priest. In the course of the day Jack attempts to buy ten stolen... 6.6 Joey confronts Freddie over the stolen money and learns it was to impress his girlfriend, Lilo Lil, who has now left him.

Billy buys a car which is a rust bucket so he turns to busking to raise money... 6.5 a list of 33 titles created 07 May 2015 a list of 34 titles created 06 Oct 2015 a list of 25 titles created 06 Nov 2015 a list of 36 titles created 9 months ago a list of 31 titles created 9 months ago Search for " Bread " on Amazon.com Connect with IMDb 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. 1 win & 2 nominations. See more awards » Photos Jacko is a house painter who "appreciates" women, he sees the best in each one of them and they in turn, like him. Will he find true love ? Will he settle down as he gets older ? Stars: Karl Howman, Mike Walling, Jackie Lye 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 Comic goings on in this series set in an English holiday camp called Maplins. The title comes from the camp's greeting, which the staff are meant to say with enthusiasm but all too often ... See full summary » Stars: Paul Shane, Ruth Madoc, Jeffrey Holland 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 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 Comedy series following the lives of sisters Tracey and Sharon who are left to fend for themselves after their husbands are arrested for armed robbery. Stars: Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson, Lesley Joseph 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 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: Richard Briers, Penelope Wilton, Peter Egan Zany antics and sketches by the anarchic camp comic. Stars: Kenny Everett, Cleo Rocos, Sheila Steafel George and Mildred Roper are forced to leave their home in South Kensington (as the landlords in Man About the House (1973)) when they receive a compulsory purchase order from the council. ...

See full summary » Stars: Yootha Joyce, Brian Murphy, Norman Eshley 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 Edit Storyline The Liverpool-based Boswell family are experts at exploiting the system to get by in life. Despite the fact that none of the Boswells are officially employed, they manage to live a fairly good life thanks government handouts and various cash-in-hand jobs. Family life for the Boswells centres around their God-fearing Catholic mother, Nellie. With her husband having left her for "a tart", she relies upon her eldest son, Joey, to play the father's role to her other three sons, Jack, Adrian and Billy, and her daughter Aveline. Their ability to squeeze the DHSS dry, while the boys earn a living on the side, is legendary. But, although the family is the focus of their lives, they each have different reasons to be unhappy! 1 May 1986 (UK) See more » Filming Locations: Billy Boswell is the show's least popular character.

See more » Quotes Lilo Lil : Look, we're both women. We have handbags, and ovaries. We're as devious and clever as a gifted monkey, and here we are fighting over a little man with a yellow cart. Nellie Boswell : Is that how you see him? Lilo Lil : No. I thought that's how you might see him. This Bread soon went crusty and stale 7 October 2004 | by world_of_weird (England) – See all my reviews A sitcom from my childhood that my mother absolutely loved, as did most of my schoolfriends, but as a twelve-year-old fan of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, I couldn't for the life of me understand what all the fuss was about. The show revolved around a supposedly penniless Liverpudlian family, all of whom had their own annoying and oft-repeated catchphrases, and to this day I can't believe how much the audience used to roar with laughter at "She is a tart!" and "All the colours of the rainbow, son".

Written by Carla Lane, famous for being paid large sums of money for making nobody laugh (see also BUTTERFLIES and THE LIVER BIRDS), and featuring audience-grabbing but embarrassing cameos from the likes of Paul and Linda McCartney whilst shamelessly playing on every chirpy Scouser stereotype in the book - hey, we're all natural comedians, poets and lovable rogues, don't you know! - this series was a nightmare from start to finish and dragged on far too long. Carla Lane somewhat unrealistically blamed the show's declining popularity on "disloyal ratbag fans" rather than her own tissue-thin scripts and the atrocious, stilted performances from all concerned. 19 of 34 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes Bread - BBC1 Sitcom - British Comedy Guide Robin Nash and John B Hobbs The Liverpool-based Boswell family are experts at exploiting the system to get by in life. Despite the fact that none of the Boswells are officially employed, they manage to live a fairly good life thanks government handouts and various cash-in-hand jobs. Family life for the Boswells centres around their God-fearing Catholic mother, Nellie.

With her husband having left her for "a tart", she relies upon her eldest son, Joey, to play the father's role to her other three sons, Jack, Adrian and Billy, and her daughter Aveline. Their ability to squeeze the DHSS dry, while the boys earn a living on the side, is legendary. But, although the family is the focus of their lives, they each have different reasons to be unhappy! As Warm As A Herd Of Boswells, a bread fanfic | FanFiction As Warm As A Herd Of Boswells By: slenderpanda597 Christmas is coming, and the whole herd of Boswells are out for something. Luckily, nobody can pull the wool over Martina's eyes.

Rated: Fiction T - English - Romance/Angst - [Joey B., Martina] - Words: 4,758 - Reviews: 4 - Favs: 2 - Published: 12/5/2015 - Status: Complete - id: 11652140 + - Full 3/4 1/2 Expand Tighten (a/n – "No one can pull the wool over these eyes" – Martina, Series 5 [according to the DVD box set]. "Oh, but they can, Martina" – Sev, September 2015 [after watching the DVD box set]. Merry Christmas, and stay warm, Bread fans. Especially Rose, who I dedicate this giftfic to.) As Warm As A Herd Of Boswells The front door lock clicks, and Martina knows he's home. She briefly looks up from her sewing to acknowledge that it is, in fact, Joey Boswell that has walked through their front door, and not the Police or a drunken lout or a rapist or some other horror.

Throughout her life, what with her wayward brother and all of his escapades during her late teenage years and early twenties, Martina has had too many unwanted visitors, and some of them have been less pleasant than others. When she sees the familiar blond hairstyle make its way around the doorframe, she goes back to her embroidery. Trust Adrian to pick the most outlandish names for his children. Did he realise how difficult it was to embroider the name Majella onto a pink sleepsuit without messing up the stitches? She's currently on the mash of long and loopy letters in the middle, and has unpicked her stitches several times over the course of the evening since getting back from work. She will finish it though, as then she only has a couple more presents to sort out. The flowers to go with the new tea service for Nellie will need to be collected nearer to the big day, and she doesn't know if by Christmas day Connie will have a boy, a girl or a bump, so Martina is waiting to see if a birth happens before she gets any of the newborn baby's first Christmas claptrap which Joey keeps fawning over in the shops they go in.

Which reminds her that she has to collect his present at some point. She's bought it, so she doesn't need to worry about that. It is getting it home that's the issue. Joey Boswell is like a child when it comes to Christmas, and there is nowhere safe in the house for her to hide his gifts without him routing through and finding it then bragging about what material possession he will have extra after Christmas Day. So his present is currently in her locker at work, safely behind the counter where he can't get his hands on it, and where he doesn't know it is. So for now, she's got to finish stitching her niece's name onto the sleepsuit for children. Majella. She rolls her eyes. Honestly, what sort of a name is that? She knows, of course, having made the mistake of voicing her wonder at such a name back in October when the baby was born. October 16th to be precise, which just so happens to be the Feast of St Gerard Majella, the patron saint of childbirth and motherhood.

So of course that was the name the daughter got when Irenee had finished screaming from the maternity ward (which Joey dragged her along to sit outside because it was 'an important occasion for the fam-il-y'). Connie will be giving birth imminently, she's due pretty soon. Trust Billy, when he finally settles down and has another child with another woman, to fail to even plan what's going to happen. A due date that close to Christmas. What a fool. As long as they call the child something sensible, she thinks, she won't moan. Like Gabrielle. Or Ronald. They'd be much easier to embroider onto a sleepsuit. Joey kisses her neck, and Martina angles it slightly so that he can press his lips further down. The embroidery is driving her insane, and she's had a rough day at work to boot, the most enlightening part being when she gave Adrian a sound grilling regarding his claims for a child's art set. He had it coming, calling his child Majella. Joey nuzzles her neck, and Martina puts the embroidery down, as she knows she's unlikely to get anymore done now he's home and, it would appear, in a good mood.

He comes around the side of the sofa and clambers next to her, pushing her against the velour (she refused to let him have a leather suite) and kissing her. She plays with the opening of his shirt, and responds to his lip actions. The phone rings and Joey climbs off her, leaping to answer it in one swift leap. She sits back up and smooths her hair down, waiting for him to finish. From the sounds of the conversation, it is one of his brothers on the phone, most likely Adrian or Billy, since Jack isn't usually one for phoning them up, unless he needs Joey's opinion on some possibly antique furniture which he's collected. She lets him do this, and she knows he's grateful for it. His family is his world, and she wouldn't begrudge him from speaking to them, ever. She knows all too well what it is like to have a family who don't speak with one another, who don't care about one another. Joey spent far too long being nervous about phone calls and visits to his Mam when he first started properly dating Martina, his previous relationship with Roxy having convinced him that he was wrong to love anyone but her.

Martina stretches lazily, and as he turns around to face her, he is grinning like he's just found out a piece of tasty gossip. She knows that grin all too well, and she can feel herself beginning to smile. "Our Adrian was just telling me that no one pulls the wool over your eyes," he smirks, advancing towards her. Her smirk is better than his; she's had longer to perfect it. "Oh, but no one can, Mister Boswell. I see through everything, scanning for the legal loopholes which will one day lead to the demise of scroungers like you." Joey leans closer to her. "Oh, but sweetheart, you'll never make me fall, for I am the infallible Joey Boswell!" He fling his arms wide, and she takes her opportunity, throwing herself towards his chest and knocking him backwards onto the sofa. She's in control now, and leaning down over him she grins evilly. "One day, Mister Boswell, one day…" Connie gives birth to a boy. Thankfully, they name him Daniel. A much more sensible name than Majella, which she has finally finished embroidering onto the sleepsuit.

The birth occurs whilst Martina is in work, so she doesn't get dragged along to sit by the maternity ward yet again, looking at leaflets on breastfeeding and birthing positions. She knows that Connie has probably gone into labour when Joey doesn't turn up for his giro. She inwardly smirks. That means he'll try to claim it late on another day, and she likes those conversations best, because she goes into battle already having the upper hand. Now, she's stood looking at a load of what she frankly feels is commercialised crap, bibs and hats and booties with 'special Christmas delivery' and 'born just in time for Christmas' stitched on. Joey is in his element, smiling over the various products and talking about how tiny, tiny, Daniel will fit into them just lovely. Joey loves children. Martina is not as keen. It isn't that she dislikes them, it is more the idea of birth that she can't wrap her head around. And also the fact that she's not entirely convinced that she can have children. She's been married to Joey for three years now, and while originally he spoke of nothing other than babies, he finally settled down and stuck to helping his siblings look after theirs.

It's very sweet of him, Martina thinks. He knows she doesn't cope all too well with commitment, and he's grateful that she married him after his divorce with Roxy all those years ago. Nellie likes Martina too, since she got married in a Catholic Church (Father Dooley was less concerned about Joey's divorce when he saw the sum that her then-fiancé willing to pay for the service). Martina thought about having children a couple of years back, and stopped taking her pills for a good few months. And despite engaging in many physical encounters with Joey over that period, she didn't result in a foetus inside her, ready to grow into a child created through the act of love which had taken place. She hadn't told Joey about stopping her pills, and so, when she grew increasingly more disappointed at her lack of pregnancy, she started taking them again. She didn't tell him. She hasn't ever told him. There's no need to. He'd only make pathetic attempts to assure her that he's never really wanted children, and he's happy without. Or even worse, he would take her to see the doctor, and if there's one thing Martina can't stand, it is clinicians.

She's been in hospitals too many times in early adulthood to ever want to go near one again, the memories of her brother, unable to sit up, covered in his own vomit and his eyes bloodshot after being rushed there in an ambulance when he was unable to walk into another drinking establishment. And so, Martina smiles at Joey's keenness at the various items on offer, and, in the end, they select a teddy bear holding a blanket, which she takes home to embroider the name Daniel on before they wrap it. Martina finishes work and walks past the rows of shops on the high street as she makes her way to the bus station. Joey is babysitting Majella so that Adrian and Irenee can do some Christmas shopping. Her eyes glance over the various window displays centred around festive themes. The post office is displaying Christmas cards and notices about last minute deliveries amongst sacks of presents with outlandish labels addressed to Father Christmas upon them. The butcher's has a large picture of a turkey to advertise the various animals on offer to eat that Christmas. Even the charity shop has a nativity scene made of the various odds and ends which people have donated to them.

Martina ignores the baby shops; she has no desire to look at products which she will never need to buy. Which reminds her, she needs to go to the pharmacist to pick up her pills. Not that she's taking them, but Joey needs to think she is. She's decided once again to try and see if her body does want to cooperate with Joey's wishes. Martina personally still isn't bothered, she tells herself. But seeing Joey fawning over their nieces and nephews, and being unbearably cheerful when playing the perfect Super Uncle is melting the edges of her heart just a little bit, and she wonders if she is able to get pregnant with him. She tells herself that it would just be to shut him up, she doesn't care either way if she can have children or not. Yet, when she sees a heavily pregnant woman walking along the street towards her, Martina crosses to the other side and refuses to look at the woman's swollen stomach. She blocks it from her mind, gets home, and switches on the television set. The newsreader is expecting a baby, too. Martina switches off, suddenly deciding that she does not need to be up to date with the latest news, after all.

She chucks a few more of her pills in the bin so that Joey will never find them, and know what she is doing, or get excited about the possibility of being a father. On the day before Christmas Eve, the DHSS close for the Festive Season. Martina arrives to work early, and her colleagues arrive soon after. They are fully aware that this will be the busiest day of their year, with a million last minute claims being brought to their attention by the rabble of claimants. Martina doesn't tell her colleagues, but she knows that Joey will be in later on with an outlandish scheme in order to give her some relief from the monotony of the rest of them. Until then, Martina puts her shoulders back and prepares for the onslaught of festive laundry robberies. "NUMBER 1 PLEASE!" And so her day continues. "So you're telling me, that it was yer washing line that were nicked?" "Yeah, and on washin' day, so everythin' were taken off it, weren't it?

Silk shirts an' velvet slippers an' cashmere coats!" "All that lot on your washing line, was it?" "Yeah, I'd just done me load o' it!" "And you hung it out to freeze, I presume, given our recent bouts of sub-zero temperatures which are well known for their excellence at drying washing? Especially ones which would never be washed together – silk and velvet and cashmere is a very interesting load, I must say. Maybe I will try it meself, if I 'ad garments made from silk or velvet or cashmere – NEXT!" Martina watches at the huffy woman stomps out of the building, and then, there is a familiar sent of aftershave, which can only belong to one person. She turns, and smirks, careful to make sure it is her business smirk that appears, not her bedroom smirk. "Greetings!" He flings his arms wide, and Martina prepares for the outlandish surprise Christmassy speech he will surely give. "You see, sweetheart, I have a problem." "You, Mister Boswell? A problem?

Goodness me, what on earth has occurred which has led to such a great deity as you having a problem?" He laughs and leans forward ever so slightly. "Well, not me, necessarily, but me-" "Family?" she interjects. He nods. "Yes, and as we are all unified in our blood ties, I thought I would pop over to address some concerns which me brother, Adrian, had, about his precious daughter, my niece, Majella." "Go on, Mister Boswell, but do excuse it if me tear ducts collapse halfway through due to the extremely harrowing nature of this tale." And then he's off, discussing creativity and childhood and Martina finds herself very distracted because she can see just how much he loves children, just what a great father he would be. Her hand rests on her stomach. Her still very much the same as it has always been stomach. Flat. Empty. Childless. She realises he has stopped, and, rather than admit her lack of knowledge as to what he has been rambling about she scowls, and plucks a form off her pile. "Fill that in.

NEXT!" At the end of a very long working day, the DHSS clerks go out for their Christmas party. They sit sipping glasses of wine in a pub in the centre of town, just away from the rest of the merry office folk from various council departments who are drunkenly dancing across the floor to songs which have never been any good. One of them is looking especially cheerful, and Martina notices that she has drank nothing but water all evening. As the night goes on, the other woman looks more and more agitated, until she eventually addresses her colleagues. "I just thought this would be the most magical time to tell you all – I'm pregnant! Not far mind, just a couple of months, but still, you'll be managing without me for a while next year!" Martina's insides freeze – why is everybody having children nowadays, it isn't that much of an important thing, is it? Externally, she plasters on a large smile and a high pitched voice and expresses her delight at the other woman for having a uterus which is willing to hold a child, isn't she lucky? Soon after, Martina makes her excuses, and leaves. The walk home is long and silent and brooding.

Fortunately, Joey is 'out on a job' so she doesn't have to pretend to be okay while he is there, she can just climb into bed and seethe until he gets home and snuggles against her under the covers. Before all that, she stashes his gift at the back of her wardrobe, hoping that he won't check there (again, he's already rummaged twice) before Christmas Day. On Christmas Eve, Martina and Joey spend the day collecting the flowers for Nellie and running other last minute errand which cannot be done until the day before Christmas. Whilst Joey is in the bank, Martina spots another token gift which she buys and slips in her handbag. As night falls upon the city, and children everywhere look out at the starry sky, seeing if they can spot Father Christmas, Joey parks the Jag at Formby, and the two exit, walking hand in hand amongst the sand dunes and down onto the beach. It is chilly, and as she shivers, Joey wraps his arms around her tightly, and Martina feels a happy sense of contentment. This, she thinks, this is what she wanted out of life.

A loving husband who she can do what she likes, when she likes with. Who will take her for midnight walks along the beach on Christmas Eve. She has to admit that she never thought that Joey Boswell, of all people, would end up being the one to fit the mould which she had created, but he has, and she loves him for it. Martina doesn't tell him that very often, because he could use it against her in an argument, and also she's not very good at expressing sentiments, but she hopes it comes across in the little things she does, the little things which say what she feels: 'you, Joey Boswell, are the bane o' me bloody life, but I would only want you that close to me'. Joey stops about halfway up the beach, and looks at his watch. The tide is out, and all the stars are reflected in it, the North Star shining bright, almost as if Jesus was being born again at that very moment. He stands behind her, and wraps his arms around her waist, and she leans back into him, secure in the knowledge that he will not hurt her. "Midnight.

Merry Christmas, Mrs Boswell," she can feel him grinning into her hair as he calls her that, and, if the situation were any different, she would turn and give him a piece of her mind about the use of that name. However, she is content, and at ease, which is a rare thing for Martina to be, so instead she turns and smiles at him, holding their hands between them. "Merry Christmas yerself, Joey." It is only fitting that, mistletoe or no mistletoe, they share a kiss to welcome the festive day into the world. Joey Boswell is like a child when it is Christmas. At six o'clock in the morning he is diving across the bed, kissing Martina in every place possible to get her into the wide awake club so that they can share the joy together. She opens one eye and takes in his ruffled hair and bright eyes. "If you hadn't noticed, it is six o bloody clock, and we only got in at two thirty this morning.

We ain't due at yer Mam's until ten so that's plenty o' time." But she knows he will remain awake, so she gets out of bed and pulls her dressing gown on, as her husband dashes excitedly into the lounge. Joey has gone to make coffee, which gives her time to put his presents under the tree for when he returns. Her eyes catch the other parcels which must be for her, and she wonders what they could be. Joey returns, and they swap gifts sat on the floor like children. He adores the new leather jacket which she has got him, and spends a good ten minutes stroking it adoringly. He also loves the leather pen pouch, which she informs him is an incentive to keep his sodding musical pens in without subjecting her to their many tunes one more time. Then she unwraps her presents. One is a beautiful fountain pen, and she smiles at him happily. It is sleek and silver and oh she is going to love writing forms using it. The other parcel is squashy, and she opens it to reveal a scarf, some gloves, a hat and a jumper. Confused, she looks up, and Joey is extracting the scarf from the mix and leaning over towards her.

He's now wearing his leather jacket, so she assumes he is going to tie it around her neck. However, Joey uses the scarf to blindfold her, much to her surprise. His voice whispers in her ear "So, Missy Martina, nobody can pull the wool over your eyes, eh?" In that moment she knows that he's caught her, but she won't let him win, so she uses the only weapon in her arsenal that could have any sort of impact given her situation. Knowing he's beside her, she reaches out her hand and trails it down his torso and between his thighs, stretching her legs as she does so, and rolling onto her belly, hands still at work. "Well, Mister Boswell, now that you have, shall we see what I can do with the wool over my eyes, given it is so warm – maybe things could heat up a little bit?" If only she didn't have the blindfold on she thinks, she would pay to see his reaction to her throaty whispers. She knows she's winning though when he scoops her up and places her on her back on the sofa. As clothes are removed, Martina smirks at how excellent she is at doing this without the use of her sight.

In fact, she thinks, the blindfold is adding an extra bonus to what they are doing, which gives her an idea for future exploits with her husband. By nine o'clock, they're snuggled together on the sofa, sipping tea and basking in the company of one another. Martina is wearing her new jumper, and Joey his new leather jacket, and they're ready to leave to go and see the rest of the Boswells with their Christmas gifts for dinner at Nellie's. Martina snuggles against Joey and closes her eyes slightly, letting the Christmas merriment wash over her, before she has to face the family. It isn't that she dislikes, them, but in large groups they can tend to be quite a handful. Also, Oswald will be there, and while she wouldn't trade him for Joey, she still thinks there's a niceness about him which is wasted on Aveline. At some point, she's fallen asleep, because Joey is waking her up and they're going to the car to drive to Kelsall Street. They enter the house, and the first thing which registers on Joey's face is shock.

Sat at the table with Nellie is a silver fox of a gentleman, smiling at them politely. Martina rubs Joey's arm soothingly. She knows who this man is, and has kept Nellie's secret gentleman from the family. But it looks as if, now Freddie has finally ran away to Ireland with Lilo Lil, Nellie has accepted Derek into her life and is ready to show him off to her children. Soon, the rest of the Boswells arrive, and after each of them overcomes their shock, they exchange presents and settle down to dinner, which is actually a buffet as there is no way that all of them can fit around the one table nowadays. Most people are fawning over little Daniel, who is still very young and newborn like. Martina ends up sat in the kitchen with Derek, who is kind and seems to be taking the whole family in his stride. He looks over at Nellie in the parlour with her latest grandchild. "She loves you all," Derek comments fondly, turning to Martina. "They all love their family, the Boswells.

Your Joey did an excellent job keeping her on track when she could have crumbled due to Freddie." Martina notes how he shows no sign of malice when mentioning Freddie, who, really, is the reason that Nellie wouldn't enter a serious relationship with Derek sooner. She smiles at him. "They all need someone patient though, who's willing to let them put the family first. Roxy never Joey do that." Derek turns to her, and pats her hand. "You're a good one for Joey. I don't know him all that well, yet, but I've heard. And you're all he needs. Sometimes, when people have been battered, all they need is a comforting partner. No children, no riches, just comfort. I hope I can be a comforting partner to Nellie." It is almost as if he has read her mind, and it is all so comforting. Joey just needs her, and she needs him. If a child doesn't happen, it doesn't matter. They've got each other. Martina smiles at Derek and looks back towards Nellie.

'He's good for you,' Martina thinks, 'don't lose him, Nellie Boswell.' Soon, the children are showing off their presents, and Martina is perched firmly in Joey's lap due to a lack of seating for the whole extended Boswell clan. She pulls something from her bag which she bought with Joey yesterday, and leans across to Adrian, who still has a slightly startled look when he realises she is addressing him. Martina smirks. "Number 25, take this." She bites her lip to stop herself from laughing and can feel Joey doing the same as Adrian opens the children's art set and a look of bewilderment and excitement crosses his face as he turns to look at Majella on Irenee's lap. "Look, little one! You can start painting with Daddy now!" At least he's happy, Martina thinks. That is what Christmas is about. On the armchair, Nellie is at proudly surveying her family and how well they have all done, and Martina cannot help but think that Derek just completes the picture, perched behind her on the arm of the chair.

Martina cannot help but feel a sense of pride that Nellie has finally stood up for herself. Speaking to Derek has made her see the parallels between her relationship with Joey, and the one his mother has with Derek. She is just incredibly thankful to feel wanted, and to feel like she has a place. She spent too many Christmases alone, hearing her brother drinking himself to merriment and her parents argue about where the money had gone for the presents. In the Boswell family, Christmas is a time for family, and for God. The whole family, Derek included, goes to the Christmas Day mass and the sense of unity almost overwhelms Martina. As they leave, it starts to snow, and Joey makes their excuses and drives them home, careful not to destroy the Jag, before the snow gets too deep. When they reach their home, they spend a while stood outside, watching the snowflakes fall to the ground. Joey turns to look at her. "Are you okay, not too cold?" Martina grins at his question, the perfect response already on her lips. "No, thanks, it provides a nice change to the heat of Kelsall Street." Joey laughs and brushes some snow off his new lather jacket.

"Are you sure?" "Yes, Mister Boswell, besides, in this new jumper, I'm as warm as a herd of Boswells." Joey has no response to that comment, which Martina takes great delight in. This Christmas, she's won the battle of wits between the two of them. Most definitely. She might not be able to give Joey a child, but she won't dwell on it, just as long as their games continue, they're happy. She's happy. And she will definitely celebrate that. "Joey?" BREAD-The BBC TV series set in Liverpool BBC Page This is a fan page and does not intend to infringe any copyrights held either by the BBC or anyone else. All sources where known will be given or hot-linked. To the left you'll spot a shot of Paul and Linda McCartney guesting in THAT episode. Unfortunately, the clipping is undated and lacks the name of the paper. The reviewer at the time wasn't a fan of the show and the review was less than friendly.

The final words in the review: "At least Paul had the good sense to remain hidden in the Mercedes and limit his contribution to one throwaway line." THE WEEKLY NEWS dated December 3, 1988 was far more friendly. There was a one page feature on Peter 'Joey' Howitt and his girlfriend at the time, Louise English. Said Peter: "I never wear black leather gear like Joey Boswell. I will help promote the programme by doing personal appearances but Joey and I are light years apart. / My sister has threatened to reply to my fan mail and tell the girls who write in what I'm really like!" Later in the interview, saying that he was writing jokes for Cannon & Ball and Hale & Pace, "I'm investing for the time when I am no longer flavour of the month." Peter had also turned down an 80,000 pounds ad contract to promote aftershave and bread for fear it would affect his credibility as an actor. Actors had integrity back then. How times have changed. OVERVIEW Set in Liverpool, England, the home of The Beatles.

The Boswell family, although none of them appear to be employed, manage to live a comfortable life with the help of Social Security payments and various jobs on the side. The matriache and undisputed head of the family, who always sits at the head of the table around which much of the action takes place, is Nellie (Jean Boht). She has raised her children with little or no help from husband Freddie (Ronald Forfar), who spends most of his time chasing after 'Lilo Lil' (Eileen Pollock). Her lads are Joey (Peter Howitt), Jack (Victor McGuire), Adrian (Jonathon Morris) and Billy (Nick Conway). Solitary daughter, Aveline (Gilly Coman), dreams of becoming a top model. At the end of series 4, Peter Howitt left the programme and was replaced by Graham Bickley. Gilly Coman also left, to be replaced by Melanie Hill. We hope to cover all these characters and actors either by way of links or information below, gleaned from news clippings of the time. SOME CAST /CHARACTERS in 'pecking' order! Not all listed yet. GRANDAD Kenneth Waller.

Born in Huddersfield on November 5, 1927. He died on January 28, 2000, aged 72 . From The Times Kenneth Waller was one of those admirable character actors who plied his trade for decades without attracting much notice and then became a household name late in his career thanks to one hugely successful television series. This was Bread, Carla Lane's sitcom about about the unemployed Boswell family on Merseyside, which at its peak in the late 1980s attracted an audience of 21 million. It was an ensemble piece rather than a star vehicle, and Waller's Grandad was an essential element. A pensioner who lived next door to the Boswells in their working-class terrace, Grandad was forever dropping in to cadge a meal and his "hey, where's me tea?" became a catchphrase. Waller's skilled playing transcended what could have been a comic caricature by investing the character with a shrewd mixture of irascibility and pathos.

It was clever acting in a physical sense as well, for viewers who saw only a 75- year-old with unkempt white hair and a bushy moustache might not have guessed that the hair was dyed, the moustache a fake and that Waller was not yet 60 when he first played the part. Grandad came to Waller rather by chance. He had been due to make a film in Spain when a fellow actor, Art Malik, broke his arm and shooting was postponed. This left Waller free for other work and available when Bread was being cast. The series began in 1986 and survived a tepid critical reception and local objections to perceived Scouse stereotyping to became the most popular BBC comedy of its day. Waller played Grandad until the final episode in December 1991. Kenneth Waller came to acting late, after National Service in the RAF and working in the accounts department of an auctioneering firm where a colleague was Thelma Barlow, later Mavis Riley of Coronation Street. He started in repertory, appeared at the Oxford Playhouse under Frank Hauser, and showed equal proficiency in musicals and straight plays.

He made his West End debut in the Julian Slade musical Free As Air at the Savoy Theatre in 1957 and played in more than 20 other London productions, including Salad Days, The Solid Gold Cadillac, Anne of Green Gables and The Importance of Being Earnest. He played Shakespeare in India, Jordan, Turkey and Egypt. Waller was an accomplished pianist who played with leading orchestras in Peter and the Wolf, a lover of opera and a keen follower in his home town of the Huddersfield Choral Society. Another institution he cherished was the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park, which he served as both actor and supporter. He made the first of more than 200 television appearances in a comedy show starring Terry Scott, and had parts in many popular series, including All Creatures Great and Small, Juliet Bravo and Dr Who. But it was not until the early 1980s that his career began to take off, playing Mr Grace, the store owner in the sitcom Are You Being Served?, and Ferret, the old Cockney in the comedy-drama Big Deal. During 1988 he was in Coronation Street playing the father of Curly Watts.

With his brown hair this time dyed ginger, he could never be mistaken for Bread's Grandad. After Bread finished he was with Barbara Windsor in a successful touring production of Joe Orton's black comedy, Entertaining Mr Sloane. Despite his late fame and the wealth that went with it, Waller lived modestly in a rented two-bedroom maisonette opposite Chalk Farm Tube station in London. His idea of a treat was a fresh Scotch salmon from Marks & Spencer and a half bottle of champagne. He never married. Subj: Kenneth Waller (from Bread) Date: 30/10/06 10:39:36 AUS Eastern Daylight Time From: Rosy I was looking at your website in relation to Ken Waller and was surprised to find that there is no mention of his role in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I knew Ken from my days working at the BBC (1980-87) where we sang in the Club Choir together. I always point him out to my children as it was such great fun knowing him and we used to laugh a lot together. He played one of the inventors alongside Max Wall and was very proud of it!

Otherwise this is a lovely tribute to him - thanks! - Rosy Treasure, Claygate, Esher NELLIE Jean Boht - Details to follow when time permits. ADRIAN Jonathon Morris scored a double. At the same time of landing the role 'Adrian', he also won a role in the West End stage production of 'La Cage Aux Folles'. Never out of work since leaving the Bristol Old Vic in 1981, he'd appeared in TV costume dramas such as 'Beau Geste' and 'The Prisoner of Zenda', and worked on stage with Tom Baker, Claire Bloom and Patricia Hodge. His mother was an infant school teacher and his father, a horticulturalist. Tommy Steele, Frad Astaire and Gene Kelly were his favourite stars during his childhood. Info from THE WEEKLY NEWS dated December 3, 1988. CELIA Rita Tushingham was Celia Higgins, the neighbour. Rita returned to her native Liverpool from Canada to appear in the series. "It was lovely to be back. Liverpool people are very special and have a marvellous sense of humour.

/ And the cast could not have been friendlier." She was born in Liverpool in 1942. Rita applied to a newspaper advertisement for an actress to play Jo in the film A Taste Of Honey and got the role. She won the best actress award at the Cannes festival for her first film performance. She then appeared in several important movies of the decade, including Doctor Zhivago and The Knack. Others included A Taste Of Honey, The Leather Boys, A Place To Go, The Girl With Green Eyes, The Trap, Smashing Time, Diamonds For Breakfast, The Guru and The Bed-sitting Room. Rita also made at least one appearance on the Morcambe and Wise Show. Rita and her husband, film-maker Ousama Rawi, settled in Canada with their two daughters Aisha and Dodanna, in 1981. Some info from THE WEEKLY NEWS dated December 3, 1988. LILO LIL Eileen Pollock, unlike her character, accumulated numerous academic qualifications including a degree in languages at Belfast's Queens University; she speaks French, Italian and Spanish and worked as a translator before moving to the acting profession.

And yes, she had her hair dyed to play Lilo Lil! About Lil, Eileen said: " ...I'm very fond of her but she is quite misunderstood. / In a way she is fond of Freddie and would settle down with him. But he has wanderlust and he needs to go back to his family from time to time." Info from THE WEEKLY NEWS dated December 3, 1988 MARTINA Pamela Power as the dole dragon, Martina, didn't need to do any research for the part as she'd been on the opposite side of the DHSS counter many times! Said Kenneth Waller of Pamela: " Pamela was so brilliant in the first episode, it was dedcided to keep her on and give her a bigger role." At the time Pamela was married to financial planner, Martyn Ingram. The two shared their Wimbledon home with three cats. Info from THE WEEKLY NEWS dated December 3, 1988 SHIFTY Bryan Murray's arrival after the show had been running for four series was daunting for him but the cast soon made him welcome. His mum was a great fan and very pleased when he landed the role of Shifty Boswell.

At the time of the interview, Bryan's wife had shifted back to Ireland and had taken their five yo daughter, Laura, who he missed very much. Info from THE WEEKLY NEWS dated December 3, 1988 STAN Terry Lennaine has also been seen in various TV programmes including Bread where Terry played 'Stan', the husband of Joey Boswell's girlfriend 'Roxy', Terry appeared in a number of episodes. MONGY EVENTS THE MARRIAGE A double page colour-spread appeared in DAILY RECORD (a Scottish paper printed in Glasgow*), December 5, 1988. *Thanks to Ben Wicks for this information. THE ROME SPECIAL I have a scan of a colour illo of the 'Roman Special' cast from an unknown newspaper but it's not suitable for this page. Sorry, currently misplaced and not available until I relocate the clipping. THE STAGE VERSION BBC - Comedy - Bread Comedy Bread Bread Believe it or not, this much-derided fusion of sitcom and soap was once the biggest show in Britain. After the failure of her alcoholism-themed sitcom I Woke Up One Morning, writer Carla Lane returned to more populist form with Bread.

Firmly set in Thatcher's Britain, the show owed more than a little to Boys from the Blackstuff in its depiction of DHSS culture - although unlike Yosser and co in that series, the Boswells ran rings around the state. They were a larger-than-life Catholic clan living in Liverpool, governed by Nellie (a defining role for Jean Boht), the armour-plated matriarch who keeps her grown-up children on taut apron strings. Deserted by layabout husband Freddie, she's fashioned the family into a tight unit, who deposit wads of cash into the family's housekeeping funds each night thanks to a series of dodges and scams. Joey is the eldest, and, in the absence of their dad, the family's patriarch. A 1980s epitome of cool, with big hair and a leather jacket, he acknowledges people with "greetings", and drives to the dole office in a Jag. Then there's Jack, a hard-working wheeler-dealer; Adrian, an overly sensitive would-be poet; and Billy, the baby of the group. However, most precious to Ma Boswell is Aveline.

The would-be model is the only girl in the family, and thus cosseted from the big bad world. Next door lives Grandad, a scruffy, cantankerous old man, who accepts meals brought round to him with little thanks. Point of interest: it's never made clear if he's actually Nellie or Freddie's father. Although Bread was clearly intentioned as optimistic salute to the resourcefulness of Liverpudlians on the dole-line, and the invincibility of the family unit, not everyone took it in good stead. "[It] reinforces the cultural stereotype of the inhabitants of that self-destructive city as a bunch of spongers abusing the welfare state," snorted the Times, previewing the first series. Nevertheless, the show quickly became a hit, thanks to its killer catchphrases ("She is a tart!") and soap opera-style storylines. When Aveline married Protestant Vicar Oswald in 1988, more than 21 million viewers tune in. That same year also featured a memorable cameo by Lane's real-life chums, Paul and Linda McCartney. "Your husband - got a job has he?", Nellie asked Linda.

When the show returned for its fifth series, both Gilly Coman and Peter Howitt had gone. Lane had already written five episodes of the series at the point Howitt decided to quit, and so there was no option but to recast the role of Joey. Thus, in came Graham Bickley, who never quite convinced in the role, although Melanie Hill did make a good fist of playing Aveline. Rocked by the changes, Bread continued for another two years, but never quite recaptured its popularity. It finished in 1991, and remains the last of Lane's creations to survive for more than one series. "Bread" Reviews & Ratings - IMDb IMDb trailers and videos full cast and crew trivia official sites memorable quotes Overview 15 out of 20 people found the following review useful: Fond memories from Tampere, Finland 19 April 2006 I have fond memories of this show. It ran in Finland when I was 11-12 (in 1990-1992), and I fell in love with Joey Boswell. I would never miss an episode.

I thought it was so much fun, especially every time the family drove to solve some problem: first Joey's Jaguar, then Jack's van, then Adrian's motorbike and Billy's old broken Beetle...There was always one empty chair at the end of the table, and I imagined myself sitting there as the youngest daughter of the family. I remember the catchphrases - "I'm not ready for all this!", "She's a tart!" (which my grandmother disapproved of), "Greetings!"... Adrian's poem "Granny's Bucket" and another one that went something like "If you were dead, I'd go to all the places we were together and cry.. But you're alive. And I hate you." I learned many English words from this show, including "greetings", "tart", and "retaliate". I remember being heartbroken when Joey's actor was changed. My idol was the original Joey, Peter Howitt. I also hated the new Aveline and felt the show was never the same after the change of these actors. I don't know which season that was, but apparently I'm not the only one who thinks the show went on too long.

I can't believe Carla Lane blames the fans for abandoning the show - I would assume that repetitive scripts and characters that never evolve wouldn't keep the fans' interest on for very long. I used to think the unchanging nature of the show and the stay-at-home grown up kids were safe and positive, but as a grown up viewer I might get tired of them. I haven't watched Bread in 14 years, and I'm not sure if I'd like to see it again and spoil the memory. For one thing, at age 11, I missed out on all the irony and subtext. A lot of the things I admired, like Joey's dedication to his family, might seem negative now. My mother, a social worker, thought the characters were offensive for their blatant abuse of the social security system. She thought that their real life counterparts would be very unhappy and pitiful, not someone to laugh at. I was mad at her at the time, but I can see her point now - the show made fun of unemployed people and presented them as lazy abusers of the system. The humor that made an 11-year-old laugh might seem tedious and repetitive to an adult.

I don't think "she is a tart" would amuse me now. For me, this show is best left unspoiled. It was very important to me once, and I'll always have those memories. A part of me will always live on Kelsall Street. Was the above review useful to you? 12 out of 18 people found the following review useful: One of the Greatest British Sitcoms from Tennessee 31 May 2004 I love this show! I used to watch this when my family was stationed in England and it became a favorite for my whole family. The mother was one of the best; loud, dominant, and acid tongued. She keeps her five children at home with her, as her husband continues coming back and forth between his family and his Irish mistress. Some of the best scenes are between the mother (Nelly Boswell) and the mistress (Lillian, but known as Li Lo Lil or Tart). Joey was a hottie with his bleach blond hair and black leather clothing. Aveline was the cute, but bumbling model. Jack was the shy, overweight antiques dealer. Adrian was the sexually repressed poet.

And Billy, the youngest, was a daddy at 16. This comedy was great when its original cast was present, but once the actors playing Joey and Aveline left, it lost its humor. I'll always remember Bread for Nelly standing on her doorstop screaming," SHE IS A TART!" and then crossing herself before she returns to her chaotic family. A British Married With Children, but funnier. If you see this show, watch it! Was the above review useful to you? 19 out of 34 people found the following review useful: This Bread soon went crusty and stale from England 7 October 2004 A sitcom from my childhood that my mother absolutely loved, as did most of my schoolfriends, but as a twelve-year-old fan of Monty Python and Fawlty Towers, I couldn't for the life of me understand what all the fuss was about. The show revolved around a supposedly penniless Liverpudlian family, all of whom had their own annoying and oft-repeated catchphrases, and to this day I can't believe how much the audience used to roar with laughter at "She is a tart!" and "All the colours of the rainbow, son".

Written by Carla Lane, famous for being paid large sums of money for making nobody laugh (see also BUTTERFLIES and THE LIVER BIRDS), and featuring audience-grabbing but embarrassing cameos from the likes of Paul and Linda McCartney whilst shamelessly playing on every chirpy Scouser stereotype in the book - hey, we're all natural comedians, poets and lovable rogues, don't you know! - this series was a nightmare from start to finish and dragged on far too long. Carla Lane somewhat unrealistically blamed the show's declining popularity on "disloyal ratbag fans" rather than her own tissue-thin scripts and the atrocious, stilted performances from all concerned. Was the above review useful to you? 6 out of 10 people found the following review useful: Learning to live the Scouse way from Wales, UK 8 June 2004 Set in Liverpool in the 198o's at the time of high unemployment, Thatcherism and the miner strikes, through to the 1990's. The Boswell household was run by matriarch Nelly, a strict Roman Catholic family and Nelly always found salvation in the Church.

Every mealtime she passed round a china hen in which they all put money. Sometimes we got to see Freddy, Nellie's ex-husband, who lives in a caravan with his girlfriend Lilo Lil, a big chested Irish woman with flame red hair, short skirts and a little fur jacket and high heel shoes and an equal fiery temperament to match. Every episode had some crisis which the whole family would resolve around the dinner table, and a prayer or two would be said. Money matters would be solved by going to the local DSS office, where they were met by the fiery, ice hearted DSS lady. The family claimed every single penny they were entitled and more if they could. And they worked on the side too to bring in extra cash Was the above review useful to you? 8 out of 14 people found the following review useful: Okay But Dragged On For Too Long from England 22 September 2002 In it's heydey Bread was a decent comedy about the Boswell family-a Catholic family living in Liverpool. Nellie Boswell held the largely unemployed family together during the series as they got up to all sorts.

Living down the road from the Boswells was Granddad who was an irascible old man who kept bothering them every five minutes. He added to the humour. The only problem was that Bread ran longer than it should have. A lot of comedy shows outstay their welcome and Bread was one of them. It ran until the early 1990's but by that time most people-including myself-were fed up with it. Comedy shows should only have a limited run and Bread chose to go on for longer than it should have. But in all fairness, the early episodes were very funny and do deserve a look. Was the above review useful to you? Excellent for the first three series 5 June 2016 *** This review may contain spoilers *** OK, like Carla Lane's other Liverpool sitcom, The Liver Birds, Bread went stale( pun intended) and the last two series were well below par, with characters played by different actors, but for its first three series Bread was hilarious and was attracting 19 million viewers. Basically the sitcom concerned jobless Liverpool family in the eighties and their various fiddles and dubious money making schemes to make money to survive.

Headed by a devout Catholic mother, Nelly Boswell, played brilliantly by Jean Boht, the family's various schemes and catchphrases became very popular. " She is a tart!" " P... off, where's me dinner" and Joey Boswell's way of introducing himself by saying " Greetings" always raise a smile among people of a certain age. For me, the minor character's made Bread so amusing. In particular the hard faced dole office clerk, Martina, was hilarious: always cynical and disinterested, she always gave way to some tall story told by Joey Boswell to get more money and muttered" sign here" to get rid of him. Then there's the little seen, Lilo Lill( " she is a tart!"), Irish girlfriend of Nelly's estranged husband, Freddie, and her rivalry with Nelly. Also hilarious was Grandad, a mean spirited, miserable old man who was always demanding the family deliver his dinner and would then tell them to " p... off". Indeed the Scouse warmth, lovable rogues like Freddie and Joey Boswell, and a top notch theme tune made Bread one of the most popular sitcoms of all time.

With Carla Lane now sadly dead, I'm sure the BBC could re run the first three series as a tribute. Was the above review useful to you? Yet another great BBC comedy from Chicago Il 28 December 2015 My wife and I have watched the first 3 seasons of Bread and we both love it.It is often described as the Northern England version of Only Fools and Horses. For my money, Bread is superior to the beloved Only Fools. The series is about the close knit Boswell family that live in a bleak row-house estate flat in the gritty city of Liverpool. The family consists of the devout Catholic, tough, separated Mum, Nellie Boswell and her 5 grown children ,four sons and one daughter, all living together. Jean Boht , in a role she seemingly was born to play does a simply magnificent job portraying Nellie. She dotes on her children, cooking meals for them and for the cranky Granddad that lives next door. The family always sit together at mealtime while they take turns knocking on Granddad's door ,tray in hand , bringing his meal. He rudely grabs the tray, complaining about the meal and slams the door.

None of the family has a proper job, They all exploit Britain's generous welfare system and all have schemes to bring in money which they all contribute to Nellie in a bowl during a pre - dinner ritual. One of the show's strengths is these actors have wonderful charisma and they seem like a real family. The eldest son Joey is a handsome smooth talking leather clad Jaguar driving dude that serves as a surrogate father to his siblings in the absence of Nellie's husband. He regales the skeptical female welfare office worker with tales of new expenses the family has incurred, all for a bigger welfare check. He is supremely confident and wise and he always has advice for his bewildered brothers. His brother Adrian, a recently laid off real estate salesman, has a pretty blonde oversexed girlfriend and he cannot satisfy her voracious desires. He is quite embarrassed by it and is very nervous with her. He is philosophical about it all. The youngest son Billy , is a father to a little girl named Franchesca. He earns money first by busking and when that didn't work out, sells sandwiches from his cranky little car. He cannot figure out his sarcastic girlfriend Julie and he is not ready for fatherhood.

The other brother Jack, earns money finding or buying junk and selling it for profit. His character so far is the least interesting. Then there is the ditzy lone sister Aveline. She is a delight. The brothers are fiercely protective of her. She aspires to be a model and her life revolves around it. Her catchphrase is "I need to do me modeling". Gilly Coman is simply adorable as Aveline. Every line she delivers makes me laugh or smile. Smaller roles are Freddie Boswell and Lilo Lil. Freddie is Nellie's husband and the kids father that left the family for his mistress Lilo Lil. Freddie cannot make his mind up which woman he wants , he bounces back and forth to his family and Lilo Lil, of which Nellie often says "she's a tart". This comedy is so enjoyable , the half hour just breezes by. It has a bit of a soap opera feel to it, there's a story line wrapped up around the comedy. I am eager to find out what happens to this Boswell family. I love the outdoor scenes of Liverpool and the Liverpool accents too. Another British comedy gem. Was the above review useful to you?

4 out of 8 people found the following review useful: I love this very much 9 January 2005 *** This review may contain spoilers *** This is another BBC programme I saw as a small child that I'm currently trying to catch up on, and I like it more now for being able to understand it much better. I particularly liked teenager Billy's relationship with Julie. Once she gives birth to their daughter Francesca (whose name Billy isn't entirely sure of at first) she's practically looking after two children, except for the fact that Billy - like the others - can't break away from his mum Nellie. As Julie says "Go back to the womb. You never left it." Other highlights include Adrian (who's living in a dreamworld and can't face up to going to the DHSS office on his own) and his sex-obsessed girlfriend, Joey - the eldest - who puts the family before his personal life all the time, Jack (always managing to buy 'antiques' and other items that turn out to be worthless) and - of course - Aveline, the only sister.

Everything about her image screams "EIGHTIES!" at you - the clash of the patterns on her clothes, her over-sized earrings and her big hair. The older generation are just as good - Nellie (who takes her groceries to church, kneels at the altar then has to run back down the aisle after the giant tin of beans that just fell out of her shopping bag, in one scene), permanently hungry Grandad and Nellie's estranged husband Freddie. Give it a try. Was the above review useful to you? 4 out of 8 people found the following review useful: A Good Show That Went A Bit Stale from Australia 21 April 2003 "Bread" follows the lives of a close-knit family in 1980s Liverpool. We see their trials and tribulations, their daily battle with an outside world of crime, poverty, unemployment and immorality. Using their wits, the Boswells beat this world at its own game, exploiting every loophole in the welfare system to cheat the bureaucrats of the DHSS. Nellie Boswell and her five grownup children (Joey, Jack, Adrian, Aveline and Billy) are fiercely loyal to one another.

When one has a problem everyone else comes to the rescue, traveling in a convoy of cars, ranging from Joey's black Jaguar to Billy's clapped out old mini. You always see them walk closely together at the same pace, staring straight ahead. The charming, leather-clad Joey was always the first to speak, usually beginning with the word: "Greetings!" Not every episode had a happy ending, however. When I first saw this programme I was still in primary school. It used to be shown on the ABC every Monday night at 8.00 PM. I liked it when it first started. 1986-1988 was the heyday of the show. But after a while it didn't seem so fresh. The show dragged on into the early nineties, after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. The mobile phones were still huge, though. They changed the actors who played Joey and Aveline, although I found the original Aveline's accent a bit annoying. The show seemed to have lost its sparkle.

When the last episode finished in 1991 we saw the camera draw away from the Boswell house in Kelsall Street (which looked identical to the surrounding streets), getting an aerial view of Liverpool at large, finishing with a shot of that old cathedral. And there it finally closed. Was the above review useful to you? 17 out of 39 people found the following review useful: Want a few easy laughs? Patronise the working class from Scarborough, England 14 May 2004 It's so easy to survive poverty and economic depression. All you need is the wit and the nerve to outsmart Government bureaucracy. Then you can have a decent home with plenty of food on the table, you can even run a classic Jaguar! At a time when Margaret Thatcher and her thugs were destroying UK manufacturing industry and throwing whole communities on the scrap heap of unemployment, 'Bread' came along to show working class people were lovable scallywags who could rake in pots of money from the Department of Social Security by running rings around the rules.

I can only assume no-one associated with this condescending garbage has ever been faced with actually trying to prove they are "genuinely seeking work" (which required a file of rejection letters as thick as a telephone directory) or making their remaining £5 (or $8) last until they are allowed more social security. The alternative was to get a job as a 'security guard' being paid £1.95 (or $3.40) an hour. Oh, and you had to provide your own dog. If you want to know what working class life was like in Liverpool in the 80's, watch 'Boys from the Blackstuff', not this rubbish. Was the above review useful to you? Page 1 of 2:

Question: What was the name of the Boswell's daughter in Bread
Answer: Aveline