Hopes and Desires

Seven BBC full-cast romantic comedies about love, longing and life-changing moments

Written by a host of top radio writers and starring some of Britain's finest actors, these sparkling, beautifully crafted comedy dramas are centred around people with unconscious yearnings. From the serial seducer to the lonely mother's boy, each is looking for love - but will they find it?

Vongole by Michael Butt: Oxford professor Tristram Swann's favourite pastime is wooing his female students with Petrarch and pasta. But what is he really after? Starring Bill Nighy.

The Non-Entity by Marcy Kahan: Once a successful Soviet hack, Dimitri hasn't sold a story since the fall of Communism. So why has a British publisher flown out to Moscow to see him? Starring Kenneth Cranham, Eleanor Bron and Sylvestre Le Touzel.

Toad Squad by Nick Warburton: Bitter at being retired prematurely, Reg embarks on a mission to protect the humble toad. Starring Philip Jackson and Amanda Root.

The Anniversary Waltz by Jeremy Front: Deli owners Max and Shirley spend their days sniping at one another - but a sudden epiphany makes them realise things have got to change... Starring Prunella Scales, Roger Allam and Rebecca Front.

Catching Heathcliff by Nick Warburton: Lindsey dreams of someone brooding and passionate - and then Morton walks into her book group... Starring Philip Jackson and Amanda Root.

Battersea Triangle by Michael Butt: Passive Dougie is trapped in a relationship with his domineering boss, Angela. When he meets the docile India, his problems seem to be over - but are they just beginning? Starring Mark Benton, Christine Kavanagh and Indira Varma.

The Dangers of Self-Hypnosis by Gary Ogin: Having had no luck with speed-dating, Maurice turns to a self-hypnosis CD to find romance. Exploring his subconscious, he finds the beautiful Rachel... Starring Richard Coyle, Prunella Scales and Sophie Winkleman.

Produced and directed by Peter Kavanagh

Vongole

Tristram - Bill Nighy

Minnie - Emma Callander

Helen - Miranda Colchester

Freddie - Stephen Critchlow

Mamma/Judy - Carolyn Jones

Written by Michael Butt

The Non-Entity

Dmitri - Kenneth Cranham

Annoushka - Eleanor Bron

Claire - Sylvestra Le Touzel

Robert - Stephen Critchlow

Written by Marcy Kahan

Toad Squad

Reg - Philip Jackson

Bel - Amanda Root

Mr Topping - Jonathan Coy

Written by Nick Warburton

The Anniversary Waltz

Shirley - Prunella Scales

Max - Roger Allam

Roszinka - Rebecca Front

Girl - Rosie Fellner

Marcy - Liza Sadovy

Toastmaster/Old man - Bruce Purchase

Written by Jeremy Front

Catching Heathcliff

Graham - Philip Jackson

Lindsey - Amanda Root

Heathcliff/Morton - Mark Straker

Postman - Nick Warburton

Written by Nick Warburton

Battersea Triangle

Dougie - Mark Benton

India - Indira Varma

Angela - Christine Kavanagh

Fiona - Emily Rose Smith

Written by Michael Butt

The Dangers of Self-Hypnosis

Maurice - Richard Coyle

Mother - Prunella Scales

Rachel - Sophie Winkleman

Abigail - Christine Kavanagh

Hypnotist/Judge - Sam Dale

Daniel - Mark Straker

Written by Gary Ogin

© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

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