After Henry (1988-1992)Our Rating: 4/5

Written By: Simon Brett Starring: Prunella Scales, Joan Sanderson and Janine Wood

A great British sitcom that originated on BBC Radio 4 in 1985 and was adapted for TV in 1988. It followed the fortunes of 42 year old Sarah France (Prunella Scales), a well-to-do GP's wife, getting on with life after the death of her husband Henry. She lives in an often volatile family situation with her mother, Eleanor Prescott (played by the wonderful Joan Sanderson), and her daughter, eighteen-year-old Clare France (Gerry Cowper), with whom she shares a large Edwardian house with, Mother living upstairs, Sarah in the middle and her daughter in the basement flat. After Henry's death, all three members of the family have to find a way to cope with each other as best they can, they do so with a comic freshness and a tenderness that translates well. Sarah often finds herself in the middle of things, with her mother Eleanor being so cunning taking every opportunity to get one over on Sarah. (Eleanor will often spread all their gossip throughout the "geriatric mafia".) The relationships between the three women change constantly through each episode, with all cast having a fantastic chemistry each one portraying their characters superbly with a great believability. Thankfully Sarahs Salvation comes in the shape of Russell Bryant (Benjamin Whitrow), who runs the crumbling Bygone Books shop, where Sarah works, he dispenses plenty of sympathy and wisdom and in turn, Sarah can see some of Russell's difficulties of living with a gay partner in the 1980s (although she sees is as the perfect marriage). After Henry was a gentle sitcom full of humour, poignancy and realism that people could relate to. Unfortunately Joan Sanderson passed away in 1992 which ensured the ending of the show after its fourth series. For more detailed info on this cult TV show click on the following link: Wikipedia After Henry TV Series

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