Clare in the Community

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Clare in the Community is a British comic strip in The Guardian newspaper, written by Harry Venning. The title is a pun on care in the community.

Clare is a social worker who likes to sort out other people's problems while ignoring her own. She is white, middle class and heterosexual - but doesn't like to be reminded of it. She is a control freak but both her personal and professional lives are out of control.

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[edit] TV pilot

In 2002 ITV commissioned a sitcom based on Harry Venning's comic strip. Two episodes were commissioned and a pilot episode, written by Harry Venning & David Ramsden and starring Julia Sawalha in the title role, was produced by Tiger Aspect. The pilot wasn't picked up for a full series and has never been broadcast.

[edit] Radio series

In 2004 a radio sitcom, co-written by David Ramsden and produced by Katie Tyrell, was made for BBC Radio 4, starring Sally Phillips as Clare. Repeats have also been broadcast on BBC7.

[edit] Cast

  • Brian ...... Alex Lowe
  • Simon ...... Andrew Wincott

[edit] Series 1 (2004)

  1. November 26 Babysitter
  2. December 03 Adoption
  3. December 10 Glad to be Ray
  4. December 17 Last Words
  5. December 24 Combat Zone
  6. December 31 Stage Fright

[edit] Series 2 (2005)

In this series, Megan has qualified as a social worker, and is now working at The Family Centre as a full-time member of staff. This elevated status doesn't stop Clare from patronising her.

Clare's new student Ben is a sensitive boy who's forever on the verge of tears. He is always calling in sick with medically astounding symptoms, or making up increasingly implausible excuses not to come in.

Irene is alone with her husband for the first time in 18 years after their son has left home, and faced with the prospect of actually talking to him, Irene channels her energies into socialising with the office team.

Brian is desktop publishing his own literary magazine, which he hopes will deliver a broadside to the complacent literary establishment.

Clare is still Clare.

  1. November 04 Past Caring
  2. November 11 Relax
  3. November 18 Meet the Press
  4. November 25 Brian Come Home
  5. December 02 Mean Streets
  6. December 09 Doolah's Choice

[edit] External links