Don’t Tell Father (BBC-1 1992, Tony Britton, Susan Hampshire)

Sitcom Don’t Tell Father detailed the exploits of vain, egotistical actor Vivien Bancroft. Selfish and self absorbed in the extreme Vivien likes nothing more than lording it over his wife Natasha and daughter Kate. He is less than impressed by Kate’s relationship with Marvin Whipple.

Vivien is another creation of the excellent Roy Clarke, part Hyacinth Bucket and part Plantagenet Evans (Roy Clarke creations both) but for some reason not catching with the public. Don’t Tell Father ran for just six episodes.

production details
UK / BBC One / 6×30 minute episodes / Broadcast 26 April – 31 May 1992 Sundays at 7.45pm

Writer: Roy Clarke / Producer and Director: Harold Snoad

cast
Tony Britton as Vivian Bancroft
Susan Hampshire as Natasha Bancroft
Caroline Quentin as Kate Bancroft
Richard Ashton as Garth Bancroft
Philip Fox as Marvin Whipple