Clare in the Community

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 and 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.

Radio series

In 2004 a radio sitcom, co-written by David Ramsden and produced by Katie Tyrrell, was made for BBC Radio 4, starring Sally Phillips as Clare. Repeats have also been broadcast on BBC7 (now Radio 4 Extra). Series 1 to 5 have been released on CD by BBC Audio. Series 6 was broadcast in 2010. Series 7 was Broadcast in 2011.

The first series won the Bronze Comedy Award at the 2005 Sony Radio Awards

The series occasionally 'breaks the fourth wall', with references to (for instance) a comic strip in the Guardian's social-work supplement which (the somewhat humourless) Clare doesn't understand, an old schoolmate of Brian's named Richard Lumsden who wanted to be an actor but was never heard of again, and Nina Conti (as Nali) being given the line "It's not like I'm a ventriloquist." The series regularly makes references to other comedies, such as Clare mimicking the catchphrase of Mrs. Doyle from Father Ted and Brian imitating Tony Hancock from "The Blood Donor" episode.

Clare often brings home her work problems which is just one of the main reasons why her relationship with Brian struggles. They often attend couples-counselling classes. Clare not only wears the trousers in their relationship but her self-centred neglect of Brian stresses him out. He often talks to his disconcerting friend Simon about her.

Clare's fellow social workers are often involved in her storylines. These include the rich yet unhygienic Ray; Megan, Clare's Scottish mother-of-one former student; and team leader Libby. Helen, the laziest of the workers, is played by three actresses over the series; in series 6 Libby replaces the previous team leader, Irene, a black lesbian.

Although having a son Clare leaves her child duties primarily to her husband Brian and Nali. Despite their child both continue to argue and have problems in their relationship. In series 9 Clare leaves Brian only to return to him in the series finale after her love interest has shown little knowledge of remembering who she is.

Simon Elmes called it "an instant hit, capturing the PC tone of our times". The Stage reviewed series 8 positively, praising the first episode as "a brilliant opener", and after the series finale calling it "the best comedy on radio" and Phillips "the mistress of comic timing".

Series three

At the start of the series, Clare and Brian have 'removed themselves from the property chain' and are staying at Simon's flat. Megan's daughter Brenda is now almost a year old.

Series four

Irene has been promoted to team leader which causes resentment between her and Clare. Brian and Clare make frequent trips to couples-counselling and have also been trying for a baby.

Series five

Clare and Brian now have a son, Thomas—and a full-and-total-time nanny for him, the east-European Nali (also played by Nina Conti). Helen is now played by Liza Tarbuck.

Series six

Clare's position at the Family Centre is now challenged by Irene's replacement, Libby, "an Aussie and a lesbo--and proud of both" (Sarah Kendall); and Brian harbours erotic fantasies about Nali. In this series Simon is played by Philip Pope.

Series seven

Brian is eventually forgiven for his infidelity with Nali's sister and Clare accepts his proposal of marriage, while Nali enters Conservative politics. Andrew Wincott returns as Simon.

Series nine

Joan Hastings becomes a regular character (introduced in series 8, episode 6) as Megan's maternity cover.