After Henry

5.7

1988•30m

Production

After Henry is a British sitcom written by Simon Brett, and starring Prunella Scales and Joan Sanderson. Originating as a radio programme on BBC Radio 4 from 1985 to 1989, it was adapted for television by Thames Television. Sarah is the 42-year-old widow of GP Henry France. She lives in an often volatile family situation with her elderly mother Eleanor Prescott, and her daughter, 18-year-old Clare, with both of whom she shares a house. Following Henry's death, the family have to find a way to cope with each other as best they can. The BBC was initially hesitant to produce a series but after three successful runs on BBC Radio 4, it was commissioned for the small screen. The series was surprisingly popular, attracting over 14 million viewers. Four seasons were made, with the last transmitted after the death of Sanderson, who died on 24 May 1992.

Seasons

7 Episodes • Premiered 1988

1. The Older Man

Sarah hears via her mother's geriatric gossip network that Clare is secretly meeting an older man and feels that she has to find out what's really going on.

2. Phone Calls

Sarah thinks she has finally found the perfect way to stop her mother from snooping in her part of the house. Unfortunately, she hasn't reckoned with Eleanor's devious behaviour.

3. The Teapot

Eleanor is undecided about the terms of her will, and, of course, sees this as a wonderful opportunity to play her daughter against her granddaughter.

4. Security

A lapse of security forces Sarah to install a burglar alarm, but Eleanor, needless to say, has other ideas as to how their property should be protected.

5. Romantic Complications

Sarah finds herself caught in the middle as both her daughter and her mother force her to listen to endless confidences about their love lives.

6. The Birthday

A major celebration is approaching for Eleanor, and Sarah has secret plans for making the occasion memorable. But is it actually possible to keep anything secret from her mother?