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Mattie and Bluebottle by Juliet Ace

4 Extra Debut. Aspiring actress Mattie longs to leave home, but until then, she has her friends – and The Goons. Starring Mali Harries.

It's 1955. Mattie is dreaming of leaving home to become an actress.

Forced instead to apply for teacher training, she finds consolation with her friends - and from BBC Radio's legendary radio comedy The Goon Show.

Starring Malli Harries.

Written by Juliet Ace

Mattie ... Mali Harries
Older Mattie ... Jennifer Hill
Millie ... Mared Swain
Pen ... Lisa Zahra
Mother ... Donna Edwards
Father ... William Thomas
Willie Henry ... Matthew Gravelle

Director: Alison Hindell

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2004.

***** 4 Extra remembers Juliet Ace who died aged 87 on 8th August 2025.

45 minutes

On radio

New Year's Day 2026 15:00
BBC Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • New Year's Day 2026 15:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • New Year's Day 2026 21:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Friday 05:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra