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People Like Us was a British radio and TV comedy programme, a spoof on-location documentary written by John Morton, and starring Chris Langham as Roy Mallard, an inept interviewer. Originally a radio show for BBC Radio 4 in three series from 1995 to 1997, it was made into a television series for BBC Two that aired from September 1999 to June 2000.
1999
Roy Mallard travels to Nottingham to spend a day with Peter Wilson, Managing Director of Zenotech, a company fighting to keep afloat in the stimulating environment of Surface Mount Technology. In other words, it manufactures Thick Film Hybrids for the computer industry. Zenotec is a typical example of the high tech infrastructure that has sprung up in the last 30 years all over Nottingham. Managing director Peter Wilson gives Roy an insight into his inept management skills when he is forced to fire delivery driver Dean Trussler in the face of a new corporate strategy to radically simplify the transport system—by not having one. Roy reports: ""Being cruel in order to be kind is never easy. As Peter is not doing this to be kind, his task of being cruel is even more of a challenge."" But not everything goes to plan and Roy ends up with less of a fly-on-the-wall presence than he'd like. The rest of the staff seem just as incapable as Peter. The sales director, who has a background in oil rig
Roy Mallard spends a day with Levick's Estate Agents-a small family firm in Lewes, Sussex. ""It's no surprise that estate agents are so often compared to synchronized swimmers. A glimpse beneath the surface of the underwater lipstick, however, can reveal a different story,"" says Roy.
PC Dave Knight's routine day is transformed into a tense roof-top drama when an insurance company employee threatens to commit suicide. And Roy suffers from vertigo sickness.
Roy interviews the partners of Chesire solicitors, Broadbent & Broadbent, a firm specialising in matrimonial cases, but it transpires that Nicola and Graham Broadbent have a matrimonial case of their own.
Will Rushmore is a Winchester-based freelance photographer. He has given up a safe job in town planning to devote himself to his art. It's a struggle and today could be make or break when he goes for an interview at a smart London art gallery. Could this at last be the start of something big?
In the course of a day spent with Stuart Symonds, the Headteacher at King Edward VII Comprehensive, Roy almost discovers the difference between pupil-centred teaching and teacher-centred learning.
Chris Langham
Roy Mallard
2001
Andrew Treverton is the vicar of St John the Baptist church in Thame, Oxfordshire and he has a busy day ahead of him. Not only does he have to bless the home of a newly-married couple and deal with Roy, but he really must learn to play 'Stairway to heaven' on the church organ.
Jenny Gardner is a new mum. As well as dealing with her new son, her return to work and a badly over-loaded washing machine, she must also deal with Roy, who really doesn't like needles, but has a fondness for a small squeaky toy.
Tony Gerrier is the editor of the Ashton Gazette. Whilst he's full of regret about life as the editor of a local newspaper, young journalist Helen Meredith is full of enthusiasm to break a big story about the Mayor. She's less enthusiastic about stories concerning stolen wheelie bins and guinea pigs.
Roy is following young actor Rob Harker as he auditions for parts and records a voice-over, which leads to a rather embarrassing moment when a microphone is left on.
Roy is at the Swindon branch of the First Nat Standard bank. Alan the manager has seen it all in the banking trade and is suitably unmoved by the changes in the industry. His bossy and ambitious assistant Elaine wants his job. Tom, a cashier doesn't want Alan's job, in fact, he doesn't even want his own job.
After a quick lesson on how aeroplanes fly, Roy boards a flight between London and Paris with Captain Paul Connors. Roy isn't too keen on flying, unfortunately, this only becomes apparent once the plane has taken off.
