Stories

Ghosting a tell-all memoir about a millionaire-philanthropist & fighting with those seeking to whitewash his memory—comprehensive-school educated podcaster Oliver finds his life transformed after meeting public-school educated Julian. Wary of Julian at first, Oliver becomes drawn into his quirky, outspoken & artistic family as family, friends & relationships clash & intertwine all sorts of ways.

Brian, Gordon, Toby, Russ et all are doing their damnedest to live their best lives. But fate has a habit of throwing them curved balls whether it is accusations of having naked orgies at work, more naked photos, teenage relationship difficulties and one pissed off drag queen, or simply trying to buy a new house that will suit their Found Family (or should that be Chosen Family?)

Having crashed and burned after early success as a composer, Alex has managed to rebuild his career and his life. Carpenter Neil is between girlfriends, and his knowledge of music is limited. Yet despite their differences the two come together, and each spurs the other on to explore life further and to take risks. Add in a pair of mothers who are friends and Neil’s fragile younger brother—as well as a manipulative rich uncle and some lively friends—and you have a dynamic mix.

When artist and illustrator Louis leaves London and moves to his late uncle’s house in Northamptonshire, his intention is to simplify his life. He didn’t expect a cute painter and his toxic aunt, a burned-out ex who comes to visit but stays, and a grumpy gay policeman, not to mention men from his uncle’s dodgy past who seem to have criminal intentions and an obsession with an ancient artefact.

Brothers-in-law or what? A simple weekend away releases a welter of surprising feelings and ideas for Gavin and Jason, whilst Gavin’s son Matthew, happily ensconced with his girlfriend, suddenly finds himself dealing with interest from his friend Rory. Rory, in danger of being overwhelmed by discovering he’s gay and being rejected by his parents, finds a new home with Gavin and his family, and a sort of peace in the arms of a burly Czech builder.

It was meant to be a break, a few peaceful weeks in Ireland and a chance to reconnect with his brother. But things don’t go according to plan. Businessman Russ can cope, just about, with his football-mad nephews, but add in a punishing encounter with a group of yobs, and the results are not quite what anyone expected. Though his brother has difficulty accepting Russ’ rather different personal life, ultimately the two bond over shared memories, Josephine Baker and bad poetry.

Welcome to Philpott Towers! Ten years apart in age, living very different lives, the Phillpott brothers are not close, but their father’s death sees the two returning to share their grandiose family home. Gray Philpott is a successful poet but rather less successful human being, now living with Vince, his solicitor elder brother in their father’s shadow—what could go wrong?

Close proximity forces both brothers to reassess their lives, and the Summer wreaks remarkable changes as the two settle into a new relationship, with both their lives and their emotional lives going in new directions.

The boys are back! We return to Parborough to catch up with Brian & Gordon after an eventful year, what with new jobs, new relationships and new friends. Brian, his soon-to-be husband, Gordon and son, Toby are discovering life as a family, along with working out just what their relationship is with the rich and sexy Russ Kahn.

But life isn't all roses and Toby's relationship with his friend Noah is called into question whilst his Mother's boyfriend remains a worrying threat.

Ludo has a nice life. A lovely wife and son, an attractive modern house, and a good job, idyllic really. But his wife is restless and spends too much time at work; Ludo finds himself getting too close to Arthur, the father of one of his son’s friends. Then his wife’s job takes a sinister turn, casting everything else into the shade.