View source for Clare in the Community

{{Short description|British radio series (2004–2019)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2014}}
{{Infobox radio show
| show_name          = Clare in the Community
| image              = 
| imagesize          = 
| caption            = 
| other_names        = 
| format             = Sitcom
| runtime            = 30 mins
| country            = United Kingdom
| language           = English
| home_station       = [[BBC Radio 4]]
| syndicates         = [[BBC Radio 4 Extra]]
| television         = 
| starring           = {{ubl|[[Sally Phillips]]|[[Alex Lowe (actor)|Alex Lowe]]|[[Nina Conti]]}}
| creator            = Harry Venning
| writer             = {{ubl|Harry Venning|David Ramsden}}
| producer           = {{ubl|Katie Tyrell {{small|(series 1–8, Es)}}|Alexandra Smith {{small|(series 9, CW, 10–11)}}}}
| record_location    = 
| first_aired        = {{start date|2004|11|26|df=y}}
| last_aired         = {{end date|2019|10|29|df=y}}
| num_series         = 12
| num_episodes       = 72
| audio_format       = 
| opentheme          = 
| endtheme           = 
| website            = {{url|https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qprs}}
}}
'''''Clare in the Community''''' is a British radio comedy series, broadcast on  [[BBC Radio 4]], starring [[Sally Phillips]] as Clare.<ref>{{cite web |first=Gill |last=Stoker |url=http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/clarecommunity-rev |title=Theatre review: Clare in the Community at The Drill Hall, London |publisher=Britishtheatreguide.info |access-date=2019-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603033715/http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/clarecommunity-rev |archive-date=3 June 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was adapted from the [[comic strip]] of the same name which appeared in ''[[The Guardian]]'' newspaper, written by Harry Venning. The title is a play on words relating to [[care in the community]].

Clare is a [[social worker]] who likes to sort out other people's problems while ignoring her own. She is white, middle class and heterosexual, but does not like to be reminded of it. She is a [[control freak]] but both her personal and professional lives are out of control.

==TV pilot==

In 2002 [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] commissioned a [[sitcom]] based on Harry Venning's comic strip. Two episodes were commissioned and a pilot episode, written by Venning and David Ramsden and starring [[Julia Sawalha]] in the title role, was produced by [[Tiger Aspect Productions|Tiger Aspect]]. The pilot was not 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 and [[Alex Lowe (actor)|Alex Lowe]] as her husband Brian. 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.radioawards.org/winners/?year=2005 |title=The Sony Radio Academy Awards Winners 2005 |access-date=2 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415154712/http://www.radioawards.org/winners/?year=2005 |archive-date=15 April 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

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 does not 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 final series in particular breaks the fourth wall in nearly every episode, with Clare and Brian trying to remember how old their son is now in the first episode (reflecting how his age fluctuates slightly in different series), Joanie believing (or realising) that she is trapped in a pre-scripted comedy series, "comedienne and ventriloquist Nina Conti" being a member on the panel of a (fictional) episode of ''[[Any Questions?]]'' that Clare and Mrs. Singh attend, and in the final episode, where Nali (played by Conti) is seemingly a terrorist holding Clare hostage, she comments, in each relevant voice, that she could just as easily be Maggie or various other characters that Conti has voiced over the course of the series.

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 libertine friend and fellow schoolteacher Simon about her.

Clare's fellow social workers are often involved in her storylines. These include the rich yet unhygienic gay man Ray and Megan, Clare's Scottish single mother-of-one former student. Helen, the laziest of the workers, is played by three actresses over the series; in series 6 team leader, Irene, a black woman, is replaced by Libby, "an Aussie and a lesbo—and proud of both".

Although she has 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 who she is.

Simon Elmes called it "an instant hit, capturing the PC tone of our times".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NlUP9X4wTMYC |title=And Now on Radio 4: A Celebration of the World's Best Radio Station |date=10 November 2009 |access-date=2019-10-15 |isbn=9780099505372 |last=Elmes |first=Simon |location=London |publisher=[[Arrow Books]]}}</ref>  ''[[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".<ref>{{cite news |last=Petty |first=Moira |url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/radio-review-the-eustace-diamonds-the-reluctant-spy-second-body-clare-in-the-community |title=Radio review: The Eustace Diamonds; The Reluctant Spy; Second Body; Clare in the Community |newspaper=[[The Stage]] |date=4 January 2013 |access-date=2019-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130128235349/http://www.thestage.co.uk/features/tv-radio/2013/01/radio-review-eustace-diamonds-reluctant/ |archive-date=28 January 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Petty |first=Moira |url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/radio-review-the-liberty-of-norton-folgate-the-wind-in-the-willows-mrs-updike |title=Radio review: The Liberty of Norton Folgate; The Wind in the Willows; Mrs Updike |newspaper=[[The Stage]] |date=18 February 2013 |access-date=2019-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714225818/http://www.thestage.co.uk/features/tv-radio/2013/02/radio-review-the-liberty-of-norton-folgate-the-wind-in-the-willows-mrs-updike/ |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The twelfth series was announced in a trailer as the final series.<ref>BBC Radio 4 trailer for the twelfth series. Accessed 22 September 2019.</ref>

==Cast==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Character !! Series{{br}}1 !! Series{{br}}2 !! Series{{br}}3 !! Series{{br}}4 !! Series{{br}}5 !! Series{{br}}6 !! Series{{br}}7 !! Series{{br}}8 !! Series{{br}}9 !! Series{{br}}10 !! Series{{br}}11 !! Series{{br}}12
|-
| Clare Barker || colspan="12" style="text-align:center;" |  [[Sally Phillips]]
|-
| Brian Harris || colspan="12"| {{center| [[Alex Lowe (actor)|Alex Lowe]]}}
|-
| Megan Whardby || colspan="10" style="text-align:center;" |  [[Nina Conti]] || colspan="2"|
|-
| Helen Golightly || colspan="4" style="text-align:center;" |  [[Gemma Craven]] || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;" |  [[Liza Tarbuck]] ||| {{center| [[Pippa Haywood]]}} || colspan="2"|
|-
| Ray Bishop || colspan="12" style="text-align:center;" |  [[Richard Lumsden]]
|-
| Irene || colspan="5"| {{center| [[Ellen Thomas (actress)|Ellen Thomas]]}} || colspan="7"| 
|-
| Simon Burrows || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;" |  Andrew Wincott || [[Philip Pope]] || colspan="6" style="text-align:center;" |  Andrew Wincott
|-
| Nali "Ramsbottom" Jakovlivicz || colspan="4”|  || colspan="8”| {{center| [[Nina Conti]]}}
|-
| Libby Prentice || colspan="5"|  || colspan="7" style="text-align:center;" |  [[Sarah Kendall]]
|-
| Joan Hastings || colspan="7"|  || colspan="5" style="text-align:center;" |  [https://www.sarahthom.co.uk Sarah Thom]
|-
| Mrs Singh || colspan="10"| || colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |  [[Nina Wadia]]
|-
| Cilla Yeboah || colspan="10"| || colspan="2" style="text-align:center;" |  [[Gbemisola Ikumelo]]
|}

==Episodes==
===Series one===
{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Babysitter
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2004|11|26}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 1
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Clare is tricked into looking after Helen's difficult teenage son, but after an awkward start they become friends.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Adoption
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2004|12|3}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 2
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2
 |ShortSummary = A couple moves into the flat above, and Clare and Brian are kept awake by noisy sex. 
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Glad to be Ray
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2004|12|10}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 3
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3
 |ShortSummary = Clare feels that Ray is too insular and wonders why she has never been invited to his flat. She drops round uninvited when an opportunity arises.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Last Words
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2004|12|17}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 4
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4
 |ShortSummary = Clare uses the funeral of one of her clients, a cantankerous old woman, as a reason to take the afternoon off. Simon asks Megan out, but Brian's intervention ensures their first date is also their last.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Combat Zone
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2004|12|24}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 5
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5
 |ShortSummary = Clare and Brian get stranded in a rough part of town when their car runs out of petrol.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Stage Fright
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2004|12|31}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 6
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6
 |ShortSummary = Brian writes a play for his school drama club which suspiciously resembles his own life: the study of a misunderstood man in a relationship with a cold, unreasonable woman, and seeks sympathy from a young Scottish woman.
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

===Series two===
{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Past Caring
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2005|11|4}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 7
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Clare meets a glamorous old acquaintance who seems to know her but Clare cannot recall her; Clare's workmates go out for Brian's birthday meal.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Relax
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2005|11|11}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 8
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2
 |ShortSummary = Brian takes Clare on holiday hoping to ask her to marry him. Clare does not think the Sparrowhawk centre can function without her and finds ways to phone in to check. Unfortunately Brian chooses a location with no telephone signal.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Meet the Press
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2005|11|18}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 9
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3
 |ShortSummary = Clare is delighted to be asked to do an interview for ''[[Woman's Hour]]''; Brian has trouble with an unscrupulous pupil who was disappointed she did not get the lead in the school play.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Brian Come Home
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2005|11|25}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 10
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4
 |ShortSummary = Brian storms out after an argument and moves in with Simon. Irene accompanies Ray to a seance in an effort for him to contact his late mother.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Mean Streets
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2005|12|2}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 11
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5
 |ShortSummary = Clare and her workmates help count homeless people, but it becomes competitive. Brian organises a stag-do for Simon involving a stripper. 
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Doolah's Choice
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2005|12|9}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 12
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6
 |ShortSummary = Helen seems to walk out on Simon on the eve of her wedding so she can meet an old flame. Clare has her "whale music" prepared for Megan when she gives birth.
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

=== Series three ===
At the start of the series, Clare and Brian are staying at Simon's flat. Megan's daughter Brenda is now almost a year old.

{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Letter from America
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2006|12|18}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 13
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Clare has a [[pen pal|pen friendship]] with a [[death row]] prisoner in the US. He learns all about her relationship and work life. Guest appearance by [[Roy Hudd]].
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Merry Christmas Mrs Lawrence
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2006|12|25}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 14
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2
 |ShortSummary = On Christmas Day, Clare pensively visits her grandfather's grave, then goes to fetch her grandmother from an [[retirement home|old people's home]] en route to Christmas dinner with her parents. Guest appearances by [[Phil Davis (actor)|Phil Davis]] and [[Brigit Forsyth]]. 
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Brenda's Birthday
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2007|1|1}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 15
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3
 |ShortSummary = Megan's old friend Gordon comes to help celebrate Brenda's first birthday. Clare organises the entertainment and is outraged at seeing a Punch and Judy show appear. With Lewis Macleod.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = We Need to Talk About Brian
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2007|1|8}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 16
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4
 |ShortSummary = Brian's diary from his student days turns up during a round of 'de-cluttering.' Although he had already met Clare, there are numerous references to his "Dark Lady".
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = The Redcap
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2007|1|15}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 17
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5
 |ShortSummary = Will a former [[military police]] officer be tough enough for social work? Clare and her colleagues have bought a ridiculous leaving present for their colleague Peggy. 
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Clare's Last Stand
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2007|1|22}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 18
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6
 |ShortSummary = Clare and the day-centre team are due for a relaxing day at a conference--until Clare's arch-enemy Peggy reappears with a challenge that Clare cannot pass up.{{clarify|and what is it? Coy teasers are not what encyclopaedia articles are for|date=November 2019}}
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

=== 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.

{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Mother of All Mothers
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2008|1|16}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 19
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Clare and Brian are trying for a baby, but Clare's mother arrives instead of happier news.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = A Game of Two Slavs
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2008|1|23}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 20
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2
 |ShortSummary = A [[Relationship counseling|relationship counsellor]] suggests that Clare and Brian take each other out to some events to share their interests. Brian takes Clare to a football game and she takes him into work.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = And The Winner Is
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2008|1|30}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 21
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3
 |ShortSummary = Clare dreams that she wins the 'Social Worker of the Year' award. Irene breaks up with her husband Stanley, leaving Brian to console him.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Carry On up the Amazon
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2008|2|6}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 22
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4
 |ShortSummary = Helen's son is supposed to be travelling during his [[gap year]] but is found living in a [[squatting|squat]]. Meanwhile, Brian interviews for a lodger.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = My Funny Valentine
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2008|2|13}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 23
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5
 |ShortSummary = Brian is amazed that Clare has not only remembered Valentine's Day, but even booked a restaurant, though in fact she has not.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = The Long Goodbye
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2008|2|20}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 24
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6
 |ShortSummary = Brian has a life-changing experience when a bullet grazes his head and contemplates giving up teaching. This is the last appearance of [[Gemma Craven]] as Helen.
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

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

{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Name Calling
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2009|2|18}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 25
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Clare and her colleagues give a leaving present to their longest-serving workmate. The Sparrowhawk group decide to protest about the funding cuts from the local council with slogans and T-shirts.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Too Cool For School
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2009|2|25}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 26
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2
 |ShortSummary = Clare meets a group of new friends in the pub and bores Brian and her co-workers with how cool they are; Clare and Megan visit a young girl who has been off school.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Girls on Film
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2009|3|4}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 27
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3
 |ShortSummary = Clare has a new student social-worker from a privileged background to take under her wing; the Sparrowhawk Family Centre is visited by documentary makers.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = It's Good to Talk
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2009|3|11}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 28
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4
 |ShortSummary = An old university friend of Clare's gets in touch to say something important.{{clarify|what?|date=November 2019}} Brian works out the mathematics behind his relationship with Clare.{{clarify|which is?|date=November 2019}}
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Garden Party
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2009|3|18}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 29
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5
 |ShortSummary = Clare arranges a petition to save the Sparrowhawk Family Centre, and throws a garden party to get to know her new neighbours. Brian tries to share his feelings with Simon.
 |LineColor = 
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = The 1864 Mining Disaster
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2009|3|25}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 30
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6
 |ShortSummary = A firebrand MP comes to the Sparrowhawk Family Centre's fundraiser and Ray brings his guitar hoping to entertain.
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

=== Series six ===
Clare's position at the Family Centre is now challenged by Irene's replacement, Libby ([[Sarah Kendall]]), and Brian harbours erotic fantasies about Nali. In this series Simon is played by [[Philip Pope]].

{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2010|5|31}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 31
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Clare deceives Libby about the closing date for the team-manager post; Brian obsesses about Nali.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Luck of the Irish
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2010|6|7}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 32
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2
 |ShortSummary = Clare is convinced she has no heritage of interest. However, when told that she has Irish ancestry she becomes enthusiastic for all aspects of her new-found cultural background.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Some Others Do 'Ave 'Em
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2010|6|14}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 33
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3
 |ShortSummary = Clare is back on the social-work frontline as a vomiting bug hits her colleagues, while Brian and Nali take baby Thomas out for the day. Helen attends a police liaison meeting and asks the police commissioner some challenging questions. Guest appearances by [[Doreen Mantle]] and [[Rosemary Leach]].
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Clare v God
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2010|6|21}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 34
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4
 |ShortSummary = Clare takes an instant dislike to the meddling Reverend Dish, though Megan quite likes him. Meanwhile, Helen has discovered speed dating.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = In The Dog House
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2010|6|28}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 35
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5
 |ShortSummary = A stray dog who comes home with Clare catches a burglar (guest appearance by [[Paterson Joseph]]), but the burglar is a match for even Clare in manipulativeness (Libby is played by [[Jess Robinson]]). 
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = The Crush
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2010|7|5}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 36
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6
 |ShortSummary = Clare meets an attractive single father ([[Paterson Joseph]]) at an infants' music group. Meanwhile Nali gives a talk to an unruly class at Brian's school.
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

=== 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.

{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = The Prisoner
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2011|9|23}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 37
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = The shock of Brian's infidelity still has not worn off, and Nali could be an even more serious inside threat than Clare realised. Clare is arrested and put into a prison cell and finds support from a Woman Police Officer.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = To Kill a Mocking Bird
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2011|9|30}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 38
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2
 |ShortSummary = Clare ends her relationship with Brian and is surprised by her colleagues' reaction to the news, especially Megan who sees this as a chance to ask Brian out. Meanwhile Brian and Simon find humane ways to put an injured bird out of its misery.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Rude Girl
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2011|10|07}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 39
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3
 |ShortSummary = Clare feels that she may be out of touch with today's young people's language so asks the young heating engineer Daniel for some trendy phrases to use. Meanwhile Brian's attempts at romantic gestures with Clare fail to impress.

 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Debt of Honour
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2011|10|14}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 40
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4
 |ShortSummary = Clare is being plagued by Brian's marriage proposals and her driving lessons lead to an unexpected encounter with someone with a criminal past who seems to show his appreciation for giving him a lift. However, he overhears how Clare could "murder" Brian. There is also an unveiling of a piece of public art at the Sparrowhawk Family Centre.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Heroes
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2011|10|21}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 41
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5
 |ShortSummary = Clare has a new student worker Bradley Bigg, the working class singer-songwriter who made an impression on her as a teenager, Brian breaks some bad news to Nali, and Helen enthusiastically adopts the role of health and safety officer. 
|LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Basic Attraction
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2011|10|28}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 42
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6
 |ShortSummary = Clare and Brian are finally about to get married, though one particular woman{{clarify|who? why?|date=November 2019}} is determined that the wedding should not take place. Brian decides to do something about his single status for one last night.
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

=== Series eight ===
{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Hot Desk
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2013|01|02}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 43
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Clare and her colleagues have to move offices. Brian's authority at school is undermined by a trendy teenage poet.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = On Expenses
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2013|01|09}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 44
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2
 |ShortSummary = With society collapsing all around her, Clare is appalled to be stuck indoors bean-counting. Then the Sparrowhawk Family centre's expenses do not add up. Meanwhile Brian attempts to get the decorating done.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Fifty Shades of Ray
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2013|01|16}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 45
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3
 |ShortSummary =  Clare and her colleagues are worried that Ray has a serious illness so Clare agrees to go on a battle reenactment trip with him.

 |LineColor =}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Nanny State
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2013|01|23}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 46
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4
 |ShortSummary = Clare meets her ex-nanny Nali in a cafe hoping that she will come back to work for her.
 |LineColor = 
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = The Scapegoat
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2013|01|30}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 47
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5
 |ShortSummary = Clare plays along with the team's method of privately insulting clients, unaware that a client can hear her. Brian is looking forward to being head of the department.
 
 |LineColor = }}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = The Parent Trap
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2013|02|06}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 48
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6
 |ShortSummary = Clare finally becomes team leader (in Libby's absence) and is keen to see the fruits of Megan's football sessions. Ray believes he is a father and that the now-adult wants to meet him. Brian's mother ([[Hannah Gordon]]) visits and outstays her welcome. The first appearance by social worker Joan Hastings.
 |LineColor = }}
}}

=== Edinburgh special ===
{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = In Treatment
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2013|08|27}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 49
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Clare and Brian decide to try relationship counselling. The male counsellor seems very fond of Clare and dismissive of Brian. Recorded in the BBC tent at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2013.
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

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

{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Stand By Your Man
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2014|01|08}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 50
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Clare returns to work after fleeing her honeymoon. Brian still tries to fit in with other couples.
 |LineColor =
}}

{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = In Blog We Trust
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2014|01|15}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 51
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2
 |ShortSummary = Clare becomes convinced that Sparrowhawk Centre is the home of a blogger called `The Secret Social Worker'. Brian goes on a date in an attempt to move on.
 |LineColor =
}}{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Away Day Wey Hey
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2014|01|22}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 52
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3
 |ShortSummary = Clare and the rest of the Sparrowhawk team are forced to take part in a team-building away day, much to Clare's disapproval. However, she reveals something about her childhood.{{clarify|what?|date=November 2019}}
 |LineColor =
}}{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Driven to Extremes
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2014|01|29}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 53
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4
 |ShortSummary = Clare is facing a disciplinary tribunal after a seemingly straightforward job goes awry and finds a helping hand from Joan.
 |LineColor =
}}{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Panic Room
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2014|02|05}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 54
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5
 |ShortSummary = Clare is forced to confront an old phobia after a regular home visit takes an unusual turn. Fortunately, Helen is on hand to help. In the pub Brian meets someone to do the quiz with. Megan and Joan realise they both enjoy reciting platitudes.
 |LineColor =
}}{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Come Dine With Me
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2014|02|12}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 55
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6
 |ShortSummary = Clare finally finds time for romance, while Brian finds a cheap flat comes with unusual conditions and Nali has a memorable first day at her new job.
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

=== Christmas With... ===
{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Christmas With Clare Barker
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2014|12|29}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 56
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Part 4 of 6 "Christmas With..." seasonal comedy programmes. Other episodes involve Damien Trench ([[In and Out of the Kitchen]]) and Ed Reardon ([[Ed Reardon's Week]]). Clare goes into work over the Christmas period leaving Brian and Nali to play various games together one of which involves a mistletoe. 
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

=== Series ten ===
In this series, Helen is played by [[Pippa Haywood]].
{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = My Kinda Town
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2015|07|10}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 57
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Clare gets involved with a devious TV producer who is making a documentary about the Sparrowhawk estate.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Family Values
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2015|07|17}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 58
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2
 |ShortSummary = A family funeral reveals some uncomfortable truths for the Barker family.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Sisters
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2015|07|24}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 59
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3
 |ShortSummary = Clare is forced to cooperate with her estranged sister.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Things That Go Bump In the Day
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2015|07|31}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 60
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4
 |ShortSummary = The Sparrowhawk team are forced to work together to overcome a little problem they discover in the office.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = This Is A Man's World
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2015|08|7}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 61
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5
 |ShortSummary = Nali's ex-husband arrives unexpectedly and Clare takes it upon herself to intervene.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Party On
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2015|08|14}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 62
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6
 |ShortSummary = The Sparrowhawk team hold a leaving do, and take the opportunity to reminisce.
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

=== Series eleven ===
{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Fight Them On The Beaches
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2016|11|15}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 63
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Clare organises a day out at the seaside for some elderly residents of the estate. 
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Hell On Wheels
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2016|11|22}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 64
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2
 |ShortSummary = Clare helps raise awareness about disability, while Nali has plans to become an internet sensation.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title =  Unfaithful
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2016|11|29}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 65
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3
 |ShortSummary = Clare and Brian are having some couples counselling, which rapidly goes off-course.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title =  Momento
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2016|12|6}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 66
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4
 |ShortSummary = Riots have broken out on the Sparrowhawk estate and ruined the team's family fun day. In all the chaos, Clare has lost her memory and is roaming the streets.
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Joan Alone
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2016|12|13}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 67
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5
 |ShortSummary = Joan's birthday offers Clare an example of why it is important to be aware of loneliness and isolation in the community.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = You Take The High Road
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2016|12|20}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 68
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6
 |ShortSummary = Clare and Libby find themselves stranded a long way from an important speaking engagement.
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

=== Series twelve ===
{{Episode table |overall= |series= |title= |airdate= |episodes=
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Heartbroken
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2019|09|24}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 69
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 1
 |ShortSummary = Clare is not feeling particularly sympathetic towards Brian after he is dramatically unwell. She is more concerned about delivering her showstopping palliative care package.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = I Predict A Riot
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2019|10|01}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 70
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 2
 |ShortSummary = Clare has found herself in the middle of a riot at the women's prison. Back in the Sparrowhawk office, Joan is convinced there is something strange going on.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Questions, Questions
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2019|10|08}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 71
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 3
 |ShortSummary = Clare's got tickets to ''[[Any Questions?]]'' Elsewhere, Brian's gone back to Men's Group and discovered there's been some developments.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Unlucky Louis
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2019|10|15}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 72
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 4
 |ShortSummary = Clare's on a visit to unlucky Louis. Back at home, Brian and Thomas find themselves excluded from the neighbourhood street party. 
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Ray of Sunshine
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2019|10|22}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 73
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 5
 |ShortSummary = The Sparrowhawk office have a visit from an old team member.  Ray's gone up in the world and he's got a proposition for them. At home, Brian is becoming suspicious about Clare's behaviour but he knows whom to call.
 |LineColor =
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Clare in the Community
 |Title = Killing Clare
 |OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|df=y|2019|10|29}}
 |EpisodeNumber = 74
 |EpisodeNumber2 = 6
 |ShortSummary = It is time for Nali to leave, but she has to pop to the shops. Two mysterious visitors appear and reveal her secret to Clare.
 |LineColor =
}}
}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{BBC Programme|b006qprs}}
* {{British Comedy Guide|radio|clare_in_the_community}}
*[https://www.theguardian.com/society/series/clareinthecommunity Latest comic strips from ''The Guardian'']
*[http://www.clareinthecommunity.co.uk Harry Venning's ''Clare in the Community'' website]
*[http://www.radiotimes.com/programme/vhbh/clare-in-the-community/episodeguide/series-1 ''Radio Times'' episode guide]

[[Category:BBC Radio comedy programmes]]
[[Category:2004 radio programme debuts]]
[[Category:2019 radio programme endings]]
[[Category:BBC Radio 4 programmes|Clare in the Community]]