The second episode of North by Northamptonshire, a BBC Radio 4 comedy drama series with a stunning cast including Sheila Hancock, Mackenzie Crook, Penelope Wilton, Felicity Montagu and Kevin Eldon about a small town in the middle of Northamptonshire as it prepares for a talent night. Originally broadcast at 11:30 on 23 June 2010.

Rehearsals for the town talent night are well underway, with some of the worst acts ever seen on stage. In this episode recently divorced Jan has a surprise visit from neighbour and ex-teacher Mary and finds they have more than an untidy hedge in common. Meanwhile Jan's ex, Frank, thinks his new love Angela may be eating too many peanuts.

Esther knocks Jan to the floor in her self-defence class. But wait—could this be Jonathan coming to Jan's rescue? And supermarket manager Rod (Mackenzie Crook) gets trapped in an upturned shopping trolley.

North by Northamptonshire is a clever, funny and touching series starring Sheila Hancock as the narrator, Mackenzie Crook as Rod, Penelope Wilton as Mary, Felicity Montagu as Jan and Kevin Eldon as Jonathan. Also featured amongst the cast are the series' writer Katherine Jakeways, John Biggins, Rufus Wright and Sam Cotton. Produced by Claire Jones.