Lee Hall's six-part dramatisation of Mario Vargas Llosa's comic novel detailing Mario's scandalous affair with his aunt, intercut with episodes of a radio soap. Originally broadcast on Radio 4, with repeat on the same station and couple of years later in the late night comedy slot at 11.30pm. With Tom Hollander, Siobhan Redmond and John Sessions and directed by Sally Avens.
| Tx. Date | Rec. Date | Rpt. Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29.8.96 | 29.6.96 | 5.1.98 | The young Mario finds his life turned upside down when two characters from Bolivia enter his life. |
| 5.9.96 30 | 6.96 | 12.1.98 | Mario's feelings for his aunt take a sudden turn for the better. And Pedro's influence on the soap operas makes itself felt. |
| 12.9.96 | 1.7.96 | 19.7.98 | Chaos ensues at Radio Central with the arrival of a Bolivian bolero singer. |
| 19.9.96 | 2.7.96 | 26.1.98 | Pedro's soap operas cause a diplomatic incident and he becomes privy to the secret affair between Mario and Julia. |
| 26.9.96 | 3.7.96 | 2.2.98 | Pedro's overwork is causing mayhem with the soap operas. Mario and Julia's affair spirals out of control. |
| 3.10.96 | 3.7.96 | 9.2.98 | Will Julia marry Mario and risk the wrath of their family? Can Pedro untangle the mess of the radio soaps? |