Episode 1

Synopsis

The hit Radio 4 series 'Fags, Mags & Bags' returns with a 4th series with more shop based shenanigans and over the counter philosophy, courtesy of Ramesh Mahju and his trusty sidekick Dave.

Written by and starring Donald Mcleary and Sanjeev Kohli - 'Fags, Mags & Bags' has proved a hit with the Radio 4 audience with the show also collecting a Sony nomination and a Writers' Guild award in 2008. This brand new series sees a crop of new shop regulars, and some guest appearances along the way from the likes of Mina Anwar and Kevin Eldon.

In this opening episode Ramesh and his son Alok go head to head as they enter a competition to design a new sweetie favourite. Will the old wise head see off the challenge from the young pretender to the corner shop crown?

So join the staff of 'Fags, Mags and Bags' in their tireless quest to bring nice-price custard creams and cans of coke with Arabic writing on them to an ungrateful nation. Ramesh Mahju has built it up over the course of 30 years, and is a firmly entrenched feature of the local area. Ramesh loves the art of the 'shop'

However; he does apply the 'low return' rules of the shop to all other aspects of his life. Ramesh is ably assisted by his shop sidekick Dave, a forty-something underachiever who shares Ramesh's love of the art of shopkeeping, even if he is treated like a slave.

Then of course there are Ramesh's sons Sanjay and Alok, both surly and not particularly keen on the old school approach to shopkeeping, but natural successors to the business, and Ramesh is keen to pass all his worldly wisdom onto them whether they like it or not!

Cast:
Ramesh ..... Sanjeez Kolhi
Dave ..... Donald McLeary
Sanjay ..... Omar Raza
Alok ..... Susheel Kumar
Mrs Begg ..... Marjory Hogarth
Keith Futures ..... Greg McHugh
Hilly ..... Kate Brailsford
Mrs Armstrong ..... Maureen Carr
Keenan ..... Max Merrill

Prodcuer/Director: Gus Beattie
A Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4.