Never the Twain

Synopsis

Never the Twain is a British sitcom that ran for eleven series from 7 September 1981 to 9 October 1991. It was created by Johnnie Mortimer, and was the only sitcom he ever created without his usual writing partner, Brian Cooke. Mortimer wrote the entirety of the first two series and four episodes out of six of the eighth, with the rest being mainly written by Vince Powell and John Kane. It starred Windsor Davies and Donald Sinden as rival antique dealers, and also starred Derek Deadman, Zara Nutley, Robin Kermode, Tacy Kneale, Julia Watson, Honor Blackman, Teddy Turner and Maria Charles. The title is taken from the Rudyard Kipling poem; The Ballad of East and West.

First Air Date: 1981-09-07

Last Air Date: 1991-10-09

Number of Seasons: 11

Number of Episodes: 67

Created By: Johnnie Mortimer

Networks: ITV1

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Donald Sinden as Simon Peel
Windsor Davies as Oliver Smallbridge
Teddy Turner as Banks
Derek Deadman as Ringo
Maria Charles as Mrs Sadler
Zara Nutley as Aunt Eleanor
Robin Kermode as David Peel
Julia Watson as Lyn Peel
Honor Blackman as N/A
Tacy Kneale as Lyn Peel

Seasons

Season 1 (1981) - (6 Episodes)

Season 2 (1982) - (6 Episodes)

Season 3 (1983) - (6 Episodes)

Season 4 (1984) - (6 Episodes)

Season 5 (1986) - (6 Episodes)

Season 6 (1987) - (6 Episodes)

Season 7 (1988) - (6 Episodes)

Season 8 (1988) - (6 Episodes)

Season 9 (1989) - (7 Episodes)

Season 10 (1990) - (6 Episodes)

Season 11 (1991) - (6 Episodes)

Season 1 (1981)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Families At War (1981-09-07)

The feuding fathers find out about the relationship between their son and daughter and consider taking steps to prevent a marriage.
Ep. 2: Of Meissen Men (1981-09-14)

Veronica appears on the scene - causing Simon and Oliver to compete for more than antiquities.
Ep. 3: A Night At The Opera (1981-09-21)

Veronica wants to go to the opera in Edinburgh. Simon and Oliver each compete to be her date. Simon has to find a replacement au pair.
Ep. 4: A Matched Pair (1981-09-28)

Oliver's antiques shop is burgled. A pair of pistols is reported missing, but when these mysteriously turn up in Simon's shop Oliver turns this misfortune into an opportunity to make money from an insurance claim. Simon is arrested when a police officer spots the pistols in his shop window. To encourage Oliver to assist him in getting the charges dropped he agrees to help Oliver get membership at his golf club.
Ep. 5: Nothing But The Truth (1981-10-05)

Oliver beats Simon to a painting they both want. But is it a Constable or not? David confesses propositioning another woman, jeopardising their engagement.
Ep. 6: Father Of The Groom (1981-10-19)

Simon holds a dinner for Oliver, Lyn and David, his ulterior motive being to expose Oliver's lack of etiquette. Lyn prepares for her move into Simon and David's home. David and Lyn's wedding day arrives.