Radio Times: Review by:; David Crawford

Young Rebecca is in tears at the prospect of going to school, throwing her uniform and satchel out of her bedroom window. Is she suffering from school phobia brought on by starting “big school” as the so-called experts believe, or is there something deeper at play?

Rebecca and Jeremy Front’s charming period piece explores the gulf between childhood fears and adult understanding of them with gentle humour and a great heart, while steering clear of trite nostalgia. Lucy Hutchinson is terrific as the morbid young Rebecca, while Samantha Spiro and Richard Lumsden deliver their usual quality, and Front (hapless MP Nicola Murray in The Thick of It) is commanding as the kindly headmistress who comes to young Rebecca’s aid.

About this programme

2/12. Young Rebecca refuses to leaves her mum's side and go to school, worried the Grim Reaper is going to strike at any moment - so kind-hearted headteacher Miss Dyson comes up with a plan. Actress-comedienne Rebecca Front's autobiographical comedy short, in which she co-stars with Lucy Hutchinson, Samantha Spiro and Richard Lumsden.