In a heartwarming return to the screen after years of retirement, legendary Coronation Street actress Thelma Barlow, best known for her portrayal of the timid yet lovable Mavis Riley, stars in a brand-new short film titled Sleepless in Settle. Now 95 years old, Barlow steps back into the limelight in a role that echoes the warmth and gentle humor she brought to Weatherfield for over two decades. The film, a 20-minute comedy, marks a delightful shift from her soap opera roots, presenting a lighter, more whimsical tale grounded in family, love, and the unexpected joy of companionship in later life.
Sleepless in Settle centers around Barbara, a well-meaning but slightly meddlesome mother who is on a mission to find a romantic partner for her middle-aged, single son. Thelma plays Barbara with charm, wit, and that unmistakable sense of comic timing that made her a household name. Her character’s quest is not driven by desperation or interference but rather a touching desire to see her son find happiness and perhaps a little adventure in life again.
Set in the fictional Yorkshire town of Settle—cleverly portrayed by the picturesque coastal villages of Rye and Rye Harbour—the story draws heavily on the quaint and close-knit community atmosphere. Interestingly, the real-life Settle is where Thelma has lived for nearly 30 years, making the setting feel authentic and familiar, further adding to the cozy and grounded tone of the film.
Written and directed by actress Judy Flynn, who previously worked with Barlow on Victoria Wood’s Dinnerladies, the film has a strong foundation in character-driven storytelling. Judy and Thelma formed a friendship on the Dinnerladies set in the late 1990s, and this connection clearly shines through in the film’s tone and performances. Flynn’s script offers a blend of lighthearted humor and touching moments, emphasizing intergenerational relationships and the possibilities for love and companionship at any stage in life.
Barbara’s son, though initially embarrassed and resistant to his mother’s matchmaking efforts, gradually becomes more open to the idea. As the film unfolds, it’s less about finding the “perfect” partner and more about the evolving relationship between a mother and her son—how they learn to understand each other, accept each other’s differences, and ultimately grow closer. The comedic situations Barbara finds herself in while orchestrating potential romantic scenarios provide ample laughs but also reflect a deeper narrative about loneliness, love, and how the roles between parent and child can shift over time.
One of the film’s most striking qualities is how it handles the subject of aging with both honesty and humor. Thelma’s portrayal of Barbara isn’t patronizing or exaggerated—she’s portrayed as vibrant, witty, and very much in control of her own story. It’s a refreshing departure from the way older characters are often portrayed on screen, and it speaks volumes about Thelma’s enduring talent and presence. She brings nuance to Barbara, showing her as a woman who has lived a full life but still has a lot to offer—emotionally, socially, and yes, even romantically.
Speaking about the film in a recent interview, Thelma shared how much she enjoyed being part of the project. Describing Sleepless in Settle as “just the sort of thing people need right now,” she emphasized its gentle humor and uplifting message. “It has a very sweet message that people of different generations can successfully live together,” she noted. Her joy in returning to the screen is palpable, but she’s also candid about the differences between this intimate, independent project and the high-pressure world of commercial television.
Indeed, when asked whether she’d ever consider reprising her role as Mavis Riley on Coronation Street, Thelma firmly ruled it out. She admitted that returning to a major studio production would feel overwhelming now, and that part of her life, though cherished, is best left in the past. “I would be far too terrified,” she said, adding that she now values the relaxed, collaborative nature of smaller projects like Sleepless in Settle.
While Coronation Street fans may be wistful about never seeing Mavis return to the cobbles, Sleepless in Settle offers a fitting encore for a beloved actress. It captures the essence of what made Barlow so iconic in her soap days—her impeccable comic timing, emotional range, and ability to portray the small, human moments that resonate most deeply. But this new role also gives her room to grow, to explore new dynamics and showcase the kind of graceful aging we rarely see represented with such warmth.
Barlow’s character, much like Mavis, is hesitant at times and full of nervous energy, but she’s also full of heart and deeply relatable. Her on-screen presence still carries the same magnetic charm, and in many ways, Barbara feels like a spiritual continuation of Mavis—a woman trying to make sense of a changing world, but doing so with kindness, compassion, and quiet strength.
If you’re looking for a feel-good short film that champions connection, celebrates older voices, and features a much-loved actress in one of her most endearing roles yet, Sleepless in Settle is well worth the watch. It’s currently available to stream for free on YouTube, offering an accessible treat for long-time fans and new audiences alike.
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