live on. Creation The series originated in John Esmonde and Bob Larbey's 1984 stage play Hiccups, which featured versions of the characters as they would later appear in the television series. Martin was played by Sam Kelly. The series title supposedly originated in a meeting to brainstorm possible titles, when after other titles had been rejected somebody commented that "we're going round in ever decreasing circles". Critical response The show was voted number 52 in the BBC's Britain's Best Sitcom poll in 2003. At its peak, it attracted television audiences of around 12 million. Reappraising the series, Andy Dawson in the Daily Mirror notes that "Ever Decreasing Circles strayed far from the well-worn path that other Britcoms trudged along in the 70s and 80s. There was a very real darkness at the heart of it, with Martin existing in what was almost certainly a state of permanent mental anguish." Ricky Gervais has cited the series as one of his key influences, and following Briers' death said he would waive the repeat fees on The Office if Ever Decreasing Circles were repeated on BBC One. Filming locations Although the show is set in Surrey, the external location scenes were filmed in Sussex. Cast Episode list Series One Series Two Series Three Series Four DVD release The complete series of Ever Decreasing Circles was released on DVD in 2007. References External links 1984 British television series debuts 1989 British television series endings 1980s British sitcoms BBC television sitcoms English-language television shows Television series about marriage Television shows set in Surrey