Thanks Surreysinger, best don the thinking cap again then ~ I have some nagging thought this scenario has been acted out on screen or maybe Radio. Could be the BBC Radio 4 Christmas Eve 2005 " Voices at the Door" programme The story of the unwanted visitors who made Victorian Christmas hell! Presented by Georgina Boyes with Norma Waterson & the Producers Dave Sheasb/Andy Cartwright.

"Georgina Boyes and guest Norma Waterson uncover the other side of the sweet 'Dingley Dell' traditional Christmas image. A look at the underside of Victorian seasonal good cheer."

Unfortunately I've deleted the recording of this off my iTunes :(