Judi Dench as Barbara Covett

Cate Blanchett as Sheba Hart

Bill Nighy as Richard Hart

Andrew Simpson as Steven Connolly

Phil Davis as Brian Bangs

Michael Maloney as Sandy Pabblem

Juno Temple as Polly Hart

Max Lewis as Ben Hart

Joanna Scanlan as Sue Hodge

Julia McKenzie as Marjorie

Shaun Parkes as Bill Rumer

Tom Georgeson as Ted Mawson

Emma Kennedy as Linda

Syreeta Kumar as Gita

Wendy Nottingham as Elaine Clifford

Tameka Empson as Antonia Robinson

Leon Skinner as Davis

Debra Gillett as Lorraine

Barry McCarthy as Dave

Adrian Scarborough as Martin

Jill Baker as Sheba's Mother

Diana Berriman as Marcia

Alice Bird as Saskia

Benedict Taylor as Eddie

Miranda Pleasence as Eddie's Wife

Jonathan Speer as Vet

Stephen Kennedy as Mr. Connolly

Derbhle Crotty as Mrs. Connolly

Catherine Drew as Newsreader

Anne-Marie Duff as Annabel

Kevin Hudson as Teacher (uncredited)

Gabrielle Brooks as Choir Member (uncredited)