BBC Radio drama thriller

Down Payment on Death

Dinsdale Landen stars in this gripping vintage 1970s crime drama about a retired hitman tempted by one last job 
 
Sick of the spying business, professional assassin Art Gordo decides to quit the Secret Service - but his old life won't leave him alone. 
 
It's Christmas, three months after his retirement, and Gordo is visited by an old colleague with a proposition. A senior MI7 agent has been selling secrets to the opposition and needs to be eliminated - and the job can't be traced back to the Department. What's more, the task must be completed within the next five days. Clarke's offering big money - but despite the temptation, Art turns him down. Only someone won't take 'no' for an answer. 
 
Hunted by a mysterious nemesis who'll stop at nothing - including murder - to get their way, Gordo finds himself caught in a deadly game of deception, double-cross and betrayal. To stay alive, he must find out the truth about his shadowy target, and re-enter a world he thought he'd left behind. A world with only one rule: kill or be killed... 
 
Originally produced in the 1970s, this twisty, fast-moving suspense thriller stars Dinsdale Landen as Art Gordo and Frances Jeater as Louise. 
 
Production credits 
Adapted from his own novel by Jim Eldridge 
Produced by John Fawcett Wilson 
 
Cast 
Art Gordo - Dinsdale Landen 
Clarke - Manning Wilson 
Louise Lenehan - Frances Jeater 
Ben/Roberts/Man on phone - Jon Croft 
Joe/Ferguson - Peter Craze 
Charles Allweather - Glyn Owen 
Paul Le Clerk - Donald Gee 
Sally Le Clerk - Joanna Wake 
Leon Young - Basil Henson 
Francis/Forbes - Douglas Blackwell 
Parsons - Terrence Hardiman 
Hotel porter - Frank Coda 
 
First broadcast on BBC World Service, 3-31 May 1976 
 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

A BBC comedy

Tony's: The Complete Series 1-2

Victor Spinetti stars in this BBC radio sitcom about the hilarious misadventures of a corner-shop barber 
 
 
North London barber's shop Tony's might not be the trendiest salon in town, but it's definitely the cheapest and the cheeriest. Run by exuberant Italian Tony Fucetti, it's the place to go if you want a bargain cut and blow-dry from apprentice Maisie, or a short back and sides courtesy of Scottish hairdresser Hector (just watch out for his razor...) 
 
These 12 episodes follow the highs and lows of Tony and his team, as they prepare to beat Boris the Russian in a hair-styling showdown, give the corner shop a makeover, take on new stylist Stanley, and try and avoid the attentions of the taxman. Plus, Tony's Mama decides to find him a girlfriend, a hairdresser exchange programme leads to publicity - and disaster, a contretemps over a customer's bright green barnet leads to a court appearance, and a day out at the seaside doesn't go quite as planned... 
 
Please note: This is a vintage recording. The audio quality may not be up to modern day standards. 
 
Content Warning: The humour of the programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and therefore may not reflect current views. 
 
 Created by award-winning dramatist Jim Eldridge (Parsley Sidings, Albert &amp; Me), this classic barbershop sitcom is a cut above the rest. Comedy veteran Victor Spinetti stars as Tony, with John Laurie (Dad's Army) as Hector. Deborah Watling (Doctor Who) as Maisie and Deryck Guyler (The Men from the Ministry) as Stanley. Among the guest stars are Carry On... actor Kenneth Connor and 'Allo 'Allo's Gordon Kaye. 
 
Production credits 
Written by Jim Eldridge 
Produced by John Fawcett Wilson 
Incidental music by Max Harris 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 2, 21 October-25 November 1979 (Series 1), 18 January-22 February 1981 (Series 2) 
 
Cast 
Tony - Victor Spinetti 
Hector - John Laurie 
Maisie - Deborah Watling 
Mama - Norma Ronald 
Carlo - Anthony Morton 
Stanley - Deryck Guyler 
With Bill Pertwee, Joanna Wake, David Tate, Royce Mills, David Ryall, Jerald Wells, Deirdre Costello, Henry McGee, Roland MacLeod, John Blythe, Kenneth Connor, Josephine Tewson, Stephen Greif, Alan Lake, Gordon Kaye, Jeffrey Segal, Bill Wallis, Jan Hunt, Frank Coda, Dilys Laye. Douglas Blackwell, Leonard Fenton, Roger Kitter, Mike Grady, Edward Kelsey, Robert Gillespie, Chris Emmett, Nick Tate and Sonia Fraser

Victor Spinetti stars in this BBC radio sitcom about the hilarious misadventures of a corner-shop barber 
 
North London barber's shop Tony's might not be the trendiest salon in town, but it's definitely the cheapest and the cheeriest. Run by exuberant Italian Tony Fucetti, it's the place to go if you want a bargain cut and blow-dry from apprentice Maisie, or a short back and sides courtesy of Scottish hairdresser Hector (just watch out for his razor...) 
 
These 12 episodes follow the highs and lows of Tony and his team, as they prepare to beat Boris the Russian in a hair-styling showdown, give the corner shop a makeover, take on new stylist Stanley, and try and avoid the attentions of the taxman. Plus, Tony's Mama decides to find him a girlfriend, a hairdresser exchange programme leads to publicity - and disaster, a contretemps over a customer's bright green barnet leads to a court appearance, and a day out at the seaside doesn't go quite as planned... 
 
Please note: This is a vintage recording. The audio quality may not be up to modern day standards. 
 
Content Warning: The humour of the programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and therefore may not reflect current views. 
 
 
Created by award-winning dramatist Jim Eldridge (Parsley Sidings, Albert &amp; Me), this classic barbershop sitcom is a cut above the rest. Comedy veteran Victor Spinetti stars as Tony, with John Laurie (Dad's Army) as Hector. Deborah Watling (Doctor Who) as Maisie and Deryck Guyler (The Men from the Ministry) as Stanley. Among the guest stars are Carry On... actor Kenneth Connor and 'Allo 'Allo's Gordon Kaye. 
 
Production credits 
Written by Jim Eldridge 
Produced by John Fawcett Wilson 
Incidental music by Max Harris 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 2, 21 October-25 November 1979 (Series 1), 18 January-22 February 1981 (Series 2) 
 
Cast 
Tony - Victor Spinetti 
Hector - John Laurie 
Maisie - Deborah Watling 
Mama - Norma Ronald 
Carlo - Anthony Morton 
Stanley - Deryck Guyler 
With Bill Pertwee, Joanna Wake, David Tate, Royce Mills, David Ryall, Jerald Wells, Deirdre Costello, Henry McGee, Roland MacLeod, John Blythe, Kenneth Connor, Josephine Tewson, Stephen Greif, Alan Lake, Gordon Kaye, Jeffrey Segal, Bill Wallis, Jan Hunt, Frank Coda, Dilys Laye. Douglas Blackwell, Leonard Fenton, Roger Kitter, Mike Grady, Edward Kelsey, Robert Gillespie, Chris Emmett, Nick Tate and Sonia Fraser

A BBC Radio comedy drama

Albert and Me: The Complete Series 1 & 2

Richard Beckinsale and Robert Lindsay star in this BBC radio sitcom about a single dad left holding the baby 
 
Bryan Archer's girlfriend has run off with the electrician, leaving him to raise their 18-month-old son, Albert, alone. Fortunately, Bryan's mum Pat is around to help out, but he still needs to get a job and earn enough money to pay the rent. Can he find an employer who'll let him bring Albert along? 
 
These seventeen episodes follow Bryan's mishaps and adventures juggling work and childcare, as he tries out as a cosmetic salesman, takes a driving job - but gets caught up in crime, and finds employment as a temporary filing clerk, where he has a bit of bother with a missing file. On holiday with Albert in Frimlington, he finds his fellow holidaymakers aren't too welcoming, and a family Christmas turns farcical when he realises he's managed to get himself double-booked for the festivities. And there are challenges in store as he tries to get a loan to buy a house, attempts to save his sister's marriage, and gets a scare when his little boy is taken into hospital for tests... 
 
Created by award-winning writer Jim Eldridge, whose credits include King Street Junior and Parsley Sidings, thissitcom about a doting single dad originally starred the late Richard Beckinsale as Bryan in the pilot and original 1977 series. The second series, broadcast in 1983, saw Robert Lindsay taking his place, and Pat Coombs reprising her roles as Mum and baby Albert. The guest cast includes Douglas Blackwell, Dilys Laye, Gorden Kaye and Marcia Warren. 
 
Production credits 
Written by Jim Eldridge 
Produced by John Fawcett Wilson 
Incidental music: Max Harris 
First broadcast BBC Radio 2, 5 January 1977 (Pilot), 5 November-24 December 1977 (Series 1), 16 March-4 May 1983 (Series 2) 
 
Cast 
Bryan Archer - Richard Beckinsale/Robert Lindsay 
Mum/Albert - Pat Coombs 
Dad - John Comer 
Vernon Wordsworth - Frank Thornton 
Anna Jameson - Sharon Duce 
Alice - Anne Cunningham 
The Magistrate/Dave/Mr Graham - Douglas Blackwell 
Joe Billings/Fred - Harry Fowler 
Mr Benson - John Arnatt 
Sandra - Karin MacCarthy 
Rex - Terence Alexander 
Mrs Warburton - Jan Holden 
Labour Exchange official - Milton Johns 
Stephanie - Madeline Smith 
Harry Ponder - John Junkin 
Mr Simpson - Reginald Marsh 
Linda - Joanna David 
Nursery nurse - Heather Bell 
Mr Wiggins - Peter Vaughan 
Mavis - Cheryl Hall 
Deirdre - Helen Worth 
Jane - Diane Keen 
Edward - Jon Laurimore 
Welfare lady/Mrs Featherstone-Haugh/Mrs Hagger - Dilys Laye 
Benefit official - Robin Parkinson 
Uncle Eric - Michael Robbins 
Mr Smith - David Ryall 
Bank manager/Mr Benson - John Arnatt 
Nurse - Penelope Reynolds 
Police Sergeant - Robert Gillespie 
Rose - Diana Berriman 
Gran - Patricia Hayes 
Maureen - Celia Bannerman 
Store assistant - Kenneth Shanley 
Mrs Willis - Diana King 
Ron - Larry Martyn 
Mary - Rosalind Adams 
Mr Tibbies/Arnold - Roland MacLeod 
Vera - Marcia Warren 
Edward - Gorden Kaye 
Joe - Ron Pember 
Job Centre Clerk - David Graham 
Vikkie - Sherrie Hewson 
Mrs Weston - Frances Jeater 
Amateur Photographer - John Tordoff 
Terry - Derek Martin 
Alison - Deidre Costello 
Charlie - Peter Cleall 
Andy - John Kane 
Mr Charlesworth - Bernard Gallagher 
Mrs Charlesworth - Lynda Baron 
Sandra/Doreen - Wendy Murray 
Lady Samantha - Sarah Berger 
Vicar - Michael Bilton 
Jenny - Brenda Blethyn 
GP - Renu Setna 
Nurse - Tammy Ustinov

Jim Eldridge is an author and scriptwriter. He has had 90 books published which have sold over three million copies, and has had hundreds of radio and TV scripts broadcast in the UK and across the world. Among his radio credits are Parsley Sidings and Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead, which won him a Writer's Guild of Great Britain Award.

Richard Beckinsale and Robert Lindsay star in this BBC radio sitcom about a single dad left holding the baby 
 
Bryan Archer's girlfriend has run off with the electrician, leaving him to raise their 18-month-old son, Albert, alone. Fortunately, Bryan's mum Pat is around to help out, but he still needs to get a job and earn enough money to pay the rent. Can he find an employer who'll let him bring Albert along? 
 
These seventeen episodes follow Bryan's mishaps and adventures juggling work and childcare, as he tries out as a cosmetic salesman, takes a driving job - but gets caught up in crime, and finds employment as a temporary filing clerk, where he has a bit of bother with a missing file. On holiday with Albert in Frimlington, he finds his fellow holidaymakers aren't too welcoming, and a family Christmas turns farcical when he realises he's managed to get himself double-booked for the festivities. And there are challenges in store as he tries to get a loan to buy a house, attempts to save his sister's marriage, and gets a scare when his little boy is taken into hospital for tests... 
 
Created by award-winning writer Jim Eldridge, whose credits include King Street Junior and Parsley Sidings, thissitcom about a doting single dad originally starred the late Richard Beckinsale as Bryan in the pilot and original 1977 series. The second series, broadcast in 1983, saw Robert Lindsay taking his place, and Pat Coombs reprising her roles as Mum and baby Albert. The guest cast includes Douglas Blackwell, Dilys Laye, Gorden Kaye and Marcia Warren. 
 
Production credits 
Written by Jim Eldridge 
Produced by John Fawcett Wilson 
Incidental music: Max Harris 
First broadcast BBC Radio 2, 5 January 1977 (Pilot), 5 November-24 December 1977 (Series 1), 16 March-4 May 1983 (Series 2) 
 
Cast 
Bryan Archer - Richard Beckinsale/Robert Lindsay 
Mum/Albert - Pat Coombs 
Dad - John Comer 
Vernon Wordsworth - Frank Thornton 
Anna Jameson - Sharon Duce 
Alice - Anne Cunningham 
The Magistrate/Dave/Mr Graham - Douglas Blackwell 
Joe Billings/Fred - Harry Fowler 
Mr Benson - John Arnatt 
Sandra - Karin MacCarthy 
Rex - Terence Alexander 
Mrs Warburton - Jan Holden 
Labour Exchange official - Milton Johns 
Stephanie - Madeline Smith 
Harry Ponder - John Junkin 
Mr Simpson - Reginald Marsh 
Linda - Joanna David 
Nursery nurse - Heather Bell 
Mr Wiggins - Peter Vaughan 
Mavis - Cheryl Hall 
Deirdre - Helen Worth 
Jane - Diane Keen 
Edward - Jon Laurimore 
Welfare lady/Mrs Featherstone-Haugh/Mrs Hagger - Dilys Laye 
Benefit official - Robin Parkinson 
Uncle Eric - Michael Robbins 
Mr Smith - David Ryall 
Bank manager/Mr Benson - John Arnatt 
Nurse - Penelope Reynolds 
Police Sergeant - Robert Gillespie 
Rose - Diana Berriman 
Gran - Patricia Hayes 
Maureen - Celia Bannerman 
Store assistant - Kenneth Shanley 
Mrs Willis - Diana King 
Ron - Larry Martyn 
Mary - Rosalind Adams 
Mr Tibbies/Arnold - Roland MacLeod 
Vera - Marcia Warren 
Edward - Gorden Kaye 
Joe - Ron Pember 
Job Centre Clerk - David Graham 
Vikkie - Sherrie Hewson 
Mrs Weston - Frances Jeater 
Amateur Photographer - John Tordoff 
Terry - Derek Martin 
Alison - Deidre Costello 
Charlie - Peter Cleall 
Andy - John Kane 
Mr Charlesworth - Bernard Gallagher 
Mrs Charlesworth - Lynda Baron 
Sandra/Doreen - Wendy Murray 
Lady Samantha - Sarah Berger 
Vicar - Michael Bilton 
Jenny - Brenda Blethyn 
GP - Renu Setna 
Nurse - Tammy Ustinov

Parsley Sidings: The Complete Series 1 and 2

The complete first and second series of the charming railway station comedy starring Arthur Lowe, Ian Lavender and Kenneth Connor

Jim Eldridge (Author) 
 Jim Eldridge is an author and scriptwriter. He has had 90 books published which have sold over three million copies, and has had hundreds of radio and TV scripts broadcast in the UK and across the world. Among his radio credits are Parsley Sidings and Lines From My Grandfather's Forehead, which won him a Writer's Guild of Great Britain Award.

The complete first and second series of the charming railway station comedy starring Arthur Lowe, Ian Lavender and Kenneth Connor 
 
 Parsley Sidings ran for two highly successful series from 1971-1973, and was the only radio sitcom (other than Dad’s Army) to star the much-loved Arthur Lowe. As Horace Hepplewhite, station master of a sleepy railway station, he spends his time dealing with small crises and supervising his errant staff – including his son, ticket clerk Bert; blonde bombshell Gloria the station announcer; crafty Cockney porter Percy and ancient signalman Bradshaw – not to mention his nemesis, Phineas Perkins, who manages the station one stop down the line. 
 
 This collection includes all 21 episodes of the classic comedy, many of which were thought lost but were recently rediscovered and restored for fans to enjoy once more. Included are: The Market Special; The Postal Express; The Beauty Queen Contest; The Inspector Calls; The 1890 Rocket; The Excursion; Cricket, Lovely Cricket; Who’ll Be Mother?; The Concert; Goodbye Parsley Sidings; Pass the Parcel; The Flower Show; The Entente Cordiale; A Night Out; The Goods Train; A Bird in the Hand; The Purity League; The New Level Crossing; The Film Makers and The Secret Agent and the pilot episode, The Royal Train. 
 
 Starring Arthur Lowe as Horace, Ian Lavender as Bert, Kenneth Connor as Percy and Liz Fraser as Gloria, with guest stars including Elizabeth Morgan, Pat Coombs, Bill Pertwee and Roger Delgado. 
 
Please note: Due to the archive nature of this recording sound quality may vary and that some of the humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was first broadcast.

A BBC Radio 4 comedy

King Street Junior

A new term has begun at King Street Junior and the teachers are getting ready to shape the minds of a brand new generation…

All ten series of the BBC Radio 4 comedy drama set in a small junior school 
 
‘The Sistine Chapel of radio drama’' - The Times 
 
Running for ten series between 1985 and 1988 (with a sequel, King Street Junior Revisited, airing from 2002-2005), this hugely popular school-based sitcom was one of the BBC’s most successful radio programmes. Created by award-winning writer Jim Eldridge, it follows the headmaster and staff of an inner-city primary as they deal with unruly pupils, problem parents, school governors and OFSTED inspectors. 
 
From Parents’ Evening to the PTA, and from supply teachers to staff room squabbles, every day brings fresh challenges for headmaster Mr Beeston. Among the problems facing him are a flu epidemic, a shortage of computers, a phantom prune thief and a mysterious graffiti artist – and there’s trouble in store when in comes to sex education, school trips and Sports Day. 
 
Meanwhile, idealistic newcomers Mr Brown and Mr Sims learn some lessons about teaching, and their battle-scarred colleagues vie for promotion – or look forward to retirement. And as each new term rolls around at King Street Junior, they all prepare to shape the minds of a brand new generation... 
 
Peter Davison stars as Eric Brown, Karl Howman as Philip Sims and James Grout as Mr Beeston, with guest stars including John Craven and Michaela Strachan as themselves. 
 
Created by Jim Eldridge 
Written by Jim Eldridge, Paul Copley, Richard Stoneman, Ivan Shakespeare, Dave Single and Martin Davies 
Produced by John Fawcett Wilson 
Violinist: Sarah Hallam 
Pianist: Max Harris

King Street Junior Revisited

All four series of the popular follow-up to King Street Junior 
 
King Street Junior and its sequel, King Street Junior Revisited, ran for 20 years and 100 episodes between 1985 and 2005, and were among the BBC’s most successful and popular radio programmes. 
 
In these four series, we return to the inner-city primary in the new millennium. A different Head is in charge, but the challenges remain the same: from planning a big fundraising concert, to searching for a truant, to coping with wintry weather and a disappearing lollipop lady. 
 
In addition, the teachers contend with personal and professional upheavals as Mr Maxwell’s attempts to maintain playground order land him in trouble, Mr Long suffers a painful little problem, Miss Featherstone is arrested – and a surprise awaits the staff as they return from their summer holidays. 
 
But King Street Junior continues to survive and thrive, and as the series draws to a close, the children and teachers prepare to celebrate the centenary of the school’s foundation. 
 
Written by the award-winning Jim Eldridge, this acclaimed sitcom stars Carolyn Pickles as Mrs Devon, Marlene Sidaway as Miss Lewis and Brigit Forsyth as Mrs Eastwood, with a guest appearance from James Grout as Mr Beeston. 
 
 
Created and written by Jim Eldridge 
Produced by John Fawcett Wilson

Jim Eldridge

Full Cast

Phyliss Logan

Karl Howman

A BBC Radio 4 Comedy drama

Karl Howman stars in Jim Eldridge's sitcom about a likeable ex-convict trying to turn over a new leaf 
 
Released from prison early, chirpy Cockney conman Terry King is given a chance to find his feet again. His challenge is to breathe new life into a run-down community centre - with the support of Sandra Gaines, a social worker with a warm heart but an unhappy past. If he succeeds, he'll prove that rehabilitation is possible. But if he fails, he'll be sent back to jail... 
 
Situated in the middle of a rough council estate, Grove Hill Farm needs a lot of work. The windows are broken, the plumbing's out of action and part of the centre was burned down during a riot. But it's not just the buildings that could use some TLC - the community's pride needs restoring too. Can Terry get the locals to come together and make the centre a neighbourhood hub again? He's got big plans - concerts, dances, bingo - but first he must raise the funds, and win over the residents... 
 
As he uses his charm and his con artist skills to start turning the place around, he finds himself growing closer to Sandra, and love slowly blossoms between the two of them. But will Terry be able to stay out of trouble - and out of prison? And as the end of his sentence approaches, will he and Sandra finally get together? 
 
Created by Jim Eldridge, whose numerous radio credits include King Street Junior and Albert &amp; Me, this feel-good comedy drama stars Karl Howman (Brush Strokes, EastEnders) as Terry and Phyllis Logan (Lovejoy, Downton Abbey) as Sandra. 
 
Production credits 
Written by Jim Eldridge 
Directed by Marilyn Imrie and David Hitchinson 
Music: Jacqueline Dankworth and Harvey Brough 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 January-2 March 1999 (Series 1), 26 July-30 August 2000 (Series 2), 12 October-16 November 2001 (Series 3) 
 
Cast 
Terry King - Karl Howman 
Sandra Gaines - Phyllis Logan 
Steve Addison - Ben Crowe 
Mr Wade/Harry Howard/Bert Higgs/Mr Addison - Geoffrey Whitehead 
Mr Preston - David Holt 
George - Chris Pavlo 
Whizzer/Sam Stone/Police officer/Don Gaines - Giles Fagan 
Hobb/Ed Bayliss - Harry Myers 
Ellie Higgs - Priyanga Elan 
Woman on the estate - Frances Jeater 
Supt. Anne Robinson - Rachel Atkins 
Gail Gaines - Victoria O'Donnell/Jennifer Wheelan 
Mrs Watson - Ann Beach 
Mrs Barnes - Jillie Meers 
Mick/Mr Evans - Gavin Muir 
Keith/Jerry - David Thorpe 
Annie - Alison Pettitt 
Mavis - Tilly Vosburgh 
Warren/Scaggs - Clinton Mullings-Dodson 
Mrs Wilson - Maggie McCarthy 
Ernie/Mr Marsden - Roger Walker 
Miss Graham/Mrs Baxter - Richenda Carey 
Marlene - Hetty Baynes 
Andrew - Tom George 
Pianist at concert - Peter Ringrose 
Mrs McKendrick - Sandra Voe 
Drunk man/Barman - Ewan Bailey 
Netball player - Helen Longworth 
Girl at club - Sarah Paul 
Matt - Ray Lonnen 
David - Sean Baker 
Wendy Wilson - Clare Corbett 
Matthew - George Allonby 
Mary - Elaine Claxton 
Mrs Barnes/Pauline - Carolyn Pickles 
Wally - Carl Prekopp 
 
©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Jim Eldridge

Books by Jim Eldridge

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter