The Cinderella Killer, Dead Room Farce, Star Trap, A Doubtful Death & A Deadly Habit

Charles Paris: A Third BBC Radio Collection

Bill Nighy stars as the irrepressible Charles Paris in these five BBC Radio dramatisations 
 
Actor, alcoholic and amateur sleuth Charles Paris returns in another quintet of humorous theatrical thrillers. All Charles asks for is a nice juicy part in a successful play - but wherever he appears on the bill, murder and mystery always play a starring role... 
 
The Cinderella Killer - Panto seems the perfect way to spend the Christmas season for Charles, but when the show's star is found dead, the slapstick must make way for a murder investigation. 
 
Dead Room Farce - Charles is appearing in a revival of a 1970s farce. But when two cast members die in suspicious circumstances, he suspects foul play is afoot. 
 
Star Trap - When a series of accidents befalls the cast of a West End musical, Charles steps in to investigate. Who is trying to sabotage the show - and why? 
 
A Doubtful Death - Charles has landed a role in an immersive theatre production of Hamlet. But when an actress goes missing, he must decide if it is to be or not to be a murder case... Also included with this story is an exclusive afterword with scriptwriter Jeremy Front, who adapted it from an unproduced screenplay by Simon Brett. He reveals what it's like behind the scenes of Charles Paris, and explains the mechanics of recording for radio. 
 
A Deadly Habit - Offered a job in a verbatim theatre piece set in a monastery, Charles has reservations. Then disaster strikes the production - and he smells criminality... 
 
Written by Jeremy Front 
Based on the novels and screenplay by Simon Brett 
Produced and directed by Sally Avens 
 
Starring Bill Nighy as Charles Paris, Suzanne Burden as Frances and Jon Glover as Maurice 
 
Text copyright © Simon Brett 1977 (Star Trap), 1998 (Dead Room Farce), 2014 (The Cinderella Killer), 2018 (A Deadly Habit), 2020 (A Doubtful Death) 
 
© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Murder in the Title, A Reconstructed Corpse, An Amateur Corpse, Corporate Bodies & A Decent Interval

Charles Paris: A Second BBC Radio Collection

Bill Nighy stars as the lovably louche Charles Paris in these five BBC Radio dramatisations 
 
Charles Paris - unsuccessful actor, bad husband, and dipsomaniac - is back, and getting into trouble once more. As he tries to woo back his semi-detached wife, Frances, and land a few half-decent roles, he finds himself embroiled in murder and mayhem and forced to turn detective. Luckily, his sleuthing is much better than his acting... 
 
Murder in the Title - The thespian sleuth gets a part in a terrible play - but someone wants to kill off the cast. First a series of nasty accidents occur, then Charles is the victim of an attempted stabbing. Can he find the killer, or will he be fired first? 
 
A Reconstructed Corpse - Charles is playing a missing businessman in a crime reconstruction programme. But when severed body parts begin to appear, he must piece together a macabre jigsaw puzzle of murder. 
 
An Amateur Corpse - What starts as a simple voiceover job leads Charles to the discovery of a dead body. Could his old friend Hugo really be a murderer? All the signs are pointing that way... 
 
Corporate Bodies - A corporate video turns into a horror movie when a secretary is killed. As he investigates, Charles uncovers blackmail, sexual intrigue and multiple motives for murder amongst the workforce. 
 
A Decent Interval - Cast as The Ghost and First Gravedigger in Hamlet, Charles is finding rehearsals tense as both the lead roles are being played by reality TV stars. But soon it's not just Shakespeare's lines being murdered... 
 
Written by Jeremy Front 
Based on the novels by Simon Brett 
Produced and directed by Sally Avens 
 
Starring Bill Nighy as Charles Paris, Suzanne Burden as Frances and Jon Glover as Maurice 
 
Text copyright © Simon Brett 1978 (An Amateur Corpse), 1983 (Murder in the Title), 1991 (Corporate Bodies), 1993 (A Reconstructed Corpse), 2013 (A Decent Interval) 
 
© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

A Series of Murders, Sicken and So Die, Murder Unprompted, The Dead Side of the Mic & Cast in Order of Disappearance

Charles Paris: A BBC Radio Collection

Five full-cast BBC radio dramatisations, starring Bill Nighy as Charles Paris 
 
Thespian sleuth Charles Paris is his own worst enemy, a louche lush who can resist anything except temptation - especially in the form of women and alcohol. Estranged from his long-suffering wife, Frances, his personal life is shambolic, and as an actor, he's C-list at best. But he does have a talent for solving murders - which is just as well, because wherever he goes, someone seems to drop dead... 
 
A Series of Murders - Charles has landed a juicy part playing Sergeant Collins in the TV detective series, 'The Stanislaus Braid Mysteries'. But will all the deadly doings be restricted to on-screen? 
 
Sicken and So Die - A suspected poisoner is on the loose in a production of Twelfth Night - can Charles track down the culprit before this comedy turns into a tragedy? 
 
Murder Unprompted - There's drama backstage when a murder is discovered in a West End theatre production. Has Charles time to find the killer before the curtain goes up? 
 
The Dead Side of the Mic - A job with the BBC radio rep coincides with the mysterious death of a studio manager in Broadcasting House. Once again, Charles steps in to investigate... 
 
Cast in Order of Disappearance - Playing a middle-management vampire in 'The Wreathing', Charles finds himself dealing with a blackmailer, a maiden in distress - and a murderer. Has he bitten off more than he can chew? 
 
Written by Jeremy Front 
Based on the novels by Simon Brett 
Produced and directed by Sally Avens 
 
Starring Bill Nighy as Charles Paris, Suzanne Burden as Frances and Jon Glover as Maurice 
 
Text copyright © Simon Brett 1975 (Cast in Order of Disappearance), 1980 (The Dead Side of the Mic), 1982 (Murder Unprompted), 1989 (A Series of Murders), 1995 (Sicken and So Die) 
 
© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Charles Paris: So Much Blood

A brand new full-cast BBC radio dramatisation, starring Bill Nighy as Charles Paris 
 
'Charles Paris is Bill Nighy... It's the role he was born to play.' The Telegraph 
 
August in Edinburgh, and thousands of performers of all stripes have flocked to the Fringe Festival. Among them is Charles Paris filling in at the last minute after a student actress breaks a leg and has to drop out. Showcasing an earnest one-man show in a sea of stand-up comics is a bit of a gamble, but at least he's acting, and with a Charles Paris production, what could possibly go wrong? 
 
Charles is sharing a venue with a group of student actors, but when one of the performers dies in a freak stabbing, the actor-cum-amateur sleuth smells a murderous rat and decides to investigate. When the killer sets his sights on him, Charles realises that he must be getting close to the truth - despite not having a clue what's going on... 
 
Help arrives in the form of his agent, Maurice, in town scouting for talent, and Charles' 'semi-detached' wife, Frances, who inadvertently finds herself directing Charles' show. The three become drawn into the mystery, and find themselves playing detectives. This unlikely trio are way out of their depth, but when has that ever stopped Charles Paris? 
 
Jeremy Front's witty drama stars Bill Nighy as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as Frances and Jon Glover as Maurice. 
 
Written by Jeremy Front 
Based on the novel by Simon Brett 
Produced and directed by Sally Avens 
 
Cast 
Charles Paris - Bill Nighy 
Frances - Suzanne Burden 
Maurice - Jon Glover 
James - Roger Ringrose 
Anna - Natasha K Stone 
Martin - Connor Curren 
Laura - Chloe Sommer 
Angus/Sam - Tom Kiteley 
Tessa - Joanna Monro 
Eilish - Catriona Stirling 
Sophie - Fiona Skinner 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9th-30th June 2023 
 
©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Charles Paris is Bill Nighy... It's the role he was born to play.

A brand new full-cast BBC radio dramatisation, starring Bill Nighy as Charles Paris 
 
'Charles Paris is Bill Nighy... It's the role he was born to play.' The Telegraph 
 
August in Edinburgh, and thousands of performers of all stripes have flocked to the Fringe Festival. Among them is Charles Paris filling in at the last minute after a student actress breaks a leg and has to drop out. Showcasing an earnest one-man show in a sea of stand-up comics is a bit of a gamble, but at least he's acting, and with a Charles Paris production, what could possibly go wrong? 
 
Charles is sharing a venue with a group of student actors, but when one of the performers dies in a freak stabbing, the actor-cum-amateur sleuth smells a murderous rat and decides to investigate. When the killer sets his sights on him, Charles realises that he must be getting close to the truth - despite not having a clue what's going on... 
 
Help arrives in the form of his agent, Maurice, in town scouting for talent, and Charles' 'semi-detached' wife, Frances, who inadvertently finds herself directing Charles' show. The three become drawn into the mystery, and find themselves playing detectives. This unlikely trio are way out of their depth, but when has that ever stopped Charles Paris? 
 
Jeremy Front's witty drama stars Bill Nighy as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as Frances and Jon Glover as Maurice. 
 
Written by Jeremy Front 
Based on the novel by Simon Brett 
Produced and directed by Sally Avens 
 
Cast 
Charles Paris - Bill Nighy 
Frances - Suzanne Burden 
Maurice - Jon Glover 
James - Roger Ringrose 
Anna - Natasha K Stone 
Martin - Connor Curren 
Laura - Chloe Sommer 
Angus/Sam - Tom Kiteley 
Tessa - Joanna Monro 
Eilish - Catriona Stirling 
Sophie - Fiona Skinner 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9th-30th June 2023 
 
©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Down with Skool!, How to be Topp & more

Molesworth: A BBC Radio Collection

A collection of BBC readings and dramas celebrating the much-loved schoolboy terror 
 
First featured in five books by Geoffrey Willans, with cartoon illustrations by Ronald Searle, Nigel Molesworth is one of the funniest comic creations in literature. A superbly satirical chronicler of 1950s England, he influenced a generation with his anarchic take on life. 
 
These wonderfully entertaining recordings show the self-proclaimed 'curse of St Custard's' at his very best. In Down with Skool! & How to Be Topp, based on the first two Molesworth books and read by Griff Rhys Jones, he gives us the lowdown on the Head Beak, masters, bullies and lessons - and offers his inimitable advice for tiny pupils on how to survive the first term. 
 
Simon Brett's sequel, Molesworth, finds the onetime 'goriller of 3B' now all grown up. Middle- aged and still surrounded by many of the characters from his youth, he's as keen as ever to share his wisdom. Across four episodes, he presents a guide to the home, the office, the arts and leisure. Willie Rushton stars in this full-cast drama, with a cast including Clive Swift and Penelope Nice. 
 
Topping off our collection is The Molesworth Report: How to Be Topp, a celebration and philosophical assessment - ahem! - of Nigel Molesworth by some of his fondest fans. 'I couldn't live with someone who didn't enjoy the Molesworth books', says the poet Wendy Cope. John Walsh, Sir Tim Rice and Russell Davies also pay tribute to the world-weary, ink-spattered schoolboy, whose comic misspellings, mangling of English and Latin and detestation of swots, snekes and oiks gave the world a cache of unforgettable images and catchphrases. 
 
Credits 
 
Down with Skool! & How to Be Topp 
Read by Griff Rhys Jones 
Abridged by Wendy Cope 
Based on the books by Geoffrey Willans 
Produced by Susan Roberts 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13-21 August 1991 
 
Molesworth 
Molesworth - Willie Rushton 
Grimes - Clive Swift 
Louise - Penelope Nice 
Gillibrand/Darryl - Robert Harley 
Peason/Grabber - Bob Sinfield 
Fotherington-Thomas - Phil Nice 
Arabella/Carole/Lucinda/Lady Eiderdown - Chrissy Roberts 
Written by Simon Brett and based on characters created by Geoffrey Willans and Ronald Searle 
Music by Oonagh Bernon 
Produced by Mark Robson 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 March-13 April 1987 
 
The Molesworth Report: How to Be Topp 
With Wendy Cope, John Walsh, Sir Tim Rice and Russell Davies 
Produced by Penny Arnold 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13 May 2004 
 
Cover illustration by permission of the Ronald Searle Estate 
© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Charles Paris: Sicken and So Die

Bill Nighy stars as the suave thespian sleuth in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation 
 
Life is good for Charles Paris. He's moved back in with his estranged wife, and has landed a plum stage role as Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night. But it can't last. First his attempts to woo Frances fall flat, then the play's director is taken ill with gastric trouble. His replacement, Romanian wunderkind Alex Radelescu, is determined to take the play in a radical new direction - with or without Charles. 
 
When a second member of the company falls sick, Charles begins to suspect a poisoner is on the loose - and the next victim could be him. Can he unmask the culprit before this comedy turns into a tragedy? 
 
Adapted by Jeremy Front, this engaging dramatisation stars Bill Nighy as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as Frances, Jon Glover as Maurice and Julian Rhind-Tutt as Alex Radelescu. 
 
'Always a treat' Gillian Reynolds, Sunday Times 
 
Production credits 
Written by Simon Brett 
Adapted by Jeremy Front 
Produced and directed by Sally Avens 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 30 August-20 September 2006 
 
Cast 
Charles Paris - Bill Nighy 
Frances - Suzanne Burden 
Maurice - Jon Glover 
Ken Carter - Peter Wight 
Alex Radelescu - Julian Rhind-Tutt 
Vivienne Marlin - Elizabeth Bell 
Gavin Scholes - Thomas Wheatley 
Jack Bradley - John Cummins 
Sally Luther - Tracy Wiles 
Ben Ritson - Tom Lawrence 
Vasile Bogdan/Scott - Ryan McCluskey 
Talya Northcott - Alex Tregear 
Inspector Dewar - Kim Wall 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. ? 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Charles Paris: A Deadly Habit

Actor and sleuth Charles Paris is back in this full-cast BBC radio dramatisation of Simon Brett's novel, starring Bill Nighy 
 
Locked down with his semi-detached wife Frances, Charles has thrown himself into a new career as a handyman, becoming quite the DIY expert. He's developed muscles, stopped smoking and even cut back on the booze. 
 
Then his agent, Maurice, offers him the chance to get back on stage - and in a West End play, no less. The star, Justin Grover, asked for him specifically: but Charles has reservations. Grover was cocky enough when they were both young hopefuls; now he's the star of a massive TV fantasy series, and the play - a verbatim piece set in a monastery - is dire. 
 
So why has Justin signed up for it? He certainly doesn't need the money, unlike Charles. The cast is drearily male, and before long Charles is hitting the Scotch again. When he drunkenly stumbles over the corpse of a fellow actor, Charles panics, leaving the body to be discovered by someone else. But he soon regrets lying to the police, and driven by guilt and self-preservation, he resolves to find the murderer... 
 
This sparkling adaptation by Jeremy Front stars Bill Nighy (Emma, Love Actually) as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as Frances and Jon Glover as Maurice. 
 
Credits 
Written by Simon Brett 
Adapted by Jeremy Front 
Directed by Sally Avens 
 
Cast 
Charles Paris........................Bill Nighy 
Frances........................Suzanne Burden 
Maurice........................Jon Glover 
Justin ........................Tony Turner 
Lydia ........................Ria Marshall 
Kit ........................Joseph Ayre 
Brendan ........................Jonathan Kydd 
Nina ........................Marilyn Nnadebe 
D.S. Dalby ........................Stewart Campbell 
Alice/Peaches ........................Elinor Coleman 
Kelly/Dervla ........................Jane Slavin 
Bethan ........................Christine Kavanagh 
Neil ........................Simon Ludders 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 3-24 September 2021 
 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

No Commitments: Series 6-9

Series 6-9 of the BBC Radio comedy drama following the fortunes of three forty-something sisters 
 
Sisters Anna, Victoria and Charlotte are back for four more series, in which relationships are forged, hearts are broken and family ties are strained - but not severed. 
 
Older sister Anna continues to live her life on her own terms, despite her sisters' insistence on being there for her. But when she suffers a couple of knocks to her confidence and needs a shoulder to cry on, they are too self-absorbed to be any use. Fortunately, niece Emily provides moral support, and Anna reciprocates with some down-to-earth advice about Emily's love life. 
 
With their daughter away at university, Emily's parents find themselves reassessing their marriage. Roger is tempted to stray, while Victoria become even more insecure - and a death in the family sends shock waves rippling in unexpected directions. 
 
Meanwhile, Charlotte's star rises and falls, as she makes her soap opera debut and finally acquires celebrity status, only to have her bubble cruelly burst. With her acting career seemingly on the decline, she embarks on a quest to find herself - and makes some surprising discoveries... 
 
Written by Simon Brett, this much-loved sitcom stars Rosemary Leach as Anna, with Angela Thorne as Victoria, Celia Imrie and Felicity Montagu as Charlotte, Lisa Coleman as Emily and Bill Nighy as Roger. 
 
 
Produced by Maria Esposito (Series 6-8) and Simon Brett (Series 9) 
Music composed by Elizabeth Parker, BBC Radiophonic Workshop 
 
Cast 
Anna - Rosemary Leach 
Victoria - Angela Thorne 
Charlotte - Celia Imrie/Felicity Montagu 
Roger - Bill Nighy 
Eddie - James Greene 
Emily - Lisa Coleman 
With Edward de Souza, Christian Rodska, Joanna Monro, Will Ing, Jane Gibson, Alan Cowan, Alison Skilbeck, Simon Brett, Tracy-Ann Obermann, Bruce Alexander, James Vaughan, Colin Starkey, Kenny Blythe, Natalie Casey, Jason Done, Michael Jayston 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 14 July-18 August 1999 (Series 6), 31 January-7 March 2001 (Series 7), 2 January-6 February 2002 (Series 8), 1 January-5 February 2003 (Series 9)

No Commitments: Series 10-13

The final four series of this BBC Radio comedy drama about sisterhood and sibling rivalry 
 
In these final four series, Anna is trying to remain calm and centred in the midst of the familial chaos that surrounds her. Her sisters Victoria and Charlotte are more combative than ever, and when a row blows up between them, Anna is stuck in the middle. 
 
Having graduated from university, her niece Emily is preparing for marriage and motherhood. But her wedding plans cause ructions, as Victoria and Charlotte make her celebrations all about them. The baby's birth sends Victoria into competitive granny mode - while Anna receives a heart-warming surprise. 
 
Having dallied with a string of lovers, Charlotte finally gets engaged - but there are more twists to come in her complicated love life. Her professional life is in turmoil too: with daughter Gisele starring in a TV series, will Charlotte keep chasing her own big break as an actress, or try and make it as a model instead? 
 
As the sisters look forward to new beginnings, one thing is certain - they'll always have each other... 
 
Scripted by Simon Brett, this hugely popular comedy stars Rosemary Leach as Anna, with Angela Thorne as Victoria, Celia Imrie and Felicity Montagu as Charlotte and Lisa Coleman as Emily. 
 
 
Written and produced by Simon Brett 
Music composed by Elizabeth Parker, BBC Radiophonic Workshop 
 
Cast 
Anna - Rosemary Leach 
Victoria - Angela Thorne 
Charlotte - Celia Imrie/Felicity Montagu 
Roger - Bill Nighy/Jonathan Coy 
Eddie - James Greene 
Emily - Lisa Coleman 
Nick - Kieran Hill 
George - Bruce Alexander 
With Sheila Mitchell, Richard Syms, James Vaughan, Bridget McConnell, Rowland Davies, Richenda Carey, Bruce Alexander, Judy Flynn, Marianne Borgo, Stephen Thorne, Bill Wallis, Colin Starkey, Susan Jameson, Jon Glover, Chris Emmett, Joanna Monro, Michael Simkins 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 January-3 March 2004 (Series 10), 19 January-23 February 2005 (Series 11), 26 April-31 May 2006 (Series 12), 11 April-16 May 2007 (Series 13)

The final four series of this BBC Radio comedy drama about sisterhood and sibling rivalry 
 
In these final four series, Anna is trying to remain calm and centred in the midst of the familial chaos that surrounds her. Her sisters Victoria and Charlotte are more combative than ever, and when a row blows up between them, Anna is stuck in the middle. 
 
Having graduated from university, her niece Emily is preparing for marriage and motherhood. But her wedding plans cause ructions, as Victoria and Charlotte make her celebrations all about them. The baby's birth sends Victoria into competitive granny mode - while Anna receives a heart-warming surprise. 
 
Having dallied with a string of lovers, Charlotte finally gets engaged - but there are more twists to come in her complicated love life. Her professional life is in turmoil too: with daughter Gisele starring in a TV series, will Charlotte keep chasing her own big break as an actress, or try and make it as a model instead? 
 
As the sisters look forward to new beginnings, one thing is certain - they'll always have each other... 
 
Scripted by Simon Brett, this hugely popular comedy stars Rosemary Leach as Anna, with Angela Thorne as Victoria, Celia Imrie and Felicity Montagu as Charlotte and Lisa Coleman as Emily. 
 
Written and produced by Simon Brett 
Music composed by Elizabeth Parker, BBC Radiophonic Workshop 
 
Cast 
Anna - Rosemary Leach 
Victoria - Angela Thorne 
Charlotte - Celia Imrie/Felicity Montagu 
Roger - Bill Nighy/Jonathan Coy 
Eddie - James Greene 
Emily - Lisa Coleman 
Nick - Kieran Hill 
George - Bruce Alexander 
With Sheila Mitchell, Richard Syms, James Vaughan, Bridget McConnell, Rowland Davies, Richenda Carey, Bruce Alexander, Judy Flynn, Marianne Borgo, Stephen Thorne, Bill Wallis, Colin Starkey, Susan Jameson, Jon Glover, Chris Emmett, Joanna Monro, Michael Simkins 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 January-3 March 2004 (Series 10), 19 January-23 February 2005 (Series 11), 26 April-31 May 2006 (Series 12), 11 April-16 May 2007 (Series 13)

No Commitments: Series 1-5

The first five series of the BBC Radio comedy drama about the lives and squabbles of three very different sisters 
 
After years of looking her after elderly parents, Anna finds herself able, for the first time, to live her own life. She's enjoying simply being herself, with no responsibilities and no obligations. But her two younger sisters, Victoria and Charlotte, are concerned about her. Surely poor, unfulfilled Anna can't be happy without a partner or a family around? 
 
Determined to make an effort, they decide to draw her into their lives - and Anna's peaceful, commitment-free lifestyle soon disappears. Throughout these five series, she becomes embroiled in their various dramas and crises, as actress Charlotte suffers a series of career and romantic disappointments and housewife Victoria grows increasingly discontented with her husband Roger. And as Victoria's daughter Emily grows from sulky teen to young woman, she, too, starts to confide in her aunt Anna. 
 
With all her relatives involving her in their affairs, will Anna still be able to forge her own path - and maybe even find romance? 
 
Created by award-winning author Simon Brett, whose radio sitcom credits include After Henry and Smelling of Roses, this classic comedy about sisterly dissension stars Rosemary Leach as Anna, with Nicola Pagett as Victoria and Celia Imrie and Josie Lawrence as Charlotte. 
 
 
 
Produced by Paul Schlesinger (Series 1 &amp; 2), Ann Jobson (Series 3 &amp; 4) and Maria Esposito (Series 5) 
Music composed by Elizabeth Parker, BBC Radiophonic Workshop 
 
Cast 
Anna - Rosemary Leach 
Victoria - Nicola Pagett 
Charlotte - Celia Imrie/Josie Lawrence 
Delia - Maxine Audley 
Roger - Stephen Moore/Roger Llloyd Pack/Jonathan Coy/Bill Nighy 
Eddie - James Greene 
Emily - Lisa Coleman/Natalie Walter 
With Andrew Wincott, Benjamin Whitrow, Ronald Herdman, Mark Straker, Theresa Streatfeild, Robert Bathurst, Peter Penry-Jones, Nicholas Murchie, David Swift, Neil Roberts, Teresa Gallagher, Dominic Letts, Jillie Meers, William Osborne, Philip Anthony, Simon Treves, David Thorpe, John Baddeley, David Antrobus, Michael Tudor-Barnes, Rachel Atkins, Jonathan Keeble, Derek Waring, Ian Masters, Kim Wall, Kelda Holmes, Geoffrey Whitehead, Joshua Towb, Jon Glover, Edward de Souza 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9 January-13 February 1992 (Series 1), 29 July-2 September 1993 (Series 2), 24 November-29 December 1994 (Series 3), 24 July-28 August 1996 (Series 4), 9 July-13 August 1998 (Series 5)

The first five series of the BBC Radio comedy drama about the lives and squabbles of three very different sisters 
 
After years of looking her after elderly parents, Anna finds herself able, for the first time, to live her own life. She's enjoying simply being herself, with no responsibilities and no obligations. But her two younger sisters, Victoria and Charlotte, are concerned about her. Surely poor, unfulfilled Anna can't be happy without a partner or a family around? 
 
Determined to make an effort, they decide to draw her into their lives - and Anna's peaceful, commitment-free lifestyle soon disappears. Throughout these five series, she becomes embroiled in their various dramas and crises, as actress Charlotte suffers a series of career and romantic disappointments and housewife Victoria grows increasingly discontented with her husband Roger. And as Victoria's daughter Emily grows from sulky teen to young woman, she, too, starts to confide in her aunt Anna. 
 
With all her relatives involving her in their affairs, will Anna still be able to forge her own path - and maybe even find romance? 
 
Created by award-winning author Simon Brett, whose radio sitcom credits include After Henry and Smelling of Roses, this classic comedy about sisterly dissension stars Rosemary Leach as Anna, with Nicola Pagett as Victoria and Celia Imrie and Josie Lawrence as Charlotte. 
 
 
Produced by Paul Schlesinger (Series 1 &amp; 2), Ann Jobson (Series 3 &amp; 4) and Maria Esposito (Series 5) 
Music composed by Elizabeth Parker, BBC Radiophonic Workshop 
 
Cast 
Anna - Rosemary Leach 
Victoria - Nicola Pagett 
Charlotte - Celia Imrie/Josie Lawrence 
Delia - Maxine Audley 
Roger - Stephen Moore/Roger Llloyd Pack/Jonathan Coy/Bill Nighy 
Eddie - James Greene 
Emily - Lisa Coleman/Natalie Walter 
With Andrew Wincott, Benjamin Whitrow, Ronald Herdman, Mark Straker, Theresa Streatfeild, Robert Bathurst, Peter Penry-Jones, Nicholas Murchie, David Swift, Neil Roberts, Teresa Gallagher, Dominic Letts, Jillie Meers, William Osborne, Philip Anthony, Simon Treves, David Thorpe, John Baddeley, David Antrobus, Michael Tudor-Barnes, Rachel Atkins, Jonathan Keeble, Derek Waring, Ian Masters, Kim Wall, Kelda Holmes, Geoffrey Whitehead, Joshua Towb, Jon Glover, Edward de Souza 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9 January-13 February 1992 (Series 1), 29 July-2 September 1993 (Series 2), 24 November-29 December 1994 (Series 3), 24 July-28 August 1996 (Series 4), 9 July-13 August 1998 (Series 5)

A BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

Smelling of Roses: The Complete Series 1-4

Prunella Scales stars in this BBC Radio comedy following the trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her Brighton-based events management company 
 
Events manager Rosie Burns is used to coping with the unexpected, at work and at home. When her daughter Kate accidentally became a teenage mum, Rosie stepped in, raising her granddaughter Jo so that Kate could pursue her career in international banking. Now Jo works in the family firm alongside accountant Bob (who's nursing an unrequited love for Rosie) and Tess (whose love life never ceases to amaze). Things are ticking along nicely, until Rosie gets a phone call out of the blue - after fifteen years working abroad, Kate's lost her job and is coming home... 
 
In these four series, Rosie's life is shaken up as her dysfunctional family and recalcitrant clients cause problems on both the personal and the professional front. Confusion reigns when the company tackles a fundraiser for the Afghans, organising a town twinning causes complications, and, attempting to organise a literary prize, Rosie finds that not everything goes by the book... Meanwhile, Kate's angling for a position at a major finance company, Jo's got man trouble - and there's a potential romantic interest on the cards for Rosie. 
 
Created by award-winning author Simon Brett, whose sitcom credits include After Henry and No Commitments, this hilarious cross-generational comedy stars Prunella Scales as Rosie, with Arabella Weir as Kate, Rebecca Callard as Jo, Duncan Preston as Bob and Annette Badland as Tess. 
 
 
Produced by Maria Esposito 
 
Cast 
Rosie - Prunella Scales 
Kate - Arabella Weir 
Jo - Rebecca Callard 
Bob - Duncan Preston 
Tess - Annette Badland 
With Michael Fenton Stevens, Stephen Thorne, Jon Glover, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Will Ing, Alison Skilbeck, Kerry Shale, Debbie Norman, Alan Cowan, Lee Simpson, Chris Pavlo, David Holt, Joanna Monro, Celia Imrie, Owen Brenman, Simon Greenall, Rachel Atkins, David Wood, James Vaughan, Jim North, Stefan Abingdon, Alice Connor, Edward de Souza, Gillian Hanna, Simon Trinder, Bill Wallis, Natalie Walter, Ben Aris, Felicity Goodson, Jeremy Clyde, Kenny Blyth, Lee Dolan, Timothy Alcock, Sheila Mitchell, Chris Emmett, Lorelei King, Gideon Turner, Rebecca Front, Colin Sell, Timothy West, Richenda Carey, Bruce Alexander, James Ellis, Victoria Donavan, Colin Stinton, Suzanne Jameson, George Leyton, Mary Wimbush, Benjamin Whitrow and Rowland Davies 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3 May-7 June 2000 (Series 1), 27 June-1 August 2001 (Series 2), 31 July-4 September 2002 (Series 3), 4 August-8 September 2003 
 
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Prunella Scales stars in this BBC Radio comedy following the trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her Brighton-based events management company 
 
Events manager Rosie Burns is used to coping with the unexpected, at work and at home. When her daughter Kate accidentally became a teenage mum, Rosie stepped in, raising her granddaughter Jo so that Kate could pursue her career in international banking. Now Jo works in the family firm alongside accountant Bob (who's nursing an unrequited love for Rosie) and Tess (whose love life never ceases to amaze). Things are ticking along nicely, until Rosie gets a phone call out of the blue - after fifteen years working abroad, Kate's lost her job and is coming home... 
 
In these four series, Rosie's life is shaken up as her dysfunctional family and recalcitrant clients cause problems on both the personal and the professional front. Confusion reigns when the company tackles a fundraiser for the Afghans, organising a town twinning causes complications, and, attempting to organise a literary prize, Rosie finds that not everything goes by the book... Meanwhile, Kate's angling for a position at a major finance company, Jo's got man trouble - and there's a potential romantic interest on the cards for Rosie. 
 
Created by award-winning author Simon Brett, whose sitcom credits include After Henry and No Commitments, this hilarious cross-generational comedy stars Prunella Scales as Rosie, with Arabella Weir as Kate, Rebecca Callard as Jo, Duncan Preston as Bob and Annette Badland as Tess. 
 
 
Produced by Maria Esposito 
 
Cast 
Rosie - Prunella Scales 
Kate - Arabella Weir 
Jo - Rebecca Callard 
Bob - Duncan Preston 
Tess - Annette Badland 
With Michael Fenton Stevens, Stephen Thorne, Jon Glover, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Will Ing, Alison Skilbeck, Kerry Shale, Debbie Norman, Alan Cowan, Lee Simpson, Chris Pavlo, David Holt, Joanna Monro, Celia Imrie, Owen Brenman, Simon Greenall, Rachel Atkins, David Wood, James Vaughan, Jim North, Stefan Abingdon, Alice Connor, Edward de Souza, Gillian Hanna, Simon Trinder, Bill Wallis, Natalie Walter, Ben Aris, Felicity Goodson, Jeremy Clyde, Kenny Blyth, Lee Dolan, Timothy Alcock, Sheila Mitchell, Chris Emmett, Lorelei King, Gideon Turner, Rebecca Front, Colin Sell, Timothy West, Richenda Carey, Bruce Alexander, James Ellis, Victoria Donavan, Colin Stinton, Suzanne Jameson, George Leyton, Mary Wimbush, Benjamin Whitrow and Rowland Davies 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3 May-7 June 2000 (Series 1), 27 June-1 August 2001 (Series 2), 31 July-4 September 2002 (Series 3), 4 August-8 September 2003 
 
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The BBC Radio 4 murder mystery panel game

Foul Play: The Complete Series 1-4

All four series of the murder mystery game played by people whose business is murder 
 
Chaired by Simon Brett (author of the hugely popular 'Charles Paris' series), this intriguing, interactive panel show challenges professional crime novelists to put their experience and expertise to the test as they try to unravel various mind-bending mysteries. 
 
Each episode features a death and a denouement - with various red herrings and misdirections along the way. As the murder scenario is described and the clues laid out, our writer-detectives take turns cross-examining the suspects. After receiving the latest police updates, it's time to decide whodunit - but will the panellists pick the right perpetrator, or have they been cunningly led astray? We find out in the Foul Play 'Foul Playlet', in which the truth is revealed... 
 
All the victims, suspects, witnesses and police officers are played by actors Lee Simpson and Maria McErlane (who part-improvise their roles based on the information they've been given), while the guest investigators include Val McDermid, Lindsey Davis, HRF Keating, PD James, Reginald Hill, Ruth Dudley Edwards, Frances Fyfield, John Harvey, Stella Duffy, Robert Barnard and Ian Rankin. Among the baffling cases they tackle are a dead Dowager Duchess, a 1930s murder at sea, a pantomime crime, a monastery mystery and an Elizabethan court killing. 
 
 
Cast and credits 
Devised, written and chaired by Simon Brett 
Produced by Ann Jobson and Liz Anstee 
Actors: Lee Simpson and Maria McErlane 
 
Series 1 panellists: Liza Cody, Susan Moody, John Harvey, Margaret Yorke, Lindsey Davis, Val McDermid, PD James, HRF Keating, Lady Antonia Fraser, Reginald Hill, Ruth Dudley Edwards and Simon Shaw 
 
Series 2 panellists: Tim Heald, Jessica Mann, Frances Fyfield, Minette Walters, Sarah Dunant, Keith Miles, Paula Gosling, Peter N Walker, Robert Barnard, Caroline Graham, Gavin Lyall and Anthony Price 
 
Series 3 panellists: Lady Antonia Fraser, Anthony Price, PD James, HRF Keating, Susan Moody, Simon Shaw, Liza Cody, Reginald Hill, John Harvey, Val McDermid, Frances Fyfield and Peter N Walker 
 
Series 4 panellists: Ruth Dudley Edwards, Robert Richardson, Jean McConnell, Keith Miles, Jessica Mann, James Melville, Tim Heald, Margaret Yorke, Robert Barnard, Lindsey Davis, Ian Rankin and Stella Duffy 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 7 November-12 December 1996 (Series 1), 27 February-3 April 1997 (Series 2), 18 December 1997-22 January 1998 (Series 3), 11 September -16 October 1998 (Series 4)

Simon Brett was born in Worcester Park, Surrey, on 28 October 1945. He was educated at Dulwich College and Wadham College, Oxford, where he read English and was president of the Oxford University Dramatic Society. 
 
After graduating in 1967 he worked as Father Christmas in a department store before landinga job at the BBC as a radio producer. During his ten years there, he worked on such programmes as The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Week Ending, The Burkiss Way, I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue and Just a Minute. He moved to London Weekend Television in 1977, where he produced Maggie and Her, End of Part One and The Glums (a popular spin-off from radio's Take It From Here). 
 
Brett's first Charles Paris novel, Cast In Order of Disappearance, was published in 1975, and by 1979 he was able to leave LWT and become a full-time writer. He has written over eighty books, including nineteen Charles Paris books, fifteen Fethering Mysteries and six Mrs Pargeter novels, as well as several non-series titles such as A Shock to the System (1984), which was adapted as a film starring Michael Caine. He has also contributed to several anthologies and scripted many sitcoms for radio including No Commitments, Smelling of Roses and After Henry. 
 
Other radio work includes several one-off plays for Radio 4, and a number of episodes of the detective series Baldi. A former Chair of both the Crime Writers' Association and The Society of Authors, he is currently President of the Detection Club, as well as being involved with various writers' organisations. He is married with three children, and lives in West Sussex.

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast comedy drama

Semi Circles: The Complete Series 1 and 2

Gentle sitcom about an upwardly mobile husband and wife climbing the social ladder in suburbia

Paula Wilcox and David Wood star in this BBC Radio sitcom about an upwardly mobile husband and wife climbing the social ladder in suburbia 
 
Helen and Ben have recently moved into a lovely semi-detached house in an up-and-coming area, and are eager to restore their home to its original character (complete with open fireplace in the living room and milkmaid's yoke on the wall). They're also keen to host dinner parties and mix with the right sort of people - to the bafflement of their elderly neighbour, Mrs Kelly, who's lived in the neighbourhood all her life and preferred it before it filled up with middle-class incomers. 
 
In these twelve episodes, Ben and Helen join an action committee to oppose the opening of a new restaurant on their street, contemplate the attractions of the countryside and squabble over spending Christmas with Helen's mother in West Wittering. Plus, Helen flirts with feminism, Ben contemplates private education, and the couple unite to fight the forces of materialism... 
 
Written by Simon Brett, whose sitcom credits include After Henry, this improving story of life and improving times in an improving neighbourhood stars Paula Wilcox as Helen and David Wood as Ben. 
 
 
Produced by Pete Atkin 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 March-5 April 1982 (Series 1), 16 November-21 December 1982 (Series 2) 
 
Cast 
Helen - Paula Wilcox 
Ben - David Wood 
Mrs Kelly - Pat Heywood 
Alastair - Bruce Alexander/Tony Millan 
Mr Juke - Arthur English 
Roger - Ben Aris 
Mo - Penelope Nice 
Mr Mukerjee - Tariq Yunis 
Willy - Robert Longden 
Blythe - Bryan Coleman 
Perpetua - Patience Tomlinson 
Laura - Anita Carey 
Nigel - James Griffiths 
Linda - Jill Lidstone 
Kevin - Stuart Organ 
Julian - Mark Wing-Davey 
Maureen - Miranda Forbes 
Doctor - Robert Rietty 
Mr Cullingford - Michael Bilton 
Dick - David Gooderson 
Marian - Jean Trend 
Neil - Nick Wilton 
Britt - Rosalind Adams

Charles Paris: A Doubtful Death

Bill Nighy returns as the loveably louche actor cum amateur sleuth, Charles Paris. In this new drama, Charles Paris is appearing in Hamlet when the actress playing Ophelia apparently commits suicide.

Bill Nighy returns as the loveably louche actor-cum-amateur detective Charles Paris 
 
Charles Paris is in Oxford, appearing in a re-imagining of Hamlet by a high-concept drama company. No fan of immersive theatre, he's unimpressed with the director's vision and less than thrilled to be rehearsing alongside puppeteers and mime artists. 
 
But he soon finds himself back on familiar territory when the actress playing Ophelia goes missing, only to turn up dead. Did she take her own life, or was there foul play? As he amasses a list of suspects who might have wished her harm, Charles takes on the mantle of detective once more to decide if this is to be or not to be a murder case... 
 
Scripted for radio by Jeremy Front from a story by Simon Brett, A Doubtful Death stars Bill Nighy (Emma, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as Frances and Jon Glover as Maurice. 
 
Also included is an exclusive 18-minute afterword in which Jeremy Front discusses his experience of adapting an unproduced screenplay, reveals what it's like to work with recurring characters and actors, and explains the mechanics of recording for radio. 
 
Simon Brett OBE has written 19 Charles Paris novels as well as many other detective novels. Jeremy Front is a dramatist and comedic writer; he has won awards for his adaptation of Sword of Honour and co-writes and stars in the series Incredible Women with his sister, Rebecca. 
 
Credits 
Written by Jeremy Front 
From a story by Simon Brett 
Produced and directed by Sally Avens 
Production Coordinator: Cynthia Fagan 
Studio Managers: Anne Bunting, Keith Graham and Jenni Burnett 
Interview produced by Ania Duggan and Roshni Radia 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 22 May-12 June 2020 
 
©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Bill Nighy returns as the loveably louche actor-cum-amateur detective Charles Paris 
 
Charles Paris is in Oxford, appearing in a re-imagining of Hamlet by a high-concept drama company. No fan of immersive theatre, he's unimpressed with the director's vision and less than thrilled to be rehearsing alongside puppeteers and mime artists. 
 
But he soon finds himself back on familiar territory when the actress playing Ophelia goes missing, only to turn up dead. Did she take her own life, or was there foul play? As he amasses a list of suspects who might have wished her harm, Charles takes on the mantle of detective once more to decide if this is to be or not to be a murder case... 
 
Scripted for radio by Jeremy Front from a story by Simon Brett, A Doubtful Death stars Bill Nighy (Emma, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as Frances and Jon Glover as Maurice. 
 
Also included is an exclusive 18-minute afterword in which Jeremy Front discusses his experience of adapting an unproduced screenplay, reveals what it's like to work with recurring characters and actors, and explains the mechanics of recording for radio. 
 
Simon Brett OBE has written 19 Charles Paris novels as well as many other detective novels. Jeremy Front is a dramatist and comedic writer; he has won awards for his adaptation of Sword of Honour and co-writes and stars in the series Incredible Women with his sister, Rebecca. 
 
Credits 
Written by Jeremy Front 
From a story by Simon Brett 
Produced and directed by Sally Avens 
Production Coordinator: Cynthia Fagan 
Studio Managers: Anne Bunting, Keith Graham and Jenni Burnett 
Interview produced by Ania Duggan and Roshni Radia 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 22 May-12 June 2020 
 
©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

After Henry: The Complete BBC Radio Series 1-4

A much-loved generation gap comedy about a widow living with her mother and daughter. Starring Prunella Scales

All four series of the hugely popular BBC radio sitcom – plus two Christmas specials 
 
After the death of her GP husband, widow Sarah is battling to bring up her strong-willed 18-year-old daughter Clare, hindered by her meddling mother Eleanor. Living on the middle floor of the family home, with Clare downstairs and Eleanor upstairs, Sarah finds herself besieged from above and below as she tries to cope with the demands of both her mum and her daughter. Luckily, she finds solace at work, where her best friend and boss at Bygone Books, Russell, provides a sympathetic ear. 
 
In these four series, Sarah dips a tentative toe into the dating scene, daughter Clare has boyfriend troubles, and Eleanor takes a keen interest in both their love lives – sharing all the gossip with her pensioner friends, the ‘geriatric Mafia’. Holidays, house tidiness and hospital visits all cause problems for Sarah, and there are disagreements over everything from hiring a builder to the correct way to prepare Sunday lunch... 
 
Also included are two special seasonal episodes, in which the three women bicker over the festive planning and Eleanor’s strict Christmas Day timetable. 
 
Created by award-winning detective novelist and sitcom writer Simon Brett, this much-loved generation gap comedy ran for four years on radio between 1985 and 1989. It was adapted for ITV by Thames Television and was extremely successful, attracting 14 million viewers. Prunella Scales stars as Sarah, with Joan Sanderson as Eleanor and Gerry Cowper as Clare. 
 
Cast 
Sarah – Prunella Scales 
Eleanor – Joan Sanderson 
Clare – Gerry Cowper 
Russell – Benjamin Whitrow 
Nick – James Griffiths 
Janie – Marion Bailey 
Terry – Leo Dolan 
Clifford – Richard Davies 
Gwen – Ellen McIntosh 
Vicar – John Nettleton 
David – Nigel Williams 
Chris – Mark Kingston 
Alison – Mary Maddox 
Miles – David Quilter 
Quizmaster – Graham Blockey 
Customer – Alan Thompson 
Aubrey – Lockwood West 
Delivery boy – David Learner 
Doctor – Peter Howell 
Sister – Deborah Findlay 
Policeman – Michael Hadley 
Percy Bradshaw/The television – Simon Brett 
James – Edward de Souza 
Valuer – Nicholas Le Provost 
Neville – Ian Thompson 
Julian – Jasper Jacob 
The doctor – Julie Berry 
Tom Wilkinson – Peter 
Rod – Paul Sirr 
Lady Newby – Fabia Drake 
Vernon – Frederick Treves 
Gary – Ian Michie 
Auntie Lilian – Jean Anderson 
 
Production credits 
Written by Simon Brett 
Produced by Pete Atkin

The Complete BBC Radio Crime series

Father Paolo Baldi Mysteries

The complete series 1-5 of the thrilling mystery series. On sabbatical from the Franciscan order, Father Paolo Baldi is working as a philosophy lecturer in Dublin when his life takes an unexpected turn and he finds himself helping the police to solve crimes.

The complete series 1-5 of the thrilling mystery series. On sabbatical from the Franciscan order, Father Paolo Baldi is working as a philosophy lecturer in Dublin when his life takes an unexpected turn and he finds himself helping the police to solve crimes. 
 
Along with Tina, Paolo uncovers the truth behind the killings of several rockabilly band members, a high-profile case of a police officer&rsquo;s murder, as well as delving into the highly competitive world of celebrity chefs. He also exposes a rift in a community of environmental activists, enters the world of romantic poetry to solve a suspected suicide, investigates the killing of a politically-incorrect figurehead, and finds that the death of a homeless man is not as simple as it appears. 
 
Follow the priest-cum-sleuth&rsquo;s thrilling adventures as he solves mysteries throughout Ireland. 
 
David Threlfall, Tina Kellegher and T.P. McKenna star in this exciting series written by Simon Brett, Bill Murphy, Andrew Martin, Martin Meenan, John Murphy and Francis Turnly in the series created by Barry Devlin.

Charles Paris: Star Trap

Bill Nighy returns as the loveably louche Charles Paris in this BBC radio dramatisation of Simon Brett’s novel

Bill Nighy returns as the loveably louche Charles Paris in this BBC radio dramatisation of Simon Brett’s novel 
 
When Charles Paris’ agent rings with the news that he has a part for him in a new musical, Charles is delighted – and somewhat amazed, as he can neither sing nor dance. 
 
But Maurice has an ulterior motive: as one of the show’s backers, he wants Charles to play detective and investigate a series of accidents that have dogged the production. The pianist has been shot in the hand and another cast member fell downstairs – or was he pushed? Anxious about their investment and their star, Chris Watt, the ‘angels’ are keen to ensure that nothing else goes wrong. 
 
Joining the company, Charles discovers that Chris, although amazingly talented, is a prima donna who has made enemies of almost everyone. When the accidents resume, it begins to look as if anyone who disagrees with him is being targeted. But would the star really sabotage his own show? Charles must find out – before things turn murderous… 
 
This thrilling adaptation by Jeremy Front stars Bill Nighy (Love Actually, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as Frances.

Charles Paris: Dead Room Farce

Bill Nighy stars as actor and amateur sleuth Charles Paris in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Simon Brett’s novel

Bill Nighy stars as actor and amateur sleuth Charles Paris in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Simon Brett’s novel 
 
Charles’ career is on the up. He’s starring in a revival of a popular (though hackneyed) 70's farce – and while his fellow actors aren’t exactly who you’d want to find yourself in bed with, he’s happy to be in work. 
 
But while there may be comedy on stage, offstage it’s rapidly turning into a whodunnit. First the director drops dead, then another premature death follows soon after when an audio producer doing a promo for the show dies in suspicious circumstances. 
 
The cast are hiding some shady secrets, and have plenty of skeletons in their cupboards which they don’t want rattled, but would anyone go as far as murder to protect themselves? Charles is determined to find out, and turns detective in an attempt to find out if foul play is afoot... 
 
This witty, stylish dramatisation by Jeremy Front stars Bill Nighy (Love Actually, Skylight, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as his long-suffering wife Frances. 
 
Written by Jeremy Front, based on the novel by Simon Brett.

Charles Paris: A Decent Interval

Bill Nighy stars in a new BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of the novel by Simon Brett.

Simon Brett was born in Worcester Park, Surrey, on 28 October 1945. He was educated at Dulwich College and Wadham College, Oxford, where he read English and was president of the Oxford University Dramatic Society. 
 
After graduating in 1967 he worked as Father Christmas in a department store before landinga job at the BBC as a radio producer. During his ten years there, he worked on such programmes as The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Week Ending, The Burkiss Way, I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue and Just a Minute. He moved to London Weekend Television in 1977, where he produced Maggie and Her, End of Part One and The Glums (a popular spin-off from radio’s Take It From Here). 
 
Brett’s first Charles Paris novel, Cast In Order of Disappearance, was published in 1975, and by 1979 he was able to leave LWT and become a full-time writer. He has written over eighty books, including nineteen Charles Paris books, fifteen Fethering Mysteries and six Mrs Pargeter novels, as well as several non-series titles such as A Shock to the System (1984), which was adapted as a film starring Michael Caine. He has also contributed to several anthologies and scripted many sitcoms for radio including No Commitments, Smelling of Roses and After Henry. 
 
Other radio work includes several one-off plays for Radio 4, and a number of episodes of the detective series Baldi. A former Chair of both the Crime Writers’ Association and The Society of Authors, he is currently President of the Detection Club, as well as being involved with various writers’ organisations. He is married with three children, and lives in West Sussex.

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Simon Brett's entertaining crime novel, starring Bill Nighy. 
 
Charles Paris has been 'resting' for quite a while, so he's relieved when he is cast as the Ghost of Hamlet’s Father and First Gravedigger in a touring production of Hamlet. But rehearsals are a little tense – the lead roles of Hamlet and Ophelia are played by a reality TV contestant and TV talent show winner respectively, and their opinions on celebrity and the theatre differ somewhat from those of the more experienced members of the cast. 
 
The show is barely on the road before tragedy strikes – just before opening night, part of the set collapses, seriously injuring one of the actors. Then anothermember of the cast is found dead. It's up to Charles Paris to turn detective and investigate the mystery: but with almost everyone having a motive for murder, will he ever track down the real killer? 
 
Bill Nighy stars as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as Frances, in this dramatisation by Jeremy Front. 
 
Written by Jeremy Front, based on the novel by Simon Brett.

Charles Paris: Murder Unprompted

Bill Nighy stars as Charles Paris in a BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Simon Brett's novel.

"Bill Nighy's lovely, laid-back style sets the tone and pace, and there are great performances all round."

Bill Nighy stars as Charles Paris in a BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Simon Brett's novel. Charles Paris is understudying in a West End production, whose star Michael Banks seems unable to master the script. Has Charles time to solve a murder, win Frances' heart and make it on stage by the time the curtain goes up? 
 
Also featuring; Suzanne Burden, Danny Webb, Jon Glover, Jemima Rooper, Liza Sadovy, Rachel Bavidge, Nitin Gonatra, Tilly Gaunt, Thomas Arnold, Jot Davies, Leslie Philips, Simon Treves, Jasmin Callan and Miranda Colchester. 
 
Written by Jeremy Front, based on the novel by Simon Brett.

Jeremy Front

Simon Brett

Bill Nighy

Suzanne Burden

Jon Glover

Full Cast

A BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramatisation

Bill Nighy returns as the actor and amateur sleuth, Charles Paris 
 
Bored, broke and reduced to baring all as a life model, Charles Paris is relieved to land a role in a new sitcom – even if it is woefully unfunny. But no sooner has filming begun than things start to go wrong. First a charmless PA dies in a freak accident, then the young, cocksure director bites the dust. Once again, Charles finds himself on the case, hunting for clues from a host of showbiz suspects including an insecure, ego-ridden TV detective, a director suffering a midlife crisis, an ex-Bond girl and National Treasure, and her cognitively confused rock star husband. 
 
As the pound shop Poirot investigates, Frances (his semi-detached wife), and Maurice (his worse-than-useless agent), are furious. Following a skiing accident, Maurice has moved in with them, and is proving to be the house guest from hell. As tensions rise at home and on set, can Charles work out who is killing off the cast and crew – and more importantly, stop Frances from murdering Maurice? 
 
Jeremy Front’s witty drama stars Bill Nighy as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as Frances and Jon Glover as Maurice. 
 
Credits 
Written by Jeremy Front, based on the novel by Simon Brett 
Directed by Sally Avens 
Technical producers: Peter Ringrose & Alison Craig 
Production Coordinator: Luke MacGregor 
 
Cast 
Charles – Bill Nighy 
Frances – Suzanne Burden 
Maurice – Jon Glover 
Ash Amos – Phaldut Sharma 
Judy Gilmore – Christine Kavanagh 
Stevie Dean / Howard Langridge – Tony Turner 
Scott / Argyll / Art Tutor - Joseph Ayre 
Sadie – Maggie Service 
Cheryl – Anna Spearpoint 
Barmaid – Abbie Andrews 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 27 January – 17 February 2025 
 
© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Charles Paris: Situation Tragedy

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