Audiobooks by David Stafford

Skelton's Guide to Blazing Corpses Audiobook

"It is November 5th, Guy Fawkes Night, 1930. Bonfires are blazing, rockets burst. In a country lane, revellers discover a car that has been set on fire. At first they assume that this is the work of vandals taking the Guy Fawkes spirit a little too far, then they notice, sitting at the wheel, a body, charred beyond recognition. The initial assumption is that the owner of the car, Mr William Hodge, a successful travelling vacuum cleaner salesman has taken his own life by flooding the car with petrol and lighting a match. The post-mortem, however, reveals that Mr Hodge was either unconscious or dead before the fire was lit. When Tommy Blamire, a local criminal, is charged with the murder, barrister Arthur Skelton believes him to be innocent, so sets out to prove as much and ensure justice is served."

David Stafford (Author), John Telfer (Narrator)

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Birkett: Five full-cast BBC Radio 4 crime dramas

"Five tales of murder, mayhem and political intrigue from the casebook of Norman Birkett Norman Birkett KC (1883-1962) was a real-life Rumpole - a distinguished and highly skilled lawyer who had numerous successes in the courtroom during his long career. This collection covers some of his most famous cases of the inter-war years, including the dramatic trial of Buck Ruxton; the notorious Dennistoun affair; and the peculiar events surrounding the mysterious cyclist Ronald Light. Norman Birkett and the Case of the Coleford Poisoner - The celebrated advocate defends a woman accused of murdering her husband with arsenic. Birkett and the Blind Soldier - When a blind First World War veteran is charged with killing his wife, Birkett takes on his defence. Birkett and the Green Bicycle - Appearing for the prosecution, the brilliant barrister deals with a case involving death by gunshot, pacifism and chocolate... Birkett and the Red Stains on the Carpet - The renowned KC defends a doctor accused of murdering and dismembering his wife and maid. Birkett and the Naked Toreador - Norman Birkett takes on the case that made his name in this extraordinary saga of blackmail, snobbery, society scandal and bullfighting... David Haig and Neil Dudgeon star as Birkett, with Alison Pettitt and Bonnie Engstrom as his wife, Billie, and Alun Raglan as his clerk, Edgar. Written by Caroline and David Stafford Directed by Marc Beeby Norman Birkett and the Case of the Coleford Poisoner Birkett - David Haig Edgar Bowker - Trystan Gravelle Billie - Alison Pettitt Elton Pace - Michael Shelford Annie Pace/Leslie Pace - Clare Corbett Dr du Pre - Sam Dale Judge Horridge/Vicar - Bruce Alexander Mrs Elizabeth Porter - Joanna Monro Other parts were played by John Biggins and Nigel Hastings First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 June 2010 Birkett and the Blind Soldier Norman Birkett - Neil Dudgeon Billie - Bonnie Engstrom Edgar - Alun Raglan Lady Pearson - Adjoa Andoh Arthur - Carl Prekopp MacCormac - Paul Moriarty Frazer/Warder - Adam Billington Humphreys - James Lailey Sgt Waller - Gerard McDermott Randall/Clerk - Rikki Lawton Grace/Margaret - Alex Rivers Woman - Victoria Inez Hardy First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3 January 2012 Birkett and the Green Bicycle Norman Birkett - Neil Dudgeon Billie - Bonnie Engstrom Edgar - Alun Raglan Sir Edward - Nicholas Jones Cadbury - James Lailey Cox/Enoch - Adam Billington Judge - Gerard McDermott Lily/Muriel - Francine Chamberlain Ronald - Christopher Webster Graham - Simon Bubb First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 10 January 2012 Birkett and the Red Stains on the Carpet Norman Birkett - Neil Dudgeon Billie - Bonnie Engstrom Edgar - Alun Raglan Jackson - Adam Billington Buck Ruxton - Sagar Arya Shaw - Gerard McDermott Glaister - James Lailey Bennett - Rikki Lawton Alfred - Christopher Webster Susan/Gracie - Victoria Inez Hardy Mary - Alex Rivers First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 17 January 2012 Birkett and the Naked Toreador Norman Birkett - Neil Dudgeon Billie - Bonnie Engstrom Edgar - Alun Raglan Lady Caernarvon - Joanna Monro Sir Edward - Nicholas Jones Dennistoun - Carl Prekopp Mlle Cina - Victoria Inez Hardy Dorothy - Adjoa Andoh First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24 January 2012 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Caroline Stafford, David Stafford (Author), Alison Pettitt, Alun Raglan, Bonnie Engstrom, David Haig, Full Cast, Neil Dudgeon (Narrator)

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The Brothers: The Complete Series 1-3: A BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

"All 16 episodes of the BBC radio comedy about the dysfunctional Burbage siblings Brothers Nigel and Michael share everything - home, work and acute neuroses. Several years ago, they gave up respectable careers to set up a website design company in Nigel's living room. That was their first mistake... They rapidly discover that no-one can disturb, pester and annoy like a sibling can - except, perhaps, for their eccentric friends Zorro and Oonagh, whose constant interruptions and distractions lead them into some increasingly odd situations. Liquidised orchids, tropical fish, John Travolta's cufflinks and revolving bow ties are soon part of their daily routine as, beset by professional problems and private consternation, the beleagured brothers find their lives becoming increasingly surreal. The arrival of their feckless father, Peter, sparks further havoc for the duo, and worries about absent wives and all-too-present fiancées only add to the pressure. Can the brothers fix their strained filial relationship, or will they only find happiness by going their separate ways? Written by Caroline and David Stafford, whose credits include Hazelbeach and the 'Birkett' legal dramas, this engaging comedy drama stars Adam Godley (The Umbrella Academy) as Nigel, Raymond Coulthard (Hotel Babylon) as Michael, Pauline McLynn (Father Ted) as Oonagh and Pearce Quigley and Alex Lowe as Zorro. Written by Caroline and David Stafford Produced and directed by Marc Beeby Cast Nigel - Adam Godley Michael - Raymond Coulthard Oonagh - Pauline McLynn Zorro - Pearce Quigley/Alex Lowe Sally/Korean daughter - Alice Hart Korean dad - Jon Glover Unsuitable man - Harry Myers Peter - James Fleet Helen - Sophie Roberts Trapper - Sam Dale First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 May-9 June 2004 (Series 1), 28 September-2 November 2005 (Series 2), 19 February-26 March 2007 (Series 3) © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Caroline Stafford, David Stafford (Author), Adam Godley, Alex Lowe, Full Cast, Pauline Mclynn, Pearce Quigley, Raymond Coulthard (Narrator)

Audiobook

Skelton's Guide to Suitcase Murders

"A woman's dismembered corpse is discovered in a quarry, and police quickly link the victim back to their chief suspect: her husband, Doctor Ibraham Aziz. His wife had been planning to leave him, so his guilt isn't in doubt as far as local law enforcement is concerned. Barrister Arthur Skelton is asked to represent the accused, and though all believe the case to be hopeless, Skelton suspects there may be more to the victim's death. Aided by his loyal clerk Edgar and his roaming cousins, Alan and Norah, Skelton soon finds himself embroiled in an investigation not only concerning this world but the one beyond. Can he convince a jury of Aziz's innocence before the judge dons his black cap?"

David Stafford (Author), David Stafford (Narrator)

Audiobook

Skelton's Guide to Domestic Poisons

"Mary Dutton is accused of killing her husband by poison. The police see it as an open-and-shut case, and even those protesting for her believe she committed the act, but is innocent of wrongdoing after suffering years of domestic abuse. Since his recent success in the high-profile Dryden case catapulted him to the front pages of the national press, Arthur Skelton is now one of the most recognisable barristers. Despite the odds, he agrees to represent Mary Dutton. With a general election on the horizon and both sides of the political divide keen to turn the Dutton case to their advantage, as well as long-held secrets within the Dutton family itself, can Skelton ever really expose the truth?"

David Stafford (Author), David Stafford (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hazelbeach: The Complete Series 1-3: A BBC Radio Comedy

"Nerdy Nick's life takes an abrupt turn into surreal chaos when he returns to England to find the mysterious Ronnie Hazelbeach living in his late father's house. Ronnie has certainly lived an interesting life. He's been a wrestler, a sailor, a thief and a jailbird, a gambler, a husband, a conman, a salesman, a getaway driver, a cook, a priest and much more. James can learn a lot about life from him. Ronnie hatches a plan to help Nick get his ex-girlfriend back, while selling heart monitors to Monty Python fans and purchasing an extraordinary amount of sinks in a bid to shore up their finances. But just as the unlikely pair find domestic harmony, they are visited by an unwanted guest... The complete series 1-3 stars Jamie Foreman as Ronnie, Paul Bazely as Nick, Tracy Wiles/Claire Harry as Chloe and John Dougall/Neil Stuke as James. Written by Caroline and David Stafford Produced by Marc Beeby"

Caroline Stafford, David Stafford (Author), Claire Harry, Full Cast, Jamie Foreman, John Dougall, Neil Stuke, Paul Bazely, Tracy Wiles (Narrator)

Audiobook

Oblivion or Glory: 1921 and the Making of Winston Churchill

"An engaging and original account of 1921, a pivotal year for Winston Churchill that had a lasting impact on his political and personal legacy After the tragic consequences of his involvement in the catastrophic Dardanelles Campaign of World War I, Churchill’s political career seemed over. He was widely regarded as little more than a bombastic and unpredictable buccaneer until, in 1921, an unexpected inheritance heralded a series of events that laid the foundations for his future success. Renowned Churchill scholar David Stafford delves into the statesman’s life in 1921, the year in which his political career revived. From his political negotiations in the Anglo-Irish treaty that created the Irish Free State, to his tumultuous relationship with his “wild cousin” Clare Sheridan, sculptor of Lenin and subject of an MI5 investigation, this broad account explores the nuances of both Churchill’s private and public lives. This is an engaging portrait of this overlooked yet pivotal year in the great man’s life."

David Stafford (Author), Gerard Doyle (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Year They Invented Sex: (BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour Drama)

"A BBC Radio 4 drama focusing on three very different women who find their lives transformed by taking part in the 1960 trials of the contraceptive pill. Originally broadcast as the 'Woman's Hour Drama' from 17 – 21 January 2011. It's 1960 in Birmingham and Lella Florence is looking for women to help with trials of the contraceptive pill. Married women in a certain age and weight bracket are required. Three very different women decide to take part. Ditsy June's fed up with being under the influence of her overbearing in-laws and would rather save up for a new bathroom than for another baby. Glamorous Jeanette wants to avoid another agonising labour and to keep her wealthy husband happy. And Isobel has her own secret reasons for signing up. All three women couldn't guess the ways their lives will be changed by taking part in the trial and meeting each other. Written with sharp observation and a great sense of the period, this warm witty drama by Caroline and David Stafford shines a light on how iconic and life changing an invention the Contraceptive Pill was. Starring Clare Corbett as Jeanette, Naomi Frederick as Isobel, Sarah Smart as June and Joanna Monro as Lella Florence. Also featured amongst the cast are Sean Baker, Lloyd Thomas, Henry Devas and Iain Batchelor."

Caroline Stafford, David Stafford (Author), Clare Corbett (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks by David Stafford

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