Audiobooks by Jim Eldridge

Murder at the Victoria and Albert Museum

17th May 1899. Queen Victoria lays the foundation stone on the site of a new museum being built in South Kensington, which she names as The Victoria and Albert Museum. Shortly after, Daniel Wilson and Abigail Fenton are called to the site because the dead body of a man, Andrew Page, has been found in one of the trenches. The more Wilson and Fenton dig, the more they discover other potential motives for Page's murder, some with potentially explosive implications for the Royals and the Government. They will have to tread carefully as someone is determined that they will not uncover any more.

Jim Eldridge (Author), Peter Wickham (Narrator)

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Murder at Claridge's

One of the Claridge's kitchen porters is found dead - strangled. He was a recent employee who claimed to be Romanian, but evidence suggests he may have been German. Detective Chief Inspector Coburg has to find out exactly who he was, and what he was doing at Claridge's under a false identity. Once he has established those facts, he might get an insight into why he was killed, and who by. Coburg's job is complicated by the fact that so many of the hotel's residents are exiled European royalty. King George of Greece is registered as 'Mr Brown' and even the Duke of Windsor is staying, though without Wallis Simpson. Clandestine affairs, furtive goings-on and conspiracies against the government: Coburg must tread very lightly indeed.

Jim Eldridge (Author), David Thorpe (Narrator)

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Murder at the National Gallery

London, 1897. The capital is shocked to learn that the body of a woman has been found at the National Gallery, eviscerated in a manner that recalls all too strongly the exploits of the infamous Jack the Ripper. Daniel Wilson and Abigail Fenton are contacted by a curator of the National Gallery for their assistance. The dead woman, an artist's model and lady of the night, had links to artist Walter Sickert who was a suspect during the Ripper's spree of killings. Scotland Yard have arrested Sickert on suspicion of this fresh murder but it is not the last. Sickert insists that he is innocent but who would want to frame him?

Jim Eldridge (Author), Peter Wickham (Narrator)

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Murder at the Savoy

September 1940. The height of the Blitz. When The Savoy advertises its series of underground shelters, a crowd of people from East London arrive at the hotel and demand entry. There they find a shelter worthy of The Savoy's clientele, but the next morning, after the air raid and when the Stepney protestors have left, it is discovered that one of the hotel's guests is dead, stabbed through the heart. Detective Chief Inspector Coburg and Sergeant Lampson are called in, and the finger of suspicion falls firmly upon the East Londoners, but not everything is as it seems in these sumptuous surroundings.

Jim Eldridge (Author), David Thorpe (Narrator)

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Murder at Madame Tussauds

London, 1896. Madame Tussauds opens to find one of its nightwatchmen decapitated and his colleague nowhere to be found. To the police, the case seems simple: one killed the other and fled, but workers at the museum aren't convinced. Although forbidden contact by his superior officer, Scotland Yard detective John Feather secretly enlists 'The Museum Detectives' Daniel Wilson and Abigail Fenton to aid the police investigation. When the body of the missing nightwatchman is discovered encased within a wax figure, the case suddenly becomes more complex. With questions over rival museums, the dead men's pasts and a series of bank raids plaguing the city, Wilson and Fenton face their most intriguing and dangerous case yet.

Jim Eldridge (Author), Peter Wickham (Narrator)

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Murder at the Ritz

August 1940. On the streets of London, locals watch with growing concern as German fighter planes plague the city's skyline. But inside the famous Ritz Hotel, the cream of society continues to enjoy all the glamour and comfort that money can buy during wartime - until an anonymous man is discovered with his throat slashed open. Detective Chief Inspector Coburg is called in to investigate, ably assisted by his trusty colleague, Sergeant Lampson. With the crime committed in rooms in use by an exiled king and his retinue, there are those who fear diplomatic repercussions and would rather the case be forgotten. Coburg and Lampson must untangle a web of deception if they are to solve the case - and survive.

Jim Eldridge (Author), David Thorpe (Narrator)

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Down Payment on Death: BBC Radio drama thriller

Dinsdale Landen stars in this gripping vintage 1970-'s 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 1970's, 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 © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Jim Eldridge (Author), Dinsdale Landen, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Glyn Owen, Jon Croft, Manning Wilson, Peter Craze (Narrator)

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Coming Alive: The Complete Series 1-3: 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 & 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 (Author), Full Cast, Karl Howman, Phyliss Logan (Narrator)

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Tony's: The Complete Series 1-2: A BBC comedy

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 & 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

Jim Eldridge (Author), Bill Pertwee, David Ryall, Deborah Watling, Deirdre Costello, Deryck Guyler, Full Cast, John Laurie, Victor Spinetti (Narrator)

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Albert and Me: The Complete Series 1 & 2: A BBC Radio comedy drama

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 (Author), Brenda Blethyn, Full Cast, Milton Johns, Pat Coombs, Richard Beckinsale, Robert Lindsay, Sharon Duce (Narrator)

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Murder at the Natural History Museum

London, 1895. Daniel Wilson and Abigail Fenton have been hired by the Natural History Museum to find out who deliberately smashed the fossilised skeleton of a small dinosaur. At first Daniel is reluctant to take the case, pointing out that they deal in murders, not vandalism. But then one of the attendants in the dinosaur room is murdered, his body found tied to a dinosaur skeleton and a note pinned to him saying 'The price of betrayal'. As Daniel and Abigail investigate they must negotiate a web of legal and professional tensions. This is not going to be a simple case to solve...

Jim Eldridge (Author), Gordon Griffin (Narrator)

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Murder at the Manchester Museum

1895. Former Scotland Yard detective Daniel Wilson, made famous from his days working the Jack the Ripper case, and his archaeologist sidekick Abigail Fenton are summoned to investigate the murder of a young woman at the Manchester Museum. Though staff remember the woman as a recent and regular visitor, no one appears to know who she is and she has no possessions from which identify her. Seeking help from a local journalist, Daniel hopes to unravel this mystery, but the journey to the truth is fraught with obstacles...

Jim Eldridge (Author), Gordon Griffin (Narrator)

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