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Charles Paris: A Decent Interval

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

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About this listen

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 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 another member 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.

©2016 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2016 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Mystery Traditional Detectives Funny
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By now Charles Paris would be 87, and probably pinching care assistant's bottoms, if he hadn't been reborn, like Dr Who, in the person of Bill Nighy. He's much funnier, less sexually predatory, sexist, uncomfortable with LGBT people, (people of colour aren't in his universe) snobbish and suspicious than his original avatar.
This version is self aware humorous and capable of love, even though he's not good at it. His relationship with Frances has two sides; she's not the stooge of the novels, but a fully rounded woman capable of refusing his advances or accepting them on her own terms.

Updated (thank God)

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What to say?
It's Bill Nighy with a full cast in a BBC radio production of one of Simon Brett's funny tales of Charles Paris, aging and often unemployed actor. Always superb, this adaptation is no exception, from the glorious performance of Bill Nighy himself, the deliciously funny situations, the self satisfied agent with the death March ring tone on Charles' monile, bursts of nostalgic mix 20th century music and, of course, a murder mystery.
Too short but very sweet.
Love this series

Not in the mood for clever.

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These adaptations have brought the Charles Paris series to life & given Brett’s novels - a sorely needed update. The acting is superb with an excellent supporting cast & outstanding direction. Fantastic entertainment!

Excellent adaptation

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great series. perfect for listening to on my commute. all the cast are brilliant! top marks

good fun!

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love Charles Paris stories and especially the incomparable Bill Nighy. Alll the regulars are well cast and even though the murder is expected, it's always fun to find out whodunnit.

Charles Paris star detective

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