-
Charles Paris: A Decent Interval
- A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation
- Narrated by: Bill Nighy, Suzanne Burden, full cast
- Length: 1 hr and 52 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy for $10.32
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
The Chief Inspector Dover Mysteries
- Six BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Crime Dramas
- By: Joyce Porter, Paul Mendelson
- Narrated by: Kenneth Cranham, Stuart McQuarrie, full cast
- Length: 5 hrs and 26 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cantankerous and dishevelled, Chief Inspector Dover is no one's idea of a model detective - but he does have an uncanny knack for solving crimes. In these radio dramas, set in the 1960s and '70s, he and his long-suffering sergeant, Charlie McGregor, investigate sinister cases of kidnap and murder. The first four are adapted from Joyce Porter's novels, while the latter two are original stories based on her characters.
-
-
Mildly entertaining
- By wisconsinclark on 02-26-22
By: Joyce Porter, and others
-
A Deadly Habit
- By: Simon Brett
- Narrated by: Simon Brett
- Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Having landed a small part in a new West End play, The Habit of Faith, Charles Paris is dismayed to discover that his good fortune has been orchestrated by his bête noire, the now-famous screen actor Justin Grover. But why has Grover become involved in this relatively obscure production - and why has he roped in Charles to star? From the outset the production is fraught with difficulties - and matters become even more complicated when a body is discovered at the foot of the dressing room stairs.
By: Simon Brett
-
Father Paolo Baldi Mysteries
- The Complete BBC Radio Crime Series
- By: Simon Brett, Bill Murphy, Andrew Martin, and others
- Narrated by: David Threlfall, Tina Kellegher, Martin Clunes, and others
- Length: 20 hrs and 22 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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 and a high-profile case of a police officer’s murder as well as delving into the highly competitive world of celebrity chefs.
-
-
So hard to hear!
- By ljcsam on 01-08-20
By: Simon Brett, and others
-
Inspector Purbright
- Five BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Crime Dramatisations from The Flaxborough Chronicles
- By: Colin Watson
- Narrated by: Peter Jeffrey, John Rowe, John Pullen, and others
- Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Inspector Purbright is a thoroughly English policeman: affable, polite, dogged and decent. Created by award-winning crime writer Colin Watson, he appeared in 12 Flaxborough mysteries, four of which were adapted for BBC TV under the title Murder Most English. These five radio dramatisations star Peter Jeffrey, John Pullen and John Rowe as Purbright.
-
-
It passes the time
- By BJM on 03-23-22
By: Colin Watson
-
No Commitments: Series 1-5
- The BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama
- By: Simon Brett
- Narrated by: Rosemary Leach, Celia Imrie, Josie Lawrence, and others
- Length: 13 hrs and 57 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After years of looking after her 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.
-
-
Simon Brett at his Best at Being Socially witty
- By Amynadine on 04-27-21
By: Simon Brett
-
The Body on the Beach
- A Fethering Mystery
- By: Simon Brett
- Narrated by: Geoffrey Howard
- Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Recently retired, Carole Seddon is residing in Fethering in the cottage she purchased with her ex-husband. There she maintains a quiet and sensible life with the companionship of Gulliver, her Labrador retriever. But everything changes when she and Gulliver, while taking their daily constitutional, find a corpse on the beach. What's more, there are two wounds on its neck. The body mysteriously disappears and the police dismiss Carole as a befuddled middle-aged woman.
-
-
Reminds me of "Rosemary & Thyme" TV series
- By Crochetaway on 11-17-14
By: Simon Brett
-
The Chief Inspector Dover Mysteries
- Six BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Crime Dramas
- By: Joyce Porter, Paul Mendelson
- Narrated by: Kenneth Cranham, Stuart McQuarrie, full cast
- Length: 5 hrs and 26 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cantankerous and dishevelled, Chief Inspector Dover is no one's idea of a model detective - but he does have an uncanny knack for solving crimes. In these radio dramas, set in the 1960s and '70s, he and his long-suffering sergeant, Charlie McGregor, investigate sinister cases of kidnap and murder. The first four are adapted from Joyce Porter's novels, while the latter two are original stories based on her characters.
-
-
Mildly entertaining
- By wisconsinclark on 02-26-22
By: Joyce Porter, and others
-
A Deadly Habit
- By: Simon Brett
- Narrated by: Simon Brett
- Length: 7 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Having landed a small part in a new West End play, The Habit of Faith, Charles Paris is dismayed to discover that his good fortune has been orchestrated by his bête noire, the now-famous screen actor Justin Grover. But why has Grover become involved in this relatively obscure production - and why has he roped in Charles to star? From the outset the production is fraught with difficulties - and matters become even more complicated when a body is discovered at the foot of the dressing room stairs.
By: Simon Brett
-
Father Paolo Baldi Mysteries
- The Complete BBC Radio Crime Series
- By: Simon Brett, Bill Murphy, Andrew Martin, and others
- Narrated by: David Threlfall, Tina Kellegher, Martin Clunes, and others
- Length: 20 hrs and 22 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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 and a high-profile case of a police officer’s murder as well as delving into the highly competitive world of celebrity chefs.
-
-
So hard to hear!
- By ljcsam on 01-08-20
By: Simon Brett, and others
-
Inspector Purbright
- Five BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Crime Dramatisations from The Flaxborough Chronicles
- By: Colin Watson
- Narrated by: Peter Jeffrey, John Rowe, John Pullen, and others
- Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Inspector Purbright is a thoroughly English policeman: affable, polite, dogged and decent. Created by award-winning crime writer Colin Watson, he appeared in 12 Flaxborough mysteries, four of which were adapted for BBC TV under the title Murder Most English. These five radio dramatisations star Peter Jeffrey, John Pullen and John Rowe as Purbright.
-
-
It passes the time
- By BJM on 03-23-22
By: Colin Watson
-
No Commitments: Series 1-5
- The BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama
- By: Simon Brett
- Narrated by: Rosemary Leach, Celia Imrie, Josie Lawrence, and others
- Length: 13 hrs and 57 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After years of looking after her 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.
-
-
Simon Brett at his Best at Being Socially witty
- By Amynadine on 04-27-21
By: Simon Brett
-
The Body on the Beach
- A Fethering Mystery
- By: Simon Brett
- Narrated by: Geoffrey Howard
- Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Recently retired, Carole Seddon is residing in Fethering in the cottage she purchased with her ex-husband. There she maintains a quiet and sensible life with the companionship of Gulliver, her Labrador retriever. But everything changes when she and Gulliver, while taking their daily constitutional, find a corpse on the beach. What's more, there are two wounds on its neck. The body mysteriously disappears and the police dismiss Carole as a befuddled middle-aged woman.
-
-
Reminds me of "Rosemary & Thyme" TV series
- By Crochetaway on 11-17-14
By: Simon Brett
-
Foul Play: The Complete Series 1-4
- The BBC Radio 4 Murder Mystery Panel Game
- By: Simon Brett
- Narrated by: full cast, Simon Brett
- Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
off color
- By happydisabledmom on 01-20-22
By: Simon Brett
-
The Clutter Corpse
- By: Simon Brett
- Narrated by: Simon Brett
- Length: 6 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ellen Curtis runs her own business helping people who are running out of space. As a declutterer, she is used to encountering all sorts of weird and wonderful objects in the course of her work. What she has never before encountered is a dead body.
-
-
New Simon Brett
- By John Bacon on 06-15-20
By: Simon Brett
-
Guilt at the Garage
- By: Simon Brett
- Narrated by: Simon Brett
- Length: 6 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Carole Seddon's trusty Renault is one of her most treasured possessions. So when it’s vandalized, there's only one person she will entrust with its repair: Bill Shefford, who’s been servicing the vehicles of the good citizens of Fethering for many years. But how could something like this happen in Fethering of all places? Then a note is shoved under Carole's kitchen door: Watch out. The car window was just the start. It appears that she’s been deliberately targeted. But by whom, and why?
-
-
5 stars
- By Beatrice on 09-05-21
By: Simon Brett
-
Dr Gideon Fell: The Complete BBC Radio Drama Collection
- Eight Full-Cast Crime Dramas from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction
- By: John Dickson Carr
- Narrated by: Wendy Craig, Donald Sinden, John Hartley, and others
- Length: 8 hrs and 46 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With his cape, canes and shovel hat, portly amateur sleuth Dr Gideon Fell cuts an eccentric figure - but his odd appearance belies his sharp intellect and astonishing faculty for deduction. Created by crime novelist John Dickson Carr and supposedly based on fellow author G. K. Chesterton, Dr Fell appeared in 23 novels between 1933 and 1967. This radio collection comprises all eight of the BBC adaptations based on Carr's best-selling books.
-
-
The Delightful Dr. Fell
- By DJDecca on 12-21-21
-
Rumpole: The Gentle Art of Blackmail & Other Stories
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch, full cast, Timothy West
- Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Benedict Cumberbatch plays the young Horace Rumpole in this second stellar collection of court cases, also starring Timothy West as the older Rumpole. 'Rumpole and the Man of God': It is 1959, and Rumpole must defend a clergyman accused of shoplifting who, although he clearly did not commit the crime, is curiously reluctant to be cross-examined under oath. Meanwhile, Hilda (she who must be obeyed) has big news....
-
-
Another series of Mysteries acted out amazingly!!!
- By Amazon Customer on 06-19-18
By: John Mortimer
-
The Man Who Died Twice
- A Thursday Murder Club Mystery
- By: Richard Osman
- Narrated by: Lesley Manville
- Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim—the Thursday Murder Club—are still riding high off their recent real-life murder case and are looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet at Cooper’s Chase, their posh retirement village. But they are out of luck. An unexpected visitor—an old pal of Elizabeth’s (or perhaps more than just a pal?)—arrives, desperate for her help. He has been accused of stealing diamonds worth millions from the wrong men and he’s seriously on the lam.
-
-
Smart, Funny, Superbly Read
- By Patience on 10-03-21
By: Richard Osman
-
Agatha Raisin
- The Complete BBC Radio Drama Collection
- By: M. C. Beaton
- Narrated by: Penelope Keith, full cast
- Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After a lifetime spent in public relations, one-woman dynamo Agatha Raisin struggles to adapt to life in a quiet country village - but she soon finds that there is murder and mayhem aplenty to keep her busy. Among the cases she has to deal with are a poisoned quiche; a vet who has been ‘put to sleep’; a hanged horticulturist; a murdered rambler and a curate who meets his Maker somewhat sooner than expected.
-
-
Comedy and Murder
- By Dylan on 05-22-20
By: M. C. Beaton
-
The Complete George Smiley Radio Dramas
- BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramatisation
- By: John le Carré
- Narrated by: full cast, Simon Russell Beale
- Length: 18 hrs and 59 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The complete collection of acclaimed BBC Radio dramas based on John le Carré's best-selling novels, starring Simon Russell Beale as George Smiley. With a star cast including Kenneth Cranham, Eleanor Bron, Brian Cox, Ian MacDiarmid, Anna Chancellor, Hugh Bonneville and Lindsay Duncan, these enthralling dramatisations perfectly capture the atmosphere of le Carré's taut, thrilling spy novels.
-
-
good reading but can't navigate
- By RB Vancouver on 01-07-17
By: John le Carré
-
John Wyndham: A BBC Radio Drama Collection
- Six classic BBC radio adaptations
- By: John Wyndham
- Narrated by: Bill Nighy, Peter Sallis, Barbara Shelley
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bill Nighy, Barbara Shelley and Peter Sallis are among the cast in six classic BBC Radio dramatisations of stories by one of Britain's most popular science fiction authors. 'The Day of the Triffids', first broadcast in 1968, is set in a world in which most people have been left blind after a meteor shower, and lethal carnivorous triffids are roaming the land. 'The Kraken Wakes', dramatised for radio in 1998, is a gripping story of monsters from the deep, alien invasion and ecological disaster.
-
-
The best (and the worst) of BBC radio adaptations
- By Old ManParker on 07-25-20
By: John Wyndham
-
Rumpole: The Sleeping Partners & Other Stories
- Three BBC Radio 4 Dramatisations
- By: John Mortimer
- Narrated by: Benedict Cumberbatch, Jasmine Hyde, Timothy West, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Benedict Cumberbatch plays the young, feisty, devastatingly acute Horace Rumpole in this collection of cracking cases, also starring Timothy West as the older Rumpole.
-
-
Excellent dramatization of Rumpole
- By T Searl on 08-07-18
By: John Mortimer
-
More of Poirot's Finest Cases
- Seven Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations
- By: Agatha Christie
- Narrated by: full cast, John Moffat
- Length: 13 hrs and 27 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
John Moffat stars as the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot in seven more BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations. The stories in this volume are: Evil Under the Sun, Sad Cypress, Murder in Mesopotamia, Lord Edgware Dies, Halloween Party, Murder on the Links and Five Little Pigs. Based on the original novels by Agatha Christie, these superb adaptations feature a cast of outstanding actors playing an array of likely suspects.
-
-
All Great Performances
- By Dylan on 08-06-18
By: Agatha Christie
-
Falco: The Complete BBC Radio Collection
- Five Full-Cast Dramatisations
- By: Lindsey Davis
- Narrated by: Anna Madeley, Anton Lesser, Ben Crowe, and others
- Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Full-cast BBC Radio 4 dramatisations of the first five Falco novels by Lindsey Davis, starring Anton Lesser as Marcus Didius Falco.
-
-
Wonderful but flawed...
- By Amazon Customer on 10-05-18
By: Lindsey Davis
Publisher's Summary
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.
More from the same
What listeners say about Charles Paris: A Decent Interval
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 04-25-16
Another excellent dramatization
I was really happy to find this as I love all the Simon Brett stories about Charles Paris. Bill Nighy does an excellent job with the rest of the cast to bring these amusing murder mysteries to life. The sounds of London are spot on and the production values excellent.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 04-08-16
Fantastic Production
The cast is superb, the writing is sharp and funny and the production values are the best that you can get. I highly recommend.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lazlo Shaw
- 12-17-21
Smashing listen.
The performance was great.
The story was soild, cant wait to hear the next book.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- M. Giorgi
- 08-21-20
Liked It
As usual Charles gets into trouble!! I love this character as well as those of Frances and Morris. Enjoy!!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Raven
- 07-12-20
Another winner
I just love everything about this. The characters, the dialogue, the story...everything. A very enjoyable listen. And some very funny lines snuck in. Really a whole pleasant time with this one!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Cliente Amazon
- 02-13-20
Absolutely great
Witty, clever, hilarious, laugh out loud at times, intriguing, BBC at it's best, acting stupendous, loved it.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- CC
- 05-12-18
Bill nighy!
What a delightful way to pass a few hours on long cross- country drive ... bill nighy was, of course, delightful .., fun British murder mystery .. well done all around - loved it!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- E. Kress
- 05-20-17
love, love, love this series!
with a terrific cast, a great story. it's incredibly funny. more, please! and oh, bill nighy!!!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Heath
- 05-05-16
I love this series!!
Would you listen to Charles Paris: A Decent Interval again? Why?
Yes!! Great acting from the entire cast and fantastic production values overall. The stories are just the right mix of drama/mystery and humor.
Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?
Yes. Another clever plot (and you gotta love the acknowledgement that trouble follows Charles wherever he goes).
Which character – as performed by Bill Nighy – was your favorite?
You gotta love Charles Paris. Bill Nighy plays the aging alcoholic actor/ladies man turned amateur sleuth just right, in my opinion. He's the poor man's Poirot!!
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
No extreme reactions. It's a light mystery with just the right mix of drama and humor.
Any additional comments?
I own every episode of this series. I've listened to each episode multiple times (great for background at work). I hope the series continues!!!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Sparkest
- 02-07-18
Perfectly narrated by Bill Night
Very entertaining but a bit too short. Audible should sell two or three of these complete plays for one credit.. The cast of the plays worked well together and the script flowed like golden nectar with appropriate music welding it all together. Listened to each play twice to get all the humour out. My cup overflowith.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mary Carnegie
- 08-28-16
Updated (thank God)
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.
13 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- S. M. A. John
- 03-28-18
Excellent adaptation
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!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Sue Barrett
- 12-24-17
Another winner
I really enjoy the Charles Paris mysteries. Uncomplicated, humourous, easy to listen to, great casting.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Norma Miles
- 09-03-19
Not in the mood for clever.
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
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Fiona Berry
- 08-07-22
Charles Paris star detective
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.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Client d'Amazon
- 06-15-20
Cut and Paste Paris
Just a poor unimaginative rehash of recent CP plays. Characters, plots and situations cut and pasted. £7.99 wasted, such a shame.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Franster
- 09-26-19
good fun!
great series. perfect for listening to on my commute. all the cast are brilliant! top marks
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mr J H Bradley
- 09-22-19
Shame it wasn’t better
Kind of run of the mile radio play. Bit pedestrian in places and the flow felt quite staccato.