Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Repeated | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20061212 (BBC7) | Comedy series by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds. Does it seem like the media is run by idiots, charlatans and stupid 12-year-olds? Episode 1 of 6. | ||||
| 20061212 (BBC7) | Comedy series by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds. Does it seem like the media is run by idiots, charlatans and stupid 12-year-olds? Episode 1 of 6. | ||||
| 20061211 (BBC7) | Comedy series by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds. Does it seem like the media is run by idiots, lying charlatans and stupid 12-year-olds? Episode 1 of 6. | ||||
| 20070101 (BBC7) | Comedy. Ed desperately needs a new roof so his agent, Ping, gets him an interview to write for Holby City. Episode 3 of 6. | ||||
| 20070102 (BBC7) | Comedy. Ed desperately needs a new roof so his agent, Ping, gets him an interview to write Holby City. Episode 3 of 6. | ||||
| 20061218 (BBC7) | Comedy. Ed Reardon is an author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail, but no writer knows more about freeloading. Episode 2 of 6. | ||||
| 20061219 (BBC7) | Comedy. Ed Reardon is an author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail, but no writer knows more about freeloading. Episode 2 of 6. | ||||
| 20060608 (BBC7) | Does it seem like the media is run by idiots, lying charlatans and moronic 12-year-olds? Welcome to the world of Ed Reardon. Episode 1 of 6. | ||||
| 20060609 (BBC7) | Does it seem like the media is run by idiots, lying charlatans and moronic 12-year-olds? Welcome to the world of Ed Reardon. Episode 1 of 6. | ||||
| 20070416 (BBC7) | Ed attempts to finance his daughter's wedding and write a speech for a corrupt jockey. What could possibly go wrong? Episode 2 of 6. | ||||
| 20070417 (BBC7) | Ed attempts to finance his daughter's wedding and write a speech for a corrupt jockey. What could possibly go wrong? Episode 2 of 6. | ||||
| 20060713 (BBC7) | Ed finds his career unexpectedly re-igniting from the bottom up after a faculty fracas with an old rival at a university. Episode 6 of 6. | ||||
| 20060714 (BBC7) | Ed finds his career unexpectedly re-igniting from the bottom up after a faculty fracas with an old rival at a university. Episode 6 of 6. | ||||
| 20070122 (BBC7) | Ed finds his career unexpectedly re-igniting from the bottom up after a faculty fracas with an old rival at a university. Episode 6 of 6. | ||||
| 20070123 (BBC7) | Ed finds his career unexpectedly re-igniting from the bottom up after a faculty fracas with an old rival at a university. Episode 6 of 6. | ||||
| 20070909 (BBC7) | Ed finds his career unexpectedly re-igniting from the bottom up after a faculty fracas with an old rival at a university. Episode 6 of 6. | ||||
| 20070910 (BBC7) | Ed finds his career unexpectedly re-igniting from the bottom up after a faculty fracas with an old rival at a university. Episode 6 of 6. | ||||
| 20060706 (BBC7) | Ed has fallen in love, but his cat proves to be an insurmountable obstacle to happy-ever-after. Starring Christopher Douglas. Episode 5 of 6. | ||||
| 20060707 (BBC7) | Ed has fallen in love, but his cat proves to be an insurmountable obstacle to happy-ever-after. Starring Christopher Douglas. Episode 5 of 6. | ||||
| 20070115 (BBC7) | Ed has fallen in love, but his cat proves to be an insurmountable obstacle to happy-ever-after. Starring Christopher Douglas. Episode 5 of 6. | ||||
| 20070116 (BBC7) | Ed has fallen in love, but his cat proves to be an insurmountable obstacle to happy-ever-after. Starring Christopher Douglas. Episode 5 of 6. | ||||
| 20070902 (BBC7) | Ed has fallen in love, but his cat proves to be an insurmountable obstacle to happy-ever-after. Starring Christopher Douglas. Episode 5 of 6. | ||||
| 20070903 (BBC7) | Ed has fallen in love, but his cat proves to be an insurmountable obstacle to happy-ever-after. Starring Christopher Douglas. Episode 5 of 6. | ||||
| 20080818 (BBC7) | Ed has fallen in love, but his cat proves to be an insurmountable obstacle to happy-ever-after. Starring Christopher Douglas. Episode 5 of 6. | ||||
| 20080819 (BBC7) | Ed has fallen in love, but his cat proves to be an insurmountable obstacle to happy-ever-after. Starring Christopher Douglas. Episode 5 of 6. | ||||
| 20060615 (BBC7) | Ed is an author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail but no writer knows more about free loading than Ed. Episode 2 of 6. | ||||
| 20060616 (BBC7) | Ed is an author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail but no writer knows more about free loading than Ed. Episode 2 of 6. | ||||
| 20070430 (BBC7) | Ed Reardon - author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive email - has dental trouble. Episode 4 of 6. | ||||
| 20070501 (BBC7) | Ed Reardon - author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive email - has dental trouble. Episode 4 of 6. | ||||
| 20070108 (BBC7) | Ed's week is marred this time by the death of an old pal, deceptive junk mail and huge egos. Episode 4 of 6. | ||||
| 20070109 (BBC7) | Ed's week is marred this time by the death of an old pal, deceptive junk mail and huge egos. Episode 4 of 6. | ||||
| 20080901 (BBC7) | The author's career unexpectedly re-ignites from the bottom up, after a faculty fracas with an old rival. Stars Chris Douglas. Episode 6 of 6. | ||||
| 20080902 (BBC7) | The author's career unexpectedly re-ignites from the bottom up, after a faculty fracas with an old rival. Stars Chris Douglas. Episode 6 of 6. | ||||
| Ed Reardon At Christmas | 20121225 | 20171222 (BBC7) 20231219 (BBC7) 20231220 (BBC7) 20131225 (R4) | It's Christmas day, but will Ed be spending it in the bosom of his family? Meet Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail It Started in August Celebrate Christmas with Radio 4's favourite curmudgeonly author, Ed Reardon, and his faithful companion Elgar. It's Christmas Day and where is Ed Reardon spending it? The scepticism of his writing class back in August about where Ed would be hanging his stocking, wasn't entirely misplaced, and receiving a Christmas card from one's girlfriend signed without a kiss and her surname added in brackets probably doesn't bode well. However, all is not lost as Ed's jocular round robin email to his family inviting himself to join their Christmas celebrations wasn't all in vain - there was at least one member of the family who didn't bounce it back. So, following assurances that his requirements would be minimal, his levels of merriment would be Dionysian and a small caveat about what he regards as permissible Christmas viewing Ed is encouraged to think that he won't be spending Christmas alone. Or he could be looking at a day with only Elgar, an Oxo cube and a cinnamon stick. Produced by Dawn Ellis. Celebrate Christmas with favourite curmudgeonly author, Ed Reardon, and his faithful companion Elgar. Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas Fiona......Jenny Agutter Olive........Stephanie Cole Jaz Milvain......Philip Jackson Pearl..........Rita May Ping........Barunka O'Shaughnessy Stan........Geoffrey Whitehead It's Christmas day, but will Ed be spending it in the bosom of his family or alone with his cat and a cinnamon stick? From 2012. Now it's Christmas Day. So where is curmudgeonly author Ed Reardon spending it? Or he could be looking at a day with only his faithful cat Elgar, an Oxo cube and a cinnamon stick. Where will Ed spend Christmas? In the bosom of family or with his cat and a cinnamon stick? With Christopher Douglas. From 2012. | ||
| Ed Reardon At Christmas | 20160101 | 20221230 (R4) | It's time to celebrate the Christmas Week with Radio 4's curmudgeonly author Ed Reardon, and his faithful companion Elgar. Or is it? As we meet Ed on Christmas Eve he seems to be abandoning his only friend at a cat refuge centre. It seems that Ed must spend his Christmas day alone with only a computer for company as he's been commissioned to write the thirty thousand word long Great British Bake Off' novel and Elgar isn't allowed in the agency office. Still, all is not lost as he's managed to scrape together the means to buy some liquid refreshment to keep him going. He also has the unexpected pleasure' of Jaz Milvain turning up on Christmas Day to do some preparation work for his New Years' Day appearance as guest editor on something called the Today Programme'. Ed will most surely give his old friend some helpful information... Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Cat Woman - Nicola Sanderson John Humphrys - Himself Produced by Dawn Ellis Author Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his Christmas week. | ||
| Ed Reardon At Christmas | 20171222 | It Started in August Celebrate Christmas with Radio 4's favourite curmudgeonly author, Ed Reardon, and his faithful companion Elgar. It's Christmas Day and where is Ed Reardon spending it? The scepticism of his writing class back in August about where Ed would be hanging his stocking, wasn't entirely misplaced, and receiving a Christmas card from one's girlfriend signed without a kiss and her surname added in brackets probably doesn't bode well. However, all is not lost as Ed's jocular round robin email to his family inviting himself to join their Christmas celebrations wasn't all in vain - there was at least one member of the family who didn't bounce it back. So, following assurances that his requirements would be minimal, his levels of merriment would be Dionysian and a small caveat about what he regards as permissible Christmas viewing Ed is encouraged to think that he won't be spending Christmas alone. Or he could be looking at a day with only Elgar, an Oxo cube and a cinnamon stick. Produced by Dawn Ellis. It's Christmas day, but will Ed be spending it in the bosom of his family? | |||
| Our Man In Berkhamstead | 20071104 (BBC7) 20071105 (BBC7) | This week Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive email, has dental trouble. Episode 4 of 6. | |||
| Rogue Male | 20070409 (BBC7) 20070410 (BBC7) | Is the media run by dishonest charlatans and morons? Episode 1 of 6. | |||
| 01 | 01 | The Swim | 20050107 | 20070805 (BBC7) 20070806 (BBC7) 20080721 (BBC7) 20080722 (BBC7) 20091204 (BBC7) 20110405 (BBC7) 20110410 (BBC7) 20110411 (BBC7) 20180527 (BBC7) 20200901 (BBC7) 20200902 (BBC7) 20200905 (BBC7) |  Does it seem that the media is run by idiots, lying charlatans and moronic 12-year-olds who should've been drowned at birth in a bucket of raw sewage? In a one-bedroom flat over a hairdresser's in Berkhamsted, Ed has lived on his own since his wife and grown-up kids left him, forcing the sale of the London home. Ed's first and last published novel Who Would Fardels Bear?' was bought by Hollywood, relocated from Oldham to San Francisco and turned into a Sally Field movie ('Sister Mom') in the mid-70s. It was directed by Ed's best mate Jaz Milvane whose career has since gone stratospheric. Ed's broke up on re-entry; with the exception of his episode of Tenko in 1982, the royalties of which now amount to about £17 a year - but are anxiously awaited nonetheless. Ed's been forced into lowbrow work for the ever popular Christmas book market. Jane Seymour's Household Hints (1996) and The Brand's Hatch Story got him through a couple of winters. But Ed remains bullishly optimistic. He may have just one pair of trousers and a seven-figure Amazon sales ranking, but no writer knows more about stealing his agent's stationery... and as a freeloader Ed Reardon is the acknowledged leader of his profession. Enjoy Ed's flawed attempts to escape poverty and gain the literary success he strongly feels is due. Regular characters include Felix (Ed's long-standing friend and former agent) Ping (his new '12 year-old' agent), the lively pensioners he teaches a screenwriting class to and the irritatingly rich and successful, Jaz Milvane. Featuring: Stephanie Cole John Fortune Ronnie Golden Sally Grace Sally Hawkins Martin Hyder Philip Jackson Rita May Geoffrey McGivern Dan Tetsell Geoffrey Whitehead Producer: Simon Nicholls The life of an author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. The life of an author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. With Christopher Douglas. From January 2005. Does it seem like the media is run by idiots, lying charlatans and moronic 12-year-olds? Welcome to the world of Ed Reardon. Episode 1 of 6. Meet Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail The life of an author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. Starring Christopher Douglas. Episode 1 of 6. |
| 01 | 01 | The Swim | 20080721 | 20180527 (BBC7) | The life of an author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. Meet Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail |
| 01 | 02 | Pulp Non-fiction | 20050114 | 20070812 (BBC7) 20070813 (BBC7) 20080728 (BBC7) 20080729 (BBC7) 20091211 (BBC7) 20110412 (BBC7) 20180603 (BBC7) 20200908 (BBC7) 20200909 (BBC7) |  The Berkhamsted author's 'sideways look at celebrity pets' is soaring up the ratings. He may have only one pair of trousers and a seven-figure Amazon sales ranking, but no writer knows more about freeloading than Ed Reardon. Featuring: Stephanie Cole John Fortune Sally Grace Sally Hawkins Mel Hudson Martin Hyder Emma Kennedy Rita May Geoffrey McGivern Dan Tetsell Alice Lowe Vicki Pepperdine Geoffrey Whitehead Producer: Simon Nicholls The Berkhamsted author's 'sideways look at celebrity pets' is soaring up the ratings. Stars Christopher Douglas. From Jan 2005. No writer knows more about free loading than the master of the abusive email. Stars Christopher Douglas. From January 2005. No writer knows more about free loading than the master of the abusive email. From 2005. Ed is an author, pipe-smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive email, and no writer knows more about freeloading. Episode 2 of 6. Ed is an author, pipe-smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive email, and no writer knows more about freeloading than him. Episode 2 of 6. |
| 01 | 02 | Pulp Non-fiction | 20180603 | The Berkhamsted author's 'sideways look at celebrity pets' is soaring up the ratings. Meet Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail | |
| 01 | 03 | Holby City | 20050121 | 20070819 (BBC7) 20070820 (BBC7) 20080804 (BBC7) 20080805 (BBC7) 20091218 (BBC7) 20110419 (BBC7) 20180610 (BBC7) 20200915 (BBC7) 20200916 (BBC7) | The author needs a new roof, so his agent sorts him a pitch to write for TV. From 2005. The author needs a new roof, so his agent sorts him a pitch to write for TV. Stars Christopher Douglas. From January 2005. Ed is in desperate need of a new roof so his agent, Ping, gets him an interview to write Holby City. Chris Douglas stars. Episode 3 of 6. The author needs a new roof, so his agent gets him an interview to write for a TV hospital drama. Starring Christopher Douglas. Episode 3 of 6. |
| 01 | 03 | Holby City | 20180610 | The author needs a new roof, so his agent sorts him a pitch to write for TV. From 2005. Meet Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail | |
| 01 | 04 | The Old Lock-keeper | 20050128 | 20070826 (BBC7) 20070827 (BBC7) 20080811 (BBC7) 20080812 (BBC7) 20091225 (BBC7) 20110426 (BBC7) 20180617 (BBC7) 20200922 (BBC7) 20200923 (BBC7) 20200926 (BBC7) | Writer Ed's week is marred by a death, deceptive junk mail and some huge egos. He may have only one pair of trousers and a seven-figure Amazon sales ranking, but no writer knows more about freeloading than Ed Reardon. Featuring: Philip Jackson Alice Lowe Geoffrey Whitehead Emma Kennedy Geoffrey McGivern Stephanie Cole Ronnie Golden John Fortune Dan Tetsell Rita May Producer: Simon Nicholls The writer's week is marred by a death, deceptive junk mail and huge egos. The writer's week is marred by a death, deceptive junk mail and huge egos. Stars Christopher Douglas. From January 2005. The writer's week is marred by a death, deceptive junk mail and huge egos. From 2005. Ed's week is marred this time by the death of an old pal, deceptive junk mail and huge egos. Episode 4 of 6. The writer's week is marred by the death of an old pal, deceptive junk mail and huge egos. Starring Chris Douglas. Episode 4 of 6. |
| 01 | 04 | The Old Lock-keeper | 20180617 | The writer's week is marred by a death, deceptive junk mail and huge egos. From 2005. | |
| 01 | 05 | The Winona Defence | 20050204 | 20100101 (BBC7) 20110503 (BBC7) 20180624 (BBC7) 20200929 (BBC7) 20200930 (BBC7) | The writer falls in love, but his cat proves an obstacle to happy-ever-after. He may have only one pair of trousers and a seven-figure Amazon sales ranking, but no writer knows more about freeloading than Ed Reardon. Featuring: Philip Jackson Alice Lowe Geoffrey Whitehead Martin Hyder Stephanie Cole Sally Hawkins Melanie Hudson Geoffrey McGivern Ronnie Golden John Fortune Dan Tetsell Rita May Producer: Simon Nicholls The writer falls in love, but his cat proves an obstacle to happy-ever-after. From 2005. The writer falls in love, but his cat proves an obstacle to happy-ever-after. Stars Christopher Douglas. From February 2005. Ed has fallen in love, but his cat proves to be an insurmountable obstacle to happy-ever-after. Starring Christopher Douglas. Ed has fallen in love, but his cat proves to be an obstacle to his living happy-ever-after |
| 01 | 05 | The Winona Defence | 20180624 | The writer falls in love, but his cat proves an obstacle to happy-ever-after. From 2005. | |
| 01 | 06 | King Of The Road | 20050211 | 20110510 (BBC7) 20180701 (BBC7) 20201006 (BBC7) 20201007 (BBC7) | A faculty fracas with an old rival helps re-ignite the author's career. From 2005. |
| 01 | 06 | King Of The Road | 20180701 | A faculty fracas with an old rival helps re-ignite the author's career. From 2005. | |
| 01 | 06 LAST | King Of The Road | 20100108 (BBC7) 20110510 (BBC7) 20180701 (BBC7) 20201006 (BBC7) 20201007 (BBC7) 20050211 | A faculty fracas with an old rival helps re-ignite the author's career. From 2005. The author's career unexpectedly re-ignites from the bottom up, after a faculty fracas with an old rival. Stars Chris Douglas. The author's career unexpectedly re-ignites, after a faculty fracas with an old rival. A faculty fracas with an old rival helps re-ignite the author's career. Stars Christopher Douglas. From February 2005. | |
| 02 | 01 | Rogue Mail | 20051221 | 20071014 (BBC7) 20071015 (BBC7) 20080908 (BBC7) 20080909 (BBC7) 20100330 (BBC7) 20110517 (BBC7) 20201203 (BBC7) 20201204 (BBC7) 20201206 (BBC7) | After his cash windfall, ever curmudgeonly Ed is writing about royalty in a remote cottage. Welcome back to the comical world of Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. Featuring: Stephanie Cole John Fortune Matthew Holness Martin Hyder Philip Jackson Rita May Geoffrey McGivern Barunka O'Shaughnessy Sally Grace Geoffrey Whitehead Producer: Simon Nicholls After his windfall, the curmudgeon writes about royalty. Starring Christopher Douglas. After his windfall, the writer is writing about royalty in a remote cottage. Stars Christopher Douglas. From December 2005. After a windfall, the writer writes about royalty in a remote cottage. From December 2005. Is the media run by dishonest charlatans and morons? Episode 1 of 6. Is the media run by dishonest charlatans and morons? Chris Douglas stars as the non-existent author and abusive email writer. Episode 1 of 6. |
| 02 | 02 | The Speech | 20051228 | 20080915 (BBC7) 20080916 (BBC7) 20100406 (BBC7) 20110524 (BBC7) 20201210 (BBC7) 20201211 (BBC7) 20201213 (BBC7) | Curmudgeonly Ed is speech ghost-writing and tries to fund his daughter's wedding. Welcome back to the comical world of Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. Featuring: Stephanie Cole John Fortune Martin Hyder Philip Jackson Rita May Geoffrey McGivern Barunka O'Shaughnessy Sally Grace Geoffrey Whitehead Tom Colebrook Alice Lowe Producer: Simon Nicholls The curmudgeon is speech ghost-writing. Starring Christopher Douglas. The curmudgeon is speech ghost-writing and trying to fund his daughter's wedding. Stars Christopher Douglas. From December 2005. The curmudgeonly writer tries to ghost-write a speech and attempts to fund his daughter's wedding. Starring Chris Douglas. Episode 2 of 6. |
| 02 | 03 | The Last Laugh | 20060104 | 20070423 (BBC7) 20070424 (BBC7) 20071028 (BBC7) 20071029 (BBC7) 20080922 (BBC7) 20080923 (BBC7) 20100413 (BBC7) 20110531 (BBC7) 20201217 (BBC7) 20201218 (BBC7) 20201220 (BBC7) | Embittered writer Ed takes action when he sees his bank statement. Welcome to the comical world of Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. Featuring: Stephanie Cole John Fortune Martin Hyder Rita May Geoffrey McGivern Barunka O'Shaughnessy Sally Grace Geoffrey Whitehead Tom Colebrook Dan Tetsell Matthew Holness Andy Hamilton Producer: Simon Nicholls The embittered writer takes action when he sees his bank statement. Stars Chris Douglas. The embittered writer takes action when he sees his bank statement. Stars Chris Douglas and Stephanie Cole. From April 2007. The embittered writer takes action when he sees his bank statement. From April 2007. Ed Reardon - author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive email. By Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds. Episode 3 of 6. 52-year-old, divorced, embittered writer Ed Reardon relays his week. Ed contacts the bank when his finances tip into the abyss. Episode 3 of 6. The embittered writer contacts the bank when his finances tip into the abyss. Starring Chris Douglas and Stephanie Cole. Episode 3 of 6. |
| 02 | 04 | Our Man In Berkhamsted | 20060111 | 20080929 (BBC7) 20080930 (BBC7) 20100420 (BBC7) 20110607 (BBC7) 20201224 (BBC7) 20201225 (BBC7) 20201227 (BBC7) | Embittered writer Ed's got a dental dilemma and is ranting over a literary festival. Welcome to the comical world of Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. Featuring: Stephanie Cole Philip Jackson John Fortune Rita May Geoffrey McGivern Barunka O'Shaughnessy Sally Grace Geoffrey Whitehead Dan Tetsell Alice Lowe Simon Greenall Producer: Simon Nicholls The embittered writer's got a dental dilemma and rants over a literary festival. The embittered writer rants about a literary festival and he's got a dental dilemma. Stars Chris Douglas. From January 2006. The embittered writer rants about a literary festival and he's got a dental dilemma. Starring Chris Douglas and Stephanie Cole. Episode 4 of 6. |
| 02 | 05 | A Hint Of Calvados | 20060118 | 20070507 (BBC7) 20070508 (BBC7) 20071111 (BBC7) 20071112 (BBC7) 20081006 (BBC7) 20081007 (BBC7) 20100427 (BBC7) 20110614 (BBC7) 20201231 (BBC7) 20210101 (BBC7) 20210103 (BBC7) | After moaning to the Corporation, embittered writer Ed gets a job offer from the BBC. Welcome to the comical world of Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. Featuring: Stephanie Cole Philip Jackson John Fortune Rita May Geoffrey McGivern Barunka O'Shaughnessy Geoffrey Whitehead Dan Tetsell Matthew Holness Martin Hyder Chris Addison Joanna Scanlan Producer: Simon Nicholls After moaning to the Corporation, the embittered writer gets a BBC job offer. After moaning to the corporation, the embittered writer gets a BBC job offer. Stars Christopher Douglas. From January 2006. Welcome to the world of Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, fare-dodger and master of the abusive email. Episode 5 of 6. Having moaned to the BBC about falling standards, the embittered writer is offered a job by the Corporation. Stars Chris Douglas. Episode 5 of 6. |
| 02 | 06 LAST | The Operation | 20060125 | 20070514 (BBC7) 20070515 (BBC7) 20071118 (BBC7) 20071119 (BBC7) 20081013 (BBC7) 20081014 (BBC7) 20100504 (BBC7) 20110621 (BBC7) 20210107 (BBC7) 20210108 (BBC7) 20210110 (BBC7) | Can Ed write his novel in a hospital environment - or merely complain? Will pain inspire the writer's novel - or will he just moan in his hospital bed? Stars Christopher Douglas. From January 2006. Will pain inspire the writer's novel or will he just moan in his hospital bed? From 2006. Will Ed find inspiration in his suffering, like Orwell and Burgess, or will he just complain from his hospital bed? Episode 6 of 6. Will the writer find inspiration in his pain, like Orwell and Burgess - or just moan in his hospital bed? Stars Chris Douglas. Episode 6 of 6. |
| 03 | 01 | The Name-check | 20061215 | 20090407 (BBC7) 20100511 (BBC7) 20111027 (BBC7) 20210225 (BBC7) 20210226 (BBC7) 20210228 (BBC7) 20070816 (R4) | Ed tries to go commercial with Hemel Sound. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2006. A new commission gets the writer's literary juices flowing - unlike his finances. Stars Christopher Douglas. From October 2006. With a new commission, the writer's literary juices are flowing - unlike his finances. Stars Chris Douglas. From October 2006. |
| 03 | 02 | Dad | 20061222 | 20090414 (BBC7) 20100518 (BBC7) 20111103 (BBC7) 20210304 (BBC7) 20210305 (BBC7) 20210307 (BBC7) 20070823 (R4) | A visit from his father sparks ideas of inheritance in misanthropic Ed's mind. The comical world of Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. Featuring: Stephanie Cole Geoffrey Whitehead Rita May Simon Greenall Sally Hawkins Eve Dallas James Rawlings David Cann David Warner Alice Lowe Philip Jackson Producer: Simon Nicholls A visit from his father sparks ideas of inheritance in misanthropic writer Ed's mind. His father's visit sparks ideas of inheritance in the misanthropic writer's mind. Stars Christopher Douglas. From December 2006. A visit by his father brings thoughts of inheritance to the misanthropic writer's mind. Stars Chris Douglas. From October 2006. |
| 03 | 03 | Undercover | 20061229 | 20090421 (BBC7) 20100525 (BBC7) 20111110 (BBC7) 20210311 (BBC7) 20210312 (BBC7) 20210314 (BBC7) 20070830 (R4) | Ed shaves his beard in order to work unrecognised as a mystery shopper. The comical world of Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. Featuring: John Fortune Stephanie Cole Geoffrey Whitehead Rita May Sally Grace Simon Greenall Geoffrey McGivern Matthew Holness Paul Biggin Sally Hawkins Eve Dallas Producer: Simon Nicholls Grumpy writer Ed shaves his beard to work as a mystery shopper. The grumpy writer shaves off his beard to work unrecognised as a mystery shopper. Stars Christopher Douglas. From December 2006. SynopsisThe writer shaves his beard off so he can work unrecognised as a mystery shopper. Stars Christopher Douglas and Stephanie Cole. |
| 03 | 04 | The Dig | 20070105 | 20090428 (BBC7) 20100601 (BBC7) 20111117 (BBC7) 20210318 (BBC7) 20210319 (BBC7) 20210321 (BBC7) 20070906 (R4) | Curmudgeonly hack Ed finds rich pickings - and a hint of romance - in the world of archaeology. The comical world of Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. Featuring: John Fortune Stephanie Cole Geoffrey Whitehead Rita May Simon Greenall Sally Hawkins Eve Dallas Laura Solon Mark Watson Philip Jackson David Cann Miranda Keeling Producer: Simon Nicholls The hack tries to save money by going on an archaeological dig. From 2007. The hack finds rich pickings and a hint of romance in the world of archaeology. Stars Christopher Douglas. From January 2007. The desperate hack discovers rich pickings and possible romance in the world of archaeology. With Christopher Douglas. Ed discovers rich pickings and possible romance in the world of archaeology. |
| 03 | 05 | Murder Most Rewritten | 20070112 | 20090505 (BBC7) 20100608 (BBC7) 20111124 (BBC7) 20210325 (BBC7) 20210326 (BBC7) 20210328 (BBC7) 20070913 (R4) | After sending abusive emails, the hack vents his spleen corporate script writing. The comical world of Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. Featuring: John Fortune Stephanie Cole Geoffrey Whitehead Rita May Simon Greenall Sally Hawkins Laura Solon Philip Jackson David Cann Morwenna Banks Matthew Holness Adam Shipway Sally Grace Producer: Simon Nicholls After sending abusive emails, the hack vents his spleen with some corporate script writing. Stars Christopher Douglas. From January 2007. After sending abusive emails, the hack vents his spleen corporate script writing. Stars Christopher Douglas. From January 2007. After sending abusive emails, Ed vents his spleen corporate script writing. Starring Chris Douglas, with guest Laura Solon. |
| 03 | 06 LAST | The Libel Action | 20070119 | 20090512 (BBC7) 20100615 (BBC7) 20111201 (BBC7) 20210401 (BBC7) 20210402 (BBC7) 20210404 (BBC7) 20070920 (R4) | As grumpy writer Ed updates obituaries, he produces a savage profile of an old friend. The comical world of Ed Reardon, author, pipe smoker, consummate fare-dodger and master of the abusive e-mail. Featuring: John Fortune Stephanie Cole Geoffrey Whitehead Rita May Simon Greenall Sally Hawkins Philip Jackson David Cann Morwenna Banks Alice Lowe Producer: Simon Nicholls As the writer updates obituaries, he produces a savage profile of an old friend. Stars Christopher Douglas. From January 2007. The writer uses his unique skills to update obituaries and produce a savage profile of an old friend. With Christopher Douglas. Ed uses his skills to update obituaries and produce a savage profile of an old friend. |
| 04 | 01 | January 31 | 20071116 | 20130505 (BBC7) 20080325 (R4) | With his tax return looming, the curmudgeonly author surprises his agent. With his tax return looming, the curmudgeonly author surprises his agent. Stars Christopher Douglas. From November 2007. |
| 04 | 02 | Ruth And Reconciliation | 20071123 | 20130512 (BBC7) 20080401 (R4) | When Ed upsets a Holocaust survivor, who would have thought it might lead to love? When Ed upsets a Holocaust survivor, who would have thought it might lead to love? With Morwenna Banks. From November 2007. |
| 04 | 03 | The Wrong Fleece | 20071130 | 20130519 (BBC7) 20080408 (R4) | The grumpy writer has a surefire idea for high profit, but it's gone astray. Ed has had the kind of idea a writer gets perhaps once in a lifetime. Unfortunately, he can't remember where he put it. Stars Christopher Douglas. From November 2007. |
| 04 | 04 | The Old Boys Network | 20071207 | 20130526 (BBC7) 20080415 (R4) | The curmudgeonly writer unearths wartime intrigue in an idyllic French location. Ed's fortunes take an upward turn as he is commissioned to write a book about the history of an old and very wealthy schoolfriend's house in France. |
| 04 | 05 | Role Reversal | 20071214 | 20130602 (BBC7) 20080422 (R4) | When Ed ends up interviewing his cardiac consultant, he takes it very much to heart. When Ed ends up interviewing his cardiac consultant, he takes it very much to heart. With Sally Hawkins, Stephanie Cole. From December 2007. |
| 04 | 06 LAST | Trimarans That Pass In The Night | 20071221 | 20130609 (BBC7) 20080429 (R4) | The curmudgeonly writer finds himself embroiled in a public love intrigue. The curmudgeonly writer finds himself embroiled in a public love intrigue. Stars Christopher Douglas. From December 2007. |
| 05 | 01 | The Last Miaow | 20081006 | 20130728 (BBC7) 20150802 (BBC7) 20150803 (BBC7) 20090108 (R4) |  Ed has rekindled his relationship with fellow author Mary Potter and they are in a record breaking second month of partnership 'bliss'. Elgar, however, is none too pleased Felix - John Fortune Mary Potter - Sally Grace Ray - Simon Greenall Jaz - Philip Jackson Pearl - Rita May Frank - Geoffrey McGivern Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead With Lewis MacLeod and Nicola Sanderson. The surly writer's best pal vanishes just as Mary makes plans. With Christopher Douglas. Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas Olive....Stephanie Cole Ping....Barunka O'Shaughnessy |
| 05 | 02 | The Cv Of Dorian Gray | 20081013 | 20130804 (BBC7) 20150809 (BBC7) 20150810 (BBC7) 20090115 (R4) | Felix - John Fortune George - Simon Greenall Copper - Martin Hyder Jaz - Philip Jackson Pearl - Rita May Market Researcher - Nicola Sanderson Marcus - Richard Smith Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead. Try as the curmudgeon might to be hip, he is more a hip-replacement kind of guy. Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas Olive....Stephanie Cole Ping....Barunka O'Shaughnessy Try as the curmudgeon might to be hip, he's more of hip-replacement kind of guy. |
| 05 | 03 | Anger Management | 20081020 | 20130811 (BBC7) 20150816 (BBC7) 20150817 (BBC7) 20090122 (R4) | After a run-in with the Head of Stakeholder Communications Engagement at a local council meeting, Ed finds himself in anger management classes. Could he turn over a new leaf and become a gentler person? Sue Fishpool - Rachel Atkins Felix - John Fortune Pearl - Rita May Steve Williams - Tom Price Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead. Can our grumpy hero convince the local council that his temper is under control? Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas Olive....Stephanie Cole Ping....Barunka O'Shaughnessy |
| 05 | 04 | Educating Peter | 20081027 | 20130818 (BBC7) 20150823 (BBC7) 20150824 (BBC7) 20090129 (R4) |  Jaz yearns to return to the thrilling intimacy of small space work so suggests that Ed revive one of his old stage shows. So Educating Peter finds itself on stage and Ed finds he has a success on his hands. Actress - Rachel Atkins Felix - John Fortune Ray - Simon Greenall Jaz - Philip Jackson Pearl - Rita May Frank - Geoffrey McGivern Young Actor - Tom Price Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead. The loveable curmudgeon's early play is revived. Is the big time calling him at last? Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas Olive....Stephanie Cole Ping....Barunka O'Shaughnessy |
| 05 | 05 | The Great Escape | 20081103 | 20130825 (BBC7) 20150830 (BBC7) 20150831 (BBC7) 20090205 (R4) | Ed finds himself in gainful employment writing for a local lifestyle magazine when everyone at the agency goes on holiday. There may even be a romantic holiday on the horizon for him. Carol - Rebecca Front Aussie - Lewis MacLeod Pearl - Rita May Check-in woman - Nicola Sanderson Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead. The attractive new editor of a local magazine stirs the curmudgeon's loins. Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas Olive....Stephanie Cole Ping....Barunka O'Shaughnessy |
| 05 | 06 LAST | Granddad | 20081110 | 20130901 (BBC7) 20150906 (BBC7) 20150907 (BBC7) 20090212 (R4) | Ed is visited by his new grandson, Smile, and is inspired to write a children's book. However, his daughter is not at all impressed with his flat. House Husband - Nicholas Boulton Eli - Lisa Coleman Felix - John Fortune Jaz - Philip Jackson Pearl - Rita May TV Man - Dan Tetsell Tim - Kim Wall Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead. A mishap when babysitting his grandson causes concern with the grump's family. Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas Olive....Stephanie Cole Ping....Barunka O'Shaughnessy |
| 06 | 01 | The Charterhouse Redemption | 20100111 | 20140316 (BBC7) 20151206 (BBC7) 20151207 (BBC7) 20211117 (BBC7) 20211118 (BBC7) 20211120 (BBC7) 20100728 (R4) |
Felix - John Fortune George - Simon Greenall Jaz - Philip Jackson Pearl - Rita May Clipp - Geoff McGivern Geoff - Tom Price Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Ed is ensconced in Berkhamsted's premier accommodation for the financially distressed. This week, Ed is happily ensconced in Berkhamsted's premier accommodation for the financially distressed. Ed is happily ensconced in Berkhamsted's premier accommodation for the financially distressed. With Christopher Douglas, Stephanie Cole. From January 2010. |
| 06 | 02 | Charity Begins Next Door | 20100118 | 20140323 (BBC7) 20151213 (BBC7) 20151214 (BBC7) 20211124 (BBC7) 20211125 (BBC7) 20100804 (R4) |
And there's a new member in his writing class and - unlike Stan, Olive and Pearl - Clive is actually impressed by Ed's writing portfolio. Felix - John Fortune Jaz - Philip Jackson Pearl - Rita May Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Clive ......Tony Gardner Actor - Nicola Sanderson Ed applies for help from a hardship fund, and acquires an enthusiastic new student. With Philip Jackson. From January 2010. Ed has a new member in his writing class, and unlike Stan, Olive and Pearl, Clive is actually impressed by Ed's writing portfolio. A new member of the writing class is, unlike the others, impressed by Ed's writing. |
| 06 | 03 | The Cruise | 20100125 | 20140330 (BBC7) 20151220 (BBC7) 20151221 (BBC7) 20211201 (BBC7) 20211202 (BBC7) 20100811 (R4) |
So it is that when an opportunity arises to go on a cruise with Jaz and the band, Ed takes up the offer in order to find creative reinvigoration at sea. With Christopher Douglas as Ed Reardon and Stephanie Cole as Olive Simon Greenall ... Ray Geoff McGivern ... Cliff Philip Jackson ... Jaz Rita May ... Pearl Barunka O'Shaughnessey ... Ping Geoffrey Whitehead ... Stan With Kim Wall and Lewis McCleod Surprisingly, Ed has had a brilliant idea for a book and, more surprisingly, Ping agrees. Ray - Simon Greenall Cliff - Geoff McGivern Jaz - Philip Jackson Pearl - Rita May Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Episode 3: The Cruise Ed, surprisingly, has had a brilliant idea for a book and, even more surprisingly, Ping agrees. So it is that when an opportunity arises to go on a cruise with Jaz and the band, Ed takes up the offer in order to find creative reinvigoration at sea. Simon Greenall as Ray Geoff McGivern as Cliff Philip Jackson as Jaz Rita May as Pearl Barunka O'Shaughnessey as Ping And Geoffrey Whitehead as Stan With Christopher Douglas as Ed Reardon and |
| 06 | 04 | Cheese Cricket | 20100201 | 20140406 (BBC7) 20151227 (BBC7) 20151228 (BBC7) 20211208 (BBC7) 20211209 (BBC7) 20100818 (R4) |
Despite his scepticism, Ed finds himself a surprise hit when he takes part in a new BBC Radio 4 'topical quiz with a tasty twist'. Felix - John Fortune Pearl - Rita May Geoff - Tom Price Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead With Rhys Rusbatch, Dan Tetsell and Kate Wix. Ed finds himself a surprise hit when he takes part in a new Radio 4 'topical quiz with a tasty twist'. With Christopher Douglas and Stephanie Cole. From February 2010. |
| 06 | 05 | A Bottle Of Ulterio Motivo | 20100208 | 20140413 (BBC7) 20160103 (BBC7) 20160104 (BBC7) 20211215 (BBC7) 20211216 (BBC7) 20100825 (R4) |
Ed finds himself in the money when he sells most of his possessions to a themed wine bar owned by the lovely Violet Carson. With Christopher Douglas as Ed Reardon and Stephanie Cole as Olive Simon Greenall as Ray Geoff McGivern as Cliff Philip Jackson as Jaz Rita May as Pearl Barunka O'Shaughnessey as Ping And Geoffrey Whitehead as Stan With Dan Tetsell and Emma Fryer. Ed is in the money when he sells some of his old stuff to Violet Carson's new wine bar. Ray - Simon Greenall Cliff - Geoff McGivern Jaz - Philip Jackson Pearl - Rita May Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead |
| 06 | 06 LAST | Elgar Writes | 20100215 | 20140420 (BBC7) 20160110 (BBC7) 20160111 (BBC7) 20211222 (BBC7) 20211223 (BBC7) 20100901 (R4) | 
Could Elgar be a more successful writer than Ed? Quite probably. Jaz - Philip Jackson Pearl - Rita May Ping - Barunka O'Shaughnessey Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Paul Sharma - Nicola Sanderson Ed's cat Elgar finds fame when his blog becomes an internet hit. Whilst Ed is busily teaching grammar to some clumsy, apostrophe-ridden phishers. Elgar finds fame when he becomes an internet hit with his blog. Could Elgar be a more successful writer than Ed? Quite probably. Ed Reardon - Christopher Douglas Paul Sharma - Nicola Sanderson Writers - Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds Producer - Dawn Ellis First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 2010. Episode 6 : Elgar Writes |
| 07 | 01 | In The Current Climate | 20110110 | 20110706 (BBC7) 20141026 (BBC7) 20141027 (BBC7) 20220330 (BBC7) 20220331 (BBC7) 20110629 (R4) |  Austerity has hit hard. Jaz is eating at austerity themed restaurants, Ping is drawing in stocking seams with magic marker and Ed is picking blackberries from the canal towpath for his breakfast. However, things may be looking up as we see Ed working with the most disturbingly fresh and mesmerizingly compelling voice of his generation, Ben Herbert. Ben has a three book deal and no time to write them all, so Ed has been drafted in to help him write one of the books - 'How to Survive With Like No Cash'. Surely a match made in heaven. Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Cliff - Geoff McGivern Ray - Simon Greenall Felix - John Fortune Ben Herbert - Tom Price Pearl - Rita May Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Functionary - Henry Devas Ed works with the disturbingly compelling writer Ben Herbert for a book on austerity. Radio 4's favourite curmudgeonly author leads us through the ups and downs of his week. Radio 4's most curmudgeonly author is back for a new series, complete with his trusty companion Elgar, his pipe and his never ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. Produced by Dawn Ellis Inevitably Ed finds himself once more battling through the week encountering the numerous 12-year olds who run the media; teaching the lively bunch of pensioners who can teach him a thing or two about money making schemes, frugal living and having a good time thank you very much, and regular run-ins with the rather successful Jaz Milvane, director of Ed's only ever book-to-screen adaptation. As we renew our acquaintance with Ed austerity has hit hard. Jaz is eating at austerity themed restaurants, Ping is drawing in stocking seams with magic marker and Ed is picking blackberries from the canal towpath for his breakfast. However, things may be looking up as episode 1 sees Ed working with the most disturbingly fresh and mesmerizingly compelling voice of his generation, Ben Herbert. Ben has a three book deal and no time to write them all, so Ed has been drafted in to help him write one of the books - 'How to Survive With Like No Cash'. Surely a match made in heaven. |
| 07 | 02 | From Bean To Cup | 20110117 | 20110713 (BBC7) 20141102 (BBC7) 20141103 (BBC7) 20220406 (BBC7) 20220407 (BBC7) 20110706 (R4) |  Ed finds himself working on a corporate video with the high powered team of director and old sparring partner Jaz Milvane, and Oscar-winning producer Heidi Fisher. He's also house-sitting for a well-heeled neighbour and enjoying all the benefits this civic duty brings, such as the use of comfortable furniture in agreeable surroundings, electrical appliances that work, and access to decent stationary and a well-stocked fridge. Perhaps Ed is about to enjoy his week and be well paid for a change... The comical world of a curmudgeonly pipe-smoking author and his trusty cat Elgar - with his never-ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent Ping digs up, Felix - John Fortune Jaz Milvane - Philip Jackson Heidi - Matilda Ziegler Window Cleaner - Dan Tetsell Pearl - Rita May Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Houseowner - Paul Merton Ed has landed on his feet with a decent pad, a coffee maker and gainful employment. Radio 4's favourite curmudgeonly author leads us through the ups and downs of his week. Radio 4's most curmudgeonly author is back for a new series, complete with his trusty companion Elgar, his pipe and his never ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. Produced by Dawn Ellis Ed finds himself working on a corporate video with the high powered team of director and old sparring partner Jaz Milvane, and Oscar-winning producer Heidi Fisher. He's also house-sitting for a well-heeled neighbour and enjoying all the benefits this civic duty brings, such as the use of comfortable furniture in agreeable surroundings, electrical appliances that work, and access to decent stationary and a well-stocked fridge. Perhaps Ed is about to enjoy his week and be well paid for a change. |
| 07 | 03 | Become A Successful Writer | 20110124 | 20110720 (BBC7) 20141109 (BBC7) 20141110 (BBC7) 20220413 (BBC7) 20220414 (BBC7) 20110713 (R4) |  The most curmudgeonly author is back for a new series, complete with his trusty companion Elgar, his pipe and his never ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. This week sees Ed enrolled on a writing course which endeavours to teach him how to 'write successfully'. He naturally feels he's already mastered this art, as testified to in the 1976 issue of Films and Filming, and the fact that he teaches his own course at the local leisure centre. However, much persuasion by Ping and the mention of free food and drink for three days finally sways Ed into attendance. In the event, Ed does learn a thing or two about setting up his very own 'Script Doctor' service at £25 a consultation. Felix - John Fortune Jaz Milvane - Philip Jackson Heidi - Matilda Ziegler Window Cleaner - Dan Tetsell Pearl - Rita May Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Houseowner - Paul Merton The script doctor will see you now. After a writer's course, Ed turns expert. Ed's enrolled on a writing course which endeavours to teach him how to 'write successfully'. The comical world of a curmudgeonly pipe-smoking author and his trusty cat Elgar - with his never-ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent Ping digs up. Radio 4's favourite curmudgeonly author leads us through the ups and downs of his week. Episode 3 'Become a Successful Writer' Radio 4's most curmudgeonly author is back for a new series, complete with his trusty companion Elgar, his pipe and his never ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. This week sees Ed enrolled on a writing course which endeavours to teach him how to 'write successfully'. He naturally feels he's already mastered this art, as testified to in the 1976 issue of Films and Filming, and the fact that he teaches his own course at the local leisure centre. However, much persuasion by Ping and the mention of free food and drink for three days finally sways Ed into attendance. In the event, Ed does learn a thing or two about setting up his very own 'Script Doctor' service at £25 a consultation. Cast list ep 2 Mort Rich - Henry Goodman Dave Wang - Geoff McGivern Municipal woman - Nicola Sanderson Sorting Officer - Martin Hyder Produced by Dawn Ellis. |
| 07 | 04 | Parsnip Junction | 20110131 | 20110727 (BBC7) 20141116 (BBC7) 20141117 (BBC7) 20220420 (BBC7) 20220421 (BBC7) 20110720 (R4) |  Ed finds himself in the middle of some sibling rivalry when Ping's sister, Py, undertakes some work experience at the agency. Ed finds the 'can-do' attitude of Py rather refreshing after Ping's normal 'might be a problem' response, particularly when she finds him some paid work with one Charles Cobbold, reinventing the much loved children's classic 'Parsnip Junction'. If Ed can withstand Charles' Communist tendencies and his penchant for porn he may be on to a winner. Py - Katy Wix Charles - Geoffrey Palmer Pearl - Rita May Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Ed gets caught up in sibling rivalry when Ping's sister Py undertakes some work experience The comical world of a curmudgeonly pipe-smoking author and his trusty cat Elgar. Ed finds himself reinventing the much-loved children's classic Parsnip Junction. Radio 4's most curmudgeonly author is back for a new series, complete with his trusty companion Elgar, his pipe and his never ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. Produced by Dawn Ellis |
| 07 | 05 | Writer In Residence | 20110207 | 20110803 (BBC7) 20141123 (BBC7) 20141124 (BBC7) 20220427 (BBC7) 20220428 (BBC7) 20110727 (R4) |  Fed up with everything on the radio originating from Cambridge, Ed decides to immerse himself in popular culture and retunes away from Radio Four. The new outlook on the world that Radios 1, 2 and 5 bring to Ed proves fortuitous when his daughter, Eli, manages to secure him an interview at her husband's university. So it is that Ed finds himself 'Writer in residence' with all the benefits that this affords, including discussing the merits of the worst Lady Gaga wardrobe malfunction of the year. Professor Judith - Rachel Atkins Announcer - Lewis Macleod Felix - John Fortune Eli - Lisa Coleman Bill - Darren Boyd Pearl - Rita May Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Produced by Dawn Ellis After immersing himself in popular culture, Ed gets a new job at a 'uni-collegy' thing. Fed up with everything on the radio originating from Cambridge, Ed decides to immerse himself in popular culture and retunes away from Radio 4. The new outlook on the world that Radios 1, 2 and 5 Live bring to Ed proves fortuitous when his daughter, Eli, manages to secure him an interview at her husband's university. Radio 4's favourite curmudgeonly author leads us through the ups and downs of his week. Episode 5: Radio 4's most curmudgeonly author is back for a new series, complete with his trusty companion Elgar, his pipe and his never ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. Fed up with everything on the radio originating from Cambridge, Ed decides to immerse himself in popular culture and retunes away from Radio Four. The new outlook on the world that Radios 1, 2 and 5 bring to Ed proves fortuitous when his daughter, Eli, manages to secure him an interview at her husband's university. So it is that Ed finds himself 'Writer in residence' with all the benefits that this affords, including discussing the merits of the worst Lady Gaga wardrobe malfunction of the year. Cast list: |
| 07 | 06 LAST | Summer Of '76 | 20110214 | 20110810 (BBC7) 20141130 (BBC7) 20141201 (BBC7) 20220504 (BBC7) 20220505 (BBC7) 20110803 (R4) |  Struggling freelancer Ed Reardon has embraced the online age and even subscribed to Facebook. But then he finds he has opened up a Pandora's box of so-called friends that he's never actually met. That is until one Fiona Templeton pops up and he's reminded of the events of 1976 when he was a hot new writer and she a hot young model. Should an old acquaintance be renewed - or should Ed leave well alone? Recycling Man - Paul Sharma Pearl - Rita May Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Fiona - Jenny Agutter Jaz Milvane - Philip Jackson Cliff - Geoff McGivern Ray - Simon Greenall Produced by Dawn Ellis Ed is befriended online by old flame Fiona - but is it wise for them to get reacquainted? Ed finds himself befriended online by an old flame. Episode 6: 'Summer of '76' Radio 4's most curmudgeonly author is back, complete with his trusty companion Elgar, his pipe and his never ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. Ed has embraced the online age and subscribed to Facebook but finds he has opened up a Pandora's box of so-called friends that he's never actually met. That is until one Fiona Templeton pops up and he's reminded of the events of 1976 when he was a hot new writer and she a hot young model. Should an old acquaintance be renewed or should Ed leave well enough alone? Cast list: Ed is befriended online by old flame Fiona, but should they get reacquainted? |
| 08 | 01 | Have A Great Weekend | 20120403 | 20120410 (BBC7) 20140619 (BBC7) 20160410 (BBC7) 20160411 (BBC7) 20221206 (BBC7) 20221207 (BBC7) 20140612 (R4) |
So he's enjoying weekendish things, like having a bath, and whistling. Fiona - Jenny Agutter Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Post Office Clerk - Nicola Sanderson Kourier (stet) - Dan Tetsell Ed seems to be in a good mood. Could it be the free sachets? Ed is enjoying weekend-ish things, like having a bath, and whistling. Radio 4's most curmudgeonly author is back for a new series, complete with his trusty companion Elgar and his never ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. Inevitably he finds himself once more battling through the week encountering the numerous 12-year olds who run the media, teaching the lively bunch of pensioners who can 'teach him a thing or two about money making schemes, frugal living and having a good time thank you very much', and regular run-ins with the rather successful Jaz Milvane, director of Ed's only ever book-to-screen adaptation. As we renew our acquaintance with Ed we find him in a somewhat lighter mood, enjoying normal weekend-ish type things, like having a bath, and whistling. He's also visiting the DIY store - because he can. His renewed acquaintance with 1960's hot young model, Fiona Templeton, could have much to do with this new outlook, particularly as they have a shared love of the free sachets to be found in the Sunday newspapers. As long as they don't mix up the shampoo sachet with the brown sauce sachet they should be fine. Cast list Ep.1 Produced by Dawn Ellis. Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas Olive....Stephanie Cole Ping....Barunka O'Shaughnessy |
| 08 | 02 | Original British Drama | 20120410 | 20120417 (BBC7) 20140626 (BBC7) 20160417 (BBC7) 20160418 (BBC7) 20221213 (BBC7) 20221214 (BBC7) 20140619 (R4) |
Pool Manager - Nicola Sanderson Radio DJ - Simon Greenall Policeman - Martin Hyder Jake - Sam Pamphilon Ed finds himself working with his son, Jake, on a piece of 'genuine' factutainment. Ed reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and his never-ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. This week, following one of his numerous, pithy, letters of complaint to the BBC, Ed finds himself doing some research for his son, Jake, the only family member left representing the name of Reardon working in the media. The unexpected consequence of this is that Ed finds himself working in harmony with the 12 year- olds both on screen and in the coffee stations and tea points of power, to produce a piece of genuinely water-cooler factutainment. Cast list Ep. 2 Jake - Sam Pamphillon Produced by Dawn Ellis. Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas Olive....Stephanie Cole Ping....Barunka O'Shaughnessy |
| 08 | 03 | It's A Nude Nude Nude Nude World | 20120417 | 20120424 (BBC7) 20140703 (BBC7) 20160424 (BBC7) 20160425 (BBC7) 20221220 (BBC7) 20221221 (BBC7) 20140626 (R4) |
So it is that Ed tracks down Jaz's first masterwork, 'It's a Nude Nude Nude Nude World' to form the cornerstone of the tribute, not knowing that Fiona did a few day's work on it. Jaz - Philip Jackson Frank - Simon Greenall Walter - Martin Hyder Posh Woman - Sally Grace Cliff - Geoff McGivern Fiona - Jenny Agutter Jaz Milvain asks Ed to curate a moving tribute for his 'surprise' 60th birthday bash. Ed is commissioned to write a tribute for Jaz's 60th birthday celebrations. Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and his never-ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. Jaz Milvain asks Ed to curate a moving tribute to him and his work in film for the 'surprise' party that he's organising for his 60th birthday. Whilst Ed relishes the idea of a comedy 'roast' Jaz is looking for something more akin to a light sauté. Cast list for episode 3: Waiter - Martin Hyder Produced by Dawn Ellis. Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas Olive....Stephanie Cole Ping....Barunka O'Shaughnessy |
| 08 | 04 | Making A Difference | 20120424 | 20120501 (BBC7) 20140710 (BBC7) 20160501 (BBC7) 20160502 (BBC7) 20221227 (BBC7) 20221228 (BBC7) |
As a consequence he finds himself on local radio representing the group and 'channelling grumpy', and astonishingly finds that people agree with his views and find his conversation 'totes legde'. Thus it is that 'Captain Grumblebum' is created. Jaz - Philip Jackson Ping/Lisa - Barunka O'Shaughnessy Frank - Simon Greenall Mandy Kramer - Nicola Sanderson Cliff/Jonathan - Geoff McGivern Fiona - Jenny Agutter 12 year old official - Sam Paphilon Ed finds himself an unlikely star of local radio. Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and his never-ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. Ed decides to 'Make a Difference' to impress Fiona and as a consequence finds himself becoming 'a voice for the people' when he joins a group trying to change the railways. As a consequence he finds himself on local radio representing the group and 'channelling grumpy', and astonishingly finds that people agree with his views and find his conversation 'totes legde'. Thus it is that 'Captain Grumblebum' is created. Cast list episode 4: 12 year old official - Sam Pamphilon Produced by Dawn Ellis. Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas Olive....Stephanie Cole [R4 BD=20140703 |
| 08 | 05 | Rosicrucian Armageddon 2 | 20120501 | 20120508 (BBC7) 20140717 (BBC7) 20160508 (BBC7) 20160509 (BBC7) 20230103 (BBC7) 20230104 (BBC7) |
Whilst he tries to get to grips with NPC's, orbs and the Quest for the Grail his daughter unexpectedly arrives complete with son, Smile, Japanese tea infuser, dream catcher and native American chants to purge Ed's flat. Newsreader - Corrie Corfield Graham - Tom Goodman Hill Delivery man/Waiter - Dan Tetsell Eli - Lisa Coleman Ed lends some authentic 'oldenspeak' to the modern gaming fraternity. Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and his never-ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. Ed joins the modern gaming fraternity when he meets Graham Pearson - the man who gave the world 'Rosicrucian Armageddon' - and is hired to add some authentic 'oldenspeak' to its sequel - 'Rosicrucian Armageddon 2'. Whilst he tries to get to grips with NPC's, orbs and the Quest for the Grail his daughter unexpectedly arrives complete with son, Smile, Japanese tea infuser, dream catcher and native American chants to purge Ed's flat. Cast list episode 5 Ping/Lisa - Barunka O'Shaughnessy Produced by Dawn Ellis. Ed Reardon....Christopher Douglas Olive....Stephanie Cole [R4 BD=20140710 |
| 08 | 06 LAST | Keeping The Flame Alive | 20120508 | 20120515 (BBC7) 20140724 (BBC7) 20160515 (BBC7) 20160516 (BBC7) 20230110 (BBC7) 20230111 (BBC7) |
So Ed has to pack up his newspaper collection, sift through his takeaway trays and leave the place he's called home for the last years. But where will he go? Jaz - Philip Jackson Fiona - Jenny Agutter Janie - Rachel Atkins Frank - Simon Greenall Cliff - Geoff McGivern Stan is to rent out Ed's flat for the Olympics, despite being nowhere near the stadium. Stan decides to cash in on the Olympics, leaving Ed to look for a new home. Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and his never-ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. With the Olympics looming Stan spies a golden opportunity - renting out Ed's flat for the duration of the games at the princely sum of £3,000 a week. So Ed has to pack up his newspaper collection, sift through his takeaway trays and leave the place he's called home for the last years. But where will he go? [R4 BD=20140717 |
| 09 | 01 | The Personal Statement | 20131111 | 20150402 (BBC7) 20170129 (BBC7) 20170130 (BBC7) 20181030 (BBC7) 20230214 (BBC7) 20230215 (BBC7) | 
Episode 1: 'The Personal Statement He's back. Despite many thwarted attempts at literary success and a lifetime of scrimping and scraping to keep mind, soul and cat together, the curmudgeon's curmudgeon can never be kept down for long and returns to Radio 4 for a new series. Ed Reardon once more finds himself grabbing at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, throws his way, with his only source of regular income coming from teaching the increasingly savvy and adventurous pensioners their module in short story writing. Jaz Milvane continues to be his nemesis, somehow making money out of mad schemes whilst Ed makes nothing and his love life remains, like his payment of utility bills, erratic to say the least. As we renew our acquaintance with Ed we find him grovelling to his former girlfriend Fiona, claiming to be a 'changed man'. But as she quite rightly points out, he's still wearing the same socks and sandals. As Ed tries to get back into her good books, he finds himself retiring from the writing trade and applying for real jobs. So it is, he writes a personal statement and attends his first interview for a salaried position since, well, ever........ Produced by Dawn Ellis. Ed is grovelling to his former girlfriend Fiona, claiming to be a 'changed man'. But as she quite rightly points out, he's still wearing the same socks and sandals. Fiona - Jenny Agutter Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Interviewer - Melanie Hudson [R4 BD=20150326 |
| 09 | 02 | The Intern | 20131118 | 20150409 (BBC7) 20170205 (BBC7) 20170206 (BBC7) 20181106 (BBC7) 20230221 (BBC7) 20230222 (BBC7) |
The council is taking a holistic approach to cost-cutting and decides that Ed's writing class needs to get paid for some of their work. When it transpires that the class feels that they are wasting their time and thinking of joining the 'Bonkers About Baking' class Ed decides to set them the task of writing 'Hedgerow Jottings' and 'Tales from the Towpath' in an attempt to earn money and become real writers. Meanwhile, when the new intern at the agency turns out to be more than he seems, Ed finds himself maintaining his non-tax paying status by becoming the oldest intern in town and sharing an office with Ping. Alex - Jonathan Bailey Keely - Nicola Sanderson Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and the curmudgeonly attitude to life that he's mastered over years of failure. This week, the council is taking a holistic approach to cost-cutting and decides that Ed's writing class needs to get paid for some of their work. When it transpires that the class feels that they are wasting their time and thinking of joining the 'Bonkers About Baking' class Ed decides to set them the task of writing 'Hedgerow Jottings' and 'Tales from the Towpath' in an attempt to earn money and become real writers. Meanwhile, when the new intern at the agency turns out to be more than he seems, Ed finds himself maintaining his non-tax paying status by becoming the oldest intern in town and sharing an office with Ping. Produced by Dawn Ellis. [R4 BD=20150402 |
| 09 | 03 | The Berkhamstead Job | 20131125 | 20150416 (BBC7) 20170212 (BBC7) 20170213 (BBC7) 20181113 (BBC7) 20230228 (BBC7) 20230301 (BBC7) |
As a 'National Treasure' lots of people want to work with Jaz (or so he says) and he's got some serious investors who want him to make a movie - an action-adventure with a quirky sci-fi twist. Ed is not keen until Alex offers him a rather nice hotel to work from. So it is that Ed starts writing 'Doctor Bond', or is it 'Harry Hobbit'..... Alex - Jonathan Bailey Call Centre Voice - Carys Eleri Ray / Phil - Simon Greenall Cliff - Geoff McGivern Ed finds himself writing a film script, an action adventure with a quirky sci-fi twist. Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and his never-ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. When Ed's flat burns down his old nemesis, Jaz Milvain, rides to the rescue. As a 'National Treasure' lots of people want to work with Jaz (or so he says) and he's got some serious investors who want him to make a movie - an action-adventure with a quirky sci-fi twist. Ed is not keen until Alex offers him a rather nice hotel to work from. So it is that Ed starts writing 'Doctor Bond', or is it 'Harry Hobbit'..... Produced by Dawn Ellis. Ed finds himself writing a script for Jaz Milvain's latest film. [R4 BD=20150409 |
| 09 | 04 | Blood Of The Reardons | 20131202 | 20150423 (BBC7) 20170219 (BBC7) 20170220 (BBC7) 20181120 (BBC7) 20230307 (BBC7) 20230308 (BBC7) |
Ed discovers that he has diabetes and his daughter, Eli, turns up to be his calorie counter- in-chief. To escape Eli's gluten free falafel salad, Ed enrols on a clinical trial, and that's when his son, Jake turns up in the hope of a fly-on-the-wall documentary, although as Ping Points out, it will only be marketable if Ed dies! Produced by Dawn Ellis. To escape his daughter's gluten-free falafel salad, Ed enrols on a clinical trial. Dr Liz Newcombe - Claudie Blakeley Eli - Lisa Coleman Jake - Sam Pamphilon [R4 BD=20150416 |
| 09 | 05 | Intellectual Fireworks | 20131209 | 20150430 (BBC7) 20170226 (BBC7) 20170227 (BBC7) 20181127 (BBC7) 20230314 (BBC7) 20230315 (BBC7) |
He hopes this will lead him at the very least, to a contentious Saturday Essay on Radio 4' s Today Programme. But, alas, this retreat has been set up by one Jaz Milvain so could Ed's change in fortune be too good to be true..? Ed Reardon......Christopher Douglas Olive......Stephanie Cole Ned......Jonathan Coy Newsreader......Corrie Corfield Jaz......Philip Jackson Rosemary......Felicity Montagu Maureen......Carolyn Pickles Suki/Waitress......Nicola Sanderson Pearl......Alison Steadman Ping/Lisa......Barunka O'Shaughnessy Stan......Geoffrey Whitehead Ed takes up a professorship at a prestigious writing retreat. Ed appears to have stepped on the gravy train at last as he takes up a professorship at Much Wenlock Court - a prestigious writing retreat. He hopes this will lead him to, at the very least, a contentious Saturday Essay on the Today Programme. However, this retreat has been set up by one Jaz Milvain so could Ed's change in fortune be too good to be true? Produced by Dawn Ellis. [R4 BD=20150423 |
| 09 | 06 | The Bride Of Auntie | 20131216 (BBC7) 20150507 (BBC7) 20170305 (BBC7) 20170306 (BBC7) 20181204 (BBC7) |
Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and his never-ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. Ed discovers that he can put his extensive general knowledge to good use when he finally finds his niche and becomes a contestant on the Radio 4 seminal quiz 'What Do You Know'. Not only is his general knowledge excellent, but he's also being paid a fee to the grand sum of £43. Is his luck turning at last? Produced by Dawn Ellis. | |
| 09 | 06 LAST | The Bride Of Auntie | 20131216 | 20150507 (BBC7) 20170305 (BBC7) 20170306 (BBC7) 20181204 (BBC7) 20230321 (BBC7) 20230322 (BBC7) | Ed discovers that he can put his extensive general knowledge to good use when he finally finds his niche and becomes a contestant on the Radio 4 seminal quiz 'What Do You Know'. Not only is his general knowledge excellent, but he's also being paid a fee to the grand sum of £43. Is his luck turning at last? Northern Ireland Voice - Simon Greenall Steve Plant - Dan Mersh Laura Pope - Vicki Pepperdine Neil Hardacre - Duncan Preston Janet - Nicola Sanderson Ed finally becomes a contestant on the Radio 4 seminal quiz What Do You Know? Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and his never-ending capacity for scrimping and scraping at whatever scraps his agent, Ping, can offer him to keep body, mind and cat together. Ed discovers that he can put his extensive general knowledge to good use when he finally finds his niche and becomes a contestant on the Radio 4 seminal quiz 'What Do You Know'. Not only is his general knowledge excellent, but he's also being paid a fee to the grand sum of £43. Is his luck turning at last? Produced by Dawn Ellis. [R4 BD=20150430 |
| 10 | 01 | The Go-to Destination | 20150513 | 20160216 (BBC7) 20160217 (BBC7) 20170511 (BBC7) 20170512 (BBC7) 20190210 (BBC7) 20190211 (BBC7) 20231013 (BBC7) 20231014 (BBC7) | Ed's currently in a relationship with BBC radio producer Laura - and her expenses. Ed and BBC Radio producer Laura seem to be enjoying a state of not uncomfortable, slightly drunken, bliss. Their relationship has enabled Ed to reconnect with life in London whilst keeping a toehold, and a cat, in Berkhamsted. But good things never last for Ed and we see him and Elgar having to take advantage of the numerous empty premises in need of temporary caretakers and live-in guardians, or guardian angels as Ed likes to think of them as Stan throws him out on the street. Things have also changed for Ping who is suffering the biggest disaster to hit the office since they stopped making pens shaped like bananas - she has a new boss in the form of Suzan -pronounced 'Suzanne'. Ed, of course, wastes no time trying to get on the right side of Suzan in the hope of some work whilst Jaz Milvane continues to be his nemesis, plaguing his every move. Suzan - Raquel Cassidy Doorman - Simon Greenall Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Laura Pope - Vicki Pepperdine Ed's currently in a relationship with BBC radio producer Laura - and her expenses. Stars Christopher Douglas. From May 2015. Ed Reardon returns to Radio 4 in a new series and whatever happens you can guarantee he'll be scrimping, scraping and ranting in order to keep mind, soul and cat together. When we last met Ed he was happily involved with BBC Radio producer Laura and her BBC expenses. As we meet again, the pair seem to be enjoying a state of not uncomfortable, slightly drunken, bliss and the relationship has enabled Ed to reconnect with life in London whilst keeping a toehold, and a cat, in Berkhamsted. But good things never last for Ed and the course of the series sees him and Elgar having to take advantage of the numerous empty premises in need of temporary caretakers and live-in guardians, or guardian angels as Ed likes to think of them as Stan throws him out on the street. Things have also changed for Ping who is suffering the biggest disaster to hit the office since they stopped making pens shaped like bananas - she has a new boss in the form of Suzan -pronounced 'Suzanne'. Ed, of course, wastes no time trying to get on the right side of Suzan in the hope of some work whilst Jaz Milvane continues to be his nemesis, plaguing his every move. The regular cast are joined this series by guests including Raquel Cassidy, Pam Ferris, Celia Imrie and Jeremy Paxman Produced by Dawn Ellis. Ed Reardon's Week is a BBC Radio Comedy production. Ed Reardon returns to lead us through his week, as he keeps mind, soul and cat together. Ed and BBC Radio producer Laura seem to be enjoying a state of not uncomfortable, slightly drunken, bliss and the relationship has enabled Ed to reconnect with life in London whilst keeping a toehold, and a cat, in Berkhamsted. But good things never last for Ed and we see him and Elgar having to take advantage of the numerous empty premises in need of temporary caretakers and live-in guardians, or guardian angels as Ed likes to think of them as Stan throws him out on the street. [R4 BD=20160209 |
| 10 | 01 | The Go-to Destination | 20170511 | Ed and BBC Radio producer Laura seem to be enjoying a state of not uncomfortable, slightly drunken, bliss. Their relationship has enabled Ed to reconnect with life in London whilst keeping a toehold, and a cat, in Berkhamsted. But good things never last for Ed and we see him and Elgar having to take advantage of the numerous empty premises in need of temporary caretakers and live-in guardians, or guardian angels as Ed likes to think of them as Stan throws him out on the street. Things have also changed for Ping who is suffering the biggest disaster to hit the office since they stopped making pens shaped like bananas - she has a new boss in the form of Suzan -pronounced 'Suzanne'. Ed, of course, wastes no time trying to get on the right side of Suzan in the hope of some work whilst Jaz Milvane continues to be his nemesis, plaguing his every move. Suzan - Raquel Cassidy Doorman - Simon Greenall Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Laura Pope - Vicki Pepperdine First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2015. Ed Reardon returns to lead us through his week, as he keeps mind, soul and cat together. | |
| 10 | 02 | One Man, Two Charlies | 20150520 | 20170518 (BBC7) 20170519 (BBC7) 20190217 (BBC7) 20190218 (BBC7) 20231020 (BBC7) 20231021 (BBC7) 20160216 (R4) | Ed finally finds himself homeless. However, all is not lost as an unexpected bonus of the recent financial apocalypse is that there are many premises in need of temporary caretakers. So it is that Ed finds himself residing in a furniture warehouse in Berkhamsted, complete with 'dream kitchen' fake fruit and a massage chair. He also somehow finds himself an author with a two book cookbook deal and a three figure advance. Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and the curmudgeonly attitude to life that he's mastered over years of failure. Ed Reardon ..Christopher Douglas Suzan......... Raquel Cassidy Olive....... Stephanie Cole Pearl........... Brigit Forsyth Frank...... Simon Greenall Charlotte... Celia Imrie Jaz Milvain... Philip Jackson Cliff....... Geoff McGivern Ping...... Barunka O'Shaughnessy Charlie....... Phaldut Sharma Stan.......... Geoffrey Whitehead Ed finally finds himself homeless, but with a two-book deal! Stars Christopher Douglas. Ed is homeless, but he has a two-book deal and an empty furniture warehouse to caretake. Stars Christopher Douglas. From May 2015. Ed finally finds himself homeless. However, all is not lost as an unexpected bonus of the recent financial apocalypse is that there are many premises in need of temporary caretakers. So it is that Ed finds himself residing in a furniture warehouse in Berkhamsted, complete with 'dream kitchen' fake fruit and a massage chair. He also somehow finds himself an author with a two book cookbook deal and a three figure advance. With Stephanie Cole and Celia Imrie. Produced by Dawn Ellis. Ed Reardon's Week is a BBC Radio Comedy production. |
| 10 | 02 | One Man, Two Charlies | 20170518 | Ed finally finds himself homeless. However, all is not lost as an unexpected bonus of the recent financial apocalypse is that there are many premises in need of temporary caretakers. So it is that Ed finds himself residing in a furniture warehouse in Berkhamsted, complete with 'dream kitchen' fake fruit and a massage chair. He also somehow finds himself an author with a two book cookbook deal and a three figure advance. Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and down of his week, complete with his trusty companion, Elgar, and the curmudgeonly attitude to life that he's mastered over years of failure. Ed Reardon ..Christopher Douglas Suzan......... Raquel Cassidy Olive....... Stephanie Cole Pearl........... Brigit Forsyth Frank...... Simon Greenall Charlotte... Celia Imrie Jaz Milvain... Philip Jackson Cliff....... Geoff McGivern Ping...... Barunka O'Shaughnessy Charlie....... Phaldut Sharma Stan.......... Geoffrey Whitehead First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2015. Ed finally finds himself homeless, but with a two-book deal! | |
| 10 | 03 | My Companion | 20150527 | 20170525 (BBC7) 20170526 (BBC7) 20190224 (BBC7) 20190225 (BBC7) 20231027 (BBC7) 20231028 (BBC7) 20160223 (R4) | In his continuing quest for somewhere to live, Ed finds himself living in an empty phone shop, the occupation of which the council hopes will encourage the stakeholders to engage with their creativity. Far from enticing people in to attend 'slam poetry events', Ed has other things on his mind when he and his ex-wife Janet decide to attend the funeral of an old friend - together. Their children are not happy at this prospect, and neither is Elgar when he's left at a cattery called 'Southpaws'. Ed Reardon ....... Christopher Douglas Cattery Woman ....... Joanna Brookes Olive ....... Stephanie Cole Eli ....... Lisa Coleman Pearl ....... Brigit Forsyth Ping ....... Barunka O'Shaughnessy Janet ....... Nicola Sanderson Jake ....... Sam Pamphillon Stan ....... Geoffrey Whitehead First broadcast on Radio 4 in May 2015. Ed plans to attend a funeral with his ex-wife, making his children and cat very unhappy. Ed and his ex-wife plan to attend a funeral together, making his children very unhappy. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2015. In his continuing quest for somewhere to live, Ed finds himself living in an empty phoneshop, the occupation of which the council hopes will encourage the stakeholders to engage with their creativity. Far from enticing people in to attend 'slam poetry events' Ed has other things on his mind when he and his ex-wife Janet decide to attend the funeral of an old friend - together. Their children are not happy at this prospect, and neither is Elgar when he's left at a cattery called 'Southpaws'. Produced by Dawn Ellis. Ed Reardon's Week is a BBC Radio Comedy production. First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2015. |
| 10 | 03 | My Companion | 20170525 | In his continuing quest for somewhere to live, Ed finds himself living in an empty phone shop, the occupation of which the council hopes will encourage the stakeholders to engage with their creativity. Far from enticing people in to attend 'slam poetry events', Ed has other things on his mind when he and his ex-wife Janet decide to attend the funeral of an old friend - together. Their children are not happy at this prospect, and neither is Elgar when he's left at a cattery called 'Southpaws'. Cast: Ed Reardon........ Christopher Douglas Cattery Woman.... Joanna Brookes Olive.................... Stephanie Cole Eli.......................... Lisa Coleman Pearl.................... Brigit Forsyth Ping ...................Barunka O'Shaughnessy Janet...................... Nicola Sanderson Jake ......................Sam Pamphillon Stan........................ Geoffrey Whitehead Produced by Dawn Ellis. First broadcast on Radio 4 in 2015. Ed plans to attend a funeral with his ex-wife, making his children and cat very unhappy. | |
| 10 | 04 | Joan Of The Junction | 20150603 | 20170601 (BBC7) 20170602 (BBC7) 20190303 (BBC7) 20190304 (BBC7) 20231103 (BBC7) 20231104 (BBC7) 20160301 (R4) | Ed tramps along the canal trying to find someone to take him, and Elgar, in. When he fortunes upon the somewhat colourful Joan, he hits the jackpot in more ways than one. Not only does he gain a rather comfortable cabin bed, but as the pair chat about Joan's rather picaresque life over a can of cider, Ed discovers she has lived her life in the manner for a perfect Sunday night TV drama. Cue a call to his agent, Ping. Suzan - Raquel Cassidy Joan - Pam Ferris Bill - Geoff McGivern First broadcast on Radio 4 in June 2015. While wandering along the canal, Ed finds the inspiration for a perfect Sunday TV drama. Whilst looking for somewhere to live, Ed finds inspiration for a Sunday night TV drama. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2015. Week four of Ed Reardon's 'No Fixed Abode' status finds him tramping along the canal trying to find someone to take him, and Elgar, in. When he fortunes upon the somewhat colourful Joan he hits the jackpot in more ways than one as not only does he gain a rather comfortable cabin bed, but as the pair chat about Joan's rather picaresque life over a can of cider, Ed discovers she has lived her life in the manner for a perfect Sunday night TV drama. Cue a call to his agent, Ping. Produced by Dawn Ellis. Ed Reardon's Week is a BBC Radio Comedy production. Looking for somewhere to live, Ed finds the inspiration for a perfect Sunday TV drama. When he fortunes upon the somewhat colourful Joan he hits the jackpot in more ways than one as not only does he gain a rather comfortable cabin bed, but the pair chat about Joan's rather picaresque life over a can of cider. |
| 10 | 05 | Moby Dave | 20150610 | 20170608 (BBC7) 20170609 (BBC7) 20190310 (BBC7) 20190311 (BBC7) 20231110 (BBC7) 20231111 (BBC7) | Ed's fortunes have taken a turn for the better as he's been given an advance to write a projected TV series perfect for Sunday night viewing. He has comfortable lodgings, money in his pocket and a warm glow, in fact all is going very well indeed until Suzan decides that her new assistant, Jonathan, should help Ed with 'the scripty stuff'. At which suggestion someone loses their temper, and for once it isn't Ed. Suzan - Raquel Cassidy Jonathan - Jack Farthing Joan - Pam Ferris Frank - Simon Greenall Jaz Mivain - Philip Jackson Bill - Geoff McGivern First broadcast on Radio 4 in June 2015. Finally all is going well for Ed, who has comfortable lodgings and money in his pocket. Nice lodgings, money - finally all's going well for Ed - until someone loses their temper. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2015. Ed's fortunes have taken a turn for the better as he's been given an advance to write a projected television series perfect for Sunday night viewing. He has comfortable lodgings, money in his pocket and a warm glow, in fact all is going very well indeed until Suzan decides that her new assistant, Jonathan, should help Ed with 'the scripty stuff'. At which suggestion someone loses their temper, and for once it isn't Ed. A BBC Radio Comedy production. Produced by Dawn Ellis. Ed Reardon's Week is a BBC Radio Comedy production. [R4 BD=20160308 |
| 10 | 06 | The New Thirty | 20170615 (BBC7) | All is going well as Ed faces a birthday milestone, until he encounters Jeremy Paxman. Ed is facing a milestone in his life as he's about to turn 60. As he reflects on his life he decides that things aren't half bad. He finally has a bed to lay his head on, his cat is in rude health and he is leading a busy and fulfilling literary life. However, as with all things Ed, this state of equanimity can't last and after a curious encounter with Jeremy Paxman Ed decides to make some changes. Produced by Dawn Ellis Ed Reardon's Week is a BBC Radio Comedy production. | |
| 10 | 06 LAST | The New Thirty | 20150617 | 20170615 (BBC7) 20170616 (BBC7) 20190317 (BBC7) 20190318 (BBC7) 20231117 (BBC7) 20231118 (BBC7) | Ed is facing a milestone in his life as he's about to turn 60. As he reflects on his life he decides that things aren't half bad. He finally has a bed to lay his head on, his cat is in rude health and he is leading a busy and fulfilling literary life. However, as with all things Ed, this state of equanimity can't last and after a curious encounter with Jeremy Paxman, Ed decides to make some changes. Eli - Lisa Coleman Jaz Mivain - Philip Jackson Jake - Sam Pamphilon Himself - Jeremy Paxman Produced by Dawn Ellis. First broadcast on Radio 4 in June 2015. All is going well as Ed faces a birthday milestone, until he encounters Jeremy Paxman. Nearly 60, Ed decides things aren't half bad, that's until he encounters Jeremy Paxman. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2015. Ed is facing a milestone in his life as he's about to turn 60. As he reflects on his life he decides that things aren't half bad. He finally has a bed to lay his head on, his cat is in rude health and he is leading a busy and fulfilling literary life. However, as with all things Ed, this state of equanimity can't last and after a curious encounter with Jeremy Paxman Ed decides to make some changes. Ed Reardon's Week is a BBC Radio Comedy production. [R4 BD=20160315 |
| 11 | 01 | 20171031 | 20161004 (BBC7) 20161011 (BBC7) 20161012 (BBC7) |
The fact that he'll have warm, comfortable accommodation for the foreseeable future, a student loan to pay the rent and that he'll reach 65 by the time he's finished the course and therefore passed the age of paying back the fees has nothing to do with his decision to study. No, this is all to do with making up for lost time when his studies were cut short in his youth following expulsion from school. Of course, as with all students nowadays Ed will need to boost his loan by earning extra cash so he'll still be pestering his agent, Ping for writing opportunities and so it is as we renew our acquaintance with Ed, and trusty companion Elgar, that we find him reimagining a series of children's books and giving them a savvy post-modern twist for a 'cool hundred each' whilst trying to keep up with the other students and their love of coffee shop loyalty cards, seminar satisfaction surveys and certain daytime TV programmes. Max - Divian Ladwa Antonia - Sylvestra Le Touzel Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2016. Ed Reardon is back, this time in unfamiliar territory as he's become a student at 'Uni'. Episode 1: 'The Reboot Ed Reardon is back, and this time in slightly unfamiliar territory as he has entered the groves of academe and returned to full-time education at 'Uni'. He's doing a three-year course in, well he's not entirely sure, but at the end he'll get a BA with the chance of a two-year MA add-on. The fact that he'll have warm, comfortable accommodation for the foreseeable future, a student loan to pay the rent and that he'll reach 65 by the time he's finished the course and therefore passed the age of paying back the fees has nothing to do with his decision to study. No, this is all to do with making up for lost time when his studies were cut short in his youth following expulsion from school. The regular cast are joined this series by guests including Sylvestra Le Touzel, Nicholas Farrell and Maya Sondhi. Cast list ep 1 Produced by Dawn Ellis. | |
| 11 | 01 | The Reboot | 20161004 | 20161011 (BBC7) 20161012 (BBC7) 20190922 (BBC7) 20190923 (BBC7) 20240126 (BBC7) 20240127 (BBC7) | Ed Reardon is back, and this time in slightly unfamiliar territory as he has entered the groves of academe and returned to full-time education at 'Uni'. He's doing a three-year course in, well he's not entirely sure, but at the end he'll get a BA with the chance of a two-year MA add-on. The fact that he'll have warm, comfortable accommodation for the foreseeable future, a student loan to pay the rent and that he'll reach 65 by the time he's finished the course and therefore passed the age of paying back the fees has nothing to do with his decision to study. No, this is all to do with making up for lost time when his studies were cut short in his youth following expulsion from school. Of course, as with all students nowadays Ed will need to boost his loan by earning extra cash so he'll still be pestering his agent, Ping for writing opportunities and so it is as we renew our acquaintance with Ed, and trusty companion Elgar, that we find him reimagining a series of children's books and giving them a savvy post-modern twist for a 'cool hundred each' whilst trying to keep up with the other students and their love of coffee shop loyalty cards, seminar satisfaction surveys and certain daytime TV programmes. Max - Divian Ladwa Antonia - Sylvestra Le Touzel Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Ed Reardon is back, this time in unfamiliar territory as he's become a student at 'Uni'. Author Ed is in unfamiliar territory returning to full-time education at 'Uni'. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2016. [R4 BD=20180727 |
| 11 | 02 | All About Eve | 20161011 | 20161018 (BBC7) 20161019 (BBC7) 20190929 (BBC7) 20190930 (BBC7) 20240202 (BBC7) 20240203 (BBC7) | Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and downs of his University Week. Ed decides that the modern student seems to have a complete absence of healthy anti-authoritarian rage and determines to put this state of affairs right by contacting the student magazine. Current editor, Eve, is surprisingly pleased to see a fellow student, especially one offering to contribute, so hires Ed, who jumps at the £15 expenses per issue. So it is that Ed sets out to give Eve a taste of the hard boiled professional Fleet Street Life whilst stirring up the students. Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Frank - Martin Hyder Cliff - Geoff McGivern Eve - Maya Sondhi Ed tries to stir up some dissent when he becomes editor of the student magazine. Ed tries to stir up healthy anti-authoritarian rage as editor of the student magazine. [R4 BD=20180803 |
| 11 | 03 | Generation Why Bother | 20161018 | 20161025 (BBC7) 20161026 (BBC7) 20191006 (BBC7) 20191007 (BBC7) 20240209 (BBC7) 20240210 (BBC7) | Ed Reardon leads us through the ups and downs of his University Week. Escaping a 'Wealth Protection Day' being held at the university Ed, armed with a carrier bag, cushion and sleep mask, heads up to the Oval for a relaxing day at the cricket where he meets a surprisingly interesting accountant who informs him he may be owed money by the HMRC. His agent, Ping, has no intention of helping him pursue this though as she's far too busy flirting with the chap with a 'man-bun' in the office across the road. Antonia - Sylvestra Le Touzel Graeme - Dan Mersh Inspector - Dan Tetsell A chance meeting leads Ed to believe he may be owed a small fortune by the HMRC. A chance meeting leads Ed to believe he may be owed a small fortune by the HMRC. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2016. [R4 BD=20180810 |
| 11 | 04 | The Rectifier | 20161025 | 20161101 (BBC7) 20161102 (BBC7) 20191013 (BBC7) 20191014 (BBC7) 20240216 (BBC7) 20240217 (BBC7) | Ed realises that one of the pleasures of being at university is that he can use his time to write about whatever takes his fancy. So it is that he embarks upon a definitive piece of social history about the workhouse, inspired by his own great-grandfather who, as an inmate, suffered at the hand of the terrifying Beadle. It seems too that history might be repeating itself when Ed discovers that his grandson, Smile, is suffering certain terrors of his own as he may be being bullied at nursery. Ed Reardon..........Christopher Douglas Olive....................Stephanie Cole Pearl....................Brigit Forsyth Jaz Milvain.............Phillip Jackson Bow-Tie Man..........Geoff McGivern Ping..................... Barunka O'Shaughnessy Inspector...............Dan Tetsell Stan.....................Geoffrey Whitehead Ed embarks upon writing a social history and family memoir. Inspired by his great-grandfather, Ed embarks upon writing a serious social history book. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2016. Comedy. The curmudgeonly author takes listeners through his week. [R4 BD=20180817 |
| 11 | 05 | Poetry? No Thanks | 20161101 | 20161108 (BBC7) 20161109 (BBC7) 20191020 (BBC7) 20191021 (BBC7) 20240223 (BBC7) 20240224 (BBC7) | Ed becomes involved in the work of a committee when he agrees to get involved in the erection of a statue on university grounds to honour the plucky wartime songbird 'Beryl Bassett'. This means not only ploughing through hundreds of entries for a poetry competition to find a suitable ode to be read at the unveiling, but liaising with Beryl's son who has his eye on Antonia, a small gauge railway and a dubious family past. Bobby - Nicholas Farrell Max - Divian Ladwa Antonia - Sylvestra Le Touzel Ed becomes involved in honouring plucky wartime songbird 'Beryl Bassett'. Bobby - Nicholas FarrellMax - Divian Ladwa Ed joins a committee to help erect a statue honouring a plucky wartime songbird. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2016. Comedy. The curmudgeonly author takes listeners through his week. [R4 BD=20180824 |
| 11 | 06 | 20161108 (BBC7) 20161115 (BBC7) 20161116 (BBC7) | Comedy. The curmudgeonly author takes listeners through his week. | ||
| 11 | 06 LAST | The Fourth Sausage | 20161108 | 20161115 (BBC7) 20161116 (BBC7) 20191027 (BBC7) 20191028 (BBC7) 20240301 (BBC7) 20240302 (BBC7) | All is well in Ed's World. He has drafted his son, Jake, to do some cold calling to raise funds for the university coffers whilst he visits his agent to clear out some old boxes from her office. What he wasn't expecting this week is that one of his old projects 'Sir Jasper's Breakfast' could earn him a small fortune due to its popularity at Hen and Stag 'do's' or that Jake's success at fundraising, and subsequent 10% cut of those funds, would leave his university career in jeopardy. Written by Andrew Nickolds and Christopher Douglas.Antonia - Sylvestra Le Touzel Jake - Sam PamphillonFirst broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in November 2016. Could one of Ed's rediscovered films change his life? Ed enlists his son to do his university work while he makes a discovery in Ping's office. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2016. [R4 BD=20180831 |
| 12 | 01 | The Writer In The Van | 20171024 | 20171031 (BBC7) 20171101 (BBC7) 20200526 (BBC7) 20220826 (BBC7) 20220827 (BBC7) 20260315 (BBC7) 20220821| |  Ed Reardon is back, and after being sent down from University for misappropriation of funds he finds himself temporarily living in a hotel trying to write the first in a new series of novels about his eponymous hero, Inspector Masterson, for which he has high hopes. These are soon dashed by Ed's agent, Ping, who informs him he must write 'grip-lit' with a girl in the title who gets drunk, goes to bed with everyone and then gets chopped up. Ping also palms Ed and Jaz Milvain off with her new assistant, Maggie, a jam-making, sock knitting 'older' lady (who also designs draft excluders) whilst she goes 'oop North' to trawl the universities for the next generation of stand-ups. Whilst Jaz is furious with being 'tossed on the scrapheap' Ed decides to give Maggie a chance and is soon rewarded when she gets him a writing gig on 'Your Motorhome Magazine'. This turn of events not only furnishes him with a small but steady income, but also a new home with floral upholstery, carpet on the ceiling and the advantage of letting him and his companion , Elgar, celebrate the freedom of the open road. Receptionist - Nicola Sanderson Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Maggie - Monica Dolan Policeman - Dan Tetsell The regular cast this series are joined by guests Monica Dolan, Vicki Pepperdine, Don Gilet, Karl Theobald and Tyger Drew-Honey. A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in Octoberl 2017. Ed Reardon returns with a new idea for a novel and an exciting new home. A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in October 2017. The curmudgeonly author has a new idea for a novel and an exciting new home. Starring Christopher Douglas. From 2017. Episode 1 : The Writer In The Van Ed Reardon is back, and after being sent down from University for misappropriation of funds he finds himself temporarily living in a hotel trying to write the first in a new series of novels about his eponymous hero, Inspector Masterson, for which he has high hopes. These are soon dashed by Ed's agent, Ping, who informs him he must write 'grip-lit' with a girl in the title who gets drunk, goes to bed with everyone and then gets chopped up. Ping also palms Ed and Jaz Milvain off with her new assistant, Maggie, a jam-making, sock knitting 'older' lady (who also designs draft excluders) whilst she goes 'oop North' to trawl the universities for the next generation of stand-ups. Whilst Jaz is furious with being 'tossed on the scrapheap' Ed decides to give Maggie a chance and is soon rewarded when she gets him a writing gig on 'Your Motorhome Magazine'. This turn of events not only furnishes him with a small but steady income, but also a new home with floral upholstery, carpet on the ceiling and the advantage of letting him and his companion , Elgar, celebrate the freedom of the open road Produced by Dawn Ellis |
| 12 | 01 | The Writer In The Van | 20171031 | Ed Reardon is back, and after being sent down from University for misappropriation of funds he finds himself temporarily living in a hotel trying to write the first in a new series of novels about his eponymous hero, Inspector Masterson, for which he has high hopes. These are soon dashed by Ed's agent, Ping, who informs him he must write 'grip-lit' with a girl in the title who gets drunk, goes to bed with everyone and then gets chopped up. Ping also palms Ed and Jaz Milvain off with her new assistant, Maggie, a jam-making, sock knitting 'older' lady (who also designs draft excluders) whilst she goes 'oop North' to trawl the universities for the next generation of stand-ups. Whilst Jaz is furious with being 'tossed on the scrapheap' Ed decides to give Maggie a chance and is soon rewarded when she gets him a writing gig on 'Your Motorhome Magazine'. This turn of events not only furnishes him with a small but steady income, but also a new home with floral upholstery, carpet on the ceiling and the advantage of letting him and his companion , Elgar, celebrate the freedom of the open road. Receptionist - Nicola Sanderson Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Maggie - Monica Dolan Policeman - Dan Tetsell The regular cast this series are joined by guests Monica Dolan, Vicki Pepperdine, Don Gilet, Karl Theobald and Tyger Drew-Honey. A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in Octoberl 2017. Ed Reardon returns with a new idea for a novel and an exciting new home. | |
| 12 | 02 | Diabetes Day | 20171031 | 20171107 (BBC7) 20171108 (BBC7) 20200602 (BBC7) 20220902 (BBC7) 20220903 (BBC7) 20260322 (BBC7) 20220828| | As the new columnist for 'Your Motorhome' magazine, Ed is enjoying a comfortable life on the open road searching out top tips for mobile homeowners. He's finding inspiration at every turn and, in particular, at car parks - namely the hospital car park where he has to attend his diabetes clinic, and subsequently the swimming pool car park to resume a swim regime when challenged about his health by the hospital. Will his tip of letting down one's tyres to get under car park height barriers prove a hit with the readers? Receptionist - Nicola Sanderson Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Maggie - Monica Dolan Policeman - Dan Tetsell A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in October 2017. It's time for Ed's annual health check. It is time for Ed's annual health check. Ed's annual health check sparks some inspiration for his ‘Your Motorhome' column. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2017. Episode 2: Diabetes Day As the new columnist for 'Your Motorhome' magazine, Ed is enjoying a comfortable life on the open road searching out top tips for mobile homeowners. He's finding inspiration at every turn and, in particular, at car parks - namely the hospital car park where he has to attend his diabetes clinic, and subsequently the swimming pool car park to resume a swim regime when challenged about his health by the hospital. Will his tip of letting down one's tyres to get under car park height barriers prove a hit with the readers? Produced by Dawn Ellis |
| 12 | 03 | The Legacy | 20171107 | 20171114 (BBC7) 20171115 (BBC7) 20200609 (BBC7) 20260329 (BBC7) 20220904| |  It came as no great surprise to Ed that when his father, Sidney, died, he made sure that no one got a mention in his will by not leaving one. Ed's son Jake, never one to miss an opportunity to make some money, introduces Ed to his old school friend Dozzer who it transpires is a qualified heir hunter who has discovered that the late Sidney Reardon had a property which Ed could inherit. All he needs to do is proves his identity and keep his children away from it. Eli - Lisa Coleman Jake - Sam Pamphillon Dozzer - Don Gilet Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in November 2017. Ed may be in line for an inheritance, as long as he can prove who he is. Ed's son Jake is never one to miss an opportunity to make some money. So he introduces Ed to his old school friend Dozzer who's a qualified heir hunter. He's discovered that the late Sidney Reardon had a property which Ed could inherit. All Ed needs to do is proves his identity and keep his children away from it. Ed must prove who he is, in order to claim a possible inheritance. Ed may be in line for an inheritance, as long as he can prove who he is. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2017. Episode 3: The Legacy It came as no great surprise to Ed that when his father, Sidney, died he made sure that no one got a mention in his will by not leaving one. Ed's son Jake, never one to miss an opportunity to make some money, introduces Ed to his old school friend Dozzer who it transpires is a qualified heir hunter who has discovered that the late Sidney Reardon had a property which Ed could inherit. All he needs to do is proves his identity and keep his children away from it. Produced by Dawn Ellis It was a BBC Studios Production. |
| 12 | 04 | An Enemy Of The People | 20171114 | 20171121 (BBC7) 20171122 (BBC7) 20200616 (BBC7) 20220916 (BBC7) 20220917 (BBC7) | Following an encounter with Jack, the refuse collector at the recycling centre, Ed is persuaded to enter the world of local politics. Jack holds Ed as a bit of a hero after reading his comments on various ballot papers when assisting with the local count at several elections and decides that Ed would make the perfect local councillor. Ed takes very little persuading when he discovers the emoluments he can expect and begins his campaign with the help of his new agent, Maggie. Maggie - Monica Dolan Nikki - Vicki Pepperdine Jack - Karl Theobald A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in November 2017. Ed makes a foray into local politics. Episode 4: An Enemy of the People Following an encounter with Jack, the refuse collector at the recycling centre, Ed is persuaded to enter the world of local politics. Jack holds Ed as a bit of a hero after reading his comments on various ballot papers when assisting with the local count at several elections and decides that Ed would make the perfect local councillor. Ed takes very little persuading when he discovers the emoluments he can expect and begins his campaign with the help of his new agent, Maggie. Produced by Dawn Ellis It was a BBC Studios Production. [R4 BD=20220911 |
| 12 | 05 | How Did I Do? | 20171121 | 20171128 (BBC7) 20171129 (BBC7) 20200623 (BBC7) 20220923 (BBC7) 20260405 (BBC7) | Whilst trying to track down his delivery of cat food Ed discovers a whole new world of employment opportunities when he meets Dominic, a 'PTP', or 'Paid to Populate', who is working on a development site. They quickly join forces to start a new delivery company and Ed is introduced to a new climate where freebies are distributed in lieu of salaries and continuing employment lies in the fate of the Customer Satisfaction survey. Maggie - Monica Dolan Dominic - Tyger Drew-Honey Frank - Simon Greenall Man - Simon Greenall Jaz - Philip Jackson Cliff - Geoffrey Whitehead Himself - Petroc Trelawny A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in November 2017. Ed discovers a whole new world of self-satisfaction surveys. Whilst tracking his cat food delivery, Ed unearths a world of self-satisfaction surveys. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2017. Episode 5: How Did I Do? Whilst trying to track down his delivery of cat food Ed discovers a whole new world of employment opportunities when he meets Dominic, a 'PTP', or 'Paid to Populate' who is working on a development site. They quickly join forces to start a new delivery company and Ed is introduced to a new climate where freebies are distributed in lieu of salaries and continuing employment lies in the fate of the Customer Satisfaction survey. Produced by Dawn Ellis It was a BBC Studios Production. |
| 12 | 06 | A Different Direction | 20171128 (BBC7) | Ed resolves to take the step of introducing Maggie to his children. Episode 6: A Different Direction All is going well for Ed. He has a regular income from his column in 'Your Motorhome' magazine which has the added bonus of also providing him with comfortable accommodation, and he is more than happy with his new agent, Maggie. Determined to make the best of this seismic shift in his circumstances Ed resolves to put his relationship with Maggie her on a more permanent footing by introducing her to his children. Produced by Dawn Ellis It was a BBC Studios Production. | |
| 12 | 06 LAST | A Different Direction | 20171128 | 20171205 (BBC7) 20171206 (BBC7) 20200630 (BBC7) 20220930 (BBC7) 20221001 (BBC7) 20260412 (BBC7) 20220925| | All is going well for Ed. He has a regular income from his column in 'Your Motorhome' magazine which has the added bonus of also providing him with comfortable accommodation, and he is more than happy with his new agent, Maggie. Determined to make the best of this seismic shift in his circumstances Ed resolves to put his relationship with Maggie her on a more permanent footing by introducing her to his children. Eli - Lisa Coleman Maggie - Monica Dolan Jaz - Philip Jackson Jake - Sam Pamphillon A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in November 2017. Ed resolves to take the step of introducing Maggie to his children. Ed resolves to take the more committed step of introducing Maggie to his children. Stars Christopher Douglas. From 2017. Determined to make the best of this seismic shift in his circumstances, Ed resolves to put his relationship with Maggie on a more permanent footing by introducing her to his children. Pearl - Brigit Forsyth Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Ed resolves to introduce Maggie to his children. |
| 12 | 07 | How Did I Do? | 20220918 | Whilst trying to track down his delivery of cat food Ed discovers a whole new world of employment opportunities when he meets Dominic, a 'PTP', or 'Paid to Populate' who is working on a development site. They quickly join forces to start a new delivery company and Ed is introduced to a new climate where freebies are distributed in lieu of salaries and continuing employment lies in the fate of the Customer Satisfaction survey. Maggie - Monica Dolan Dominic - Tyger Drew-Honey Frank - Simon Greenall Man - Simon Greenall Jaz - Philip Jackson Cliff - Geoffrey Whitehead Himself - Petroc Trelawny A BBC Studios production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in November 2017. Ed discovers a whole new world of self-satisfaction surveys. | |
| 13 | 01 | The Wooden Spoon | 20190430 | 20190507 (BBC7) | Comedy series written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds. In the first episode of this new series, Ed and Elgar return to London (from their failed jaunt living in a shepherd's hut in the country) destitute and on the lookout for a new roof over their respective heads. Could a carrier bag filled with wooden spoons be the answer to their problems? Pearl - Brigit Forsyth Maggie - Pippa Haywood Jaz - Philip Jackson Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Elgar..... Colin the cat With Sarah Ovens, Dan Tetsell and Ellen Thomas Producer Simon Nicholls A BBC Studios Production Ed Reardon returns to lead us through his week, as he keeps mind, soul and cat together. |
| 13 | 02 | The Ed Talk | 20190507 | 20190514 (BBC7) | Comedy series written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds. In episode two, Ed bumps into Geoff Daytona - a rich successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker Ed was at school with. Geoff commissions Ed with writing his self-help book The Geoff Daytona Method. Surely this latest enterprise will pay the big bucks - keeping Ed in Cab Sav and Elgar in pilchards? Pearl - Brigit Forsyth Geoff Daytona - Colin McFarlane Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Elgar..... Colin the cat With Sarah Ovens. Producer Simon Nicholls A BBC Studios Production Ed Reardon returns to lead us through his week, as he keeps mind, soul and cat together. |
| 13 | 03 | Bezzies | 20190514 | 20190521 (BBC7) | Comedy series written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds. In episode three, Ed collides with the world of reality television. Could Ed's expert carpentry skills lead to him being the next reality star? Starring: Christopher Douglas with: Stephanie Cole, Lisa Coleman, Brigit Forsyth, Meera Syal, Colin Nicholls, Barunka O'Shaughnessy, Sarah Ovens and Geoffrey Whitehead. Producer Simon Nicholls A BBC Studios Production Ed Reardon returns to lead us through his week, as he keeps mind, soul and cat together. |
| 13 | 04 | Planned Parenthood | 20190521 | 20190528 (BBC7) | Comedy series written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds. In episode four, Ed gets a surprising offer of work in New-Mum lit' - writing a series of modern parenting baby books. Starring: Christopher Douglas with: Stephanie Cole, Brigit Forsyth, Barunka O'Shaughnessy, Pippa Haywood, Sam Pamphilon,, Colin Nicholls and Geoffrey Whitehead. Producer Simon Nicholls A BBC Studios Production Ed Reardon returns to lead us through his week, as he keeps mind, soul and cat together. |
| 13 | 05 | Punk Rock Vampires | 20190528 | 20190604 (BBC7) | Comedy series written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds. In episode five, a British horror film that Ed wrote in the 1970s - called 'Punk Rock Vampires' - comes back to haunt Ed, presenting the opportunity to make a few quid. Starring: Christopher Douglas with: Stephanie Cole, Brigit Forsyth, Barunka O'Shaughnessy, Dan Tetsell, Colin Nicholls and Geoffrey Whitehead. Producer Simon Nicholls A BBC Studios Production Ed Reardon returns to lead us through his week, as he keeps mind, soul and cat together. |
| 13 | 06 LAST | The Bed Blocker | 20190604 | 20190611 (BBC7) | Ed Reardon returns to lead us through his week, as he keeps mind, soul and cat together. |
| 14 | 01 | Prosecco O'clock | 20210608 | 20210615 (BBC7) 20210616 (BBC7) | Episode 1: Prosecco o'Clock Author of several plays, television dramas, works of non-fiction, letters to the BBC about the pitiful decline in standards of literature and grammar, and master of the abusive email – Ed Reardon is back. In these globally ‘unprecedented times' Ed is enjoying unprecedented times himself as he has become financially independent and is living in a superb, stylish capsule urban living unit. This new lifestyle comes courtesy of the conversion of no longer required office space to flats made affordable by the timely arrival of his state pension. For the first time in twenty years, he can afford to eat three meals a day and has the luxury of not having to do anything he doesn't want to, so can settle down to a long-cherished project – his memoirs. That is if Jenna, the previous occupant of the urban unit when it was office space, would stop visiting his fire escape because she misses the gossip and bantz she no longer gets when working from home. But old habits die hard for Ed and he is soon distracted not only by the joys of Prosecco o'clock , but also the temptation of the flip-flops lying tantalisingly outside the discount shop in town. The regular cast this series are joined by guests Maggie Steed, Kathryn Drysdale, Mina Anwar and Phaldut Sharma. Cast list ep 1: Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Pearl - Brigit Forsyth Jenna - Mina Anwar Instructor - Nicola Sanderson Assistant - Tom Price Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator: Cherlynn Andrew-Wilfred Sound Recordist and Editor: David Thomas A BBC Studios Production first broadcast in 2021 Ed Reardon, master of the abusive email, returns with a new income and a new home. In these globally unprecedented times' Ed is enjoying unprecedented times himself as he has become financially independent and is living in a superb, stylish capsule urban living unit. This new lifestyle comes curtesy of the conversion of no longer required office space to flats made affordable by the timely arrival of his state pension. Ed Reardon...........Christopher Douglas Ping........................Barunka O'Shaughnessy Olive.......................Stephanie Cole |
| 14 | 02 | You're Cancelled | 20210615 | 20210622 (BBC7) 20210623 (BBC7) | Episode 2: You're Cancelled When he is cancelled by his podcast platforms. Ed's son Jake tries to enlist his fathers' help, egged on by Ed's writing class who insist he and Jake could be like ‘those two Whitehall fellas'. Ed however is distracted when an unexpected meeting leads to the renewal of his acquaintance with his ex-partner, Maggie, who is now on probation for yarn bombing the Town Hall on election night. Cast list ep 2 Jake - Sam Pamphillon Maggie - .Pippa Haywood Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Pearl - Brigit Forsyth Bus Driver - .Simon Greenall Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator: Cherlynn Andrew-Wilfred Sound Recordist and Editor: David Thomas A BBC Studios Production first broadcast in 2021 Ed unexpectedly renews his acquaintance with his ex-partner, Maggie. Ed Reardon...........Christopher Douglas Ping........................Barunka O'Shaughnessy Olive.......................Stephanie Cole |
| 14 | 03 | The Jethro Tree | 20210622 | 20210629 (BBC7) 20210630 (BBC7) | Episode 3: The Jethro Tree Ed revisits an old haunt when his daughter, Eli, asks him to join her and her fellow protestors at The Blackstone Oak, an ancient tree threatened by the HS2 network. Things take a complicated twist when Jaz turns up to shoot a promotional film for the development, Ed is approached to be the face of the film, and the lead protestor turns out not to be who she says she is. Cast list ep 3 Ed Reardon...........Christopher Douglas Eli...........................Lisa Coleman Ping........................Barunka O'Shaughnessy Spike......................Kathryn Drysdale Jaz Milvain.............Philip Jackson Frank.....................Simon Greenall Geoff/Cliff .............Dan Tetsell Bernice....................Nicola Sanderson Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator: Cherlynn Andrew-Wilfred Sound Recordist and Editor: David Thomas A BBC Studios Production Ed joins his daughter, Eli, to save a famous Oak tree. A BBC Studios Production first broadcast in 2021 |
| 14 | 04 | Battleaxe | 20210629 | 20210706 (BBC7) 20210707 (BBC7) | Episode 4: Battleaxe Ed is introduced to Ping's granny, Lady Ruddington, who has recently made her maiden speech in the House of Lords highlighting the plight of the mole. Ping is convinced that her granny has great British Battleaxe potential so enlists Ed's skills to produce Lady R's memoirs. Thus, Ed is handed a plastic carrier bag containing granny's thoughts and observations, and all he needs to do is pull it all together. Cast list ep 4 Ed Reardon...........Christopher Douglas Ping........................Barunka O'Shaughnessy Maggie...................Pippa Haywood Granny...................Maggie Steed Olive.......................Stephanie Cole Pearl.......................Brigit Forsyth Stan........................Geoffrey Whitehead Newsreader/TV host....Nicola Sanderson Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator: Cherlynn Andrew-Wilfred Sound Recordist and Editor: David Thomas A BBC Studios Production Ed is enlisted to write the memoirs of Ping's granny A BBC Studios Production first broadcast in 2021 |
| 14 | 05 | Elgar's Nose | 20210706 | 20210713 (BBC7) 20210714 (BBC7) | Episode 5: Elgar's Nose Thanks to his weekly pension, Ed is enjoying all manner of new things like organic food box deliveries, the pleasure of ticking yes to the question ‘Do you Have a TV licence?' with a clear conscience and a brand-new car. Elgar, Ed's trusty feline companion, is also enjoying this new lifestyle, apart from a sneeze that he just cannot shake. A trip to the Vet is in order. Cast list ep 5 Maggie - .Pippa Haywood Salesman - .Phaldut Sharma Pearl - Brigit Forsyth Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Vet - .Nicola Sanderson Piers - Simon Greenall Petroc Trelawny - .Himself Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator: Cherlynn Andrew-Wilfred Sound Recordist and Editor: David Thomas A BBC Studios Production first broadcast in 2021 Elgar, Ed's trusty feline companion, develops a nasty sneeze. Thanks to his weekly pension, Ed is enjoying all manor of new things like organic food box deliveries, the pleasure of ticking yes to the question Do you Have a TV licence?' with a clear conscience and a brand-new car. Elgar, Ed's trusty feline companion, is also enjoying this new lifestyle, apart from a sneeze that he just cannot shake. A trip to the Vet is in order. Ed Reardon...........Christopher Douglas Ping........................Barunka O'Shaughnessy Olive.......................Stephanie Cole |
| 14 | 06 LAST | Platinum Writer | 20210713 | 20210720 (BBC7) 20210721 (BBC7) | Episode 6: Platinum Writer Ed is once more in financial crisis following Elgar's huge vets bill. Gone is the fancy new car, the trips out, and the fodder box. Staying home isn't so much a rule now as a necessity driven by lack of funds, and live streaming is the new Theatre. But there is light on the horizon when Ed is offered the chance to write the script for a new movie by Jaz Milvain. Maggie has also secured Ed a job writing biographies for ordinary people' which pays well, includes a free car and earns Ed the plaudit of Platinum Writer'. The problem is, Ed can only choose one job - which is it to be? Cast list ep 6 Ed Reardo Ed Reardon...........Christopher Douglas Ping........................Barunka O'Shaughnessy Jaz..........................Philp Jackson Maggie...................Pippa Haywood Eli.............................Lisa Coleman Jake.........................Sam Pamphillon Olive.......................Stephanie Cole Pearl.......................Brigit Forsyth Stan........................Geoffrey Whitehead Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator: Cherlynn Andrew-Wilfred Sound Recordist and Editor: David Thomas A BBC Studios Production Ed has to choose between a project with Jaz Milvain or Maggie. A BBC Studios Production first broadcast in 2021 |
| 15 | 01 | The Storyteller | 20230713 | 20240715 (R4) | Author of several plays, television dramas, works of non-fiction, letters to the BBC about the pitiful decline in standards of literature and grammar, and master of the abusive email – Ed Reardon is back. Ed is still living in his superb, stylish capsule urban living unit (i.e., small office conversion), and conducting his part-time relationship with Maggie. However, the means to finance a decent living as always eludes him. His agent, Ping, is not forthcoming with any major offers of work but his nemesis and best friend, Jaz, is keen for Ed to ghost-write his new memoir, ‘I, Jaz'. Ed would rather focus on trying to secure a spot on local radio and is busy ‘self-taping' his audition piece berating the art of ‘Storytelling', which proves a little difficult as his daughter, Eli, has decided she is going to pursue a new career as a ‘Storyteller' and asks Ed to support her. And with Pearl having gone to join the silver workforce as a store detective, Ed has a new student in his University of the 3rd Age writing class which allows him the opportunity to introduce a superior command of the narrative art to a new audience in the form of his classic ‘Tenko' episode. The series is dedicated to Andrew Nickolds, who sadly passed away mid-way through writing the series. The regular cast this series are joined by Ellen Thomas and Sally Grace along with guests Robert Powell, Helen Monks, Rachel Atkins and Joe Thomas. Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Eli - Lisa Coleman Olive - Sally Grace Winnie - Ellen Thomas Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator Katie Baum Sound Jon Calver Ed Reardon, curmudgeonly author bar none, returns for a new series. Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Ed Reardon returns to lead us through the ups and downs of his week and finds himself having to support his daughter in her new career as a ‘Storyteller'. This programme was first broadcast in July 2023. |
| 15 | 02 | Pallet Wood Inspirations | 20230720 | 20240722 (R4) | It's been six weeks since the loss of Elgar and Maggie decides that Ed needs to re-engage with the world. Whilst he declines her offer to attend a weekend of ‘yarning and darning' at a festival in Hebden Bridge, his interest is piqued when Maggie introduces him to the delights of old pallets. Thus, he decides to dust off his woodworking skills and enters the growing world of making with pallet wood. Ping might have even found a writing opportunity related to Ed's new interest but he wonders if this could be the start of a whole new career. Maggie - Pippa Haywood Olive - Sally Grace Winnie - Ellen Thomas Shop Assistant/WPC - Rachel Atkins Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator - Katie Baum Sound - Jon Calver Maggie introduces Ed to the world of pallet wood. Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Maggie decides that Ed needs to re-engage with the world and introduces him to the world of pallet wood. This programme was first broadcast in July 2023. |
| 15 | 03 | The Bromance | 20230727 | 20240729 (R4) | Ed's ‘Soapbox Corner' is now entering its third successful week with a gratifying nine complaints thus far. Garnering inspiration for these weekly observations can often be had at the local swimming pool, which also has the benefit of cost-efficient radiators on which to dry one's washing. Thus, Ed heads to the pool where he soon strikes up a friendship with a likeminded chap in the form of Derek, who is not only a big fan of Ed's work, but a keen writer. With a warning from Ping ringing in his ears, Ed decides it's time to collaborate, something he hasn't done since the early 80‘s. Derek - Robert Powell Jake - Sam Pamphilon Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Olive - Sally Grace Winnie - Ellen Thomas Pool Tannoy - Nicola Sanderson Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator - Katie Baum Sound - Jon Calver This programme was first broadcast in July 2023. Ed strikes up a friendship with a like-minded chap called Derek. When Ed meets a like-minded chap called Derek at the local pool a writing collaboration could be on the cards. |
| 15 | 04 | Ed In Paris | 20230803 | 20240805 (R4) | Ed's friend, and nemesis, Jaz Milvane is to be offered a peerage and is hoping he can use the title ‘Jaz Milvain of Tinsletown'. Ed meanwhile is thrilled when a French publisher asks for the rights to his seminal first work of fiction ‘Who Would Fardels Bear', and invites him to Paris to discuss the novel on the publisher's Youtube channel. Finally, he can be recognised as the true giant of the socialist realist movement he is, without the taint of Jaz's awful film adaption ‘Sister Mom'. There is also the added advantage of affording him the opportunity to take Maggie on a romantic ‘Citybreak'. Jaz Milvane - Phillip Jackson Maggie - Pippa Haywood Olive - Sally Grace Winnie - Ellen Thomas Radio Presenter - Nicola Sanderson Claude - Rachel Atkins Written by Christopher Douglas Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator - Katie Baum Sound - Jon Calver Ed heads to Paris, where his seminal novel is to be republished. Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead This programme was first broadcast in August 2023. Ed is invited to Paris to discuss his seminal first novel and takes Maggie along to enjoy a ‘Citybreak'. |
| 15 | 05 | Ed Reardon Is On Fire! | 20230810 | 20240812 (R4) | It's been sixteen weeks and four days now since the death of Elgar and Ed is in need of a distraction. His son, Jake, suggests Ed should re-start his quiz nights online for £10 an entry which is not an unappealing thought. He's also got a new commission from Ping to write for a new quiz format ‘Fess Your Chew – all the snacks and sweets you loved from the noughties'. However, Ed has another, more pressing, distraction when Jake introduces his new girlfriend, Quizzy, who bears an uncanny resemblance to one of Ed's lost loves from 1998. Olive - Sally Grace Winnie - Ellen Thomas Eli - Lisa Coleman Jake - Sam Pamphillon Quizzy - Helen Monks Firefighter - Rachel Atkins Written by Christopher Douglas Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator - Katie Baum Sound - Jon Calver Ed decides to run an online quiz. Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead This programme was first broadcast in August 2023. Ed decides to run an online quiz but is somewhat distracted by Jake's new girlfriend. |
| 15 | 06 LAST | 6. The Mousetrap | 20230817 | 20230824 (BBC7) | Ed's prospects are looking rather good as he takes advantage of a new blind recruiting initiative' to apply for a post at an independent production company. He secures the role of Assistant Deputy Acting Head of Development for Made Content' which comes with a regular income, free sleep coaching and £250 worth of ski-lift vouchers. Not only that, but it appears he doesn't have to do very much work. The only problem he has to deal with now is a mouse problem since Queenie, the cat downstairs, seems to have departed this life at the same time as Elgar. Jaz - Philip Jackson Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead Olive - Sally Grace Winnie - Ellen Thomas Simon - Joe Thomas HRH/Sheila - Nicola Sanderson Shop Assistant - Helen Monks Kebab Woman - Sally Grace Written by Christopher Douglas Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator - Katie Baum Sound - Jon Calver Ed secures a role with an independent production company. |
| 15 | 06 LAST | The Mousetrap | 20230817 | Ed's prospects are looking rather good as he takes advantage of a new ‘blind recruiting initiative' to apply for a post at an independent production company. He secures the role of ‘Assistant Deputy Acting Head of Development for Made Content' which comes with a regular income, free sleep coaching and £250 worth of ski-lift vouchers. Not only that, but it appears he doesn't have to do very much work. The only problem he has to deal with now is a mouse problem since Queenie, the cat downstairs, seems to have departed this life at the same time as Elgar. Jaz - Philip Jackson Olive - Sally Grace Winnie - Ellen Thomas Simon - Joe Thomas HRH/Sheila - Nicola Sanderson Shop Assistant - Helen Monks Kebab Woman - Sally Grace Written by Christopher Douglas Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator - Katie Baum Sound - Jon Calver Ed secures a role with an independent production company. Stan - Geoffrey Whitehead This programme was first broadcast in August 2023. Ed manages to secure a role at an independent production company, complete with regular income. | |
| 16 | 01 | A Crumbling Edifice | 20250630 | Ed is still mourning his beloved companion Elgar. Whilst being bombarded with mail from retirement homes. This week, his quest continues to try to find a new source of income to replace the one he's lost from his writing class, whose third age students' property wealth has become so vast they've all relocated to Dubai. Never one to be defeated, Ed applies for an ostler's job at The Countrywoman magazine and clears his storage cupboard to illegally sub-let it as an ‘opportunity for boutique capsule living'. He may be lucky and get a human being to live there – or maybe an actor. Ed Reardon, failed writer, master of the diatribe and a man with a never-ending capacity to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory hits the milestone of his 20th anniversary on Radio 4. First broadcast in 2005 Ed Reardon continues to be a social commentator of considerable comic depth and the show attracts some of the UK's finest actors with the roll call since its start including Jenny Agutter, Jonathan Bailey, Raquel Cassidy, Stephanie Cole, Monica Dolan, John Fortune, Sally Hawkins, Don Gilet and Maggie Steed. In series 16 the alumni are joined by Adrian Scarborough, Robert Powell, Stephen Mangan and Joe Thomas. Eli - Lisa Coleman Christos/Uncle Beastly - Simon Greenall Shelia/Francesca - Nicola Sanderson Ross - Dan Tetsell Simon - Joe Thomas Written by Christopher Douglas Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator : Katie Baum Sound : Jon Calver & Alison McKenzie Another defeat from the jaws of victory. Ed Reardon takes drastic measures to earn a living as he clears a lifetime's work from his cupboard and puts it on his RAAC-built balcony... | |
| 16 | 02 | A Pigeon In Sainsbury's | 20250707 | Ed rediscovers an old radio play, becomes involved in a battle re-enactment society and faces the very serious decision of finding a name for his new life partner - the offspring of Elgar. He also bumps into his on/off romantic partner Maggie, in a supermarket, which somehow leads him to become embroiled in a battle re-enactment group. But the most pressing thing for Ed this week is finding an outlet for his long-forgotten radio play ‘A Pigeon in Sainsbury's' which would easily (in his opinion) adapt for Radio or TV. Ping is not so convinced, even if it does have Stephen Mangan's name attached. Eli - Lisa Coleman Maggie - Pippa Haywood The Pigeon - Stephen Mangan Nick - Adrian Scarborough Michael Berkeley - Himself Written by Christopher Douglas Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-Ordinator : Katie Baum Sound: Jon Calver & Alison McKenzie The serious decision of naming a cat. Ed rediscovers an old radio play and becomes involved in a battle re-enactment society. Ed faces the very serious decision of finding a name for his new life partner - the offspring of Elgar. He also bumps into his on/off romantic partner Maggie, in a supermarket, which somehow leads him to become embroiled in a battle re-enactment group. But the most pressing thing for Ed this week is finding an outlet for his long-forgotten radio play ‘A Pigeon in Sainsbury's' which would easily (in his opinion) adapt for Radio or TV. Ping is not so convinced, even if it does have Stephen Mangan's name attached. A new outlet for an old radio play. | |
| 16 | 03 | 'gen Ed' | 20250714 | Ed throws himself into his new role as Theatre Critic for ‘The Countrywoman'. He assures his readers that he won't hold back in the critique of what he sees as “the wayward vowel epidemic of recent times ?. So it is that he finds himself grappling with the vagaries of Gen Z (or is that Gen Y or Gen Alpha?), and his new role lands him in a quandary between ambition and truth when he has to review a truly awful opera production directed by a dear old friend who was once described as ‘the most beautiful man in the world'. Eli - Lisa Coleman Willow - Eve Ponsonby Sir Peter - Robert Powell Fifi - Nicola Sanderson Simon - Joe Thomas Written by Christopher Douglas Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum Sound: Jon Calver & Alison McKenzie A reunion with an old friend. Ed finds himself grappling with the vagaries of Gen Z. Or is that Gen Y, or Gen Alpha? | |
| 16 | 04 | Artificial Asininity | 20250721 | Ed's son Jake introduces him to the world of artificial intelligence, but Ed wants absolutely nothing to do with it, insisting that if left unchecked it will destroy civilization. Meanwhile, Jaz has signed Ed up to write a bottle episode of the new show he's working on about two chalk-and-cheese cops who ‘do things their own way'. Against his better judgement Ed accepts the job and in the process finds himself face to face with an old acquaintance - and her tortoise. Maggie - Pippa Haywood Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Jake - Sam Pamphilon Clare - Clare Perkins Written by Christopher Douglas Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum Sound: Jon Calver & Alison McKenzie A new job, an old acquaintance and a tortoise. Ed rages against the world of artificial intelligence when he takes on a show with Jaz Milvain. | |
| 16 | 05 | For The Sake Of The Planet | 20250728 | Commissions are so thin on the ground that the only thing on offer to Ed is the role of ‘Writer in Residence' at a nuclear power station, and they're looking for a national treasure, which Ed assures his agent he is. After all, his episode of Tenko was watched by 12 million people. So it is that Ed convinces the nuclear people to give him them the job with a little help from Ping who insists he's not a ‘wokeflake' (sic.) Unfortunately, Maggie is on the other side of the fence protesting. Maggie - Pippa Haywood Devashree - Aasiya Shah Kayleigh/Newsreader - Nicola Sanderson Danny - Tom Stourton Written by Christopher Douglas Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum Sound: Jon Calver & Alison McKenzie Commissions are thin on the ground Ed is offered a role as ‘Writer in Residence' - but is he on the wrong side of the fence? | |
| 16 | 06 LAST | Blocked! | 20250804 | Ed has finally decided that enough is enough and has decided to stop writing. For good. Unless Zadie Smith can convince him otherwise. Series 16 not only marks 20 years of Ed Reardon broadcasting on Radio 4, but this final episode in the series is the 100th episode. Ed still manages to fail at reaching the heady heights of successful, rich author, but he still succeeds in scraping by with various schemes and writing projects. Eli - Lisa Coleman Maggie - Pippa Haywood Jaz Milvain - Philip Jackson Kate - Robin Weaver Petroc Trelawny as himself Written by Christopher Douglas Produced by Dawn Ellis Production Co-ordinator: Katie Baum Sound: Jon Calver & Alison McKenzie Has Ed stopped writing for good? It's the 100th episode and could it be that Ed has stopped writing for good? |
Ed is happily ensconced in Berkhamsted's premier accommodation for the financially distressed.
Ed applies for help from a hardship fund, and acquires an enthusiastic new student.
Ed, surprisingly, has had a brilliant idea for a book and, even more surprisingly, Ping agrees.
Ed finds himself a surprise hit on a brand new Radio 4 'topical quiz with a tasty twist'.
Episode 5: A Bottle of Ulterio Motivo
He still hasn't any work, but Ed is finally able to able Ping's exhortations to 'have a great weekend'.
The unexpected consequence of this research is that Ed finds himself working in harmony with the 12-year-olds both on screen and in the coffee stations and tea points of power, to produce a piece of genuinely water-cooler factutainment.
Jaz Milvain asks Ed to curate a moving tribute to him and his work in film for the 'surprise' party that he's organising for his 60th birthday. Whilst Ed relishes the idea of a comedy 'roast' Jaz is looking for something more akin to a light saut退.
Ed decides to 'Make a Difference' to impress Fiona and as a consequence finds himself becoming 'a voice for the people' when he joins a group trying to change the railways.
Ed joins the modern gaming fraternity when he meets Graham Pearson - the man who gave the world 'Rosicrucian Armageddon' - and is hired to add some authentic 'oldenspeak' to its sequel - 'Rosicrucian Armageddon 2'.
With the Olympics looming Stan spies a golden opportunity - renting out Ed's flat for the duration of the games at the princely sum of £3,000 a week.