Episodes
| Series | Episode | Title | First Broadcast | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 01 | Mr Know-all | 20170710 | Max Kelada claims to know everything, but will a string of pearls prove his undoing? A bet is placed to see if he knows their real value. But he is not a man who is easily fooled. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour..... What we plan to broadcast over the next year are twenty five of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Eileen Horne Read by Daniel Weyman Produced by Clive Brill. |
| 01 | 02 | Neil Macadam | 20170711 | Macadam works in the museum at Kuala Solor and despite his best intentions attracts the earnest attentions of the curator's Russian wife. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour..... What we plan to broadcast over the next year are twenty five of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Read by Lucy Robinson Abridged by Elaine Bedell Produced by Clive Brill Macadam works in the museum and attracts the attentions of the curator's Russian wife. |
| 01 | 03 | Colonel's Lady | 20170712 | Peregrine's wife has published some poetry. She suddenly becomes a celebrity and all at once he realises he knows nothing about her. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour..... What we plan to broadcast over the next year are twenty five of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Read by Daniel Weyman Abridged by Elaine Bedell Produced by Clive Brill Peregrine's wife has published some poetry. She suddenly becomes a celebrity. |
| 01 | 04 | The Verger | 20170713 | The Verger of St Peter's has never learned to read or write. It has come to the attention off the authorities. Can he possibly stay on as verger with such a lack? Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour..... What we plan to broadcast over the next year are twenty five of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Read by Daniel Weyman Abridged by Eileen Horne Produced by Clive Brill The Verger of St Peter's has never learned to read or write. Can he possibly stay on? |
| 01 | 05 LAST | Before The Party | 20170714 | A year after Harold's death, his grieving family discover the shocking truth about the way he came to die. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour..... What we plan to broadcast over the next year are twenty five of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Read by Lucy Robinson Abridged by Elaine Bedell Produced by Clive Brill Harold's grieving family discover the shocking truth about the way he came to die. |
| 02 | 01 | A Marriage Of Convenience | 20170904 | Cast amidst a hotch-potch of couples aboard a steamer out of Bangkok, we discover that marriages may result from the most unlikely associations and for the most prosaic reasons. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour..... Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan Produced by Clive Brill. |
| 02 | 02 | A String Of Beads | 20170905 | When a string of beads thought to be worthless turns out to be A grade pearls, the life of a young governess is turned upside down and her mistress's nose put out of joint. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour..... Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Lucy Robinson Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan Produced by Clive Brill. When a string of beads turns out to be pearls, a governess's life is turned upside down. |
| 02 | 03 | Red | 20170906 | Revisiting an island lagoon from his youth, a sea captain named Red discovers that despite the years, the memory of him still lingers in the minds of those he had long forgotten. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour..... Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan Produced by Clive Brill. A sea captain discovers the memory of him lingers in the minds of those he had forgotten. |
| 02 | 04 | Rain, Pt 1 | 20170907 | Forcibly quarantined on a rain-swept Island with unyielding Christian missionaries was always bound to lead to friction, but no-one could have guessed how bad it could get. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour..... Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Eileen Horne Read by Lucy Robinson Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan Produced by Clive Brill. Forcibly quarantined on a rain-swept island was always bound to lead to friction. |
| 02 | 05 LAST | Rain, Pt 2 | 20170908 | Forcibly quarantined on a rain-swept Island with unyielding Christian missionaries was always bound to lead to friction, but no-one could have guessed how bad it could get. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour..... Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Eileen Horne Read by Lucy Robinson Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan Produced by Clive Brill. Forcibly quarantined on a rain-swept island was always bound to lead to friction. |
| 03 | 01 | The Facts Of Life | 20171113 | An unhappy father laments the wayward behaviour of his eldest son and seeks advice from his bridge club. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan Produced by Clive Brill. An unhappy father seeks advice from his bridge club over the behaviour of his eldest son. |
| 03 | 02 | The Closed Shop | 20171114 | In a South American country, where business is in trouble, politicians conspire with the local women to keep trade afloat. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Lucy Robinson Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan Produced by Clive Brill. In a South American country, business is in trouble. Who will the politicians turn to? |
| 03 | 03 | Louise | 20171115 | Louise is perpetually at death's door; whilst somehow going to the best parties and attracting the best of men. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan Produced by Clive Brill. A woman is perpetually at death's door but somehow still manages to go to the best parties |
| 03 | 04 | The Four Dutchmen | 20171116 | Friendship and rivalry compete between four rather large shipmates with disastrous consequences. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan Produced by Clive Brill. Friendship and rivalry compete between four shipmates with disastrous consequences. |
| 03 | 05 LAST | The Book Bag | 20171117 | Tim and Olive Hardy are brother and sister and share a dangerous secret. They try everything in their power to keep it from others until Tim has to go away on a trip. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan Produced by Clive Brill. A brother and sister share a dangerous secret. |
| 04 | 01 | The Fall Of Edward Barnard Part 1-2 | 20180122 | Edward is in love with Isabel but he must try to make his fortune by travelling to the East before he can marry her. Their love is strong but will it withstand their separation? Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far-flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman Produced by Clive Brill Edward is in love with Isabel but he has to seek his fortune before he can marry her. |
| 04 | 02 | The Fall Of Edward Barnard Part 2-2 | 20180123 | Bateman decides to travel to Tahiti to find out what's happening to Edward. His letters have become sporadic and his initial enthusiasm to return home seems to have waned. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far-flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman Produced by Clive Brill Bateman decides to travel to Tahiti to find out what is happening to Edward. |
| 04 | 03 | A Man From Glasgow | 20180124 | In the suffocatingly hot nights of a summer in Algeciras, a man from Glasgow tells the story of a terrible haunting in a local house and how he can't get it out of his mind. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far-flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman Produced by Clive Brill In a suffocatingly hot Algeciras, a man tells the story of a haunting. |
| 04 | 04 | The Promise | 20180125 | Lady Elizabeth Vermont has had a string of lovers and marriages. Now she's married a man considerably younger than herself. Will this one last? Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far-flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman Produced by Clive Brill After several lovers and marriages, Lady Vermont marries a man much younger than herself. |
| 04 | 05 LAST | Honolulu | 20180126 | Captain Butler has married a native girl in Honolulu and they seem hopelessly in love. But the Captain has a rival - who's not afraid to use voodoo to destroy wedded bliss. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman Produced by Clive Brill Captain Butler has married a girl in Honolulu, but a rival is ready to destroy their bliss |
| 05 | 01 | The Letter | 20180319 | Robert Crosbie's wife has been arrested for murder. She swears she is innocent. But a letter comes to notice which casts doubts on her story and her character. Is she guilty? Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far-flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Lucy Robinson Produced by Clive Brill A wife arrested for murder protests her innocence, but there are doubts about her story. |
| 05 | 02 | The Ant And The Grasshopper-princess September | 20180320 | Somerset Maugham wrote just a few fables amongst his large collection of short stories. Here are two - one about misconceptions and the other about the dangers of vanity. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far-flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman and Lucy Robinson Produced by Clive Brill Two fables, one about misconceptions, the other about the dangers of vanity. |
| 05 | 03 | The Taipan | 20180321 | A successful businessman has everything he wants. When he looks about him, everything seems to be going well in this best of all possible worlds. And yet something haunts him. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far-flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman Produced by Clive Brill A successful businessman has everything he wants, yet something haunts him. |
| 05 | 04 | The Three Fat Ladies Of Antibes | 20180322 | Three ladies discuss the most important things in life - bridge and diets. With a twinkling in his eye, Maugham could be writing about any latest fad in today's obsessional world. Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far-flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Lucy Robinson Produced by Clive Brill |
| 05 | 05 LAST | The Treasure | 20180323 | Richard Harenger needs some new domestic help. He's rather intrigued by his candidate. She seems to anticipate his every thought and need. What could he possibly do without her? Interviewed in 1933, Maugham said, 'It has always seemed to me that literature can only find its fullest and freest expression in the essay or short story.' He wrote more than 100 stories, at least 14 of which he burned on one of his 'bonfire nights', after Winston Churchill warned that they contravened the Official Secrets Act. Of the stories that do survive, he said, 'some of them deal with circumstances and places to which the passage of time and the growth of civilisation will give a romantic glamour. A collection of Maugham's best stories with tales from home and abroad. Tales of intrigue from far-flung colonial outposts and tales of passion from quintessentially British hearths. Abridged by Polly Coles Read by Daniel Weyman and Lucy Robinson Produced by Clive Brill Richard Harenger, in need of new domestic help, is intrigued by his candidate. |