Star Trap

Charles Paris: BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramatisations

by Jeremy Front (Adapter), Simon Brett, Bill Nighy (Narrator)

Bill Nighy returns as the loveably louche Charles Paris in Jeremy Front's BBC radio dramatisation of Simon Brett’s novel

When Charles Paris’ agent rings with the news that he has a part for him in a new musical, Charles is delighted – and somewhat amazed, as he can neither sing nor dance.

But Maurice has an ulterior motive: as one of the show’s backers, he wants Charles to play detective and investigate a series of accidents that have dogged the production. The pianist has been shot in the hand and another cast member fell downstairs – or was he pushed? Anxious about their investment and their star, Chris Watt, the ‘angels’ are keen to ensure that nothing else goes wrong.

Joining the company, Charles discovers that Chris, although amazingly talented, is a prima donna who has made enemies of almost everyone. When the accidents resume, it begins to look as if anyone who disagrees with him is being targeted. But would the star really sabotage his own show? Charles must find out – before things turn murderous…

This thrilling adaptation by Jeremy Front stars Bill Nighy (Love Actually, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as Frances.

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Crime

2 pages, Audio CD

Published August 1, 2019

Reviews

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[Amina (ⴰⵎⵉⵏⴰ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed, yes, I laughed out loud, Maurice and Charles's sarcasm were such a refreshment 😂

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have taken to listening to an audio book or radio play adaptation whilst working from home and today it's back to the BBC Radio 4 dramatisations of the Simon Brett Charles Paris novels. They are wonderfully fun and Bill Nighy plays the aging actor, with a penchant for women and drink, so very well.

In this story Charles finally realises a life-long dream and is cast is a new musical, despite his rather lacking ability. As it turns out his agent, Maurice, has invested in the show and wants Charles to investigate if there is any connection between a number of bizarre events that have hampered the production. Once again, it's left to Charles to piece together the clues which the police seem happy to ignore.

I have been listening to these radio plays out of order compared to the original books and I suspect they were made in a different order to the books. However, it doesn't impact the story or the enjoyment at all and there are no spoilers to previous books/adaptations. 3.5 stars.

[Moira Fogarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guilty admission: I haven’t read the original Simon Brett novels and I have no intention of doing so. Why? Because these BBC radio full cast adaptations are simply divine. I can’t imagine the novels being an improvement on the updated for modern era scripts.

Some really wonderful dry comic writing and obviously the narrative delivery from Bill Nighy is spot on - nobody else will ever embody the role like he does.

On to the next one! I’ll have to pace myself or I’ll have ripped through the lot within a month.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

( Format : Audiobook )
"Winnie...not the Pooh.'

A superb series: fun, easy to listen and a full cast adaptation of a Simon Brett novel starring Bill Night as the often unemployed actor seemingly followed by death. Love them all.

[Jane Routley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Simon Brett story with Bill Nighy in the main role. Need I say more. My only complaint was it was a bit too short.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the cast! Very nice acting

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Star Trap finds Charles in rehearsals again, but this time for a musical based on Winston Churchill's time as Prime Minster during WW2. When members of the cast start injuring themselves in strange accidents in and out of the theatre Charles suspects foul play. This was a good mystery that had me just enjoying the story rather than trying to work out whodunnit.
Highly recommended if you enjoy humourous productions with a full cast.

[Anton Segers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Als whodunnits zijn ze flauw en ongeloofwaardig, deze luisterspelen, maar de dialogen zijn 'very witty', zitten barstensvol flitsende woordspelletjes en vinnige verbale schermduels, trefzeker en droog gebracht door onder andere de bijzonder geestige Bill Nighy..!