Brief Tales from the Bench: 13 Full-Cast Vintage BBC Radio Courtroom Dramas

Thirteen dramatised courtroom tales of conflicting evidence, exasperating witnesses and slippery counsel, from the writer of Brothers in Law

What does it feel like to be a Judge? Listen to these self-contained dramas and you can almost feel you are looking at proceedings from the lofty position of the Bench. With a collection of eccentric and amusing characters, Henry Cecil brings to life the trials in a County Court and exposes the complex and often contradictory workings of the English legal system – but which stories are based on fact, and which are pure fiction?

Inspired by his long career as a county court judge, Henry Cecil wrote a string of comic novels about the legal system, including Brothers in Law, which was adapted for TV and radio starring Richard Briers. In these dramas, he draws on his own experience and his powers of invention to tell a series of entertaining stories with a twist in the tale.

Andrew Cruickshank stars as Judge Henry Cecil, presiding over a baker’s dozen of cases ranging from an argument between two motorists over a damaged watch, and an unwise remark from a judge that has unfortunate consequences, to the dispute between two betting partners over their joint winnings, and the rumours and suspicions surrounding the mysterious Mr Partridge.

With guest stars including Tony Britton, Irene Handl, Raymond Huntley, Hattie Jacques and Denys Hawthorne, and a supporting cast featuring the likes of Lockwood West, Haydn Jones and Leonard Fenton, these sparkling vignettes are reminiscent of the Rumpole stories, and will appeal to fans of both courtroom dramas and vintage comedy.

NB: This is a vintage radio production and the audio quality reflects the age of the recording

Written by Henry Cecil Starring Andrew Cruickshank as Judge Henry Cecil, Mr Justice Broadbent and Mr Justice Blank Produced by HB Fortuin With thanks to Keith Wickham and the Radio Circle

Episodes: Perjury The Truth Abuse of Power Something for Nothing The Limit The Hidden Money Contempt of Court Free for All Near Miss Chef’s Special The Wanted Man Made to Measure Retrial

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, December 1967- April 1969

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© 2025 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529974584

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Lydbog: 27. november 2025