The Crack: Four Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramas

A long weekend in Liverpool, one murder and four stunning dramas

A fantastic four-part series, this story of interwoven lives is set in Liverpool over a long weekend, created in collaboration by four Liverpudlian writers. In each of the stories the characters gently touch each others lives, bring a richness and depth to the narrative, centred around the mystery of a local murder.

In Friday both Edith and Albert are on the run. Edith from the Old Folks' Home and Albert from his family and fast-approaching insanity. Having discovered Albert talking to a dead body in the cathedral gardens, Edith takes him away from the scene and under her wing.

The story continues in Saturday as Carol, who works at the barber’s, feels her body clock is ticking - like a time bomb waiting to go off. Her boyfriend's answering machine mocks her, and God deserts her. Carol's life is about to change but will it be for the better?

In Sunday we meet Joe, a former a priest and his mother, Mary. Joe has taken work in a local bookies and become the topic of local gossip. Even a murder on the community's doorstep can't shift him from the spotlight.

The story concludes in Monday with Eddie, alias ‘Edward the Confessor’. He is a petty thief and seller of chocolates and bin bags. Separated from his wife and daughter, he searches for recognition. There's been a murder in town and, if nicking chocolates hasn't made him ‘someone’, then maybe his next confession will…

This listening treat is a love song to Liverpool and a great listen for any fans of beautiful narratives and mysteries featuring the talents of local playwrights Tracy Aston, Pat Anderson, Stephen Buchard and Jeff Young.

Cast and credits

Directed by Kate Rowland

Friday

Written by Tracy Aston

Edith - Patricia Hayes

Albert - Michael Angelis

Dawn - Sunetra Sarker

Eddie - Alan Igbon

George - Tom Williamson

Nm - Pauline Fleming

Dolly - Ina Clough

Gusker - Jake Abraham

Saturday

Written by Pat Anderson

Carol - Cathy Tyson

Graham - Phil Hearne

Dawn - Sunetra Sarker

Eddie - Alan Igbon

Good Good - Tom Williamson

Tony - Jake Abraham

Angela - Paula Sims

Alan - Michael Christopher

Sunday

Written by Stephen Buchard

Mary - Val Lilley

Joseph - Michael Christopher

Edith - Patricia Hayes

Tony - Jacob Abraham

Angela - Paula Sims

Carol - Cathy Tyson

Albert - Michael Angelis

George - Tom Williamson

Dawn - Sunetra Sarker

Monday

Written by Jeff Young

Eddie - Alan Igbon

Good Good - Tom Williamson

Susan - Constance Branche

Wife - Paula Sims

Wally - Phil Hearne

DJ - Neil Anthony

Joseph - Michael Christopher

First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 - 22nd Dec 1993

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Lydbog: 7. august 2025