BBC RADIO DRAMA: THE ABSENT GUEST by Peter Whalley

The Absent Guest was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on 6 August 2005.
[Music at end removed for copyright reasons]
Story:
A sharp and tense whodunnit. When the absent guest from a dinner party is discovered murdered, the remaining guests, one by one, become suspects.
Cast:
Ian: Robert Plckavance
Lynn: Deborah Findlay
Mike: John Thomson
Julie: Katy Cavanagh
Claire: Denlse Welch
Alan: John Kazek
Director: Pauline Harris

[@Happyheart146]

Two bits of advice I've always stuck by, tell nobody nowt and never argue in the kitchen... Loved every minute of this - thank you

[@LadyBug1967]

Too many 🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪🤪

[@stellayates4227]

I wish the BBC still produced drama of this calibre. Thank you for uploading.

[@pinkgirl281982]

Right. Did we just become drama radio beat friends?

[@stellayates4227]

@@pinkgirl281982 Yes probably!

[@stellayates4227]

@@pinkgirl281982 Yes, why not!

[@johnturner1073]

Could not agree more. Now everything they do has to include THE MESSAGE...

[@Kitcat363]

The dramas are not so good now.x

[@ibdalia69]

I remember 'if you can't keep a secret don't expect the person you tell it to to keep it', Whalley was a good writer.

[@LondonEE16]

In case anyone is wondering, the classical music that starts around the five-minute mark is Bach's Violin Concerto in A Minor.

[@Loobylooto2]

Thank u 🙏🏼

[@nonayoung8177]

thanks for that information. very kind of you !

[@jellyfishattack]

Thank you. It's beautiful.

[@heatherrichmond2984]

Thanks

[@thomasceneri867]

Also Brian Eno.

[@user-mk9eu7yt2v]

As an American from the great state of Alabama, one wouldn’t think I would have a great love of British programming, however, my many years of military service brought me to really enjoy them. The programs, unlike our American programming, actually tells a story. It is not just grit and grime . From Doctor Who to Last of the Summer Wine and everything in between, it is all great. Thanks from a good ole country boy from The Great State of Alabama, USA!

[@archphoenixstanton6998]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jacquiadams863]

I grew up with Radio Drama and I love it. Sadly BBC Radio 4 have slashed their Radio budget and an hour long play is a thing of the past.

[@margarethughes3763]

Yes I miss the Book at Bedtime. I used to listen to it all the time.

[@missbingley6048]

Really enjoyed this one as I always do when it's Peter Whalley. I've just looked him up and found out he used to write the best storylines for Coronation St in the days when it was good.

[@donnaharris4420]

Boy .....and do we miss those days!

[@darrenmiller6927]

Great play. Couldn't stop listening. Couldn't have guessed. Terrific acting. Thanks so much for posting.

[@donwardell4605]

Great production values, breath, feet noises, intimacy of microphone work. Radio is such a fine medium in the hands of professionals. Simply story a dinnner party and a ,missing guest. Thank you to all concerned.

[@feralbluee]

jeez! they didn’t even leave a split second before starting the cast! what is wrong with them? incredible!! the story has just ended and your emotions are peaked and need settling - but Whap! but to the play - so very well done. the plot is a very intricate weave. kinda out there for reality, but it works because of the writing skill, direction, the actors, and the production values. thanks much 🌷🎭

[@stukawarner4051]

And murder

[@Loobylooto2]

Thank you for these Peter Whaley dramas Excellent storytelling

[@helenferullo5706]

Brilliant writing along with top notch actors gave this play four plus stars!! Thank you for presenting this wonderful play.

[@shilohbrutalis582]

Worthy of a movie truly. Best stand alone episode I've EVER HEARD from the BBC. SALUTE! #BRIL

[@maryannrisser1967]

Arch, please feel free to upload as many Peter Whalley's and Nicolas Freeling's … to your heart's desire!

[@1957bluebird]

Spreading the word about these entertaining plays. Thank you for this one!

[@marybarratt2649]

Excellent. Love these dramas, very compulsive listening. Tfs

[@jerryjoe2461]

Your productions make me fall in love with Radio dramas 👍

[@TheSuperHarrygeorge]

A brilliant production with great dialogue . Thanks for uploading.

[@nellietv1968]

Great story, well acted. Enjoyable drama.

[@jm162]

I'm so glad to have found this channel...used to listen to plays and book readings years ago 😍

[@lorrainevanlelyveld8065]

excellent excellent!! Thank you for downloading this. So well written. love from South Africa 🇿🇦🇿🇦❤❤Happy 2024 to everybody

[@kennydurkin]

Fabulous script, acting and plot. Thank you for posting

[@archphoenixstanton6998]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@isabellem7393]

Absolutely amazing writing, wonderful cast, enjoyed it immensely.

[@mefor5199]

Claire was a wonderful friend wasn't she?!😂

[@wendyharris8026]

Charming gal.

[@bruji2001]

@@wendyharris8026The Best😳🤣

[@elainepayne7047]

Listening again to this well written drama. Thank you Arch.

[@pahos9765]

Brilliant production and not long winded. Great acting and suspense.

[@lydiamarks8577]

Great listening! Thank you for uploading 👍

[@MsDormy]

Peter Whalley - what a brilliant playwrite!

[@mark8544]

​@@crispindry2815 *Pendant.

[@janebrown7231]

He's a favourite playwright of mine - writes some of the best radio and TV material ever.

[@Ldifferent]

Such a lovely group of friends

[@gladysochoa4415]

Thank you, I enjoyed it so much! Greetings from Guatemala, Central America.

[@wyominghome4857]

What a dreadful and shallow group of people. Everybody meddling in each other’s business. One of the comments below had it right: never tell anyone anything and never argue in the kitchen.

[@LadyBug1967]

Yes too many 🔪🔪🔪🔪about

[@deborahcamden2691]

Great story, very well done!

[@michelstrogoff99]

Great drama. Admire the scriptwriters who can tell a story like this. Not to mention actors who perform.

[@tessellatiaartilery8197]

Thoughtless, unkind words lead to horrible actions. Great story but sad and heavy too.

[@christrinder1255]

Really enjoyed listening to again! Thanks Arch👏👏👏👏👏👍😊

[@shereewilson6827]

That was really good!!! Thank you!

[@stukawarner4051]

Great story well done production, Peter Whaleys stories are ace wish I could find more there’s 5 of his stories on KZbin have listened to them

[@elizabethman7313]

What are they called?

[@stukawarner4051]

@@elizabethman7313 missing wife, the test

[@stukawarner4051]

Longest journey the.missing guest

[@stukawarner4051]

when last I saw you

[@susieketko1038]

Thank you and merci beaucoup!! What an amazing plot and the actors are fantastic. I felt like I was right there with all of them! Please give us more of these awesome mysteries!!

[@rosemundyee6863]

Beautiful drama. I thoroughly enjoyed enjoyed. Thank you!!🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@CarolLoch-ww7po]

Fabulous writing brilliant acting thanks xxx

[@andreatainui5601]

Nice to have you back ArchBStanton

[@jeremypearson6852]

With friends like this who needs enemies.

[@LadyBug1967]

When I first saw the photo of everyone seated with double plates and food and wine being poured I thought-- Oh if only. I would love to go to such dinner parties but I've never been in a city where people actually do that.🥴 AND then I got to the end and I thought --thank God 🤪lol

[@dianapeek6936]

Dinner parties do still occur. You just have to make the effort and have like minded friends.

[@totoro9590]

Very good 👏👏👏👏👏👏 right to the end 👍👍👍

[@DaveBob1983]

Love these, thankyou.

[@helenswan705]

Gosh, these old dramas are good. Thank you.

[@malabhargava]

Wonderful. Loved it

[@cherbrowne1637]

That was excellent. Thank you so very much. I was spellbound. 🙋

[@smariegalski3641]

Thank you!!!!

[@thebrainpimp6779]

Probably the best dining room drama on here. SALUTE!!!

[@markrossow6303]

Very Well Done !

[@carolokbrblol]

Fabulous! Was listening cleaning up as I have no time to sit and watch anything. Loved this!

[@AmandaLee-in2yl]

Wonderful stuff thanks

[@eldon7530]

11/10 superb Thanks again

[@dorielle62]

Well, whatever her ex husband said about the victim, was perfectly true.

[@dorielle62]

And deserved what she got !

[@chicagogyrl4846]

@@dorielle62 Yep! She should have kept her big mouth shut!!!

[@streaming5332]

I would develop a pommy accent if I listened to too many of these.

[@pad5152]

Thank you for another fine BBC radio drama by Peter Whalley. Well scripted & acted

[@dismith73]

thank you arch

[@Prizm44]

It was starting to get almost comical with the last minute 'confession' by every person 😆

[@royhadley686]

Thank you

[@aussieagle]

Great little interwoven story.

[@juliam7056]

excellent

[@elliottcanuel2196]

I don't feel so bad for Claire anymore. She kinda...deserved what she got.

[@cajsheen2594]

Ooh! This is a good one! ❤ XXX

[@dianaantu8227]

thank you

[@jackiewacky346]

Oh very good thankyou

[@Chele212]

Fabtastic What a whirlwind love it ❤️

[@elizabethbrown3447]

Excellent

[@srinagesht]

Nice one and good action. Only that it seems to say all the couples have no business in the world except cheating on their spouses. 😁

[@michealburnett6]

So good, my 3rd listen 😝

[@badgersue5784]

Bravo!

[@anniebodyhome1000]

Excellent drama.

[@davidmunday4367]

Looks like i will be busy doing nothing today Arch ! 👍

[@thebrainpimp6779]

Anybody got a list EXCLUSIVELY of the whodunnit / howcatchem mysteries?

[@Swimkid1]

Thanks x

[@patriciallamas2050]

@archphoenixstanton6998 Cheers, Arch!! I remember listen to to this one a few years ago, but I'd forgotten all about it! I hope you are doing very well! 🥰 We miss you! xxx

[@archphoenixstanton6998]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MrBazzabee]

Jasper the Dog was wonderful.

[@dianepeck7500]

Brilliant great ending.

[@robbiebunge859]

Why would he stand by her??!

[@Lulabelle91-dt2lj]

Wow!

[@iamreallyright]

Oh, Peter Whalley!

[@rozdoyle8872]

Claire's gob was too big , a closed mouth catches no flies or fruit knives.

[@jolewis8317]

Great who done it

[@hawthornetree646]

That was good.

[@martinadarcy781]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@sherronnelson9110]

Great story. Claire was a witch 🧙‍♀️.

[@romina6563]

😵😵😵😵I knew it!! wow.

[@maureenbrophy7852]

V good

[@judikingsman6132]

Great story. I love anything English. 💞 But barking dogs...😡

[@elliemccarthy3487]

Great twists highly recommend

[@thebrainpimp6779]

Uncomfortable: thy name is 19:00

[@jasoncollins1702]

Sets Claire up dramatically. Despicable.

[@michaelhamilton1523]

Claire had it coming.

[@michaelblankenau6598]

Is someone also making the poochie sounds ?

[@margaret3018]

👍👍👍

[@Galadriel131]

👍👍

[@electrictofumuffins6384]

Dumbed down writing with post 2012 style production treatment (made in 2015). It's like a movie trailer with soap opera style acting. I don't need all the sound effects & synthetic piano notes if the story is actually good.

[@Mac-sb5lj]

As soon as you said, "Denise Welsh," I went to the comments, wrote this, and shut this off. Can't abide her. 👎

[@numbereightyseven]

Have got to 28:40, and now moving on elsewhere. It's descended into the B-grade predictability of suspects not telling the police what they should tell the police.

[@TheSuperHarrygeorge]

You should have stayed to the end. You would have found it worth it.

[@QPRTokyo]

I feel sorry for you.

[@AnthonyHigham6414001080]

An eminently forgettable piece of contrived lightweight writing. The plot has more holes than a colander.

[@martygreg798]

Predictable and boring

[@katharinebarker5222]

Livipool accents are just so bloody wrongah.