The Suitcase | A. J. Alan | A Bitesized Audiobook

[@BitesizedAudio]

Just a very short upload this week due to other work commitments. Lengthier content coming soon! 'The Suitcase' is another shaggy dog story from the popular 1920s radio raconteur, A. J. Alan, in which he relates an odd encounter on the Plymouth Express from Paddington involving a garrulous young woman and a suspicious man with a large suitcase... The story begins at 00:01:30 My previous A. J. Alan yarns are collected in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLi95qAoufCZJ8mCEh4VIBxXgEg7IfAxU- Some footnotes on the text: (1) Constance Collier (1878-1955) was a well-known British actress on the London stage in the Edwardian era. She began her career as a "Gaiety Girl" in 1893, and by the early 20th century had become a star, appearing alongside Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree and other theatrical luminaries of the era. From about 1929 much of her career was spent in the USA and she appeared in numerous films in the 1930s and 40s, including Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rope'. She died in New York in 1955. (2) The last line of the story references "Gilbert the Filbert", a hugely popular comic character created by the early 20th Century actor and singer Basil Hallam in a theatrical revue in April 1914. The character captured the public imagination and was widely quoted for many years; he was apparently especially popular with men serving in the trenches during World War I. Sadly Basil Hallam was killed in action during the war: he died aged 28 at the Battle of the Somme, while serving as a Captain in the Royal Flying Corps. You can hear Hallam's 1915 recording of the song here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqGtdKh3rZZ-apI Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content): * Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio * Monthly support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bitesizedaudio * Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/ * Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on KZbin, from $1 / £1 / €1 per month: kzbin.infojoin

[@smythharris2635]

Thanks, I hope you have lots of gainful employment, Mr S, we'll be OK.

[@YvonneWilson312]

So very delighted to get this notification, Simon - I love A J Alan stories and nobody else could deliver them as well as you do. Thank you so much for doing this for us despite a heavy workload!

[@Badficwriter]

I had to look up filbert, as I've never heard that slang before. Apparently, it means nut, head, crazy person, or a dandy..!

[@olivemd]

@@Badficwriter, ah, that explains it. Story ending had me confused.

[@heathermacdonald6404]

I would love more lighthearted stories like this. Thanks!

[@binkie4940]

That sensation when you see not only has Simon has uploaded a new story - but it's by A J Alan! I'm recovering from a debilitating cold so maybe this perfect combination is only a fever dream...but I'm going to enjoy it regardless! Many thanks Simon 👏👏👏

[@ronaldmussulman2735]

Hope you feel better. I like this author too.

[@binkie4940]

@@ronaldmussulman2735 thank you!!! Simon's channel was my introduction to AJ Alan, and I absolutely love his stories, especially The Hair

[@SueCooke]

Get Well Soon xx

[@taliabee8661]

I’ve been plague-ridden, too and this is just the tonic that was needed!! 😀♥️

[@binkie4940]

@@taliabee8661 😺

[@dwndmc]

These are excellent little stories. Thank you so much they’re fun to listen to while I am folding laundry or doing the dishes. Thank you so much.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad you like them!

[@barbarafleming8881]

Simon, you hero. The best reader on the internet.

[@LeeNottingham]

Nice. I listened to that with my morning coffee before work.....took me on a time machine back to 1800's England. Oh well, 2023 again...off to work. Cheers!

[@code-52]

As a monthly member of Buy Me A Coffee, I say...."money well spent! Thank you Simon. You are in my top three people in the world, that I would like to have coffee with. PS, I love that the writer included Constance Collier.😅😅😅

[@saran.4001]

I liked this very much. There has to be a limit to the number of horror/ghost stories, and this was just as enjoyable. Simon's usual excellent narration.

[@timeaaraouzou710]

A J Alan is very good fun, and you make him doubly enjoyable, Simon. Thanks for this!

[@wendyeader261]

I find the writing of A.J. Alan and your rendition of it so delightful I hope you will read every one of his works, Simon!

[@adamhughes4442]

Love these stories narrated by the Simon Stanhope.

[@nickybaker1338]

Thank you Simon-raised a joyful chuckle on a rather dull day. 😊

[@ireneanderson7699]

That was so much fun! Thank you for taking the time to share it and with such skill!

[@paulacnote]

So needed this... thanks Simon great as always 😊

[@mariamcgee4462]

Thank you Simon, that is such a charming story and you told it so well. 😆

[@70schild420]

My favorite story is Sandwalker.but all of Simons stories are wonderful

[@merlapittman5034]

What a delightful story! Reminds me of P. G. Wodehouse, who's one of my favorites. Thank you!

[@lorienlady8546]

I was just thinking the same.

[@diaelaine9188]

I love A J Alan! Thank you for introducing him to me.

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Yay!!! Just what I needed. Thank you, Simon. Good luck with old Mr Scrooge.

[@itallia666]

🇬🇧 What a charming little tale! And so well narrated by our wonderful Simon! I recently heard a very unusual story by Fred ( EF) Benson that id not heard before. The narrator didnt seem to keep my attention, so the gist of the story was a tad wafty! I always think Victorian stories are most suited to well spoken English voice actors.. just seems so fitting However, the chap reading this EF Benson story entitled SPINACH Had the oddest if not quite effectual voice. Now, not wanting to criticise the Man, after his hard work narrating for our pleasure but He spoke in a repetative Sing Songy voice This voice just sounded like a character in a 1930s or 40s American Film It had an unusual cadence Putting it this way, imagine a All round decent sort, an average Joe, being plagued by a group of youngsters in their dungarees, caps, catchers mitted hand pounding their vacant other hand & begging for a story before they all head off home to their Mommas & Poppas So off he goes, in his vintage sing songy voice, telling some tale of derring do. The little chaps surrounding him Gazing up at him, adoringly. Then when he finishes the story The little guys all cheer & say.. " Awww Shucks Uncle Joe, That was so darned good, Hot Diggedy, that was awwful Nice of you to read to us, Aww Geez Uncle Joe, will ya read us another tomorrah? Huh ? Will ya, will ya Uncle Joe? Well this narrator had this voice if you can picture it And while it was 'Durned' hard to keep my concentration on the story, because his voice was, well, offputting. I couldnt picture the tale & plot & characters in my minds eye, the way i can when you read a story. So if you havent already read Spinach by EF Benson, shall you Consider narrating it? Id like to hear it properly. The only memories of it are disappearing like wraiths of smoke & it was just yesterday i heard it. No one reads like our curator of Bite Size Audio. Thank You, Bard Meister Stanhope! Peace & Goodwill to all & sundry 🇬🇧👧

[@heathermacdonald6404]

What a fun story! Thank you!

[@ropeburnsrussell]

I love this author.

[@smythharris2635]

I agree, he is a card.

[@simoneclift3155]

Another fabulous sanity saver. Thank you Mr Stanhope. X

[@mjrchapin]

Perfect story, perfect music, perfect narration!

[@leonaheraty3760]

Thanks for sharing, Simon. 😊

[@SpuktasticAudio]

A charming tale. Thank 'ee. ❤

[@jaidebrooke5946]

I enjoyed this reading immensely! It felt like it ended too soon

[@JimClelland]

Highly entertaining and a nice concise bit of fun, wonderfully read as usual. Thank you, sir, for these terrific gems.

[@stevecausey545]

That was fun! What a great little story. Not familiar with the author, but that's going to change . Thank you,Simon!

[@AmandaLee-in2yl]

A new uploaded story what a treat, thank you

[@stevenverhaegen8729]

Nutty story 😂 Thanks, Simon. Great to include those footnotes. 😃👍

[@wrichard11]

A J Alan's stories were told on the radio so this is accurate

[@beverlyadams7205]

Cute story Simon! thank you so much.❤

[@sharonwhiteley6510]

You never know what delightful trip you are about to embark upon (unless you cheat). This one was great fun.

[@stephaniealeman8522]

Many thanks Simon, AJ sure hits the spot on a cold evening…and grateful for a short story during your busy time! 💚 did you get the part of Fezziwig? Hope you’re doing well…

[@along5925]

Oh, I'm so delighted! A new narration from Simon, and it's by A J Alan. Thank you very much. A J Alan absolutely tickles me and you, Simon, absolutely bring his puckish humor to life. I hope everything is coming along beautifully in your career endeavors. With sincere regard and appreciation.

[@step7274]

Excellent! Really enjoyed this. Thank you Simon!

[@joannewatts9892]

What a delightful story , mr. Simon 🐶❤

[@sunflowerhelen9933]

Fun story and love the jaunty music ( by the light of the silvery moon...)

[@lyndaa7560]

Very smart all round, many thanks Simon xx

[@Paxtonparsnip]

Delightful! Thanks!

[@sonjawells4265]

Thank you. You are so very talented. ❤❤❤

[@jessisage4708]

Haha😂 a Filbert! Great story as usual! Thanks

[@mijiyoon5575]

You mentioned the movie *Rope* that movie is incredible in its day & one of my favorite *HItchcock* films made in 1948 based on the play by *Patrick Hamiliton* 1929. *Constance Collier/ Mrs. Anita Atwater.* I hate to hear the writer of this humorous tale died at age 58

[@michaelshea5165]

Thanks!

[@robertbrown6930]

More A J Alan please!!!

[@judikingsman6132]

That's what I call a *smiley* story. 😊😀😄❤

[@ursamajor7468]

Short and sweet.

[@ryanjohnson3615]

Was a fun one!.. Thanks Simon!

[@thedaviscounty]

A great little story - perfectly read - loved it!! ❤

[@sharingmyfun8804]

Nice chord progression. A fun holiday story. Thank you. Will you please pin your comment with notes to the top so that my friends and I share this with can find your notes more easily? That’s part of what makes us enjoy your channel extra much. 13:09

[@lindapayne1595]

Briliant, made me laugh too. Thank you.

[@GradKat]

Great reading, as always, Simon - although I think Alan was having an off day when he wrote this one. Imagine a modern police force going to all that trouble! But that’s the Old Git in me talking 🙄

[@cinnybuggable]

😂 What Fun 😂 Another A J Alan... read by You❣️

[@iananderson3799]

This author is new to me. Thanks. I need to explore your other recordings by the author. 😊

[@bonnacon1610]

Simon, I don’t think you’ve recorded “Bad Company” by Walter de La Mare. Just a suggestion if inspiration ever flags. It’s reasonably short and one of the very best by anyone, in my view. Delighted to hear that you have “other work commitments” 😄

[@marisaera2353]

Enjoyed that greatly. Made me laugh. Thanks.

[@petercalderwood2876]

That was fun! Thanks!

[@leebennett1821]

Thanks

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for the super thanks 🙏

[@verenamaharajah6082]

I’m just surprised the police officers didn’t check what was actually in the ginger beer bottles! I think Gilbert was laughing up his sleeve the rest of the way home!

[@crystalclear6864]

Also. Love aj alan

[@crystalclear6864]

Thanks❤

[@chrissy529]

There's nothing like a criminal with a sense of humor.

[@mijiyoon5575]

[@snippycutwell9878]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@judikingsman6132]

After all the listening I have done to novels I have come to the conclusion that only English born narrators are worthy ❤😊

[@katerinajunakova1017]

Thank you for the effort. I love listening to your adaptations, just please read something a little bit less racist.

[@dlw415]

There’s nothing racist in this story. “Brown friend” refers to the character’s mustache and clothes, not his skin. You should listen more carefully.