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British radio series

Ed Reardon's Week is a sitcom on BBC Radio 4 recorded semi naturalistically in the style of a radio drama. It concerns the story of a curmudgeonly middle aged writer described in the show's publicity material as an "author, pipesmoker, consummate fare dodger and master of the abusive email". The names of two central characters, Ed Reardon (played by Christopher Douglas) and Jaz Milvane (played by Philip Jackson), are references to the characters Edwin Reardon and Jasper Milvain, who appear in George Gissing's 1891 novel New Grub Street, which is set in the hack literary London of the late 19th century, although Edward was revealed to be his given name in the second episode of the third series and Milvain is referred to as Jaz Milvane. Ed lives in precarious circumstances with his cat, Elgar, scraping a living as a hack writer by working through commissions for coffee table books such as The Brands Hatch Story and Pet Peeves, a book of celebrity pet anecdotes. Much of this work comes through his agent Felix (John Fortune), who Ed believes still owes him royalties, and Felix's assistant Ping shortened from 'Pandora Ingleby Thomas' (Sally Hawkins in series 1, 3, and 4, and Barunka O'Shaughnessy in the second series and the fifth series onwards) – an archetypal Sloane Ranger who rejects the amorous advances he makes occasionally in early episodes. The character of Felix was written out in Series 7 as John Fortune died in 2013. He makes a small income from running a creative writing course at the local night school, where his lessons frequently mention the single episode of Tenko that he wrote. Ed also earns an occasional £10 fee for taking part in identity parades at his local police station. He is an alumnus of Shrewsbury School. The programme contains many references to Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, where Ed lives. The theme music is a dixieland version of "Am I Blue?" It was recorded at the 606 Club in London, and performed by session musicians present. The series is written by Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds, and produced by Simon Nicholls (first three series) and Dawn Ellis (fourth series onwards).

Ed considers himself a serious writer but there is little evidence to support his view of himself. His only novel, Who Would Fardels Bear?, was published in the 1970s, and was adapted into a film (Sister Mom) by Ed's friend, Jaz Milvane (played by Philip Jackson). Because the setting was moved from Oldham to California and the lead role was taken by Sally Field, the film's faithfulness to the novel is in doubt. Milvane is a successful British Hollywood film director in the mould of Tony Scott or Adrian Lyne. Ed's only other screen credit is a 1982 episode of the BBC wartime drama, Tenko ("Escape from the Bamboo Noose") and, based on the evidence provided in the drama so far, this may well be his only other non coffee table book project. During his early career, Ed also wrote various stage plays, all of which seem to have been both unfortunately timed and titled, bearing striking (yet apparently accidental) resemblances to works by Willy Russell and Mike Leigh. An early amateur film made with Jaz Milvane, "The 4th Sausage" (an allusion to European New Year staple, Dinner for One), is the focus of Episode 6, Series 11.

Christopher Douglas and Andrew Nickolds have written a stage version, Ed Reardon: A Writer's Burden, which played at the Pleasance Courtyard during the 2011 Edinburgh Fringe Festival (An Evening with Ed Reardon.) and was directed by Adrian Lloyd James.

Series 1 was originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January and February 2005. Series 2 ran from December 2005 until January 2006, Series 3 from 15 December 2006 to 19 January 2007 and Series 4 from November 2007 to December 2007. Series 5 began weekly transmission on Radio 4 on Monday 6 October 2008 at 11:30am. Each episode is available as streaming audio over the internet, through the BBC's Listen Again service, for 30 days after broadcast. Series 1 was repeated in August–September 2007 on BBC 7. Series 12 started airing on BBC Radio 4 in October 2017, and the latest (Series 15) began airing on Thursday 13 July 2023 on Radio 4, repeated shortly after on Radio 4 Extra. Episodes are available on BBC Sounds website.

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1The Swim7 January 2005Ed Reardon travels to London for an expensive lunch with his agent, Felix. But this ends up being 'downgraded' to a café snack with Felix's new assistant Ping. But his anger at this is soon assuaged by the offer of £2,000 to write novelty book "Pet Peeves"2Pulp Non Fiction14 January 2005The success of "Pet Peeves" (briefly #197 on the Amazon Sales Ranking) leads to a guest spot on SAGA radio and an attempt at speed dating.3Holby City21 January 2005Urgently needing money to repair his leaking roof, Ed agrees to write and pitch a treatment for TV's 'Holby City'.4The Old Lock Keeper28 January 2005The death of fellow writer Ted Cartwright leads to a vacant spot as writer for the local newspaper's regular column 'The Old Lock keeper'. 5The Winona Defence4 February 2005To Ed Reardon, she is always 'The Girl'6King of the Road11 February 2005Ed Reardon gets asked by his student son Jake if he can get Jaz Milvane to give a talk at his university. Which Ed agrees to, as long as he can be in charge of the Q&A.

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1Rogue Mail21 December 2005A pyre of "Da Vinci Code"s thwarts Ed's chances of celebrity success, forcing him to accept the job of writing "Septered Isle Publishing"'s latest respectful royal cash in. Guest starring Matthew Holness as Lee, Head of Septered Isle Publishing.2The Speech28 December 2005Ed is called upon to write two speeches. One for his daughter Ellie's wedding and another for celebrity jockey Seamus McGee to use on the After Dinner speech circuit.3The Last Laugh4 January 2006Can Ed's photobooth travails inspire new work from the most successful comedy writing duo of the last twenty five years, Clive Swift and Terry Savage. Guest starring Andy Hamilton as Terry Savage4Our Man In Berkhamsted11 January 2006The Berkhamsted Literary Festival is in town, much to Ed's annoyance. But can the prospect of romance persuade him to get involved?5A Hint of Calvados18 January 2006Ed's episode of Tenko gets selected to be shown on BBC Two's "Japan Night" special, opening the door to the possibility of even more paid work at the Corporation. Guess starring Chris Addison as TV boss6The Operation25 January 2006Convalescing after a heart attack, Ed might finally have the time to write his next novel.

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1The Name Check15 December 2006Ed discovers a way to make extra money from his new radio play commission "The South Tring Bubble". Guest Starring Sean Lock as the plumber2Dad22 December 2006With grim childhood memoirs all the rage, Ed decides to cash in with his own fictitious tale of youthful suffering and misery. Guest starring David Warner as Sidney (Ed's father)3Undercover29 December 2006In the undercover world of espionage that is being a "Mystery Shopper", can Agent Grey Fox afford to trust anyone?4The Dig5 January 2007Ed volunteers at a live in archaeological dig as a means of avoiding the bailiffs. This opens up opportunities in the world of pop history. Guest starring Mark Watson as Tom5 Murder Most Rewritten12 January 2007Ed gets a job writing the script for a Corporate Murder Mystery Weekend. Are the middle management team from PowerSouth capable of unravelling the intricacies of "The Family Silver Mystery"?6The Libel Action19 January 2007Ed gets the perfect writing assignment a lengthy article on the flaws and failures of Jaz Milane for a large amount of money.

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory131 January16 November 2007The reports of Ed's death prove greatly exaggerated. And his return to the land of the living means he's required to complete his tax return by deadline day. Even if Jaz Milvane is shooting a major ITV drama on his street.2Ruth and Reconciliation23 November 2007Ed's insistence on a strict definition of "local author" being applied by the Berkhamsted bookshop leads to an encounter with Ruth, the daughter of an author from far off Tring. Can Ed's seduction technique of stalking, deceit and impersonation of an Ofsted Inspector prove successful?3The Wrong Fleece30 November 2007After two stolen bottles of vodka, Ed jots down a superb, guaranteed bankable idea. Unable to remember it the next day, Ed goes on a quest to recover the lost fleece where the idea was pocketed.4The Old Boys Network7 December 2007An Old Salopian reunion dinner leads to a new commission from a fellow ex pupil, the history of their French farmhouse in the Dordogne.5Role Reversal14 December 2007Ed signs up for cash in hand work roleplaying characters for training interviews. This opens doors for both opportunity and revenge.6Trimarans That Pass in the Night21 December 2007Ed seems to have found himself in a happy and healthy relationship with fellow author Mary Potter. This is not a state of affairs that Felix Jeffrey Associates can possibly tolerate.

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1The Last Miaow6 October 2008With Mary Potter on the cusp of possible success, this is not the best time for Elgar to go missing.2The CV of Dorian Gray13 October 2008Ed is assigned by Felix Jeffrey Associates to mentor their latest signing, an actual twelve year old YouTube sensation.3Anger Management20 October 2008Ed is ghost writing "The Armageddon Factor", a gripping action adventure set in the world of race car driving. The increasing demands for changes from Ping would normally have infuriated Ed, but this is a new relaxed, calmer Reardon thanks to anger management training.4Educating Peter27 October 2008Jaz Milvane wishes to return to his first love, theatre. And he's chosen a revival of one of Ed's early plays "Educating Peter".5The Great Escape3 November 2008Ed's enthusiasm for contributing fabricated travel pieces for "Herts & Bucks Life" magazine rises considerably when he meets its new owner Carol. Guest Starring: Rebecca Front as Carol, Lewis MacLeod as Aussie6Granddad10 November 2008It's time for Ed to take on his share of grandfatherly responsibilities. His ability to look after another human may match his ability to look after himself. Lisa Coleman as Eli

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1The Charterhouse Redemption11 January 2010As a Charterhouse Court resident Ed faces a dilemma. A quiet, well maintained life of retired contemplation or a return to writing.2Charity Begins Next Door18 January 2010Ed is offered work helping producing speeches for Felix Jeffrey's charity fundraiser. A perfect opportunity for his new creative writing student to learn the tricks of the trade.3The Cruise25 January 2010The Bayou Boys are hitting the High Seas as resident band on a luxury Scottish Island cruise.4Cheese Cricket1 February 2010Ed devises a brand new format to rescue Radio4's half six comedy panel show slot. But will it make it beyond the pilot?5A Bottle of Ulterio Motivo8 February 2010Ed becomes a trusted advisor to a wealthy young woman hoping to open a new theme bar in Berkhamsted. But is her interest in him more than just professional?6Elgar Writes15 February 2010Miaow

EpisodeTitleOriginal Airdate1An Audience with Ed Reardon20 October 2010Before a privileged audience at the Edinburgh Festival, Ed presents extracts from some of his favourite works.

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1In the Current Climate10 January 2011In the age of austerity, Ed gets to ghostwrite a book of tips for the hard up.2From Bean to Cup17 January 2011Ed's stint cat sitting for a neighbour provides him with the perfect house to impress a lady. Guest starring: Paul Merton as houseowner3Become a Successful Writer24 January 2011Having witnessed American writer Mort Rich deliver a presentation on "profitable scripting", Ed starts his own venture judging submitted manuscripts for a fee.4Parsnip Junction31 January 2011A revival of seventies children's TV show "Parsnip Junction" gives Ed the change to work on Britain's affectionately remembered railway station, staffed by equally loved vegetables. Guest starring Geoffrey Palmer as Charles Cobbold, the creator of "Parsnip Junction".5Writer in Residence7 February 2011Ed's decision to abandon Radio 3 and 4 for the more popular, and less Cambridge centric, Radio 5 and Talksport leads to him developing a different communication style when dealing with others. Which might be just perfect for the position of 'Writer in Residence' at his son in law's university.6Summer of '7614 February 2011Ed makes contact with a former girlfriend via Facebook. Can he now rekindle an old flame that last burnt when they were both labelled as 'faces of the future' by the Observer magazine. Guest Starring Jenny Agutter as Fiona Templeton

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1Have a Great Weekend3 April 2012Ed's girlfriend Fiona was once a 'bubbly stewardess' in an advert for British Caledonia airlines. On the iconic ad's thirtieth anniversary The Observer offers to send her to Paris for a reunion feature. And a plus one can come along.2Original British Drama10 April 2012The BBC are excited to learn that newly released papers reveal Crackerjack's Peter Glaze to have been a secret agent known as "The Scorpion".3It's a Nude Nude Nude Nude World17 April 2012Jaz Milvane turns sixty and asks Ed to curate a moving tribute event at the Dorchester. But finding a copy of Jaz's first film proves tricky.4Making a Difference24 April 2012Inspired by Fiona, Ed decides to stand up for his principles and launch a campaign against poor train services. Is the media ready for his unique campaigning style? 5Rosicrucian Armageddon 21 May 2012Ed's verbosity impresses Graham Pearson, designer of the Open World Video Game sensation "Rosicrucian Armageddon", so much that he's hired to work on the sequel. Guest Starring: Corrie Corfield as herself6Keeping the Flame Alive8 May 2012The Olympics are coming, and Ed faces eviction so his landlord can cash in. Maybe helping out on Jaz Milvane's new feelgood British movie "Babes In The Pool" will get him the quick cash injection he needs.

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1The Personal Statement11 Nov 2013Hoping to patch things up with Fiona, Ed retires from writing and returns to the world of job interviews, C. V. s and personal statements. Guest starring: Melanie Hudson as Interviewer2The Intern18 Nov 2013Major changes are afoot at Felix Jeffrey Associates, which leads to Ping having to work with an annoying, enthusiastic, gossipy new colleague Ed Reardon.3The Berkhamsted Job25 Nov 2013After a fire wrecks Ed's home (and half his beard), he begins the process of claiming on the insurance.4Blood of the Reardons2 Dec 2013Ed discovers there's money to be made in getting involved in the medical trials testing Moldova's latest miracle appetite suppressant. Guest starring Claudie Blakley as Dr Liz Newcombe, Lisa Coleman as Eli 5Intellectual Fireworks9 Dec 2013Jaz Milvane opens a residential college and hires Ed as a tutor. Felicity Montagu as Rosemary, Carolyn Pickles as Maureen6The Bride of Auntie16 Dec 2013Radio4's highbrow quiz show "What Do You Know?" is always looking for intelligent contestants. And now that Ed has been banned from his local pub quiz, an extended run on the show could turn out to be profitable. Duncan Preston as Neil Hardacre, Vicki Pepperdine as Laura Pope

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1The Go To Destination13 May 2015Felix Jeffrey Associates has a new owner, the previous one's mother. And Suzan's first decision is to put Ed and Jaz Milvane together on the promotional video for London's newest luxury development "The Toaster". Starring Simon Greenall as Doorman, Vicki Pepperdine as Laura Pope, and Raquel Cassidy as Suzan.2One Man, Two Charlies20 May 2015Newly homeless, Ed is living as a caretaker in a warehouse for bankrupt stock. Desperately needing money, he agrees to write two different recipe books for two very different celebrity chefs. Starring Celia Imrie as Charlotte, Phaldut Sharma as Charlie3My Companion27 May 2015When an old publisher dies, Ed ends up agreeing to go to the funeral with his ex wife Janet. The prospect of a reconciliation is not acceptable to their children. Starring Joanna Brookes as cattery woman, Nicola Sanderson as Janet, Lisa Coleman as Eli, Sam Pamphilon as Jake4Joan of the Junction3 June 2015Still homeless, Ed ends up as Second Mate on the good ship "Kill Bill", and is inspired to pitch a TV series based on his new captain, Joan. Starring Pam Ferris as Joan5Moby Dave10 June 2015There's a huge buzz in the media world about ITV's new Sunday night drama "Joan Of The Junction". Starring Pam Ferris as Joan, Jack Farthing as Jonathan6The New Thirty17 June 2015Felix Jeffrey Associates has a new owner Ping. And Ed gets inspirational advice on what to do with his life from a dream. Starring Lisa Coleman as Eli, Sam Pamphilon as Jake, Jeremy Paxman as himself

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateGuest star1Ed Reardon at Christmas: The Ghost of Christmas Books1 January 2016When his agents' offices are empty over Christmas, Ed can move in to finish his latest topical commission. He just has to deal with a home for Elgar and the new guest editor of the Today programme first. Guest Starring John Humphrys as himself

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1The Reboot4 October 2016Ed is enjoying the best years of his life as a mature student sleeping in all day and watching "Homes Under The Hammer". But an encounter with Professor Antonia Sandham gives him the motive to be more sociable. Starring Sylvestra Le Touzel as Antonia Sandham.2All About Eve11 October 2016Ed becomes the editor of the University's student newspaper "Love Herts".3Generation Why Bother18 October 2016A chance encounter with an accountant gets Ed thinking about his pension.4The Rectifier25 October 2016The freedom that University provides gives Ed Reardon time to work on a new book. As no publisher seems interested in "In The Shadow Of The Workhouse: The Demonisation Of The Poor In The Age Of The Kiln Fired Brick", Ed needs to find a way to finance self publishing the novel.5Poetry! No Thanks1 November 2016When the University plans a statue to Beryl Bassett the plucky wartime singer that became a national treasure Ed breaks one of his golden rules and agrees to join a committee.6The 4th Sausage8 November 2016Ed is in trouble with the University authorities for his innovative fund raising methods. But then he discovers that a short comedy sketch he recorded with Jaz Milvane decades earlier has become a cult sensation in Belgium. Will Wallonian royalties for "Sir Jasper's Breakfast" save his student status?

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1The Writer in the Van24 October 2017Ping heads to the Festival circuit to sign up new young talent, leaving Ed's affairs to be run by Maggie. Her abilities as an agent immediately get him a regular column for "Your Motor Home" and, more importantly, the use of a motor home. The regular cast this series are joined by guests Monica Dolan, Vicki Pepperdine, Don Gilet, Karl Theobald and Tyger Drew Honey.2Diabetes Day31 October 2017Ping's urgent need to match her friends' daily step count and Ed's urgent need to improve his health leads to a neat deal.3The Legacy7 November 2017Ed's children are concerned he has not written a Will. Especially when his son's legal advisor "Dozza" reveals that his late father had a previously undiscovered property.4An Enemy of the People14 November 2017An encounter at the local Recycling Centre inspires Ed to run for local office.5How Did I Do?21 November 2017Ed becomes embroiled in the world of customer satisfaction surveys when trying to track down a lost package from the delivery company "Lickety Click"6A Different Direction28 November 2017Romance is blossoming with Maggie. But will their own personal circumstances get in the way?

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1The Wooden Spoon30 April 2019Ed's plan to write "S for Sparrowhawk" is thwarted by a hungry Elgar, his relations with Maggie complicated by his method of getting free meals and his home life dealing with the need for a home.2The Ed Talk7 May 2019Ed recalls he once lent £5 to his school friend Jeff Dayton. Who is now the millionaire inventor Jeff Daytona. Time to get his money back. Plus interest. Guest starring Colin McFarlane as Jeff Daytona3Bezzies14 May 2019Ed and Jaz Milvane get teamed up to star in the new reality show "Bezzies", where Best Friends have to compete to solve challenging tasks in a remote Scottish location.4Planned Parenthood21 May 2019Ed's son Jake is going to be a father and so urgently needs more content to fill his latest website "Stranger Than Fact". While Ping is on the search for a donor to help her with her dream of being a mother.5Punk Rock Vampires28 May 2019Andy Pond, the Professor of Sitcom at South Herts University, is hoping to win a lottery grant to help showcase the numerous cult horror films shot at Deadnettle House (cp. Oakley Court / Bray Studios). So Ed's role as script writer on "Punk Rock Vampires" could prove invaluable.6The Bed Blocker4 June 2019Following an accident involving a mobility scooter, gatepost, alcohol and Ping Ed is in hospital with two broken legs. Given the bed, food and company, Ed plans to make his stay last as long as possible.

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1Ed Reardon's 2020 Christmas Week: Upstairs Room At The Inn22 December 2020It's nearly Christmas, and Ed needs a room at the inn. The Lock Keeper's Arms, that is. But first, he's got to deal with "Screege".

EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1Prosecco o'Clock8 June 2021In these 'unprecedented times' Ed is enjoying unprecedented times himself as he has become financially independent and is living in a superb stylish capsule urban living unit.2You're Cancelled15 June 2021Ed’s son Jake tries to enlist his fathers’ help, egged on by Ed’s writing class who insist he and Jake could be like ‘those two Whitehall fellas’. However, Ed is distracted when an unexpected meeting leads to the renewal of an old acquaintance who is now on probation 3The Jethro Tree22 June 2021Ed becomes an activist when he joins his daughter Eli on a protest to save an ancient oak tree.4Battleaxe29 June 2021Ping asks Ed to write her granny’s memoirs insisting she has Great British Battleaxe potential and could be a national treasure.5Elgar's Nose6 July 2021Whilst Ed is enjoying his new lifestyle afforded to him by his pension Elgar, his trusty feline companion, develops a nasty sneeze.6Platinum Writer13 July 2021Back on his uppers, Ed finds himself having to choose between a project with Jaz Milvain, or with Maggie

Dedicated to co writer Andrew Nickolds, who died mid way through writing this series. EpisodeTitleOriginal AirdateStory1The Storyteller13 July 2023Ed is alone following the death of Elgar (at 25). Can looking after a cat for new student Winnie help him heal?2Pallet Wood Inspirations20 July 2023Maggie introduces Ed to the world of pallet wood.3The Bromance27 July 2023Ed meets a fan and new friend, Derek, at the pool, despite Ping's warnings and Jake's discouragement 4Ed In Paris3 August 2023Ed heads for Paris, while Jaz is letting everyone know that he is heading to The Lords.5Ed Reardon Is On Fire!10 August 2023It’s been sixteen weeks and four days now since the death of Elgar and Ed needs a distraction.6The Mousetrap17 August 2023Ed has resorted to DIY pest control now that Elgar & the downstairs cat have both ceased all activities. Meanwhile, opportunities for independent production beckon