A collection of dramatisations and readings of Stacy Aumonier's fabulous short stories
Stacy Aumonier (1877-1928) was a British writer best known for his short stories. His life as a stage performer, 'society entertainer', World War One private and draughtsman all contributed to his unrivalled reputation as a short-story writer in the 1920s.
Nobel Prize winner and Forsyte Saga author John Galsworthy described him as 'one of the best short-story writers of all time'. Other famous admirers included Alfred Hitchcock, who had several of his stories adapted for television. James Hilton once said of Aumonier, 'I think his very best works ought to be included in any anthology of the best short stories ever written.'
This collection includes:
'The Baby Grand' - A young girl struggles to study the piano amidst the hostility of her family. Her father is initially very encouraging... Starring Trevor Peacock and Oona Beeson.
'Where was Wych Street?' - An argument breaks out in a London pub over the exact location of a street in central London. It soon spreads - bringing the world close to crisis... Starring John Baddeley and Oona Beeson.
'A Source of Irritation' - Why is Suffolk farm-hand Sam snatched from his turnips and relocated to the trenches of the First World War? Starring Colin Pinney.
'Freddie Finds Himself' - Freddie Oppincott is the butt of his family - until he suddenly discovers his true vocation. Starring Julian Rhind Tutt.
'Funeral March' - Rich and alluring, Madame Vieninoff lives in Paris. But where does her money come from? Starring John Baddeley and Fiona Fullerton.
'The Brown Wallet' - John Gillespie faces a financial crisis after his business partner skips town with all the firm's assets. Facing ruin, he finds a lost wallet containing £2,000... Read by Mark Heap.
'The Room' - Finding himself alone in the world, James Wilbraham Waite dreams of escaping The Room when his landlady knocks on the door. Read by Mathew Horne.
'Dark Red Roses' - Everything in his life was perfect. Who could imagine that a bunch of red roses could ruin it all? Read by John Baddeley.
'Miss Bracegirdle Does Her Duty' - Abroad is a frightening place, especially if you are a middle-aged spinster on your first-ever trip. Read by John Baddeley.
'One Sunday Morning' - There is always something to spoil a Sunday. Read by John Baddeley.
'An Adventure in Bed' - George regards busy people as fools. Bed dwellers can't start wars and yet can surely still create great art lying down? But then, a beautiful young woman called Maisie comes along and there is an astonishing transformation... Read by John Baddeley.
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