The Crack

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 ©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd