Brett’s Old Time Radio Show
Let’s sit back, dim the lights and journey to the amazing old time radio shows of yesterday.
Join me whilst we listen to some of the great shows from our radio archives right here on the South Coast of the UK.
Outside it’s cold and dark, the waves are crashing on the rocks below but we’re sitting in front of a roaring fire with a hot drink, and I have some fantastic stories to share.
Our Editor's Take
Brett's Old Time Radio Show is a daily podcast that offers listeners a bit of nostalgia. During its 30-minute episodes, the host plays famous radio programs from the 1940s, '50s, and '60s. The audio is clear but has that haze that radio shows of the past possessed. It has the power to transport listeners back to an uncomplicated time. The only way to "watch" a story was to imagine it while listening to the radio. That's what made these shows so compelling.
Episodes of the podcast begin and end with remarks from the host, Brett Orchard. His soft-spoken British accent provides a great introduction. He chats a little bit about his life, shares anecdotes, and talks about the weather. Then, he lets the listeners settle in for 30 minutes of either drama, comedy, or adventure. Brett acts less as a traditional podcast host and more as a narrator who provides exposition.
This podcast's selection of radio shows is broad, but a few receive repeated exposure. One of those is Hancock's Half Hour. The BBC comedy stars Tony Hancock as a grotesque version of his true personality. The character is an impoverished comedian living in a rundown house in a suburb of London. Another frequent show is The Saint. This adventure show set in the US follows an outlaw who stole from criminals.
Dad's Army is another British comedy on the podcast. The show ran from 1974-76. It followed the tales of the Home Guard, an armed citizen militia that supported the army during WWII. Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar offers listeners some drama. Charles Russell voices the protagonist, who investigates unusual insurance claims.
Brett's Old Time Radio Show offers a nice mixture of American and British shows. While they have recurring characters, most episodes present a standalone plot. This means that listeners can start from any point without worrying about missing anything.
Episodes