
Loading summary
A
Forget everything you had planned for this weekend because you are sitting on your couch and winning from the comfort of your own home. I'm here with spinquest where you can play hundreds of slot games, all the table games you love, and you could even win real cash Prizes. New users 30 coin packs are on sale for 10@Spinquest.com SpinQuest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. We present part five of a change in the Weather, an unlikely adventure for radio by Eric Pringle. Armageddon has snapped at the heels of bank robbers Jiffy Perkins and Berco Madrid. The pack is led by City Nigel, with Detective Sergeant Digley close behind. And a little further back, London gangster BB gritting his teeth to tear them limb from limb. But although the hounds are howling, Jiffy and Burko aren't beaten yet. Like cunning foxes, they have laid a trail pointing ever upwards, taking their pursuers into some very nasty terrain in even nastier weather. And night is coming on Jifa. Or any singing up here.
B
Listen.
A
It's the angel Spurgo. We're done for. Run. Meanwhile, on another part of the darkening.
B
Mountain, we'll always banish sadness and strife. We're going to be benighted, Henry. We shouldn't have come so far. Well, if we are, we won't be able to go home in the morning. Every cloud has a silver lin. Could fall down a precipice. Then we'll fall together. We better hold hands, Lou. Oh, thank God we're not alone. Shouldn't we keep still? Henry, I'm sorry to keep on, but we can't see where we're walking into or off. Oh, are you trying to scare me? When I could see and looked at the man, there seemed to be a hut somewhere about. God knows what it's doing up here. Shelter for sheep, probably. And probably a ruin. But shelter? If we could find it. Better than spending a night here. We could die out here. Oh, the fog is shifting. Look, look. We can see a bit further. Oh, let's find that hot. Best foot forward. Best foot forward.
A
Sing.
B
Sing. How are things on Gloramora? Will they find a little.
A
Ghostly voices of the mountain gods? Am I hallucinating? It must be the loss of blood. Is it a siren song? Wagner's Valkyries. Am I going to die here? Stop it, Nigel. You've never given up on a job. You still have your pride and your pistol. This is no time to get lonely. Listen to this wind. It's a Bruckner. Symphony played in an amphitheater for giants. And where is the great conductor? Come on, Maestro. City. Nigel is waiting. What was that? Nothing. Storm's got inside my head. Never mind, Detective Sergeant. You won't die up here because you're a Lakeland policeman and you know what to do. You've worked your way deep into this crevice. Out the wind. Let the others get a gale up their asses and blow off precipices. That's up to them. Oh, that'll do. Rest. Observe. Observe weather conditions. Diabolical. Observe your personal condition. Lousy. You're stuck. Stuck fast in a cranny all night long. I hate Londoners. If I get out of this, I won't arrest Perkins my train. I'll execute them with me bare hands and that motorcycle maniac Rockfort's all I need in here. Wrap up your troubles in your old kick bag and smile, smile, smile.
B
What?
A
Here's a sort of barn. Burt, Go. Hey, our luck's in at last. Where the hell are we? Paradise. Hey, maybe this place is for climbers.
B
There's a lamb.
A
Oh, and some matches. Here, look, there's even beds. Well, sort of mattress things. Welcome home. Burt, Go. Is this a miracle, Jim? Of course it is. And it saved our lives. Good evening, gentlemen. Sidney. Nigel. Nigel. Oh, Jiffy. Your leg's bleeding, Nigel. I don't shoot with my leg. Jiffy, shoot. The wages of greed is extinction. So saith BB he is the Lord and I am his prophet. Oh, don't shoot, Nigel. There has to be a way out of this. There has to be. Listen. Saved by the cavalry. Who would believe it? I believe it. Don't put a foot wrong. This pistol will be pointing at you all the time.
B
We've been saved, Luke. So through and frozen stick. But good heavens. Our lucky. Oh, goodness.
A
It's like an hotel, innit? Good evening, ladies. Welcome. Come in and shut the door. What time is it? I can't see me watch. I can't move me arm. Observe the stars, Digley. There are no stars. Oh, Brother's cramp. El's teeth. Oh, wrap up your troubles in your own. Get back and smile, smile, smile as.
B
You grow older I'll be constant and true and just like the ivy I'll cling to you. Join us, chaps.
A
I prefer music.
B
Don't be insulting. Let me see your legs.
A
Keep away.
B
Come now, be brave. We don't want gangrene, do we?
A
Don't touch it.
B
What did you do? Step over a falling cliff?
A
I rode into one. Jiffy. Can we make a break free? Do you want to bullet up your bum? What we gonna do? How the hell should I know? I'm not a prophet. Anyway, I'll give up. If the women go away, we're dead.
B
Won't you join us, Brian?
A
We was talking.
B
Well, come and talk over here. I expect you have lots to talk about. Bank robberies and such. Your Jifi Perkins and Berco Madrid. Your celebrities. Bank robbers?
A
Never.
B
Oh, my dears, we recognized you in spite of your hairy disguises. Almost everybody in the world has your photograph. Is this solicitor man hunting you, Jiffy? Is he a rat catcher?
A
Exactly so, ladies finally put, and you're in his trap.
B
You don't seem to have been very successful.
A
They're total failures. Two of life's scraps. Well, that ain't right. You tell him, Jiffy. It is right. It is. It all goes wrong. Everything we touch turns to ash. Even Billy dropped dead on us. And when we struck oil by accident, it turned out to be poison. My God. You've a lot to answer for, the people you've put out.
B
It's no good feeling sorry for yourselves.
A
Digley feels sorry for himself. His feet have died. How long before the rest of him follows? Hey ho, the wind and the rain. John. Where the hell's Nigel? Do you want to go to bed, bb? You're drunk. What the hell else is there to do here? Let's go back to London. No way, John. Jiffy Perkins and Berco Madrid gotta die first. Then we'll go back.
B
Listen to it out there. It's getting worse.
A
Never mind that. Now, let me get this straight. See if I understand.
B
Nigel's right, you know. This is a frightening world. We should stick together.
A
He's never stuck with anybody in his life. Well, I don't know, does he? Jiffy and me, we take care of each other. Well, now I'm here with you, as are these two gracious ladies. Two have become five. Let me get it straight then, will you?
B
Go ahead, darling. Straight as a die.
A
Which is what he does if he doesn't agree. Look, Nigel suggests that since the Kettles are onto us. Kettles? Proper Kettles. The first lady, the old Bill. And talking about old Bill. Jiffy. Don't forget bb, our mutual friend. Not to mention me. Jiffy, shut up. Because of the Kettles, we can't go back for the loot ourselves. Instead, Henry and Lou collect it for. For us, and then it's equal shares all round. Five ways I could kill the four of you and have it all. You Realize I'm being generous.
B
We're truly grateful, darling. Here we go to Spain. Bless you.
A
Thank you. I shall whiz round the world's music festivals on a new motorcycle. Salzburg, Lucerne, Bayreuth, Edinburgh. No, perhaps not Edinburgh. I shall have to disappear from these shores. We did the work and you get the loot. I don't like that. Liking is irrelevant. Living is what we're talking about. I agree. Jeffrey, it's been a terrible day. Oh, okay. I agree. Sensible fellow. Now you'll see them all. We can get the Granada, then.
B
Never mind Granada. Let's get to brass tacks. We must plan this carefully.
A
You can't go back to your hotel.
B
Of course, but our cases, all our things. He's right. We mustn't be seen again. Not ever. Not even by our families? Especially by our families. Don't you see what this means? Oh, yes, right. Oh, yes, right.
A
Observe. De. You fantastic policeman. Both your legs are dead. You paralyzed from the waist down. Now what are you gonna do? Help. Help. That's right. Finish me off with an avalanche.
B
Oh, what a sparkling morning. Sunshine on the mountain tops. Isn't it beautiful? Who last night could have expected this? Oh, what a beautiful morning. Oh, what a beautiful day.
A
Scenery has no importance now. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And for this beholder, it resides in £200,000. So, six o' clock this evening at the Bowelstone. Now, you're sure you know where the loot is?
B
X marks the spot. Darling, we've been over it a hundred times.
A
Were you scared?
B
To death? Actually, but nothing ventured.
A
Good luck.
B
Goodbye. Come on, Lou. Yes.
A
Right.
B
Hi ho, hi ho it's off to.
A
Work we go.
B
Hi ho, hi ho.
A
I hope you know what you're doing, Nigel. I've no experience. That's precisely why they'll get away with it. Innocence is a great disguise. I had it once myself, but it didn't last. Look at them. Who would suspect those two of any criminal intent? They're your only chance, Jiffy. If they fail, you're dead. We'll go separate ways from here. You go that way. I'll go down here. Well, I hope we don't get lost against Jiffy like we did last time. Stop moaning, Virgo, please, and get down about.
B
Dig, dig, dig, dig, dig in the woods the whole day through Dig is what we like to do We? Oh, what a heist, Lou. There's not a sign of police or gangsters. Oh, just the birds and us. And a little further down in this soil A million pounds. Our time has come at last. It's so exhilarating. I haven't felt like this since I was a girl. This will revolutionize our lives, won't it? The possibilities are frightening. The way I feel is. It's frightening. It's called happiness. We're not used to it.
A
Aha.
B
I've hit something. A new life is beginning. It's being born. Now, this minute. I can feel it. So can I. A life of Riley spiced with a little danger to give it a flavor. All thanks to Billy Potts, a man we've never met. Oh, thank you, Billy. Oh, digloo. Let's get this show on the road.
A
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B
You're under arrest.
A
Who the hell's that? Where? Up here, Top of the powder stone. The name is Digley. Detective Sergeant Digley of Keswick Constabulary. You towny termites. You're surrounded. You're all surrounded, including the fools in the forest. I have men everywhere. English Lakeland is crawling with Digley's policemen. And you're all under arrest. I don't believe it. Ain't we going to Spain, Jiffy? You going to arrest us from up there, John? I'm coming down. Wait there. I. Don't try anything funny. My foot's a bit numb. You'll have to be patient. You can be getting the money ready. Money? You rob the bank, don't you? You can't fool me like you fooled him, you Cockney carcass. You'll get years and years. What a cop. What a cop. This is the peak of my career, you city slickers. He wants the money, bb. We haven't even seen the money. Don't get funny with me. I know you've got. Damn, my foot's still paralyzed. Yeah, this table's all right. Virgo got a view of the exercise yard, if you're happy with it. No, I'm happy if you are, Jiffy. You know that one table's the same as another behind bars. I don't feel bad. Well, it was my idea, wasn't it? My stupid idea. Yeah, these are good sausages. And you'll like the mash. You think the mash is really something. Could have been Spanish omelettes. Yeah, with flamenco dancers round the tables. But the mash is all right. All conned by two musical females. Well, I was, too. We all was. Look, I'm trying to apologize, Bertcom. Well, I don't want you to, Jiffy. I'll get embarrassed. Oh, that could be worse. We could have been split up. We never even got a snip of the money. All we did was look after it for a little while, like custodians. And here we are back in Brixton at half a mile from the bank where we started. Eat your bangers, Jiffy. What I'm saying is, there's a lesson in it. Yeah, don't go to the Lake District. I'm gonna listen to you from now on. Well, I don't think it's fair, BB getting off scot free. Well, he got a flashbarrister, didn't he? Yeah, he thought his way right out of bother, bought himself off near enough. So he's out now. Plenty more bank takeaways. Yeah. Wow. That's well out of order. Because he's richer than us. That's the way this country works. And Nigel's faster than us. They couldn't even get him to court, could they? Yeah, he dodged his escort. Nick left park, motorbike. Nobody could catch him. He'll be over to sea now, watching festivals. Yeah. Riding the bulls at Pamplona. Ole Nigel. Yeah, it's funny that the one who didn't get apart from us, that is, was the sergeant. He's not laughing, is he? Incarcerated in bandages and cement now. You know, Jeff, I reckon we was on the same side. And who ever thought of that? Us and a kettle. I don't get it. Well, it's like, in a manner of speaking. Yeah. Well, I mean, Digley couldn't afford a private hospital, could he, anymore? We could get a barrister. So he's got the National Health and we got Legal Aid. And now he's behind bandages and we're behind bars. That's very deep, Burko. Yeah, well, you get time to think in here, but it ain't easy. Oh, that reminds me, Jiffy, I wanted to ask you something. I got a letter. Who sends you a letter? You can't read. Shh. Not everybody knows that. Would you read it to me? Yeah, give it a. Here. What you been up to, Berto? You got a Spanish letter. Spain. Oh, Jeffrey. Whereabouts in Spain? We're just here. This is to both of us. It's from them, Henry and Lou. Hey, listen, listen. Hola, amigos. Oh, that's Spanish, all right.
B
Shut up. Listen, we found the money, darlings, right where you said it was like finding buried treasure. And we thought, find us keepers. What an adventure it would be to keep all of it all. We hadn't stolen it, so our consciences were clear. So we tidied up, made sure there were no loose ends lying about to trip us up later. Swept you all onto the carpet. We were doing our bit for society by ridding the world of a few villains. And we made that policeman's day. Once we had made up our minds to be adventurous, you see, everything became simple. We discovered the sky secret of happiness. You simply turn your back on your responsibilities and walk away. Run away as you did, darlings. Only we're better at it than you. That was the theory, anyway. That was the plan, darlings, and it worked beautifully. But we hadn't bargained for feelings. It's exactly. We've become friends, the four of us, haven't we? And while you might do that sort of thing to families, you don't do it to friends. We're sorry. Friends. Now we want to make amends. We've been following your fortunes. Lack of fortune. And we feel responsible, affectionate. So we've invested most of the money and bought a safe house, a beautiful casa by the sea. And when you're released, we'll make arrangements for you to join us. Or we might even break you out of prison. So there you are, darlings. If this is an offer you can't refuse, we shall all live happily ever after. Adios. Buenos notches, some egos.
A
Buenos nachos, amigos. Jeez, Jimmy, wake us out. There's a prospect. What do you think? Well, will you write back and ask if we can add balls? Jiffy. Jiffy. Now, there's something else. I wouldn't ask you. Oh, go on. Do you think Billy's in heaven? Of course he is. Hi, Billy. I knew it. I really knew it. Well, everything's all right then, innit? Yeah, Berko. Everything's fine. Well, well, can this be the end of the story? Can we possibly leave Jiffy Perkins in Boca Madrid, incarcerated forever with bangers and mash? Perish the thought. They may be back in their beloved London, but behind bars they might as well be in Timbuktu. Or Spain. Oh, dear. Perhaps Burka will never get to Spain now. Perhaps Henrietta and Louise will never get out. Yet can BB Be content simply to say goodbye to his ill but never gotten games? Can City Nigel be happy listening to flutes instead of the music of his victim's cries? And don't underestimate Sergeant Digley. Already he's peering through his bandages, wondering if it's safe to come out. Many questions remain to be answered. What everybody needs is another Change in the Weather. Meanwhile, Jiffy Perkins and Virco Madrid were played by Peter Craves and John Hollis, Henrietta and Louise by Dilys Lay and Polly James City Nigel by Philip Sully, BB William Simons, John Richard Tate, the Detective Inspector David Sinclair and Detective Sergeant Digley by Trevor Nichols. Technical presentation was by David Greenwood, Jessica Bowles and Alison Mackenzie. A Change in the Weather was recently written by Eric Pringle and directed by Ian Cottrell. Forget whatever plans you have this weekend because you're staying at home and playing on spinquest and there's never been a better time to sign up than right now. New users get $30 coin packs for just $10. All the table games you love with hundreds of slot games and real cash Prizes. That's at spinquest.coms P I N Q U E S T.com Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details. With an Amex card. My benefits suit me, so I earn on both big and little things in life. And so can you. Are you a foodie who dines in or one who takes out? Maybe a traveler searching for new destinations and travel perks? Saving rewards for something big? Or maybe for someone small? There's an amex card waiting for you. See if you pre qualify for an American Express card with no impact on your credit score. Learn more@americanexpress.com Tech4OFFERS. Your credit score may be impacted if you accept a card. Terms apply.
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: October 20, 2025
The final installment of "A Change in the Weather," a radio drama by Eric Pringle, delivers a suspenseful and darkly humorous conclusion to this Golden Age-style adventure. Fugitive bank robbers Jiffy Perkins and Berco Madrid are pursued through craggy, hostile terrain by both law enforcement (led by Detective Sergeant Digley) and ruthless London gangster BB. Caught in the crossfire are an unlikely pair of “innocents,” Henrietta and Louise (Henry and Lou), whose accidental involvement will change the fate of everyone. The episode explores themes of loyalty, fate, and the peculiar bond forged amidst adversity, all wrapped in witty, sometimes philosophical banter.
“You still have your pride and your pistol. This is no time to get lonely.”
— Nigel, reflecting on survival and despair (03:29)
“Everything we touch turns to ash...even Billy dropped dead on us.”
— Berco, articulating the group’s tragic fortunes (08:33)
“Innocence is a great disguise. I had it once myself, but it didn’t last.”
— Nigel, on using Lou and Henry in their scheme (13:39)
“All we did was look after it for a little while, like custodians.”
— Berco, in prison, ruminating on futility (24:27)
“We discovered the sky secret of happiness: you simply turn your back on your responsibilities and walk away.”
— Letter from Henrietta & Louise, justifying their actions (26:48)
“If this is an offer you can’t refuse, we shall all live happily ever after.”
— Letter from Henrietta & Louise, closing with hope (27:43)
The script is dense with dry wit, black comedy, and a strong sense of irony—typical of vintage British radio plays. Dialogue is brisk, laced with cultural references (“wrap up your troubles in your old kit bag and smile, smile, smile”), and characters oscillate between bravado, melancholy, and hope. The female characters’ boldness and unexpected resourcefulness provide a delightful twist that both subverts and humanizes the traditional crime caper.
In summary:
Part 5 concludes “A Change in the Weather” with an unexpected but oddly endearing resolution. All parties lose — except for friendship and a pinch of good luck. The journey from peril to camaraderie, from greed to redemption, is painted with wit, philosophical musing, memorable quirks, and a distinctively British sensibility.