Episode Overview

Radio Rental - Bonus Tape: One Night in Essex
Release Date: November 19, 2025
Theme:
This episode of Radio Rental presents a chilling true-life story from England, recounted by a comedian named Ed Hedges. Through an immersive blend of nostalgia, comedic self-deprecation, and sudden horror, Ed describes his traumatic return to his quiet hometown—and a terrifying late-night encounter linked to a gruesome crime. The episode delves into small-town dynamics, personal trauma, and the unpredictable eruption of real-life horror in the most mundane places.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Growing Up in a Small English Village (00:10–04:50)

• Ed introduces his background: Raised in a tiny, uneventful village in rural England. His childhood was unhappy, impacted heavily by bullying.
• Main antagonist: Brett, an older, "cool" neighbor kid, was Ed's primary tormentor.
• Isolation:
  • “I wasn’t really one of the popular kids. I didn’t have many friends. My whole childhood was kind of marked by being bullied a lot.” (00:24)
  • Describes Brett's relentless bullying, particularly for Ed's weight and learning disabilities (dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia).
• Desire to escape:
  • Ed's decision to never return to his hometown after moving away at 18.
  • Pursued stand-up comedy in London, finding success and personal transformation.

2. The Homecoming Performance Invitation (04:50–06:40)

• Unexpected Email:
  • Ed is invited to headline a fundraising show by a local council member.
  • Hesitant but ultimately accepts for a personal redemption arc.
• Anxiety:
  • Driving laps around the village, afraid of feeling like the ostracized kid again.
  • Imaginative fear—expects Brett to show up and reignite childhood trauma.

3. The Night of the Gig (06:40–09:00)

• Show goes surprisingly well:
  • No sign of Brett; warm reception from townspeople and old teachers.
  • “It was probably one of the best gigs I’ve ever had. And it was really kind of healing, I guess...” (08:35)
• Decides to walk home through the quiet, empty streets.

4. A Disturbing Night at Home (09:00–13:00)

• Returning to his childhood bedroom:
  • House is exactly as he left it years ago; he falls asleep quickly.
• Awakening to Fear (10:20):
  • Senses someone at the end of his bed—it’s his mother.
  • She whispers ominously:

    “Edward, whatever you do, don’t make a sound. Don’t turn on any lights.” (10:37)

  • Her serious tone is utterly out of character, amplifying Ed’s dread.
• Strange Behavior:
  • Both parents are silently looking out windows, clearly alarmed.
  • Realizes someone is urgently banging on the front door.

5. Climax: The Threat Outside (13:00–15:00)

• Attempt to investigate:
  • Ed almost heads downstairs, but his father stops him violently:

    “Whatever the fuck you do, do not go down those stairs.” (13:36)

• Calling the police:
  • Police respond tersely—know the situation already, advise barricading the house, then abruptly hang up.
  • The banging stops, replaced with eerie silence.

6. Escalation and Resolution (15:00–16:30)

• Intruder tries the back door:
  • Ed hears the door handled but it doesn’t open, thanks to an unusual DIY quirk.
• Final Panic:
  • Another violent bang—family hides in the only room with a lock as police arrive with helicopter, sirens, and flashing lights.
  • Finally, all goes still.

7. Aftermath and Shocking Revelation (16:30–18:00)

• Morning uncertainty:
  • Ed wonders if it was a dream, but his parents are shaken, and news covers the street.
• The news reveals the horror:
  • Childhood bully Brett murdered his own mother and a friend with shocking brutality:

    “He stabbed her 47 times in the face and neck and arms. And he was identified by the shape of his footprint on the side of his mother’s skull. And then he came to my house.” (17:10)

  • News item details the graphic violence and Brett’s attempt to reach Ed’s family.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On childhood trauma

• “Brett was kind of good at everything I was bad at…He was a tall, handsome, thin guy. I was a short, dyslexic, unsportsmanlike person.” (00:55)
• “He thought it was funny to throw donuts at me.” (01:18)

On confronting the past

• “I thought it’d be good for me to go back as this new version of myself…Kind of have one of those moments where the hero goes back to his old neighborhood and he’s changed…” (05:55)

The moment of terror

• “Whatever you do, don’t make a sound. Don’t turn on any lights.” — Ed’s Mum (10:37)
• “Whatever the fuck you do, do not go down those stairs.” — Ed’s Dad (13:36)
• “We’re very aware of the situation, Mr. Hedges. Barricade yourself inside the house and please do not leave under any circumstances.” — Police (14:12)

Aftermath

• “About how that night a young man called Brett killed his mum and their family friend. He stabbed her 47 times in the face and neck and arms. And he was identified by the shape of his footprint on the side of his mother’s skull. And then he came to my house.” (17:10)

Important Timestamps

| Time | Content | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:24 | Childhood bullying by Brett introduced | | 05:55 | Ed’s decision to perform at homecoming gig | | 08:35 | Ed’s reflection on how well the gig went | | 10:37 | Ed’s mum issues a terrifying warning | | 13:36 | Ed’s father stops him from going downstairs | | 14:12 | Chilling police phone call | | 17:10 | News reveals Brett’s crimes and connection to Ed’s family |

Tone and Storytelling

The episode skillfully weaves dark comedy with suspense, beginning with self-deprecating humor and nostalgia before careening into heart-pounding fear and horror. Ed’s honest, detailed storytelling draws listeners into his vulnerability—first as a bullied child, and then as an adult forced to confront unimaginable real evil.

Conclusion

“One Night in Essex” is a classic Radio Rental tale—one that bridges the ordinary and extraordinary, leaving listeners unnerved and haunted by the question of what might have happened had Brett managed to enter Ed’s childhood home. Through its real-life horror, it reminds us of the fragility of safety and the unpredictability lurking in the quietest places.

For more chilling stories, visit Radio Rental or follow them @radiorental.