beautifully read - and you don’t overdramatize and try to make the story scarier. you just read the with the implicit emotions and let the text speak for itself, which is only enhanced by your acting. thank you so much. i love listening to you :) 🎭

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alexa, I really appreciate that feedback. All best wishes

You are spoiling us Simon, I’m saving this for midnight because then it will be my birthday, and this is my kind of treat! Thank you!

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Happy birthday Maria! I hope you have a wonderful day

@mariameere5807

2 жыл бұрын

@@BitesizedAudio That’s very kind of you thank you! I was falling asleep so I kept rewinding it and made it last a long time! I really enjoyed it! Thank you again

@deanwal1962

2 жыл бұрын

Have a wonderful birthday.

@missy3240

2 жыл бұрын

Happy Birthday!

Thanks so much for this, hope all is well Xxx

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Janet. I hope you're keeping well too

Excellent... Thank you!

Thank you.

I will force myself to resist the urge until prosecco o'clock before sating my appetites. Deep forthcoming joy. ❤

@greglinski2208

3 ай бұрын

You need help if you spend your whole days counting down the minutes until you are “allowed” to have a drink. Alcoholism is very sad and I feel extremely sorry for you 😣😔

I can’t wait to go to bed to listen to this.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dean. Sleep well!

@deanwal1962

2 жыл бұрын

@@BitesizedAudio I did. Thank you very much again. The story was a corker and your reading of is was, once again, peerless.

It's a wonderful evening when Simon uploads :). It's Saturday night dinner time at my part of the world & it's been raining throughout the day...Imagine tropical monsoon. What better way to end such a day than listen to a ghost story? Might even burn a candle for added effect :D

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

That sounds very atmospheric! Thanks for your kind comments

@deanwal1962

2 жыл бұрын

The candle is a good Idea. I am waiting until Christmas when I will listen Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the M.R. James Christmas ghost stories whilst having a log fire from you tube burning on my TV screen.

@victoriavanderdussen3809

2 жыл бұрын

Fff za a

@Frenchblue8

Жыл бұрын

@@deanwal1962 yes, waiting for December myself, at least till after American Thanksgiving, to begin Simon's reading of a Christmas Carol! Just one more thing Christmassy to look forward to that might actually become a new tradition as well!🎄

@deanwal1962

Жыл бұрын

@@Frenchblue8 I have added listening to him to my usual Christmas rituals. Simon’s Christmas stories are as eagerly anticipated for me as is the rendition of “Once in Royal David’s City” that is broadcasted from Kings College, Cambridge.

Excellent. So enjoyable. Thank you.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for listening

Perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon, Thanks Simon⚘

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure! Thank you Nancy

@h.calvert3165

2 жыл бұрын

Nance! You here? I love spooky stuff, too! And this narrator is the champ. 🏆

@nancyM1313

2 жыл бұрын

@@h.calvert3165 Hi H. CALVERT🌺🐈 Hope it's an awesome day for you. I agree this is a lovely channel. I sit on my rocking chair (of course, the cat has to join me, lol)😍 and get to have a spooky adventure. Think you know what Iam trying to say....good times!😏 Stay safe~⚘

What a treat. Just got back from a stellar visit to the beach, and find a new story in my notifications. Thank you, Simon.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful, thanks Tammy

Smashing, thank ‘ee! 😀♥️

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

Exemplary narration Simon, although, as with many of these wonderful tales, a disappointingly abrupt ending. Thank you for bringing these immersive stories to life.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks @ripleygordon Yes, I know what you mean about the abrupt ending of many of these stories, although this particular one is unusually structured, inasmuch as the end is outlined much earlier the story and then we're shown how it happened. Quite a modern approach! Thanks as always for listening, and taking the time to comment

Made my ironing session a lot more bearable 😅 Thank you for your wonderful story telling - have you ever been an actor on screen? You really do more than just recite words, you bring it to life.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks @Gumblina1. Yes, I have done some, although not a huge amount, probably 90% of my acting career has been in the theatre, but along the way I've done a couple of bit parts on TV and a few independent shorts and feature films, though again not in leading roles. Also a few radio plays some time ago. I must say I've really enjoyed getting into audio narration over the last few years, a wonderful opportunity to explore different characters and voices. Glad to be of help with the ironing!

@Gumblina1

2 жыл бұрын

@@BitesizedAudio Yes - you have a perfect voice for the theatre - a wonderful talent 👏 Looking forward to getting your works on audible this month. thank you for taking the time to reply.

Groan! - a new ghost story is up and here I have to leave for work shortly. Oh, well - something to look forward to when I get home. It looks to be a very good one - I hope my day passes quickly!

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

I hope so too, and hope you enjoy it whenever you're able to listen! Thanks Chris

@chrisnorman9980

2 жыл бұрын

Just got home, made a cup of tea - sitting in my comfortable chair (this has to be done correctly) and ready to be entertained. Thanks again!

I am very thankful you are sharing yet another forgotten story by a particularly interesting but all but forgotten author. Reading his biography (another great feature I don't remember ever thanking you for - so TY) I understand how he 'became obscure' so to speak even sooner than other authors. For sure he seems to have a very busy public life from what is known but I so wish he had left us more ghost stories as I find this "Mr. Mortimer's Diary" to be quite superb in providing that 'pleasant chill' another and near contemporary Etonian put it. James Bradshaw's presence in such a crescendo of tense, creepy torment is magnificently achieved. By your extraordinary interpretation (much more than a reading) as much as by the author's gifted pen. By the end I could feel myself inside the story and it I do believe I literally shivered. The closing words of the diary are of such sheer despair mixed with a lack of conviction in the self-persuasion that may haunt me later tonight. So: all in all a wonderful addition to my evening. Seriously I send you a most sincere feeling of gratitude.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind words @portugasque, I'm so glad to know you enjoyed it. I've added a little more information to the biography now, with some historical trivia in case you're interested. I'd certainly like to record some more of his stories at some point. All best wishes, and thanks as ever for your support

You have the perfect voice for these stories.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you cole Marie. Lovely to hear from you, I hope you're keeping well.

❤Your channel!

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Stella, very kind!

A superb performance of this masterpiece. Thank you very much! This is surely one of the most shocking stories of its kind. The sketch of the protagonist's austere appearance, his lack of friends, followed by the scene with the empty chair and the visit of the disturbed lodger, all seen from the outside, followed by the record of his feeble self-exculpations and resolve to repent--all are perfectly judged. I know of only one other story of about this time that is equally frightening: Bernard Capes's 'The Green Bottle' (1902), reprinted in Hugh Lamb's _Tales from a Gaslit Graveyard_ (1979). It would be wonderful to hear you read it, Simon! Thank you again!

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you beluch, so glad to know you enjoyed it. Funnily enough you're the second person to have requested a Bernard Capes story in as many days. He's (yet) another author on my to-do list. I've already got the next few weeks' stories in development but will certainly try to get around to him before too long

That was interesting, the way the beginning stated Mortimer's respectability. Then, nearing the end, a base character, indulging in the weakness of the flesh. Like the forthcoming retribution made the writer come clean. As usual, you've done an excellent job, as if you are becoming part of the story. Thanks.👍👋👋

Today is the start of my super lazy vacation. And what a way to start it but with a cup of coffee and an awesome story from you Simon. The creepy ghost voice gave me chills.👻😱😊

This ranks with M.R. James, and l can pay no higher compliment. Thank you.

This was great! I’m surprised I never heard of it before. Can one really strangle oneself? Who cares - it’s a genuinely creepy tale! I do love those long, convoluted sentences in these old stories. Beautiful and elaborate use of language. But needs someone with a voice like yours to do them justice Simon.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks GradKat. Yes, I wondered the same, it does sound like an extremely difficult thing to do (which to be fair the doctors in the story point out) Appreciate your kind comments - there were some particularly long and convoluted sentences in this one, especially in the opening paragraphs! Glad to know you enjoyed it

@thewildbirds6070

Жыл бұрын

Medically, no, you can't strangle yourself (dont try folks). I think it is implied that Bradshaw compelled or possessed Mortimer in his last moments. Reminiscent in it denouement of James' A View from a Hill. Very good nonetheless, and a great Yorkshire accent.

Awesome story eloquently narrated, thank you

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Min

Well the prosecco came out early - I blush to disclose - but prosecco and you are my favourite combo. And what a cracking story that was - rendered with your customary aplomb. Already on my second listening and second glass. I thank you. Roger Mo(h)rtimer thanks you. Deep, deep joy. ❤

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

I calculate approximately two hours between comments Bob, admirable restraint! So glad you enjoyed it. I'm still very amused by your own tale of Roger the Lodger, a very entertaining listen - sharing the link kzread.info/dash/bejne/lIKOpMFsY9HUcaQ.html for those who'd like to check it out!

@SpuktasticAudio

2 жыл бұрын

@@BitesizedAudio You're a gentleman and a scholar, Simon. And my hero. ❤

This one seemed like a much more macabre version of A Christmas Carol - without the redemption or Christmas theme.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Yes indeed, there's one section in particular which reminded me of the end of Stave IV, but as you say rather darker... Thanks D R

@Linnet09

2 жыл бұрын

That makes it particularly interesting. Maybe Bradshaw was more unforgiving than the ghosts who visited Scrooge, but maybe Mortimer's repentance wasn't really genuine? He lists off all the people he owes amends to, but instead of, like Scrooge, immediately taking action, tries to save himself - going to the priest and being unable or unwilling to confess, turning to human help to survive the deadline. I got the impression that had he survived the deadline, making recompense to Bradshaw and all the others wouldn't have been his first priority!

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

@Linnet09 Yes I concur with your thoughts, that was very much my impression too!

A great story! Thanks for finding such overlooked gems; I had never heard of this author, in spite of reading many ghost stories, and would probably have never heard this story without you.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

So glad to know that, glad you enjoyed it. Yes Northcote's output was small but he produced a few neglected gems and I certainly plan to read more of them in the future

Have just finished listening to this most compelling and enjoyable story, Simon. What a horrible, horrific treat! And it was perfect for showcasing your talent for acting - indeed your maniacal laughter is to be envied! I will definitely be listening a second time tomorrow! (No, probably tonight!) Thanks so much, Simon! Warmest wishes for a great weekend, from all of us - 🐭🙀😺🐶

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Rachel. Best wishes to all of you (and especially little Simon)!

@rattyrachel2930

2 жыл бұрын

Bitesized Audio Classics 😺

Wonderfully read, an intriguing story! In anticipation of more!!

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you David. Yes, I'm certainly planning to read more from Northcote's collection in the future

You have outdone yourself. I just hung on every word. A very well written story (too bad this author did not have a greater body of work) read to perfection. Cheers Pat in NJ

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Pat. I'll certainly be revisiting Amyas Northcote's stories, especially as this one seems to have been well received! Best wishes

Brilliant, thank you! Please, please……how about ‘The Lumber Room” by Saki? 😀

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. That story is already on my (ever-growing!) list as it's been requested before by a couple of people now, can't promise when but I'll certainly get round to it as soon as I can

You never fail to mesmerize with these stories!

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Gina, much appreciated!

Great narrating! Loved the scary Mr. Bradford voice and the little song! You out did yourself, Simon! You really scared me! lol Many thanks from across the pond!

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Excellent, thanks sugarfalls1

Another gem! So glad I found this channel!

Fabulous, fabulous acting! Incredible! Thank you!

Love this one!

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jasper, glad to know that. I was interested to see you've done a reading of 'Brickett Bottom' - I've not had a chance to listen to it yet, but I shall endeavour to do so asap!

Such a fun and visual story! Thank you.

listening from the ukwales 2021❤️

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful, thank you. I love Wales, I went to drama school in Cardiff (RWCMD) and have very fond memories of my time there, plus many happy holidays over the years in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. Such a beautiful part of the world

Thank you Simon, really enjoyed this ghostly tale of horror that made my day. 👻💀😱👍

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to know that, thanks Space Hound!

Splendidly read, as ever. Thank you! I have always enjoyed Northcote, and often re-read my copy of In Ghostly Company. A much under-rated writer, with only Brickett Bottom ever really given any credit. Unjust, in my opinion. This story alone proves he is worthy of much more attention. Thank you again.

Unlike Ebenezer Scrooge, Mr. Mortimer was denied a chance for redemption. A ghostly tale, well constructed, written and - as usual - narrated.

Thanks, very Jamesian with particular echoes of "The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral" in its use of the acquired journal and hinting at misdeeds. So Jamesian in fact, that one could be forgiven for believing that Amyas Northcote is a pseudonym, or at least that he learned at the feet of the Master!

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tony. Yes, it's strange there's so little information available about Northcote's life, especially as he was the son of a well-known man in his day. I've not been able to establish whether or not he knew James, although they were likely to have overlapped at school. No doubt if he didn't know him personally, he presumably read some of his stories. I was reminded of Barchester too.

Thank you again, Simon for sharing your gifts with the world.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your lovely comment, much appreciated!

Second time listening. That's the great thing about Simon's recordings: one wants to listen to them again and again.

Fantastic narration! The voice of James Bradshaw was really good.

Amazing as always....you are a natural storyteller ❤

Superb. Both the story and the reading of it.

Oh, a de~licious one👻 TY *Simon Stanhope w/Bitesized Audio Classics*

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Miji!

Thoroughly enjoyed this. A good listen.

Really enjoy readings by Simon Stanhope, the tremble in the voice during scary passages, and I never knew what a fine singing voice he has.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Sara, that's very kind of you to say!

Brilliant story and your reading of it moved me. Wow, well done

Brilliant! TY so much dear Simon! :-)

I agree with Alexa, a wonderful narration that captures the fear and incipient insanity to perfection.

I so throughly enjoy your voice, it is a gift of celebration. As are the short stories/novellas to be honored for their historically inspired use of language, etiquette, & otherworldly conversations, as it was a time when the life/death cycle was closer to the hearth & the home in ALL classes, thus their almost scientific discourse on the gothic themes, which is to be celebrated in a time when we often are far removed from death in our modern times. Thank you for sharing your storytelling gift with the World Wide Web, for behind the computers we are all human beings starved for stories with good bones. Your production has been “on point” since you began this channel. I am so grateful you persevere & persist in your right to take up digital data space. You are a star of light to celebrate in an often very vapid space. God bless your New Year! 🪐✨🌟✨🌞🌝🌍🌏🌎💚💙

@BitesizedAudio

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind comments Evelan. Happy New Year to you

Simon Stanhope, you are a treasure! Fantastically read, voiced, and acted. Well done. That man had four days and yet he did not act upon his good intentions to apologize and pay kindnesses to those he had wronged. His shame was arrogance and ultimately his own undoing. Thank you for uploading this story.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

And thank you for your kind comments Patricia, greatly appreciated!

Thoroughly enjoyed thank you

one of the best so far

First rate! I will have to explore this author’s work. Your reading as always, excellent. I love the expression you put into your voice. I listen to several “ghost” channels and rate yours highest! P.S. I wonder if you might consider Margaret Irwin’s The Earlier Service? I think it’s one of the best scary stories out there. Published in the 30’s I believe.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

That's very kind of you to say, thank you! Re 'The Earlier Service', leave it with me and I'll see what I can do...

Great narration of quite a scary story.

Our dear Simon's dedication to his craft is exemplified by the splendid singing in this tale! Much thanks and love - a loyal subscriber

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your loyal subscription, and lovely comment! I can sing normally, but this was a challenge as it was in a character's voice rather than my own, and he's supposed to be rather drunk... but I thought that would give me some leeway!

As always well read and acted. Could feel the fear and anguish in Mortimer. As the haunting progress he changed from being an arrogant man to a scared and troubled one. He felt in the trap of the devil by delaying to make amends for his past endeavours and denying the fact that God is forgiving and merciful. At least then his soul could have been saved for Death comes to all of us in the end.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Sarah

@rthomas1031

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, he seems to have missed the whole point of Christianity. Any minister could have prayed with him, walked him through repentance. Even if he couldn’t make amends himself, the blood of Christ would wash the guilt away.

Thanks, Simon. You've done a great job with that crashing bore Thorndyke! From Australia.

you read and elaborate the nuances of each character. it’s as if there were actors on a stage. and your little songs bring more life yet to the story :) 🌷🌱 but i must finish this story as i feel it pulling me to write as it should have been ended. . . . and in a will, written with trembling hand, found tucked away in his old desk, he had bequeathed a legacy to the ones he had wronged. 🥀

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

What a lovely comment, thank you so much Alexa. I appreciate your righting of wrongs at the end!

Excellent! Thanks for sharing. 😊 👻

@BitesizedAudio

10 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for listening!

Excellently read. Northcote's literary tone resembles that of Conan-Doyle: one departs from scientific rationalism into the realm of poppycock only with the most extreme reluctance.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Peter, appreciated. Yes indeed, I was reminded at some points of Doyle's 'The Parasite' in the depiction of the growing despair of the protagonist...

I've oft been enticed to make jest of the influence these tales bear on one's vernacular. Yet, I think it best to refrain. For I perceive it highly desirable that we should revive the former splendor of the English language, and I'll not suffer my jocularity to serve at all to the contrary. I myself may be, at times, a bit of a popinjay. I quite fancy the term, in fact. "Popinjay." Yes, even the term itself sounds a bit priggish. Such that, upon naming it, one bears its title. 🤭 Orneriness notwithstanding, I thank you sincerely, Simon, for your wonderful selections and stellar performances. And I thank the audience for keeping beauty alive in an increasingly dour world. God bless

@suspendeddisbelief401

2 жыл бұрын

I did so enjoy that Sir ☺️

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Indubitably! Thank you for your kind comments

Thank you.☺️👵🏻🇦🇺

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome 😊

Thanks!

Always a treat.

@PippaAT

Жыл бұрын

Why would you post a spoiler? Badly done!

@rosiemcnaughton9933

Жыл бұрын

@@PippaAT Sorry. I didn't mean to do that. Thank you. I'll fix that.

Fantastic story 👍thanks

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for listening

Nice one great story

Thank you

The perils of a classical education. 💀👻

Brilliant story.

That was a wonderful ghost story, what a horrific end for Mr Mortimer - though I dare say he deserved it, don't you?

Wonderfully performed. Perfection I just wish I understood the ending.

Very good in every way.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Glad to know you enjoyed it, thank you!

Ah, "Confusion to mine enemies!" indeed... 🙃

hurray! singing!

So scary! I had listen during the sunlight 🤣

The end of the reading seems to be cut off with the words, 'He returned from his club at about half past eleven'.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Hello beluch, I've just checked the video and the last sentence of the reading is "'He returned from his club at about half past eleven that evening" .. Were the words "this evening" missing for you? Possibly a glitch related to temporary connection problems? I've had that happen to me before where a video appears to skip. I was worried I'd accidentally cut the end off in the edit (it's happened before!), but having just listened can confirm the whole sentence is definitely there!

@beluch2768

2 жыл бұрын

@@BitesizedAudio My mistake, Simon. It's all there. I did not remember that the story ends so abruptly. Please accept my apologies.

Every good story needs a Belgian! 😃👍

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Quite so! Thanks for listening Steven

Listening to this while preparing quarterly vat filing…. Tales of demonically possessed self-strangulation seem somewhat appropriate listening 😆

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Ha, I can imagine! Thanks Missy

The moral of the story be: don’t steal another academic’s work.

*”In the name of the Devil whose servant I am, cease to annoy me,”* Yeah, now THIS is a story

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it, thank you!

@Cuban20

2 жыл бұрын

@@BitesizedAudio I love all the stories you narrate here. These are amazing.

I'd never have made it in this society. I'd stay in jail for beating shit out of some of the upper class

A strange ending.

A general question to ALL: the name of the Author---Amyas. Is also the name of a central character in Agatha Christie's book, "5 Little Pigs". Hence, the question: is the name 'Amyas', for the time period a known one given to boys; an unusual one, or one that even in the time frame of the author would have been considered--highly unusual. Thanks

@kpcraftster6580

Ай бұрын

Good questions! The little Wikipedia article on the name list six other ‘famous’ men with the forename: in birth-year order: 1532, 1560, 1886, 1901, 1949, 1975. Perhaps Kingsley naming a character Amyas Leigh in his Elizabethan historical novel, Westward Ho! (1855), revived it and gave it a boost? (Amyas Northcote was born nine years later.)

What a fabulous n

A member of the Megatherium Club?

These British intellectuals kill people at the drop of a hat. This is not the first time a butterfly collector or paper writer has offed one of their fellows over a slight. Thank you for sharing.

I got it! "the bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mountain to see what he could see." fits perfectly - Love it!🏔🌱

@BitesizedAudio

Жыл бұрын

Yes indeed! In the UK, we also know this piece as the tune for singing 'For he's a jolly good fellow" (three times), "and so say all of us!"

Splendidly read, as ever. Thank you! I have always enjoyed Northcote, and often re-read my copy of In Ghostly Company. A much under-rated writer, with only Brickett Bottom ever really given any credit. Unjust, in my opinion. This story alone proves he is worthy of much more attention. Thank you again.

@BitesizedAudio

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Amanda. Yes, I'll certainly be returning to Amyas Northcote in the future. Any favourites you'd particularly like to hear? It's a shame his output was relatively small...

@amandablack7811

2 жыл бұрын

@@BitesizedAudio indeed, a mere thirteen stories, I believe. It’s been a while since I read it, but I do remember particularly enjoying “Mr Kershaw and Mr Wilcox”.