Boston Blackwood Radio Drama called “The poisoning in Plain Sight”
Project Overview
Boston Blackwood is an original detective radio drama created to sound like a show audiences could have tuned into in 1948. The series follows Blackwood, a former con artist and cat burglar turned private detective, and Sarah, his sharp-witted companion, through mysteries filled with suspense, humor, and brisk banter.
With period dialogue, atmospheric sound effects, and memorable characters, the project celebrates the storytelling of classic radio. I’m looking for voice actors who enjoy character work, playful exchanges, and bringing a mystery to life through voice.
Voice Actor
A charming, intelligent, quick-witted, and slightly mischievous former con artist and burglar who now uses his talents to solve crimes.
He spent years outsmarting wealthy individuals, security guards, and the police. Blackwood wasn't an ordinary burglar; he was an artist at his trade.
Now working as a detective alongside his wife and partner, Sarah Wesley, Blackwood uses his knowledge of the criminal underworld, sharp observations, and unconventional methods to bring criminals to justice.
Personality: Charming, confident, observant, street-smart, witty, and occasionally sarcastic. Blackwood enjoys playful banter but knows when to become serious. He often allows people to underestimate him while quietly putting the pieces of a mystery together.
Character Inspirations:
- Columbo: The Observer — Notices details others overlook.
- Kojak: The Street-Smart Charmer — Confident, clever, and knows how criminals think.
- Perry Mason: The Master of Deduction — Patiently pieces together evidence and exposes the truth.
Voice/Performance: A mature, confident male voice with a thick, authentic Boston accent. The accent should be natural, consistent, and easily understood in an audio drama.
The actor must be comfortable delivering quick-witted dialogue, playful romantic banter, subtle sarcasm, and moments of genuine emotional vulnerability.
Blackwood should sound like a man who can charm his way into a room, talk his way out of trouble, and outthink almost anyone in it.
Role Size: Lead character with substantial dialogue. Recurring role intended for future episodes and productions.
Sarah, He looks confused, (with a smile) Then again, he always looks confused to me.
Thank you, I just wanted to be sure it was you. Another question for you, Tell me, who cooked the dinner For Mr. Thomas?
Four men sitting around that table. All of 'em drinking the same water. Then one of 'em drops before he can finish telling the whole city what he knows.
Voice Actor
She is intelligent, quick-witted, and devoted wife and investigative partner of Harry “Boston” Blackwood.
Personality: Warm, charming, intelligent, witty, occasionally sarcastic, and fiercely loyal. Sarah is affectionate toward Blackwood but isn't afraid to challenge him, tease him, or speak her mind.
Personality: Warm, charming, intelligent, witty, occasionally sarcastic, and fiercely loyal. Sarah is affectionate toward Blackwood but isn't afraid to challenge him, tease him, or speak her mind.
Voice/Performance: An adult female voice with a natural, classic 1940s conversational style. The actress should be comfortable delivering playful romantic banter, quick-witted comedy, curiosity, and frustration.
Sarah should sound intelligent and capable, with a warm personality and a mischievous sense of humor.
Role Size: Recurring supporting role with substantial dialogue throughout the series.
Well That would be pretty apparent, would it not? Mr. Thomas.
Well, it was certainly nice of him to let us borrow his apartment to watch television. Just imagine, seeing Inspector Holcomb right there on a television screen.
You don't think someone did something to Baxter?
Voice Actor
Character Description
A seasoned, intelligent, and determined Boston police inspector who worked his way up through the ranks. Holcomb is a dedicated lawman with years of experience and strong investigative instincts.
He has a long, complicated history with Boston Blackwood, a former con artist and burglar. Due to a personal incident involving a close friend, Holcomb doesn't believe Blackwood has truly reformed and is waiting for him to slip up.
Although he distrusts Blackwood, Holcomb reluctantly recognizes his detective abilities and occasionally accepts his help.
Personality: Authoritative, sharp-witted, stubborn, suspicious, and occasionally sarcastic. Generally professional and levelheaded, but Blackwood has a special talent for getting under his skin.
Voice/Performance: A mature, confident, commanding voice with a classic 1940s detective style. The actor should be comfortable shifting between calm authority, dry humor, genuine frustration, and reluctant respect.
- english
- american (boston)
- male adult
(with a pleasant) Blackwood, before this goes any further, I've got one thing to say to you. (his tone becomes much sterner) Get out of here! A man is dead here and I need to find out what happened.
Cut it out, both of you. Where are you going, Blackwood?
Blackwood, there you go again, who said it was poison? I told you it couldn't be poison. What do you know? Are you involved somehow?
Voice Actor
Is a uniformed officer with the Boston Police Department who sometimes works under Inspector Holcomb. He delivers important information to the inspector.
Personality: Professional, dependable, respectful, and straightforward. He takes his duties seriously.
Voice/Performance: A male voice with a Irish accent**. The actor should deliver his lines naturally and clearly, with the ability to convey urgency when necessary.
Role Size: Small speaking role appearing in one scene, with the possibility of returning in future episodes.
Excuse me sorry for the interruption, Inspector Holcomb. The medical examiner just finished with the body.
He says to tell you He believes Baxter was poisoned maybe something in the water.
The press is wanting answers to what happened tonight.
Voice Actor
A respected and outspoken Boston city councilman dedicated to exposing political corruption.
Before he can publicly reveal his findings, he is murdered during a televised civic forum.
Personality: Intelligent, distinguished, principled, confident, and authoritative. A man of strong convictions who takes his public responsibilities seriously.
Voice/Performance: A mature male voice with a confident, commanding presence and the polished delivery of a 1940s politician. The actor should be comfortable delivering a formal public speech that suddenly turns into a dramatic choking and collapse sequence.
Role Size: Small speaking role appearing in one scene. His murder becomes the central mystery of the episode.
Ladies and gentlemen, I have come to you tonight for a very specific purpose.
I have found out who That man is, Ladies and gentlemen he is………..
Ladies and gentlemen, I have in my possession evidence that will expose this individual.
Voice Actor
The butler to Randolph Thomas. A proper, slightly stuffy gentleman. Polite, formal, and professional.
Personality: Reserved, courteous, proper, and somewhat stiff.
Voice/Performance: A mature, refined voice with a possible British English accent. The actor should deliver his lines with polite formality.
Role Size: Small supporting role with limited dialogue.
I'm sorry, sir, he’s not in at the moment. Would you like to leave a message?
They meet at The Starlight Alleys. They play all night, you should find him there.
Of course inspector.
Voice Actor
Is a wealthy, influential businessman with powerful political connections throughout Boston.
He knows how to use his influence to get what he wants and isn't afraid to bend the rules to close a deal.
Personality: Arrogant, calculating, self-important, manipulative, and occasionally charming when it serves his interests. He has a sharp temper when things don't go his way.
Voice/Performance: A mature male voice with a confident, polished, and somewhat condescending tone. The actor should be comfortable portraying a powerful businessman who can shift from smooth charm and controlled arrogance to anger.
Role Size: Supporting character with significant dialogue. Potential recurring role in future episodes.
Well, Inspector You have given us a lot to think about, That is for sure.
So did you, for that matter.
Maybe you'd better leave, before I start putting pieces together.
Voice Actor
Is a friendly, hardworking employee at the Starlight bowling alley.
Very small speaking role with limited dialogue in one scene.
Good night, Mr. Thomas.
Not bad, You are having a great night.
Voice Actor
Supporting Role — Corrupt Real Estate Mogul
Randolph Thomas is a wealthy, powerful, and corrupt real estate mogul who has built his fortune through questionable business dealings.
I would like for an actor with a naturally deep, gravelly voice rather than someone forcing a raspy sound.
Personality: Arrogant, calculating, intimidating, and self-important.
The performance should shift naturally between smooth confidence, condescending arrogance, and genuine nervousness when Thomas feels threatened.
Inspector Holcomb, there isn't anything I can tell you except what I've already told you.
(coldly) Well..what's the reason for all this, Inspector?
I better get going, I have an early morning meeting.
Voice Actor
The Narrator serves as the storytelling voice of the series, setting the scene, introducing locations, establishing the atmosphere, and guiding listeners through important transitions.
The narrator must be comfortable transitioning between lighthearted moments, suspenseful situations, dramatic cliffhangers, and episode recaps.
Personality: Neutral, composed, professional, and authoritative, with a subtle sense of mystery and suspense when the story calls for it.
Voice/Performance: A mature, polished voice with clear diction, smooth pacing, and the distinctive delivery of a 1940s radio announcer.
Role Size: Recurring role throughout the series, providing scene introductions, transitions, and occasional story recaps.
While Blackwood and Sarah were sitting watching the television, Andrew Baxter was about to make a speech in the television studio.
Blackwood and Sarah are on there way to Mr. Thomas garage.
Blackwood walks up to a payphone, as he turns to Sarah to continue their conversation when someone picks up on the other end.
Voice Actor
Is a professional broadcaster who introduces guests and speakers during a televised civic forum.
Personality: Professional, composed, and confident.
Voice/Performance: A clean, clear, well-articulated voice with a neutral American accent and polished 1940s broadcasting style.
The actor should have excellent diction, smooth pacing, and a natural, professional delivery.
It gives me great pleasure to introduce one of our city's most distinguished citizens.
Continuing our roundtable discussion on civic affairs.
Live from studio 12 in Front of our live audience.
Comments
Public Submissions
