A Likely Story

A curious blend of domestic comedy and art‑history intrigue sets the stage when a seemingly ordinary married couple, the Aikens, become tangled in the secrets of an old water‑colour that claims to remember four centuries of drama. Their disputes over household chores lead them to a restored painting whose mysterious past—linking a soldier’s romance, a dashing artist, and even a papal conspiracy—spills into their own lives. As the picture is examined by a solitary librarian and a quirky restorer, the narrative slips between present‑day London and vivid sketches of the past, inviting listeners to wonder how a simple image can echo with hidden voices.

Meanwhile, a cast of eccentric relatives, nurses, and scholars—each with their own quirks and theories—join the investigation, offering comic commentary on gender, science, and the nature of dreams. The story moves like a puzzle, layering letters, anecdotes, and philosophical asides while keeping the central mystery of the painted scene alive. Listeners are drawn into a playful, absurd world where everyday concerns collide with a centuries‑old mystery, promising a listening experience that is both thought‑provoking and off‑beat.