The Chester Higgensworth Detective Series

A Radio Play Written By: Peppur Chambers

Directed by: Bernadette Speakes

2025

A comedy-drama with a cause, The Chester Higgensworth Detective Series follows an unorthodox modern-day vigilante and self-styled “property bounty hunter” on a mission to reclaim stolen land—and stolen legacies—one plot at a time.

Set against the backdrop of contemporary Black resistance and historical injustice, the series brings together the germaphobic Chester, the no-nonsense strategist Patricia Livingston, savvy tech-whiz Emmy Silver, and her resourceful (currently incarcerated) brother, Pooky as they confront shady developers, slippery con artists, and the lingering ghosts of generational theft. Whether unraveling a land-grab poker scheme, chasing down kidnappers, or exposing grave robbers, this unlikely crew is determined to set things right—with heart, humor, and just a hint of chaos.

Written by Peppur Chambers and commissioned by Lower Depth Theatre, each one-act audio episode blends satire, suspense, and social commentary in a genre-bending experience. With a colorful rotating cast of characters and a mysterious voice pulling strings behind the scenes, Chester’s crusade is as unpredictable as it is necessary.

Come for the laughs. Stay for the land back.

Episodes 2-6 of this podcast is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Episode 2: The Covered Wagon and Chester Higgensworth

(2025)

Episode 2 Transcript

A Thought.

Back in the day, certain people liked t'get over on Black folks -- take what wasn't theirs and then blame 'em for wantin' it back. Today, some of those Black folks ain't havin; it. Folks like Chester. This modern-day vigilante property bounty-hunters, has found a way to take back what was stolen, one plot at a time -- along with help of Emmy, Pooky and Aunt Patricia.

This episode, Duddley Rochester, a proper gentleman of “Missour’a” is runnin’ scared and needs Chester’s help to get his family’s land back. And fast.

Will Chester, Patricia, Pooky, and Emmy be able to save the day? And will the mysterious and demanding Voice threaten to upend all that Chester is working to build?

Episode 1 / Pilot: The Boll Weevil & Chester Higgensworth

(2022)

Chester, a modern-day vigilante property bounty-hunter has found a way to take back what was stolen, one plot at a time. Finding his first clients, he reaches out to "Pooky" and his family to reclaim what a certain boll weevil has taken. And now, it's on.

Footnote:
The pilot episode was recorded in 2022 with a different creative team prior to the launch of the current series. This episode was produced independently and is not supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Learn more about the pilot production

Listen On…

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

amazon music

About the Playwright

PEPPUR CHAMBERS is an international writer/producer/educator. An alum of Moving Arts MADLab, Circle X Emerging Playwrights Group, and Antaeus Playwrights Lab, she uses her voice to amplify women’s issues, social justice and love. She’s an O’Neill semi-finalist for her plays F/K/A Meridian and Unexplained Infertility. Her radio plays The Fire In-Between, End of the Line, and Chester Higgensworth Detective Series are available online. Her plays For the Love of You, House Rules, The Build UP, Dick & Jayne Get a Life and one-woman shows, Harlem’s Awakening: Storytelling Live and From Here to There have been produced in LA, Prague and Chandler, AZ. Her books Harlem’s Awakening and Harlem’s Last Dance (March 2023) can be found on Spaceboy Books, B&N, Amazon or ask at your local bookstore. More info: penandpeppur.com, peppurchambers.com

about the director

With over 25 years in the entertainment industry, BERNADETTE SPEAKES is a powerhouse of talent, celebrated as an award-winning filmmaker, acclaimed director, and accomplished actor with a rich history of working alongside industry icons like James Earl Jones, Sidney Poitier, William Shatner, and Taye Diggs.

Her directorial work spans a vibrant range of genres—from gripping dramas to psychological thrillers and horror. Her 2022 psychological thriller Imaginist won 'Best Production' at the Black August Film Festival and is now gaining attention from international festivals in Berlin and Nepal. In 2021, her horror short PRIVOKE captured the 'Audience Choice Award' at the WOCU/JTC & Entertwine's 48-Hour Horror Film Festival, while her drama Emerald King earned her a 'Best Director' nomination at Queen City's Film Festival.

Bernadette’s theater direction includes acclaimed productions such as The Bluest Eye, The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963, and CUT (written by Emmy Award winner Stacy Amma Osei-Kuffour), with The Bluest Eye achieving a sold-out six-week run. In 2020-2021, she served as Guest Director for Antaeus Theater's Radio Plays (Seasons 1 & 2), praised by Los Angeles Times for being 'delightful… quick and fun and surprising, with exceptional production quality,' and LA Weekly for 'enchanting and original' performances. In 2018, Bernadette was nominated for 'Female Director of Distinction' at the Hollywood Fringe Festival for her direction of Villain: An American Story..

Bernadette has graced prestigious stages across the nation, from Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center to Chicago’s Goodman and Steppenwolf Theaters, as well as Los Angeles’ Fountain and Hudson Theaters. In 2017, her portrayal of the iconic Sheila, alongside the ensemble cast, was honored with the Cinematic Classic award at the ABFF Awards. Her dynamic screen presence extends to television, with appearances in Tiny Beautiful Things (Hulu), First Kill (Netflix), Seal Team, and a recurring guest role on All American (CW). Bernadette continues to captivate audiences with her talent and dedication to her craft.