Adam Thorpe was born in Paris in 1956. His first novel, Ulverton, appeared in 1992 and he has published two books of stories and ten further novels, most recently Missing Fay (2017), and six poetry collections. 
 
 
www.adamthorpe.net

Adam Thorpe

Adam Tooze is the author of the highly praised Crashed, The Deluge and The Wages of Destruction, all published by Allen Lane. He has been the recipient of the Wolfson Prize for History, the Longman-History Today Book of the Year Prize and the Lionel Gelber Prize. Tooze has taught at Cambridge and Yale and is now Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Professor of History at Columbia University.

Adam Tooze

Adam Usden

Adam Wagner

Adam Wasson

Adam Weymouth's work has been published widely, including in Granta, The Atlantic, The Observer and the BBC. His first book, Kings of the Yukon, won the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year, the Lonely Planet Adventure Travel Book of the Year and the Prix Paul-Emile Victor. He has been named by the National Writing Centre as one of ten writers shaping the UK's future.

Adam Weymouth

Adam Wisniewski-Snerg (1937-95) was born on the outskirts of Warsaw. His science fiction writing is largely focused around the consequences of totalitarianism. Although largely unread during his lifetime, after his suicide in 1995 his work began to receive major critical attention. He is now considered to be, along with Stanislaw Lem, one of Poland's greatest science fiction writers.

Adam Wisniewski-Snerg

Ade Edmondson

Adele Lang

Adele Nozedar is an author and photographer. Previously, she was in a cult indie band, then ran her own indie record label and became A&amp;R Director/General Manager of a major record company. 
 
Her wide-ranging passions are reflected in her books, which include The Hedgerow Handbook (2012), The Signs and Symbols Sourcebook (2011), The Secret Language of Birds (2006), and The Element Encyclopedia of Native Americans (2013).

Adele Nozedar

Adele Puhn

Adeline Yen Mah

Adelle Waldman is a freelance writer and book critic. She worked as a reporter at the New Haven Register and the Cleveland Plain Dealer, and wrote a column for the Wall Street Journal's website. Her articles also have appeared in The New York Times Book Review,The New Republic,Slate,The Wall Street Journal, and other national publications. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Adelle Waldman

Aditi Kakade Beaufrand is an Indian illustrator based in France. She likes experimenting with bright, happy colours. She grew up reading fairytales, watching animated films and imagining adventure stories, and her style is an embodiment of her Indian heritage and western culture. She loves animals and taking long walks on the beach, but she is never too far away from a pencil and a paper to draw her perception of the world.

Aditi Kakade Beaufrand

Aditya Chakrabortty

Adiva Geffen is a bestselling writer and playwright. Her plays have appeared on major stages in Israel, she lectures and leads numerous writing workshops and she is a board member of the Israeli Writers’ Association. 
 
 Geffen started out as a special-education teacher, before serving as the spokesperson for the Habima National Theatre for more than a decade. She founded and subsequently led the Israeli Theatre Award for ten years, and now serves as head of The Gnazim Institute of the Hebrew Writers Association, the largest Hebrew literature archive in the world. 
 
 Born in Haifa, Israel and the mother of three sons, Geffen now lives in Tel Aviv with her partner Aharon Meidan.

Adiva Geffen

Adnan Sarwar, 35, is a former British soldier who served in the Iraq War.  He has since worked as a military consultant to film and is a writer based in London.  Read more at www.adnansarwar.com / @adnansarwar

Adnan Sarwar

Adolf Hitler

Adolf Loos (1877-1933) was a leading Austro-Hungarian architect, perhaps most famous for the revolutionary 'Loos House' opposite the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, which caused outrage when it was built in 1912, and the wonderful American Bar, also in Vienna. He wrote extensively on architecture and design, working in reaction to the elaborate mass of decoration celebrated by the Vienna Secession movement.

Adolf Loos

Adolfo García Ortega

Adomnan of Iona

Adonis

Adriaan Van Dis

Adrian Bean

Adrian Bliss is a creator, writer and performer from London, best known for his comedy sketches which, explore everything from history to natural science to religion. Adrian's work has earned him nearly 20 million followers across social media and has been featured in CNN, The Times and Vogue. Adrian was named one of the New Faces of Comedy at Just For Laughs, and his one-man play Inside Everyone sold out its debut run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival prior to opening.

Adrian Bliss

Adrian Desmond

Adrian Edmondson

Adrian Fort

Adrian Gilbert

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Harold Pinter

Joseph Conrad

Harold Pinter's unproduced screenplay of Joseph Conrad's last great novel, specially adapted for radio by Sir Richard Eyre 
 
'All radio drama should be at this level' Spectator 
 
The annals of movie history are full of lost treasures - spectacular scripts from world-renowned writers that could have been classics, had they only been made. Now, for the first time, some of these forgotten gems have been brought to life, fully realised as vivid, cinematic radio productions. Scripted by major 20th Century writers, including Harold Pinter, Arthur Miller, Alfred Hitchcock and Dennis Potter, they star a host of A-list actors and feature richly evocative, atmospheric soundtracks. 
 
One of seven of these 'unmade movies' available on audio, Victory is a dark, morally complex drama set in the Dutch East Indies in 1900. It tells the story of Baron Heyst, a mysterious Swedish recluse living alone on a deserted island whose life is changed forever when he visits a neighbouring island, and falls in love with young English violinist Lena. Pursued by predatory older men, Lena is drawn to Heyst, and escapes with him to his island retreat... 
 
The foremost playwright of his generation, Harold Pinter was also a celebrated screenwriter, who wrote the scripts for hit movies including The Servant, The Go-Between and The French Lieutenant's Woman. Victory, however, was judged too expensive for Hollywood - but, courtesy of this special adaptation by award-winning director Sir Richard Eyre, it has finally seen the light of day. Bjarne Henriksen (The Killing) stars as Heyst, with Vanessa Kirby (The Crown) as Lena and Mark Strong (Cruella) as Ricardo, while narrator Simon Russell Beale sets the scene with directions and descriptions from Pinter's screenplay, some taken directly from Conrad's original novel. So sit back, grab some popcorn and let this epic production play out on the biggest screen of all - that of your imagination. 
 
 
Production credits 
Written by Harold Pinter 
Based on Victory: An Island Tale by Joseph Conrad 
Directed by Richard Eyre 
Produced by Laurence Bowen 
Sound Design: John Leonard and Wilfredo Acosta 
A Feelgood Fiction production for BBC Radio 4 
 
Cast 
Narrator - Simon Russell Beale 
Heyst - Bjarne Henriksen 
Lena - Vanessa Kirby 
Davidson - Matthew Marsh 
Ricardo - Mark Strong 
Jones - Robert Portal 
Schomberg - Patrick O'Kane 
Mrs Schomberg - Helen Schlesinger 
Pedro - Martin Marquez 
Chang - Paul Chan 
Mrs Zangiacomo - Flaminia Cinque 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 February 2015 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Unmade Movies: Harold Pinter's Victory

A BBC Radio 4 adaptation of the unproduced screenplay

Federico Garcia Lorca

Three of Federico García Lorca's best-known plays, as heard on BBC Radio 3 
 
Poet and playwright Federico García Lorca is one of the most famous figures in 20th-century Spanish literature. A member of the 'Generation of '27' avant-garde movement that included Dalí and Buñuel, he became well known for his lyrical, symbolic works mixing modernism and the folkloric traditions of his native Andalusia. He was executed by Nationalist forces at the start of the Spanish Civil War, aged only 38. Over 80 years later, his poetry is revered worldwide, and the plays in his 'Rural Trilogy' are widely regarded as masterpieces. 
 
Blood Wedding - Based on the true story of a tragic feud between two families in rural Almeria, Lorca's atmospheric meditation on fate, war, tradition, passion and repression is adapted for radio by former Poet Laureate Ted Hughes. The winner of the 2008 Sony Award for Best Drama, it stars Barbara Flynn, Carl Prekopp, Sarah Smart and Andrea Riseborough. 
 
Yerma - Infused with poetic imagery and song, this evocative drama tells the tragic tale of a woman's desperate desire for a child. Her maternal yearnings escalate to the point of obsession, ultimately driving her to commit a terrible crime... Emma Cuniffe stars as Yerma, with a full cast including Conrad Nelson, Declan Wilson, Rebecca Callard and Annette Badland. 
 
The House of Bernarda Alba - Written in 1936 and completed just a few months before his assassination, Lorca's final play explores the familial passions and tensions that arise following the death of Bernarda Alba's second husband. After the funeral, the tyrannical matriarch imposes an eight-year period of mourning on her daughters - but the ensuing power struggle will have tragic consequences. Starring Siân Thomas, Brigit Forsyth and Elaine Cassidy. 
 
 
First published 1932 (Blood Wedding), 1934 (Yerma), 1936 (The House of Bernarda Alba) 
 
Cast and credits 
Written by Federico Garcia Lorca 
Produced and directed by Pauline Harris 
 
Blood Wedding 
Mother of Bridegroom - Barbara Flynn 
Bridegroom/Woodcutter - Carl Prekopp 
Bride - Sarah Smart 
Leonardo - William Ash 
Leonardo's Wife/Girl - Andrea Riseborough 
Father of Bride - David Fleeshman 
Beggar Woman/Neighbour - Mary Cunningham 
Servant/Mother-in-Law - Ellie Haddington 
Moon - Claire Benedict 
Girl - Liz Carter 
Woodcutters - Sam Curtis &amp; Chris Hannon 
Little Girl - Daisy Jones 
Adapted by Ted Hughes 
Music composed by Matthew Wood 
First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 25 November 2007 
 
Yerma 
Yerma - Emma Cunniffe 
Juan - Conrad Nelson 
Victor - Declan Wilson 
Maria - Rebecca Callard 
Pagan Old Woman - Annette Badland 
Dolores - Claire Benedict 
Dolores' Neighbour - Kate Layden 
Washerwomen - Deborah McAndrew &amp; Fionnuala Dorrity 
Washerwoman/Girl 1 - Liz Carter 
Washerwoman/Female at the Pilgrimage - Helen Longworth 
Male at the Pilgrimage - Kevin Harvey 
Spanish Voice - Anna Castineiras 
Translation by Michael Dewell and Carmen Zapata 
Music composed by Tayo Akinbode 
Musicians: Tayo Akinbode, Richard Arthurs and Chris Cruiks 
Singers: Members of the cast and Leslie Pratt 
First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 26 Sep 2010 
 
The House of Bernarda Alba 
Bernarda Alba - Sian Thomas 
La Poncia - Brigit Forsyth 
Maria Josefa - Pauline Jefferson 
Angustias - Kate Coogan 
Magdalena - Victoria Brazier 
Martirio - Christine Bottomley 
Adela - Elaine Cassidy 
Prudencia - Christine Cox 
Girl - Daisy Jones 
Adapted by Pauline Harris 
Translation by Michael Dewell and Carmen Zapata 
Musical direction and original music composition by Conrad Nelson 
Male chorus singers: Les Pratt, Martin Medina, Nathan Jenkins, Andrew Johnston, David Cane, Peter Edge and George Leeming 
First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 2 March 2014 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Lorca’s Rural Trilogy

Blood Wedding, Yerma & The House of Bernarda Alba

Ray Galton

Alan Simpson

Over 30 brilliant BBC recordings, including TV shows, radio highlights and a wealth of previously unreleased material 
 
Tony Hancock was one of Britain's best-loved and most influential postwar comedians. Collected here are some of the very best radio and TV episodes from Hancock's Half Hour, plus celebrations, compilations, interviews, original dramas and documentaries - many of which have never before been available on audio. 
 
There's the debut show from the radio series, The First Night Party, introduced by writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson; and the last ever BBC television show, The Succession - Son and Heir. Also included are four new-to-audio TV episodes - The Oak Tree, The Train Journey, The Tycoon and The Lift - as well as many other television favourites: The Flight of the Red Shadow, The Wrong Man, The Economy Drive, Lord Byron Lived Here, The Cold, The Emigrant, The Baby Sitters, The Poison Pen Letters, The Bedsitter, The Bowmans, The Radio Ham and The Blood Donor. 
 
Two programmes introduced by Galton and Simpson, The Best of Hancock's Half Hour (Radio) and The Best of Hancock's Half Hour (TV) showcase the show's finest moments, and more classic clips can be found in Unique Hancock, an extended version of the vintage 1973 vinyl LP complete with commentary and linking narration. And in Steve Punt's Hancock Cuttings, included here for the first time on audio, the comedian and Tony Hancock fan presents a host of oddities and rarities featuring the lad himself. 
 
The life and wonderful work of Hancock, his writers, and fellow radio actor Kenneth Williams are commemorated in three never-before-released documentaries - The New Elizabethans: Tony Hancock, Celebration: Galton &amp; Simpson and Great Lives: Kenneth Williams. Also making their audio debut are two poignant radio dramas, Hancock's Last Half Hour (starring Richard Briers as Hancock) and Hancock's Ashes (starring Ewan Bailey as Willie Rushton). 
 
Finally, we go behind-the scenes with Galton and Simpson in a trio of insightful interviews - a fascinating 30-minute discussion, specially recorded for BBC Audio in 2003, and the radio programmes In Conversation with Galton and Simpson and The Complete and Utter History of Hancock's Half Hour, in which the duo chat to Paul Jackson and Paul Merton respectively. 
 
Please note: due to the age of these recordings, the sound quality may vary. 
 
Production credits 
Hancock's Half Hour written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson 
Produced by Dennis Main Wilson (radio) and Duncan Wood (TV) 
Theme and incidental music composed by, and orchestra conducted by, Wally Stott 
Collection compiled by Martin Gibbons 
With thanks to the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society 
 
Contents 
The First Night Party 
The Best of Hancock's Half Hour (Radio) 
The Best of Hancock's Half Hour (TV) 
The Succession: Son and Heir 
The Flight of the Red Shadow 
The Wrong Man 
The Oak Tree 
The Economy Drive 
Lord Byron Lived Here 
The Train Journey 
The Tycoon 
The Cold 
The Emigrant 
The Baby Sitters 
The Poison Pen Letters 
The Bedsitter 
The Bowmans 
The Radio Ham 
The Lift 
The Blood Donor 
Celebration: Galton and Simpson 
Unique Hancock 
Hancock's Last Half Hour 
In Conversation with... Galton and Simpson 
Interview with Galton and Simpson 
The Complete and Utter History of Hancock's Half Hour 
The New Elizabethans: Tony Hancock 
Steve Punt's Hancock Cuttings 
Hancock's Ashes 
Great Lives: Kenneth Williams 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Hancock’s Half Hour: Selected TV Soundtracks & more

A BBC Classic Comedy Collection

Leo Tolstoy

BBC Radio adaptations of Tolstoy's three major novels, plus a reading of his profound philosophical memoir, an original drama based on his life and a bonus documentary 
 
One of the greatest novelists of all time, Leo Tolstoy is famed worldwide for his masterpieces of realist fiction, War and Peace and Anna Karenina. This comprehensive collection contains both those iconic works, as well as his final novel Resurrection; his autobiographical essay A Confession; Stephen Wakelam's dramatic account of his tempestuous marriage, Mrs Tolstoy; and In Our Time: Tolstoy. 
 
War and Peace - 1805, and Napoleon Bonaparte is threatening the peace of Europe. In St Petersburg and Moscow, the lives of three aristocratic families are about to be changed forever... This epic dramatisation stars Simon Russell Beale, Gerard Murphy, Amanda Redman and Emily Mortimer. 
 
Anna Karenina - In 19th Century Russia, bored high society wife Anna embarks on an affair with the handsome Count Vronsky - but her passion sets her on a path to self-destruction. Starring Teresa Gallagher and Toby Stephens. 
 
Resurrection - Serving on the jury in a murder trial, Prince Dimitri recognises the young prostitute in the dock as Katerina Maslova, the girl he seduced years before. Knowing he is partly responsible for her plight, he attempts to atone for his mistakes and find redemption. Katherine Igoe and Richard Dillane star in this powerful adaptation of Tolstoy's final novel. 
 
A Confession - Read by Joss Ackland, this compelling religious testament describes Tolstoy's search for God, faith and the meaning of life. 
 
Mrs Tolstoy - In his fifties, Leo Tolstoy has a spiritual crisis. Converting to Christianity, he gives up writing, stops sleeping with his wife, won't see his children and wants to give away all his possessions. But Sofya is ready to fight for her husband and family... Starring Ian McDiarmid and Haydn Gwynne. 
 
In Our Time: Tolstoy - Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Tolstoy's life and writings, exploring his urgent desire to represent real life in his work, how he strove to convey truth to the reader - and why he ultimately gave up on literature to concentrate on religious and political philosophy. 
 
Please note that the chapter headings have been updated as of 10th February 2022. 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Leo Tolstoy BBC Radio Drama Collection

Full-cast dramatisations of War and Peace, Anna Karenina & more

John Galsworthy

An epic BBC radio adaptation of John Galsworthy's complete Forsyte Chronicles, narrated by Dirk Bogarde and with an all-star cast 
 
'Hallmarked with elegance and craftsmanship' The Evening Standard 
 
First broadcast in 1990, this monumental adaptation of John Galsworthy's Nobel Prize-winning novel series was a radio event. It was the most expensive drama serial ever produced, featured one of the biggest, most star-studded casts and dominated the Radio 4 schedules for over 5 months, attracting over a million listeners each week.Comprising all nine books in Galsworthy's Forsyte Chronicles, it spans 50 years - from 1886 to 1936 - and tells the irresistible story of an upper-class dynasty torn apart by a terrible feud. 
 
Wealthy, privileged and successful, the Forsytes seem to have it all. But the disastrous marriage of Irene and Soames Forsyte, and the dire consequences of one night and the next foggy day, are to split the family for generations. As the sins of the father are visited upon the children, the younger Forsytes - from Soames' daughter Fleur to her cousin Dinny Cherrell - find themselves doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past as they experience both the pain and the promise of love. Beset by emotional disasters, domestic dramas and society scandals, can the various members of this sprawling family ever find lasting happiness? 
 
This sweeping tale of passion, power and money stars a host of outstanding actors, including Dirk Bogarde, Alan Howard, Michael Hordern, Diana Quick, Michael Williams, Maurice Denham, Amanda Redman and Sophie Thompson. 
 
Cast and credits 
Written by John Galsworthy 
 
The Forsyte Chronicles 
Galsworthy - Dirk Bogarde 
Old Jolyon - Michael Hordern 
Soames Forsyte - Alan Howard 
Irene - Diana Quick 
Young Jolyon - Michael Williams 
James - Maurice Denham 
Aunt Ann - Fabia Drake 
Aunt Hester - Rachel Kempson 
Aunt Juley - Renee Asherson 
June - Angela Pleasence 
Philip Bosinney - Michael Cochrane 
Swithin - David March 
Roger/Justice Bentham/Sir Luke Sharman/Adrian Cherrell - John Moffatt 
George/Monsieur Profond - Christopher Good 
Nicholas - John Gabriel 
Emily - Maxine Audley 
Winifred - Fiona Walker 
Montague Dartie/Elderson - Donald Gee 
Francie - Susan Sheridan 
Mrs Macander/Mme Lamotte/Smither/American woman - Jo Kendall 
Young Chankery - Charles Simpson 
Waterbuck, QC/Timothy/Mr Settlewhite/Hilary Cherrell - David King 
Annette - Shelley Thompson 
Holly - Elizabeth Mansfield 
Val - Dale Rapley 
Jolly - Paul Downing 
Dreamer/Francis/Francis Wilmot/Hubert Cherrell - Simon Treves 
Polteed/Gradman/Cuthbert Mothergil/Editor/Foskisson/Blore - Brian Miller 
Doctor/Lord Charles Ferrar/Lionel Cherrell/Neil Wintney/Mr Instone - James Greene 
Fleur - Amanda Redman 
Other Cast: Gary Cady, Gary Bond, Tara Dominick, Vincent Brimble, Nicholas Gilbrook, Sue Broomfield, Paul Daneman, Philip Sully, Stephen Garlick, John Bull, Danny Schiller, Belinda Lang, Jack May, Ben Onwukwe, David Bannerman, Ian Lindsay, Stuart McGuigan, Michael Kilgarriff, Catherine Furshpan, Christopher Scott, Garard Green, Mary Allen, Sophie Thompson, Dorothy Tutin, Peter Marinker, Moir Leslie, Danielle Allan, Paul Rattigan, Jack Klaff, Lois Burgess, Miranda Foster, Peter Howell, Aubrey Woods, Jody McDonald, James Warwick, David Yelland, Matthew Solon, Elizabeth Kelly, William Wortley, Henry Power, Leonard Fenton, Jenny Howe and Nigel Carrington 
 
Dramatised by David Spenser, Shirley Gee and Elspeth Sandys 
Directed by Janet Whitaker, Anthony Cornish and Sue Wilson 
Series producer: Janet Whitaker 
Pianist: Mary Nash 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 September 1990-2 March 1991 
 
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Forsyte Saga

4 Full Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations

Dorothy L. Sayers

Dorothy L. Sayers' classic play cycle based on the life and times of Jesus 
 
 Dorothy L. Sayers was best known for her mystery novels featuring aristocratic amateur sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey. But she was also a poet, playwright and committed Christian, and in The Man Born to Be King she combined art and evangelism to powerful effect, making the story of Christ accessible, relevant and every bit as thrilling as her detective fiction. 
 
 Written specially for the BBC Radio, the play cycle caused huge controversy for its depiction of Christ as a character, and its use of contemporary speech instead of Biblical language. However it proved extremely popular with listeners, who wrote in to thank Sayers for making Jesus real to them and reigniting their interest in his remarkable story. 
 
 Based on the four Gospels, it includes one story of the Nativity, six plays about Jesus' life and ministry, and five Passion Plays telling of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Jesus' arrest and trial before Pontius Pilate, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. Backed up with a sweeping musical score, these immersive dramas surprise and shock us anew and provide fresh, illuminating insight into 'the greatest story ever told'. 
 
 The plays included are Kings in Judea, The King's Herald, A Certain Nobleman, The Heirs to the Kingdom, The Bread of Heaven, The Feast of Tabernacles, The Light and The Life, Royal Progress, The King's Supper, The Princes of This World, King of Sorrows and The King Comes to His Own. 
 
 Cast and credits 
 Written by Dorothy L Sayers 
 Adapted by/Producer: Raymond Raikes 
 The Evangelist (John Bar-Zebedee): Gabriel Woolf 
Jesus: John Westbrook 
Joseph/ Jacob Ben-Issachar: Norman Shelley 
Simon Bar-Jonah (Simon Peter): Stephen Jack 
Judas Iscariot: Alan Wheatley 
Matthew: Nigel Stock 
Herod The Great: Robert Eddison 
Nicodemus: John Wyse 
Ephraim: Denys Blakelock 
Shadrach: Malcolm Hayes 
Rabbit Solomon: John Gabriel 
Phoebe: Caroline Monkhouse 
Flavius: Trader Faulkner 
Calpurnia: Penelope Lee 
Mary Virgin: June Tobin 
Mary Magdalen: Mary Wimbush 
Martha: Marjorie Westbury 
Lazarus: Richard Hurndall 
Benjamin Ben-Hadad: Ralph Truman 
Joseph, kinsman to Jesus: Haydn Jones 
Simeon, kinsman to Jesus: Wilfrid Carter 
Baruch the Zealot: Francis de Wolff 
Baruch's Wife: Vivienne Chatterton 
Gestas: John Laurie 
Dysmas: Russell Napier 
Simon of Cyrene: Rodney Dias 
Proclus, a Roman Centurion: Trevor Martin 
Roman soldier: Bruce Beeby 
Roman soldier: Harvey Hall 
Joseph of Arimathea: Howieson Culff 
Calaphas, High Priest of Israel: Heron Carvic 
Salome, mother to James and John: Henzie Raeburn 
Mary Cleophas: Molly Rankin 
Balthazar, King of Ethiopia: Paul Danqdah 
Melchior/ A Zealot: Michael Kilgarriff 
Casper: James Dale 
Claudia Procula, wife to Pilate: Mary Law 
Pontius Pilate, Governor of Judaea: Alec Clunes 
Philip: Rolf Lefebvre 
Thomas Didymus/ Father: Philip Leaver 
Mother: Wynne Clark 
Miriam, child: Elizabeth Proud 
Isaac, child/a slave boy: Daniel Rose 
Hannah: Hester Paton-Brown 
James Bar-Zebedee: John Glen 
Andrew Bar-Jonah: John Boxer 
Hezekiah, secretary/ Roman Soldier: John Baker 
Annas, father-in-law to Caiaphas: Edward Atienza 
Captain Elihu: Keith Alexander 
Eunice, a Syro-Phoenician: Elizabeth Morgan 
Cleophas: Harry Hutchinson 
Portress at the High Priest's House: Miriam Margolyes 
Zillah, her daughter: Jo Manning-Wilson 
Issacher, servant: Hugh Dickson 
Susannah, mother to the Bride groom: Betty Baskcomb 
Rebecca, friend to Susannah: Gladys Spencer/ Janet Burnell 
Other cast: Ian Frost, Janette Richer, Nan Marriott-Watson, Janette Richer, Peter Marinker, Raf de la Torre, James Thomason, John Forrest, Michael Goldie 
First broadcast BBC Home Service 19th, 26th Jan, 2nd, 9th , 16th, 23rd Feb, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 28th, 30th March 1975 
 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Man Born To Be King

A BBC Radio 4 drama collection

Henrik Ibsen

The Master Builder by Henrik Ibsen, in a new version by David Hare 
 
Master builder Halvard Solness is a self-made man. With no professional qualifications, he has built himself up through ruthless ambition, and achieved a position of power and domination in his home town. But his success has come at a cost. His marriage is empty, destroyed by a personal tragedy that has left him wracked with guilt and pain, and he is increasingly frightened of failure and being displaced by the next generation. 
 
Then a mysterious young woman, Hilde Wangel, appears from the mountains, claiming to have met Solness ten years earlier, when she was only 13. She asserts that he kissed her and promised her a kingdom: and now she has returned to claim it. Halvard becomes besotted with Hilde, seeing her as a breath of fresh air, revitalising his life with her youthful energy. And Hilde flatters and praises him, rebuilding his ego. But has she come to seduce him - or to destroy him? 
 
With mystical undertones and resonances for the #MeToo movement, this searing tragedy of middle-aged male hubris explores the troubled psyche of a successful, abusive man who has risen to the greatest heights, only to be toppled from his peak. David Schofield stars as Solness, with Siobhan Redmond as his wife Aline and Laura Aikman as Hilde. 
 
Also included is a bonus programme, In Our Time: Henrik Ibsen, in which Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the great Norwegian playwright and poet. 
 
Cast and credits 
Solness - David Schofield 
Aline - Siobhan Redmond 
Hilde - Laura Aikman 
Brovik - Paul Bradley 
Dr Herdal - Jonathan Tafler 
Kaja - Shannon Hayes 
Ragnar - Joseph Ayre 
 
The Master Builder by Henrik Ibsen 
In a new version by David Hare 
Based on a literal translation by Torkil Heggstad 
Directed and produced by Gary Brown 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15-22 August 2021 
 
In Our Time: Henrik Ibsen 
Presented by Melvyn Bragg 
With Tore Rem, Kirsten Shepherd-Barr and Dinah Birch 
Produced by Simon Tillotson 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 31 May 2018 
 
 
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Master Builder

A BBC Radio 4 full cast dramatisation

Charles Dickens

Ayeesha Menon's reworking of Charles Dickens' iconic story of love, revolution and redemption, updated to modern-day London and war-torn Syria 
 
2011, Syria. The Arab Spring is underway, and after a wave of peaceful protests, President Assad agrees to a release of political prisoners. Freed after 30 years, Dr Mahmoud is taken in by Taghreed and Emad Daffar, and brought to England by his old friend Jarvis Lorry and the daughter he has never met, foreign correspondent Lina. But his years of suffering have left him a broken man. 
 
Back in London, Jarvis convinces his nephew Sid Carton, a feckless but brilliant barrister, to defend a young Syrian émigré doctor, Shwan Dahkurdi, against charges of supporting terrorism. Lina and Shwan fall in love, only for his dark family secret to tear them apart... Meanwhile, convinced that only Lina gives his life meaning, Sid confesses his unrequited love, promising to do anything for her and those she loves. 
 
As the city of Aleppo turns into a battleground, Taghreed becomes increasingly involved with the rebels of the Free Syrian Army. Her desire for justice - and her obsessive thirst for vengeance - will have devastating repercussions... 
 
A powerful portrayal of personal sacrifice set against the turbulent backdrop of political change, Dickens' classic novel is as resonant today as when it was written. The redemption of flawed humanity is at the heart of award-winning writer Ayeesha Menon's riveting reimagining, spanning five years and with a seamlessly shifting perspective between Aleppo and London. Provocative, powerful and moving, this drama won a BBC Drama Audio Award for Best Adaptation, and stars Fatima Adoum, Lara Sawalha, Phil Davis, Khalid Abdalla, Shaun Parkes and Nadim Sawalha. 
 
 
Production credits 
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, adapted for radio by Ayeesha Menon 
Development concept written by Silas Parry 
Produced by Gill Parry 
Directed by Polly Thomas 
Producer for Goldhawk Productions: Emma Hearn 
Executive Producer: John Dryden 
Broadcast Assistant: Jan Shepherd 
Sound design by Eloise Whitmore 
A Goldhawk Production for BBC Radio 4 
 
Cast 
Taghreed - Fatima Adoum 
Lina - Lara Sawalha 
Jarvis - Phil Davis 
Shwan Dahkurdi - Khalid Abdalla 
Sid - Shaun Parkes 
Dr Mahmoud - Nadim Sawalha 
Cameraman/Jerry/Driver - Shiv Grewal 
Emad - Raad Rawi 
Yakub/General- George Georgiou 
Samia - Nathalie Armin 
Syrian Protestor - Ahmed Aziz 
Fadi/Guard/Local Doctor - Ammar Haj Ahmad 
Secretary - Jan Shepard 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 May-3 June 2018 
 
 
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

A Tale of Two Cities

A BBC Radio full-cast drama

Elizabeth Gaskell

Barry Campbell

Steve Wakelam

Amanda Vickery

Jenny Uglow

A collection of BBC Radio dramatisations of Elizabeth Gaskell's well loved novels - plus bonus material 
 
 Elizabeth Gaskell was one of Victorian England's pre-eminent female novelists. Admired by Charles Dickens, who described her as his 'dear Scheherazade', she mingled storytelling and social realism to superb effect in her highly acclaimed fiction. 
 
 This comprehensive collection comprises dramas and readings of her finest works and some lesser-known pieces. Among the adaptations are her final, unfinished novel Wives and Daughters, her debut novel Mary Barton and her only historical novel, Sylvia's Lovers; as well as the 1851 novella Mr Harrison's Confession (a prequel to Cranford), and her great novel of industrialisation, female independence and identity, North and South. All feature star casts including Emerald O'Hanrahan, Sue Johnston, Jodie Comer, Emily Mortimer, Rod Hudd, David Threlfall, Julian Rhind-Tutt, 
 
 Also included are readings of Mrs Gaskell's chilling supernatural tale 'The Old Nurse's Story', her much-loved novel of life in a small town and its female inhabitants, Cranford, and her festive short story 'Christmas Storms and Sunshine'. 
 
 Based on true events, Stephen Wakelam's detective drama Death at the Bed End, starring Kenneth Cranham, explores the controversy surrounding Elizabeth Gaskell's biography of Charlotte Brontë and the libel threat that followed its publication also included is Mrs Gaskell: Portrait of a Victorian Novelist by Barry Campbell, which is inspired by the author's letters. And in Great Lives: Elizabeth Gaskell, historian Amanda Vickery and biographer Jenny Uglow discuss Mrs Gaskell's life, work and achievements with presenter Francine Stock. 
 
 Credits 
 Written by Elizabeth Gaskell 
 Written by Stephen Wakelam 
 
 Mary Barton 
 Dramatised by Lavinia Murray. Produced and directed by Claire Grove and Tracey Neale 
 First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 September-9 November 2001 
 
 Mr Harrison's Confessions 
 Adapted for radio by Jeremy Front. Produced and directed by Sally Avens. 
 First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 June 1988 
 
 The Old Nurse's Story 
 Produced by Kay Patrick. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24-25 May 1984 
 
 North and South 
 Dramatised by Charlotte Keatley. 
 Directed by Michael Fox. 
 First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 June 1997 
 
 Sylvia's Lovers 
 Dramatised by Ellen Dryden. Produced and directed by Pauline Harris. 
 First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6-13 March 2016 
 
 Wives and Daughters 
 Dramatised by Theresa Heskins. Produced and directed by Peter Leslie Wild 
 First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 November-10 December 2010 
 
Cranford 
 Produced by Julian Wilkinson. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 November 2019 
 
 Christmas Storms and Sunshine 
 Produced by Simon Richardson. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 December 2018 
 
 Death at the Bed End 
 Written by Stephen Wakelam. Directed by Janet Whitaker. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4 December 2004 
 
Mrs Gaskell: Portrait of a Victorian Novelist 
Written by Barry Campbell based on "Elizabeth Gaskell: A Biography" by Winifred Gérin. Permission granted by Oxford Publishing Ltd (Academic), Oxford University Press (via PLSclear).Produced by James Runcie. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 August 1983 
 
 Great Lives: Mrs Gaskell 
Presented by Francine Stock, Amanda Vickery and Jenny Uglow. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 May 2005 
 
 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Elizabeth Gaskell Collection

A BBC Drama collection including North and South, Wives and Daughters & more

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Dolya Gavanski

Ed Stoppard stars as obsessive pianist Alexei in this modern-day take on Dostoevsky's classic The Gambler 
 
When brilliant but penniless pianist Alexei is hired to tutor the 10-year-old daughter of Russian oligarch Mikhail, he is drawn into a world of chance, obsession and violence. Hopelessly infatuated with Mikhail's beautiful stepdaughter Polina, he vows to do anything to win her love: and so begins his involvement in a dangerous, high-stakes game... 
 
Seduced by the lure of the roulette wheel, and embroiled in the complications and machinations of Polina and her family, Alexei's life takes a dark turn. The unexpected arrival of Mikhail's mother Anastasia from Russia offers hope of rescue from financial ruin: but an obsession with risk-taking threatens to destroy everything... 
 
This lively reimagining, set in contemporary London, was written by Dolya Gavanski, who also plays Polina. Ed Stoppard (Home Fires) stars as Alexei, with Eleanor Bron (A Little Princess) as Anastasia and Matthew Marsh (Love, Lies and Records) as Mikhail. 
 
Production credits 
Adapted by Dolya Gavanski, from Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Gambler 
Directed and produced by John Dryden 
Original music composed by Sacha Puttnam 
All music performed by Sacha Puttnam 
Casting: Toby Whale 
Script Editor: Mike Walker 
Sound Design: Steve Bond 
A Goldhawk Production for BBC Radio 4 
 
Cast 
Alexei - Ed Stoppard 
Mikhail - Matthew Marsh 
Polina - Dolya Gavanski 
Vika - Isabella Blake Thomas 
Astley - Graham Seed 
Francois - Orlando Seale 
Katie - Lucy May Barker 
Inokenti - George Lasha 
Masha - Irina Karatcheva 
Mullighan - Jay Taylor 
Office Worker - Alana Ramsey 
Blake - Timothy Walker 
Anastasia - Eleanor Bron 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 17-24 November 2013 
 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Russian Gambler

A BBC Radio full-cast adaptation

D.H. Lawrence

Two bold, authentic dramas exploring D.H. Lawrence's extraordinarily modern view of sexuality 
 
Daring, transgressive and controversial, D.H. Lawrence scandalized the literary world with his frank descriptions of sex and desire. He was censored by his own publisher for being too explicit, and several of his most famous works were banned under the Obscene Publications Act. But for Lawrence, a self-described 'priest of love', passion was the stuff of life - and these two dynamic reimaginings celebrate him at his most fearless, pushing the boundaries of sexuality at the dawn of the 20th Century. 
 
The Rainbow is seen through the eyes of Ursula Brangwen, and spans three generations of her family from 1840 to 1905. Unsatisfied with the limited choices open to women, Ursula delves into the histories of her mother, Anna, and grandmother Lydia, in an attempt to find a path to follow as she grapples with the forces of passion and desire. From her first crush to an illicit same-sex love affair, we follow Ursula on her journey of sexual awakening and self-discovery. 
 
In Women in Love, Ursula's younger sister, Gudrun, comes into equal focus, as she and Ursula search for happiness and fulfilment in the Midlands mining town of Beldover. Gudrun, an artist, embarks on an affair with coalmine owner Gerald Crich; while schoolteacher Ursula falls in love with his friend, school inspector Rupert Birkin. But while Ursula and Rupert grow closer, Gudrun and Gerald's relationship is threatened by Gerald's inability to express his emotions - and his tangled feelings for Rupert... 
 
Cassie Bradley stars as Ursula and Katie Redford as Gudrun in these stunning linked dramas about the complexity of human love. 
 
Cast and credits 
Written by D.H. Lawrence 
 
The Rainbow 
Ursula - Cassie Bradley 
Tom - Karl Collins 
Lydia - Aneta Piotrowska 
Young Ursula - Florence Hunt 
Anna - Rosalie Craig 
Young Anna - Lauren Tanner 
Will - Lee Ingleby 
Anton - Nico Mirallegro 
Winifred - Tala Gouveia 
Harby - Graeme Hawley 
 
Dramatised by Linda Marshall Griffiths 
Directed by Nadia Molinari 
A BBC Audio Drama North Production 
With thanks to the Estate of Frieda Lawrence Ravagli 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20-27 June 2021 
 
Women in Love 
Ursula - Cassie Bradley 
Gudrun - Katie Redford 
Rupert - Alexander Arnold 
Gerald - James Cooney 
Hermione - Emily Pithon 
Diana/Pussum - Verity Henry 
Julius - Rupert Hill 
Hermione - Emily Pithon 
Loerke - Ashley Margolis 
 
Dramatised by Ian Kershaw 
Directed by Gary Brown 
A BBC Audio Drama North Production 
With thanks to the Estate of Frieda Lawrence Ravagli 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4,4-11 July 2021 
 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Tainted Love

A full-cast reimagining of The Rainbow & Women in Love

Pierce Egan

Pierce Egan's renowned 19th-century comic novel adapted by Dan Tetsell is a rollicking real tour of the sprawling post-Regency Metropolis in the years before the Victorians turned up and made everything boring. 
 
 
Comedy drama showing the 'fast life' of Regency London, starring Mark Gatiss, Greg Wise and James Bachman and Geoffrey McGivern as Pierce Egan. 
 
 
We travel through London town all in the company of garrulous author Pierce Egan, cocksure urbanite Corinthian Tom, his naive Somerset cousin Jerry Hawthorn and their drunken compatriot Bob. 
 
Tom and Jerry visit a cockfight, try to buy a horse, meet a sporting legend and lay a wager on which is better, London or the West Country. Meanwhile, garrulous narrator Pierce Egan takes literary critic William Hazlitt to his first boxing match. The lads of Regency London drink with the lower orders in the East End and generally get up to mischief around town. 
 
 
When Pierce Egan falls on hard times, will his adventures help him make his fortune or will this be the end of the trio's life together? 
 
 
When first published the popularity of Pierce Egan's book amounted to a craze, as society tried to guess the real life characters featuring in the tales. The celebrity obsession of the Regency period is depicted in this cleverly adapted comedy. 
 
 
Episodes 
 
In Training for a Swell 
 
The Fancy 
 
Mr Lushington 
 
High and Low Life 
 
The Show Folks 
 
An End to Life in London 
 
 
Cast 
 
 
Pierce Egan - Geoffrey McGivern 
 
 Corinthian Tom - Greg Wise 
 
 Jerry Hawthorn - Mark Gatiss 
 
 Bob Logic - James Bachman 
 
 Old Hawthorn - Christopher Douglas 
 
 Corinthian Kate - Amanda Abbington 
 
 Mrs Belcher / Fishwife - Laura Shavin 
 
 Mr Primefit / Sir Richard / Actor - Dave Lamb 
 
 Plausible Jack/ Jarvey / George Sala - Ben Graves 
 
 William Hazlitt/Tom Cribb/ Hustle - Alex MacQueen 
 
 Mrs Egan - Alys Torrence 
 
 Lady Wanton - Morwenna Banks 
 
 Fanny - Margaret Cabourn Smith 
 
 Theodore Holt / Dick Trifle- Giles Taylor 
 
 Mr Jonah / Pickpocket - Neil Edmond 
 
 
Production Credits 
 
 
Written by Pierce Egan 
 
Adapted by Dan Tetsell 
 
Music: Ben Walker 
 
Producer: Tilusha Ghelani 
 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 1st May, 8th May, 15th May, 22nd May, 29th May, 5th June 2006 
 
 
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Life in London

A BBC Radio 4 Comedy drama

Ian McMillan

All 36 episodes of the maverick literary quiz 
 
Poet Ian McMillan is our host in this gleeful game of literary tomfoolery, outrageous parody and biting wit. Joining him for some lighthearted competitive wordplay are a quartet of writers and comedians, all ready and eager to run riot through the halls of great literature. 
 
Their bookish challenges include 'New Beginnings and Endings', which sees them topping and tailing well-known literary works to produce some very tall tales, 'Sound Effects', where they have to guess a book title from a mélange of sounds, and 'Conversation Consequences', where they imagine some unlikely meetings between fictional characters. Mrs Malaprop shares a Jacuzzi with Eliza Doolittle, Inspector Clouseau takes Blanche Dubois to a dance and The Dong with the luminous nose honks hooters with Cyrano de Bergerac... 
 
In addition, the panellists seize the chance to liberate famous authors from their individual genres and turn them loose on something different. Among their freewheeling stylings are Hunter S Thompson writing a public school prospectus, John Betjeman creating the copy for a Ford Probe brochure and Franz Kafka dispensing self-help advice in his Little Book of Calm. 
 
Wreaking havoc with the literary canon are Roger McGough, Miles Kington, Mark Thomas, Dillie Keane, John Hegley, Rory Motion, Mark Radcliffe, Arthur Smith, David Stafford, Helen Lederer, Sophie Hannah, Simon Armitage, Stuart Maconie, Linda Smith and Mark Steel. 
 
Presented by Ian McMillan 
Devised by Marc Jobst 
Produced by Marc Jobst and Viv Beeby 
 
NB: contains some dated attitudes and language 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 31 October-5 December 1995 (Series 1), 18 February-25 March 1997 (Series 2), 14 October-18 November 1997 (Series 3), 2 July-6 August 1998 (Series 4), 25 November-30 December 1998 (Series 5), 22 June-27 July 1999 (Series 6) 
 
 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Booked!: The Complete Series 1-6

The BBC Radio 4 literary panel game

Stephen Wyatt

William Schwenck Gilbert

Ten comic dramatisations based on the stories and plays of WS Gilbert 
 
Sir William Schwenck Gilbert is best known for his operatic collaborations with Sir Arthur Sullivan, which captivated 19th-century audiences and continue to delight today. But he also created numerous solo works, among them these ten pieces, dramatised for radio by Stephen Wyatt and featuring Jonathan Coy as WS Gilbert. 
 
The Finger of Fate - Confirmed bachelor Foggerty yearns for peace - but Fate has other plans, in the form of large, lively Dolly Fortescue. 
Starring Stephen Moore, Alison Steadman, Martin Hyder, Ian Masters. 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 25 December 2002 
 
An Elixir of Love - The inspiration for the Gilbert &amp; Sullivan opera The Sorcerer, this humorous tale finds the Rev Stanley Gay secretly administering a love potion to his parishioners - with unexpected results. 
Starring Paul Downing, Cathy Sara, Gillian Goodman, Christopher Scott, John Fleming. 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 14 May 2003 
 
The Burglar's Story- Housebreaker's son Theodore Belvawney learns the hard way that there is no honour amongst thieves. 
Starring Michael Onslow, John Webb, Anny Tobin, Stephen Boswell, Kim Durham, Alexandra Lilley 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 May 2003 
 
Wide Awake - Rich, unworldly Harold Symperson learns that he must stay alert when looking for his soulmate. 
Starring Richard Derrington, Chris Emmett, Julia Hills, Joanna Wake, Jamie Chapman, Tom George. 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 28 May 2003 
 
Mr Foster's Good Fairy - Confectioner Cyril Foster fears his chequered past will be exposed, until he's offered an unlikely escape. 
Starring Ian Brooker, Sara Coward, Lennox Greaves and David Bannerman 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 4 June 2003 
 
The Wedding March - Woodpecker Tapping's wedding day goes from bad to worse in this farcical drama. 
Starring Jason Chan, Paul Clarkson, Amy Shindler, John Rowe, Alex Tregear, Sion Probert, Charlotte West-Oram 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 December 2004 
 
A Sensation Novel - Author Ebenezer Fudge is most perturbed when his characters come to life and criticise his melodramatic plots. 
Starring John Rowe, Nicholas Boulton, Hugh Dickson, Julia Hills, Jason Chan and Wendy Baxter 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 22 December 2004 
 
A Colossal Idea - Holidaying with his wife in Margate, grocer Mr Yellowboy claims to be writing an encyclopaedia - but his real activities are less innocent. 
Starring Tim Hudson, Sarah Hadland, Tina Gray, Bella Merlin, James Howard. 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 December 2004 
 
Tom Cobb or Fortune's Toy - In need of money to marry his fiancee, Matilda O'Fipp, Tom Cobb decides to 'die'. 
Starring Bertie Carvel, Sarah Corbet, Stephen Hogan, James Howard, Bella Merlin, Jason Chan. 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 January 2005 
 
The Realm of Joy - A West End play proves so scandalous that Victorian society can't stay away. Starring Alexander Delamere, Jeffrey Harmer, Tim Hudson, Jilly Bond, Stephen Hogan, Bella Merlin, Charlotte West-Oram. 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12 January 2005 
 
Cast and credits 
Written by WS Gilbert 
Dramatised by Stephen Wyatt 
Directed by Sally Avens, Sue Wilson and Jenny Stephen 
 
 
Copyright © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. ? 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Gilbert without Sullivan

Jane Austen

Charlotte Brontë

Unabridged readings of three of the greatest novels of all time 
 
This timeless collection brings together three of the finest works in the literary canon, read in full by some of the very best audiobook narrators. With over 38 hours of unmissable storytelling, tracked by chapter so you can easily find your place, this is the ideal way to enjoy these classic masterpieces. 
 
Pride and Prejudice 
Jane Austen's universally acknowledged romance charts the love story between pretty, witty Elizabeth Bennett and handsome, arrogant Fitzwilliam Darcy. Read by Clare Corbett. 
 
Jane Eyre 
Orphan Jane falls head over heels in love with the brooding, mysterious Mr Rochester in Charlotte Brontë's coming-of-age classic about secrets and lies. Read by Katherine Press. 
 
Cranford 
Elizabeth Gaskell's much-loved portrait of life in a Cheshire town and its female inhabitants, as they cope with the impact of change on their small world. Read by Carolyn Pickles. 
 
 
Credits: 
 
Pride and Prejudice 
Read by Clare Corbett 
Produced by Justine Willett 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 24 August 2019 
 
Jane Eyre 
Read by Katherine Press 
Produced by Anne Bunting 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 24 August 2019 
 
Cranford 
Read by Carolyn Pickles 
Produced by Julian Wilkinson 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 1 November 2019 
 
 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

BBC Classics

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre & Cranford

Jonathan Swift

Robert Louis Stevenson

Arthur Conan Doyle

H.G. Wells

John Buchan

Unabridged readings of five gripping adventure stories 
 
This thrilling anthology contains five action-packed tales of incredible journeys, a murderous treasure hunt, invaders from outer space and international espionage - all read in full by some of the very best voice actors. With over 33 hours of exciting listening, tracked by chapter, let yourself get carried away with these classic adventures. 
 
Gulliver's Travels 
Jonathan Swift's dark satire following Lemuel Gulliver's fantastical travels through strange and exotic lands. Read by Tony Turner. 
 
Kidnapped 
Robert Louis Stevenson's classic story of David Balfour's youthful adventures on the high seas and across the Scottish Highlands. Read by Kenny Blyth. 
 
The Sign of the Four 
Arthur Conan Doyle's intriguing locked-room mystery follows Holmes and Watson as they uncover a murky tale of theft, betrayal and greed. Read by Kenny Blyth. 
 
The War of the Worlds 
HG Wells' iconic sci-fi story about the battle to save Earth from a Martian invasion. Read by Michael Bertenshaw. 
 
The Thirty-Nine Steps 
John Buchan's stirring tale of derring-do, secrets and spies set in the shadows of war. Read by Kenny Blyth. 
 
Credits: 
 
Gulliver's Travels 
Read by Tony Turner 
Produced by Ross Burman 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 1 November 2019 
 
Kidnapped 
Read by Kenny Blyth 
Produced by Ciaran Bermingham 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 24 August 2019 
 
The Sign of the Four 
Read by Kenny Blyth 
Produced by Ciaran Bermingham 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 22 August 2019 
 
The War of the Worlds 
Read by Michael Bertenshaw 
Produced by Martha Littlehailes 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 23 August 2019 
 
The Thirty-Nine Steps 
Read by Kenny Blyth 
Produced by Karen Holden 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 1 November 2019 
 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

BBC Classics: Adventure Collection

Gulliver’s Travels, Kidnapped, The Sign of Four, The War of the Worlds & The Thirty-Nine Steps

Mary Shelley

Henry James

Unabridged readings of four spine-tingling stories 
 
This suspenseful anthology collects together four gripping tales of gruesome scientific experiments and chilling supernatural events - all read in full by some of the very best voice actors. With over 18 hours of electrifying listening, tracked by chapter, these classic tales will have you on the edge of your seat. 
 
Frankenstein 
Mary Shelley's Gothic masterpiece about young scientist Victor Frankenstein, whose quest to create new life has horrific consequences... Read by Shaun Mason. 
 
A Christmas Carol 
Charles Dickens' timeless classic about a bitter old miser who has a Christmas epiphany when he is visited by four spirits. Read by Sean Baker 
 
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde 
Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novella about a doctor who experiments with the duality of human nature - and in doing so creates a monster. Read by Sam Dale. 
 
The Turn of the Screw 
Henry James' terrifying tale of a governess sent to look after two children in a haunted country house. Read by Sam Dale and Clare Corbett. 
 
 
Credits: 
 
Frankenstein 
Read by Shaun Mason 
Produced by Martha Littlehailes 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 24 August 2019 
 
A Christmas Carol 
Read by Sean Baker 
Produced by Anne Bunting 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 22 August 2019 
 
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde 
Read by Sam Dale 
Produced by Julian Wilkinson 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 22 August 2019 
 
The Turn of the Screw 
Read by Sam Dale and Clare Corbett 
Produced by Julian Wilkinson 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 1 November 2019 
 
 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

BBC Classics: Suspense Collection

Frankenstein, A Christmas Carol, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde & The Turn of the Screw

Oscar Wilde

Virginia Woolf

A treasure chest of timeless short stories by some of the world's greatest authors 
 
Suspense and horror 
1 The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire - Arthur Conan Doyle 
2 The Signalman - Charles Dickens 
3 Lost Hearts - MR James 
4 The Sealed Room - Arthur Conan Doyle. 
5 Mrs Badgery - Wilkie Collins 
6 Wailing Well - MR James 
7 The Open Window - Saki 
8 How it happened - Arthur Conan Doyle 
9 The Tell-Tale Heart - Edgar Allan Poe 
10 The Cone - HG Wells 
11 A Haunted House - Virginia Woolf 
12 Rats - MR James 
13 The Oval Portrait - Edgar Allan Poe 
14 Tarquin of Cheapside - F. Scott Fitzgerald 
15 One Crowded Hour - Arthur Conan Doyle 
16 The Mezzotint - MR James 
17 The Masque of the Red Death - Edgar Allan Poe 
 
Love 
18 The Kiss - Kate Chopin 
19 Eleonora - Edgar Allan Poe 
20 About Love - Anton Chekhov 
21 The Lovers - Hans Christian Anderson 
22 Love - Guy De Maupassant 
23 The Sphinx Without a Secret - Oscar Wilde 
24 A Wedding Gift - Guy De Maupassant 
25 Kew Gardens - Virginia Woolf 
26 The District Doctor - Ivan Turgenev 
27 Happiness - Guy De Maupassant 
28 A Blunder - Anton Chekhov 
29 The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky - Stephen Crane 
30 In a Far-Off World - Olive Schreiner 
31 The Cook's Wedding - Anton Chekhov 
32 The Recruit - Honore de Balzac 
33 The Nightingale and the Rose - Oscar Wilde 
34 Pyramus and Thisbe - Ovid 
35 Aunt Hetty on Matrimony - Fanny Fern 
36 A Country Cottage - Anton Chekhov 
37 Marriage a la Mode - Katherine Mansfield 
38 The Statue of Limitations - Ernest Dowson 
39 The Dilettante - Edith Wharton 
 
Humorous 
40 Tobermory - Saki 
41The Mesmeric Mountain - Stephen Crane 
42 The Children's Joke - Louisa May Alcott 
43 At The Siren - Anton Chekhov 
44 The Garden Party - Katherine Mansfield 
45 The Cask of Amontillado - Edgar Allan Poe 
46 The New Dress - Virginia Woolf 
47 How I Built Myself A House - Thomas Hardy 
48 The Model Millionaire - Oscar Wilde 
49 A Pair of Silk Stockings - Kate Chopin 
50 At The Barbers - Anton Chekhov 
51 A Respectable Woman - Kate Chopin 
 
Folk &amp; Fable 
52 The Happy Prince - Oscar Wilde. 
53 The Elves and the Shoemaker - The Brothers Grimm 
54 The Emperor's New Clothes -Hans Christian Andersen 
55 The Tongue Cut Sparrow - Yei Theodora Ozaki 
56 Finn and the Scottish Giant - Harold F. Read 
57 The Postmaster - Rabindranath Tagore 
58 The Toys of Peace - Saki 
59 The Selfish Giant - Oscar Wilde 
60 The Flower Gatherer - Edward Thomas 
61 Araby - James Joyce 
62 The Interlopers - Saki 
63 Tom Thumb - The Brothers Grimm 
64 The Kabuliwalah - Rabindranath Tagore 
65 The Monkey's Paws - WW Jacobs 
 
Christmas 
66 The Little Match Girl - Hans Christian Andersen 
67 Papa Panov's Special Christmas - Leo Tolstoy 
68 Christmas Storms and Sunshine - Elizabeth Gaskell. 
69 The Gift of the Magi - O'Henry 
70 At Christmas Time - Anton Chekhov 
71 A Dill Pickle - Katherine Mansfield 
 
Classic Tales 
72 The Yellow Wallpaper - Charlotte Perkins Gilman 
73 The Fall of Lord Barrymore - Arthur Conan Doyle 
74 The Necklace - Guy De Maupassant 
75 Holiday Group - EM Delafield 
76 Three Questions - Leo Tolstoy 
77 The Cop and the Anthem - O'Henry 
78 The Fly - Katherine Mansfield 
79 The Christening - DH Lawrence 
80 After the Race - James Joyce 
81 The String Quartet - Virginia Woolf 
82 Two Friends - Guy De Maupassant 
83 An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge - Ambrose Bierce. 
84 A Gentleman Friend - Anthon Chekhov 
85 Ma'ame Pelagie - Kate Chopin 
86 Second Best - DH Lawrence 
87 El Verdugo - Honore de Balzac 
88 The Story of an Hour - Kate Chopin 
89 The Man of No Account - Bret Hart 
90 The Piece of String - Guy De Maupassant 
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

BBC Classics: Ultimate Story Collection

90 unmissable tales

Emily Brontë

George Eliot

Edith Wharton

Unabridged readings of four fictional masterpieces 
 
Contained in this collection are four more enduring classics, read in full by some of the very best audiobook narrators. With over 32 hours of irresistible storytelling, tracked by chapter for ease of navigation, this is the perfect way to immerse yourself in these iconic works. 
 
Wuthering Heights 
Emily Brontë's tempestuous tale of passions, betrayal and retribution on the wild Yorkshire moors. Read by Susan Jameson. 
 
Silas Marner 
George Eliot's heart-warming tour de force about a lonely weaver's search for redemption and hope. Read by Sean Baker. 
 
Ethan Frome 
Edith Wharton's powerful, affecting novella about a poverty-stricken young man attempting to escape a loveless marriage. Read by Joseph Ayre. 
 
Orlando 
Virginia Woolf's comic biography of a time-travelling hero whose adventures through the centuries include transforming into a heroine... Read by Clare Corbett. 
 
 
Credits: 
 
Wuthering Heights 
Read by Susan Jameson 
Produced by Ross Burman 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 24 August 2019 
 
Silas Marner 
Read by Sean Baker 
Produced by Martha Littlehailes 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 22 August 2019 
 
Ethan Frome 
Read by Joseph Ayre 
Produced by Julian Wilkinson 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 1 November 2019 
 
Orlando 
Read by Clare Corbett 
Produced by Simon Richardson 
First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 1 November 2019 
 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

More BBC Classics

Wuthering Heights, Silas Marner, Ethan Frome & Orlando

Ernest Dudley

Thirteen classic crime dramas featuring Dr Morelle - 'the man you love to hate!' 
 
Psychiatrist-detective Dr Morelle is arrogant, sarcastic and rude - but when it comes to catching criminals, he is unparalleled. Using deduction, psychological profiling and his keen, analytical mind, he solves cases ranging from blackmail to murder, aided by his devoted and long-suffering secretary Miss Frayle. 
 
Over the course of this series, he investigates the unexplained death of a wealthy French baroness, receives a visit from a man tormented by nightmares, probes the authenticity of a fabled gem and helps a young man in distress - and an old man in danger. Whether it's a terror campaign against a bride-to-be, death threats made to a temperamental film star, or a case of deadly experiments and thwarted love, no mystery is too baffling and no villain too cunning for the Harley Street sleuth. 
 
First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1957, these 13 detective dramas are collected together here for the first time. British film veteran Cecil Parker stars as Dr Morelle, with Sheila Sim as Miss Frayle. 
 
Also included is a bonus documentary programme, The Radio Detectives: A Case for Dr Morelle, in which Professor Jeffrey Richards delves into the casebook of the cantankerous criminal psychologist. 
 
These episodes have been restored from the original 1957 recordings. Due to the vintage nature of these recordings, the sound quality varies. 
 
Cast and credits 
Written by Ernest Dudley 
Produced and directed by Leslie Bridgmont 
 
Starring Cecil Parker as Dr Morelle and Sheila Sim as Miss Frayle 
 
Alarm Call 
Hotel waiter - Sydney Tafler 
Mam'selle Rolin - Tonia Bern 
Anthony Winter - Hugh Manning 
Hotel receptionist - Molly Rankin 
Miss Shawcroft - Kathleen Helm 
Audio recovered by BBC Radio 4 Extra listener, Steve Arnold 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 23 April 1957 
 
Confession of Guilt 
Inspector Hood - Philip Ray 
Paula Webb - Mary Law 
Other parts played by Maurice Sweden, Norman Wynne, Hugh Manning, Betty Linton and Alan McClelland 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 30 April 1957 
 
Threat to Kill 
Rosalind Knight - Helen Desmond 
Miss Curtis - Cecile Chevreau 
Ronnie Cavanagh - John Horsley 
Maid - Annette Kelly 
Mr Ashton - Norman Wynne 
Hal Digby - John Sharplin 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 7 May 1957 
 
The Sleepwalker 
Helen Keen - Moira Lister 
Richard Wilson - Hugh Burden 
Inspector Hood - Philip Ray 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 14 May 1957 
 
The Blackmailer 
Inspector Hood - Philip Ray 
Sir Clifford Forbes - Douglas Young 
Lady Forbes - Madeleine Christie 
Cynthia Forbes - Ruth Trouncer 
Hotel waiter - Haydn Jones 
Hotel manager - Humphrey Morton 
Lily the maid - Beryl Calder 
Matron - Molly Rankin 
Harry Fox - Ian Sadler 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 21 May 1957 
 
Voice in the Night 
Miss Nicholson - Hester Paton Brown 
Billy Boy the dog - Percy Edwards 
Mr Nicholson - Alan McClelland 
Superintendent Denham - Fred Yule 
Station officer - Alan Keith 
Julian Smith/Taxi driver - John Baker 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 28 May 1957 
 
The Will 
David Beaumont - David Spenser 
Henrietta Vickers - Nan Kenway 
Herbert Vickers - Douglas Young 
Darryl - Will Leighton 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 4 June 1957 
 
Act of Violence 
Major Penfold - Ralph Truman 
Robert Benson - Trevor Martin 
Professor Stenberg - Martin Miller 
Girl - Louise Gainsborough 
Clerk of the Court - Will Leighton 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 11 June 1957 
 
The Black Ruby 
Guy Hampton - Norman Woodland 
Sonia Hampton - Virginia Winter 
Helen Reynolds - Louise Gainsborough 
Bill Reynolds - Richard Bebb 
Aubrey Green - Desmond Carrington 
Airline captain/various - John Baker 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 18 June 1957 
 
The Wedding Dress 
Audrey Templeton - Sulwen Morgan 
Evelyn Lambert - Mary Law 
Edna Lambert - Olwen Brookes 
Mrs Vezey - Peggy Thorpe-Bates 
Commercial Traveller/Ames - Trevor Martin 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 25 June 1957 
 
The Gambler 
Mrs Ludlow - Harriet Johns 
Mr Ellis - Desmond Carrington 
Felix Grey - Jimmy Lavall 
Simmons - Arthur Young 
Man - Simon Lack 
Girl - Beryl Calder 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 2 July 1957 
 
The Poisoned Air 
Kurt Emmanuel - David Hurst 
Bella Goodwyn - Maureen Riscoe 
Mrs Atkins - Elsa Palmer 
Hugo Russell - John Horsley 
Sgt Hammond - Haydn Jones 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 9 July 1957 
 
Mr X 
Paula Maitland - Lana Morris 
Nurse - Maureen Riscoe 
Mr X - David Spenser 
Mr Maitland - Simon Lack 
Matron - Joan Sanderson 
Inspector Hood - Fred Yule 
First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 16 July 1957 
 
A Case for Dr Morelle 
Written and presented by Jeffrey Richards 
Produced by Helen Williams 
Contributors: Ernest Dudley, Brian Doyle 
Reader: Owen Oakshott 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8 June 1999 
 
Copyright © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

A Case for Dr Morelle

Thirteen full-cast vintage crime dramas

G.K. Chesterton

Andrew Sachs stars as G.K. Chesterton's crime-solving cleric, whose unlikely methods make him one of the great heroes of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction 
 
With his black hat, huge umbrella, unworldly simplicity and 'beaming but breathless geniality', Father Brown is one of fiction's best-loved amateur detectives. Short and tatty, but with the wisdom and insight to unravel the most wayward of criminal minds, he has entertained generations. 
 
In this collection of 13 full-cast dramatisations, the High Priest of detection becomes involved in seven intriguing cases that will tax even his mental powers to the limit. The episodes are: 
 
The Blue Cross 
The Queer Feet 
The Eye of Apollo 
The Invisible Man 
The Honour of Israel Gow 
The Hammer of God 
The Sins of Prince Saradine 
The Perishing of the Pendragons 
The Arrow of Heaven 
The Mistake of the Machine 
The Curse of the Golden Cross 
Actor and Alibi 
The Absence of Mr Glass 
 
Also included in this collection is a bonus documentary programme, The Mystery of Father Brown, in which Ann Widdecombe explores the enduring impact of the shambolic priest, and looks into the life of his creator G.K. Chesterton. 
 
Dramatised by John Scotney and produced by Alec Reid.

Father Brown: The Complete Series 1 and 2

13 BBC Radio full-cast dramatisations

E.W. Hornung

18 BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations featuring Raffles, the 'gentleman thief' 
 
Jeremy Clyde stars as the cricket playing A. J. Raffles, with Michael Cochrane as his jeweller sidekick, Bunny. Together they embark upon a series of well-planned crimes against the highest of society. 
 
Based on the stories by E W Hornung, the episodes in this collection are: 
 
The Ides of March 
Gentlemen and Players 
A Costume Piece 
Nine Points of the Law 
Wilful Murder 
The Chest of Silver 
The Rest Cure 
The Criminologists' Club 
The Field of Philippi 
A Bad Night 
A Trap to Catch a Cracksman 
The Gift of the Emperor 
No Sinecure 
To Catch a Thief 
An Old Flame 
The Raffles Relics 
The Knees of the Gods 
The Last Word

Raffles: The Complete Series 1-3

18 BBC Radio full-cast dramatisations

Eric Merriman

Barry Took

All 60 surviving episodes from the first four series of the fabulous forerunner to Round the Horne - plus bonus programme Forty Laughing Years 
 
An irresistible mix of of sketches, songs, puns and double entendres, Beyond Our Ken kept the nation laughing over seven series and 123 episodes between 1958 and 1964. 
 
With its witty wordplay, zany humour and comic catchphrases, it remains every bit as hilarious and entertaining today. Featuring larger-than-life characters like Rodney and Charles, roving reporter Cecil Snaith and doddery duo Ambrose and Felicity - not to mention avuncular host Kenneth Horne himself - this 'sort of radio show' is full of classic comedy moments. 
 
All your favourites are here in these 60 episodes, including spoof documentary series 'Hornerama', with its regular investigations into 'topics of immediate interest' such as showbusiness, shipping, photography, food, the City - and many more. There's also a wealth of surprising, surreal incidents from Kenneth Horne's week, the latest film releases in 'Picture Go Round', and a unique take on Any Questions, with panellists Hankie Flowered, Ricky Livid, Fanny Haddock and Arthur Fallowfield. Musical interludes are provided by a host of top artistes, among them Pat Lancaster, Janet Waters, The Malcolm Mitchell Trio, The Fraser Hayes Four and the BBC Variety Orchestra. 
 
Scripted by Eric Merriman and Barry Took, these much-loved shows star Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee. 
 
 
Episode guide 
First broadcast on BBC Light Programme on the following dates: 
Series 1 - 1 July-12 November 1958 
Series 2 - 26 March-21 December 1959 
Series 3 - 5 April-15 July 1960 
Series 4 - 20 October 1960-2 March 1961 
Bonus programme: Forty Laughing Years, 12 November 1962 
 
The following episodes are missing from the BBC archives and therefore not included in this release: 
Series 1: Episodes 6, 10-13, 17, 21 and 22 
Series 2: Episodes 1, 4, 7, 9, 15, 16 and 19 
Series 4: Episode 12 
 
Episodes restored and remastered by Ted Kendall. 
 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Beyond Our Ken: The Collected Series 1-4

The BBC Radio classic comedy series

The complete Series 5-7 of the legendary BBC radio comedy 
 
One of the funniest and most popular series on radio between 1958 and 1964, Beyond Our Ken delighted audiences nationwide throughout its seven series and 123 episodes. Packed with sketches, songs, catchphrases and innuendo, it mixes silliness, satire and sophistication to superb effect, and continues to make us laugh today. 
 
Kenneth Horne - 'who prefers to remain anonymous' - is our unflappable host in these 46 episodes, presiding over an array of fabulous characters such as camp duo Charles and Rodney, celebrity chef Fanny Haddock and countryman Arthur Fallowfield (for whom the answer always lies in the soil, regardless of the question). 
 
Regular documentary spoof 'Hornerama' returns, with a look at topics including the arts, the countryside, travel and television; and Kenneth Horne's weeks become increasingly extraordinary and eventful. Plus, the team tackle the Siege of Troy, present a new interpretation of 'Horne In Wonderland' (or 'Beyond Our Looking Glass'), offer their take on Caesar and Cleopatra's story and revel in a Regency romp through Beau Brummel's Brighton. Accompanying them for some musical interludes are Jill Day, Edwin Braden, the Fraser Hayes Four, Eileen Gourlay and the BBC Variety Orchestra. 
 
Written by Eric Merriman, these wonderful, whimsical shows star Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee. 
 
 
Episode guide 
First broadcast on BBC Light Programme on the following dates: 
Series 5 - 12 October 1961-22 February 1962 
Series 6 - 27 December 1962-21 March 1963 
Series 7 - 24 November 1963-16 February 1964 
 
These episodes have been restored to their fullest versions using both Home (BBC Light Programme) and Overseas (BBC Transcription Service) recordings. Whilst every attempt has been made to clean up and remaster these recordings using the latest technology, the sound quality may at times reflect the age and off-air nature of certain source material. 
 
Episodes restored and remastered by Ted Kendall and Keith Wickham. 
 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Beyond Our Ken: The Collected Series 5-7

Slices of 19th-century London life from the pen of Charles Dickens 
 
Here are ten gloriously comic stories from Sketches by Boz, Charles Dickens' earliest collection of short pieces in which he honed his literary genius. Each tale is dramatised by Dr Stephen Wyatt with a full cast. 
 
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
 
Cast and credits 
Written by Charles Dickens 
Dramatised by Dr Stephen Wyatt 
Directed by Sally Avens 
Starring Nicholas Farrell as Boz 
 
The Tuggses at Ramsgate 
The nouveau riche Tugg family discover that money cannot buy you love. 
 
Cast: Christopher Hancock, Frances Jeater, Colleen Prendergast, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Sean Baker, Tracy-Ann Oberman 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 September 1998 
 
The Bloomsbury Christening 
The arrival of a bouncing baby boy is wonderful news - but not for miserable misanthrope Nicodemus Dumps. 
 
Cast: Alison Reid, Geoffrey Whitehead, Robert Harper, Charlie Simpson, Elaine Pyke 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8 September 1998 
 
The Great Winglebury Duel 
Alexander Trott finds it is possible to become betrothed in even the most trying circumstances. 
 
Cast: Peter Gunn, Julia Deakin, David Timson, Kim Wall and David Antrobus 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 September 1998 
 
The Private Theatricals of Mrs Joseph Porter 
A household becomes obsessed with amateur dramatics - with farcical results. 
 
Cast: Geoffrey Whitehead, Frances Jeater, David Antrobus, Jane Holm, Shirley Dixon, Charles Simpson 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 22 September 1998 
 
Mr Watkins Tottle 
All Mr Tottle wants is to enter the blessed state of matrimony - but the course of true love never did run smooth. 
 
Cast: David Collings, John Hartley, Jenny Howe, Patience Tomlinson, Christopher Scott 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 29 September 1998 
 
Love and Oysters 
Meeting an oyster seller sparks disruption for orderly John Dounce. 
 
Cast: David Calder, Samantha Spiro, Siriol Jenkins, Elizabeth Conboy, David Allister, loan Meredith 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 July 1999 
 
The Steam Excursion 
A boat trip on the Thames proves the undoing of 'paragon of perfection' Percy Noakes. 
 
Cast: Marston Bloom, Shirley Dixon, Joanna Monro, Jeremy Swift, Becky Hindley, Ben Crowe, Stephen Critchlow 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12 July 1999 
 
Sentiment 
The Crumpton sisters are delighted when an MP's daughter arrives at their finishing school - until a romantic attachment comes to light. 
 
Cast: Patience Tomlinson, Jane Booker, Gerard Murphy, Tilly Gaunt, Harry Myers, Elizabeth Conboy, Michael Mueller 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 July 1999 
 
The Boarding House 
The respectability of Mrs Tibbs' residential establishment is threatened by a mysterious new lodger. 
 
 
Cast: Imelda Staunton, Annette Badland, Christopher Hancock, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Stephen Critchlow, Peter Gunn, Jason O'Mara 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 July 1999 
 
Horatio Sparkins 
The snobbish Maldertons are thrilled when their unmarried daughter receives the attentions of the gentlemanly Mr Sparkins. But who exactly is he? 
 
Cast: David Haig, Tessa Worsley, Sarah-Jane Holm, Adrian Schiller, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Patrick Barlow 
 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2 August 1999

Sketches by Boz

A BBC Radio 4 comedy drama collection

Thomas Hardy

A bold new dramatisation of Thomas Hardy's classic, in which his famous heroine evolves from a 'ruined maid' into a doomed but dignified woman in love. 
 
When Tess Durbeyfield's father discovers that their family is descended from the aristocratic Stoke-D'Urbervilles, he insists that Tess visits them to 'claim kinship'. Arriving at the great house, she is given a job by the D'Urbervillles' son, Alec, who is attracted by her innocence and beauty and attempts to seduce her. But this is not a man used to being rejected, and he will not leave her alone... 
 
Tess of the D'Urbervilles attracted fierce criticism on first publication for its challenge to Victorian moral and sexual attitudes, and its depiction of a heroine who did not conform to the familiar binary stereotypes of virgin and whore. This fresh, compelling full-cast dramatisation puts Tess centre stage as the narrator of her own life - wrestling with her conscience, searching for solutions and making her own decisions - revealing her as a complex, modern woman and illuminating Thomas Hardy as a man ahead of his time. 
 
Produced and directed by Mary Peate and Emma Harding

Tess of the D'Urbervilles

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling's timeless story re-imagined as a gangland coming-of-age fable 
 
In this radical radio reboot, Kipling's family classic is given a darker twist and reimagined in the concrete jungle of present-day India. 
 
Born in a tenement block in Mumbai, orphan boy Mowgli is brought up by the Wolves, a gang of tough, streetwise petty criminals, and quickly learns how to survive in that world. But when the villainous politician Tiger Khan threatens his life, two residents of the block, the 'black panther' Bagheera and the 'bear' Baloo, offer to help him escape. 
 
Leaving behind the only home he's ever known, Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery through the city, meeting 'creatures' along the way who don't always have his best interests at heart... 
 
Dramatised by Ayeesha Menon, whose radio version of Midnight's Children won Best Adaptation at the 2018 Audio Drama Awards, this stunning audio retelling features Namit Das (A Suitable Boy) as Mo, with Bollywood stars Rajit Kapur and Shernaz Patel as Tiger Khan and Mrs Gupta. 
 
Written and directed by Ayeesha Menon 
Based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling 
Produced by Nadir Khan 
Executive producer: John Scott Dryden 
Music by Sacha Puttnam 
Recorded in India 
A Goldhawk Production 
 
Cast 
Mo/Adult Mo - Namit Das 
Tiger Khan - Rajit Kapur 
Mrs Gupta - Shernaz Patel 
Mr Gupta - Zafar Karachiwala 
Bugs - Sukant Goel 
Yuva - Abir Abrar 
Kala/Adult Kala - Shikha Talsania 
Rikita - Devika Shahani 
Father Carvalho - Sohrab Ardeshir 
Young Kala/ Rani - Preetika Chawla 
Young Mo - Omkar Kulkarni 
Dimple - Trisha Kale 
Bobby - Alka Sharma 
Varun/Boy - Ajitesh Gupta 
Amma - Prerna Chawla 
Raksha - hivani Tanksale 
Rafiq/Naag - Tavish Bhattacharyya 
Baldeo/Tabaqui/Purun Bhagat - Vivek Madan 
Akhil - Nadir Khan 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 February-6 March 2021 
 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Jungle Book

A BBC Radio full-cast reimagining of the classic story

Robert Barr

Edgar Allan Poe

Julius Chambers

R. Austin Freeman

Arthur B Reeve

Matthias McDonnel Bodkin

Jacques Futrelle

Arthur Morrison

Ernest Bramah

Louisa Pirkis

Anna Katherine Green

The complete collection of all 16 episodes from this gripping BBC Radio crime series 
 
Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard was made to look a fool in the Sherlock Holmes stories. Now he gets his own back, introducing sixteen tales of detectives whose abilities rival that of the great Sherlock Holmes. 
 
Starring James Fleet (Series 1, 3 and 4) and Tim Piggott-Smith (Series 2) as Lestrade, with casts featuring Andrew Scott, Paul Rhys, Anton Lesser, Honeysuckle Weeks, Rupert Vansittart, John Sessions, Marcia Warren and Tim McInnerny. 
 
Dramatised for radio by Chris Harrald, these stories are written by masters of the crime and thriller genre, all contemporaries of Arthur Conan Doyle. 
 
They include: 
 The Murders on the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe 
The Problem of Cell 13 by Jacques Futrelle 
Murder By Proxy by Matthias McDonnel Bodkin 
The Mystery of Redstone Manor by Catherine Louisa Pirkis 
The Problem of the Superfluous Finger by Jacques Futrelle 
The Clue of the Silver Spoons by Robert Barr 
The Intangible Clue by Anna Katharine Green 
The Game Played in the Dark by Ernest Bramah 
The Kinght's Cross Signal Problem by Ernest Bramah 
A Snapshot by Matthias McDonnel Bodkin 
Seven, Seven, Seven - City by Julius Chambers 
The Moabite Cipher - by R Austin Freeman 
The Clairvoyants - by Arthur B Reeve 
The Stanway Cameo Mystery - Arthur Morrison 
The Secret of Dunstan's Tower - Ernest Bramah 
The Mystery of the Scarlet Thread - Jacques Futrelle 
 
Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko (Series 1) and Liz Webb (Series 2, 3, 4) 
 
 
(c) BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 2021 
(p) BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 2021

The Rivals: Tales of Sherlock Holmes’ rival detectives

16 BBC Radio full-cast dramas

Wilkie Collins

BBC radio productions of the finest works of Wilkie Collins: sensation novelist, early master of the mystery story, and pioneer of detective fiction 
 
Wilkie Collins was one of Victorian England's best-loved and best-selling authors, and a crime fiction pioneer. His enthralling 'sensation novels' such as The Woman in White paved the way for today's thrillers, and his tour de force The Moonstone is one of the first, and greatest, modern detective stories. 
 
This collection features dramatisations of these two masterpieces, with star casts including Toby Stephens (The Woman in White) and John Sharp (The Moonstone). Also included are adaptations of three of Collins' other major novels: No Name, The Law and the Lady and The Haunted Hotel, starring Sophie Thompson, Abigail Docherty and Henry Lloyd respectively. 
 
Collins was a prolific short story writer, and included here are a number of his shorter tales, such as a full-cast dramatisation of the ghost story 'Mad Monkton', starring Gary Bond, and readings of five tales of suspense: 'The Dream Woman' (read by David Suchet), 'The Biter Bit' (read by John Rowe), 'A Terribly Strange Bed' (read by Paul Daneman), 'The Stolen Letter' (read by Garard Green) and 'The Dead Hand' (read by Peter Marinker). Plus, the darkly comic 'Mrs Badgery' is read by Christopher Harper, while Ronald Pickup reads the murder mystery 'Who Killed Zebedee?', taken from the 1887 short story collection Little Novels. There are also dramatisations of five additional Little Novels tales: 'Miss Jeromette and the Clergyman', 'Mr Marmaduke and the Minister', 'Miss Bertha and the Yankee', 'Miss Morris and the Stranger' and 'Mr Percy and the Prophet', all starring Ronald Pickup as Wilkie Collins. 
 
A lifelong friend of Charles Dickens, Collins collaborated with him on several works including 'A House to Let', which was co-written by Collins, Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell and Adelaide Anne Proctor. Marcia Warren stars in an adaptation of this exciting tale of secrets and intrigue. 
 
Finally, in Night Waves: The Woman in White, Matthew Sweet joins Simon Callow, Kate Summerscale, Paul Lewis and Lisa Appignanesi to discuss the groundbreaking novel that catapulted Collins to literary stardom, exploring its lasting influence and asking how it stands up today. 
 
 
Contents 
1. The Woman in White 
2. No Name 
3. The Moonstone 
4. The Law and the Lady 
5. The Haunted Hotel 
6. 'Mad Monkton' 
7. 'The Dream Woman' 
8. 'The Biter Bit' 
9. 'A Terribly Strange Bed' 
10. 'The Stolen Letter' 
11. 'The Dead Hand' 
12. 'Mrs Badgery' 
13. 'A House to Let' 
14. 'Who Killed Zebedee?' 
15. 'Miss Jeromette and the Clergyman' 
16. 'Mr Marmaduke and the Minister' 
17. 'Miss Bertha and the Yankee' 
18. 'Miss Morris and the Stranger' 
19. 'Mr Percy and the Prophet' 
20. 'Night Waves: The Woman in White' 
 
 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Wilkie Collins BBC Radio Collection

Dramatisations and readings of his sensational stories including The Woman in White & The Moonstone

Josephine Tey

Dramatisations and readings of five of Josephine Tey's classic mystery novels 
 
Scottish novelist and playwright Josephine Tey was one of the greatest Golden Age crime writers and the author of eight mysteries, including six featuring Scotland Yard inspector Alan Grant. The most famous of these, The Daughter of Time, was acclaimed the greatest crime novel of all time by the Crime Writers' Association. A full-cast dramatisation of this iconic story is included here, along with adaptations of four of her other much-loved mystery novels. 
 
A Shilling for Candles 
An independent-minded chief constable's daughter meets a suspected killer in this re-imagining of Josephine Tey's 1936 comedy thriller featuring Inspector Grant, starring Giles Fagan and Tilly Gaunt. 
 
Miss Pym Disposes 
Invited by her friend Henrietta to lecture at a physical education colllege, expert psychologist Miss Lucy Pym little suspects that among the healthy young women is someone with a mind sick enough to commit murder... Julia Foster stars as Miss Pym, with Joan Sims as Henrietta. 
 
The Franchise Affair 
A 15-year-old schoolgirl accuses Marion Sharpe and her mother of kidnapping and beating her. Can solicitor Robert Blair prove the women's innocence? An abridged reading by Edward Petherbridge. 
 
The Daughter of Time 
In hospital with a broken leg, Inspector Grant is bored. To pass the time, he decides to try and solve one of history's most famous puzzles: did Richard II really kill the Princes in the Tower? Peter Gilmore stars as Alan Grant. 
 
The Singing Sands 
Travelling to the Highlands by train, Inspector Grant ends up investigating the mysterious death of the man in compartment B7. An abridged reading by Paul Young of Tey's final novel, published posthumously in 1952. 
 
Also included is a Woman's Hour discussion of the life of Josephine Tey, with Andrew Taylor and fellow author Nicola Upson, whose bestselling crime novels feature Tey as the detective heroine. 
 
 
A Shilling for Candles 
Tisdall - Giles Fagan 
Erica - Tilly Gaunt 
Pottinger - Steve Hodson 
Bergoine - Stephen Thorne 
Grant - Ben Crowe 
Albert Clay - Harry Myers 
Hopgood - Geoffrey Whitehead 
Martha - Frances Jeater 
Dramatised by John Fletcher 
Directed by Tabitha Potts 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 December 1998 
 
Miss Pym Disposes 
Lucy Pym - Julia Foster 
Henrietta Hodge - Joan Sims 
Teresa Desterro - Julia Swift 
Miss Lux - Polly James 
Miss Wragg - Zelah Clarke 
Madame Lefevre - Margaret Robertson 
Fröken Gustavson - Diana Olsson 
Miss Meek - Eva Stuart 
Miss Nash - Deborah Makepeace 
Miss Innes - Moir Leslie 
Miss Rouse - Susan Sheridan 
Miss O'Donnell - Felicity Hayes-McCoy 
Miss Dakers - Denica Fairman 
Miss Gage - Caroline Gruber 
Mr Nash - Michael Deacon 
Mrs Nash - Eva Stuart 
Rick - Paul Sirr 
Dramatised by Elizabeth Proud 
Directed by Glyn Dearman 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 December 1987 
 
The Franchise Affair 
Read by Edward Petherbridge 
Abridged by Pat McLoughlin 
Editor: Sally Feldman 
Music: Bush's Music for Orchestra 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7-23 May 1991 
 
The Daughter of Time 
Alan Grant - Peter Gilmore 
Nurse Ingham - Frances Jeater 
Nurse Darroll - Jill Lidstone 
Marta Hallard - Rosalind Shanks 
Brent Carradine - Simon Hewitt 
Richard - Steve Hodson 
Tyrrel - Nigel Lambert 
Brackenbury - Lewis Stringer 
Lady Paston - Miranda Forbes 
Edward - Graham Faulkner 
Matron - Katherine Parr 
Williams - Stuart Organ 
Morton - Peter Tuddenham 
Buckingham - Alex Jennings 
Stillington - James Thomason 
Sir John - Alaric Cotter 
Dramatised by Neville Teller 
Directed by Graham Gauld 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 August 1982 
 
The Singing Sands 
Read by Paul Young 
Produced by Eilidh McCreadie 
First broadcast BBC Radio 7, 17-20 March 2008 
 
Woman's Hour discussion 
Presented by Jane Garvey 
With Nicola Upson and Andrew Taylor 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 February 2008

Josephine Tey: The Daughter of Time & other mysteries

A BBC Radio crime collection

By Hand

Byrne & Balzano

Described by his creator as 'short, fat and primitive', Evert Bäckström is a rather unique homicide detective but he is undeniably the real deal with it comes to modern policing. 
 
This series is blackly comic, thrillingly compelling and utterly real.

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