Audiobooks by Christopher Lee

The House: A BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Political Drama

All six series of Christopher Lee's enthralling parliamentary drama - plus Christmas Special Suave, unflappable and ambitious, veteran politician Charles Bannister knows his way around the corridors of power. As Chief Whip, he's adept at keeping MPs in line and squashing potential scandals - aided by his brother-in-law, MI6 agent Henry Colvil, who whispers useful titbits of information in his ear. His position seems invincible - but nothing is forever, and when the tides of politics turn, Charles finds himself under threat... In these six series, we follow his fortunes and those of his close friend, Home Secretary Dougal Baxter. Together, the duo rise, fall and rise again, as they fight off plots, counter-plots and conspiracies while struggling to secure their political futures. Promoted to Party Chairman, Charles finds himself beset by domestic dramas, dogged by rumours of an affair with glamorous Opposition MP Juliet Cameron, and under increasing pressure at Westminster. Will he stick it out and run for the top job - or decide to spend more time with his family? Meanwhile, Dougal makes no secret of his desire to become PM - but will his potentially explosive relationship with his mistress, Kay, put an end to his dreams of advancement? Written by award-winning author and historian Christopher Lee, this captivating tale of ministerial manoeuvring and machinations was adapted as a bestselling novel and spawned the spin-off mystery series Colvil & Soames. Julian Glover stars as Charles Bannister, with Timothy West as Dougal Baxter and Christopher Benjamin as Henry Colvil. Production credits Written by Christopher Lee Produced by Pete Atkin and Neil Cargill Cast Charles Bannister - Julian Glover Dougal Baxter - Timothy West/Peter Kelly Mary Bannister - Sarah Badel/Isla Blair Henry Colvil - Christopher Benjamin Denis Wigton - David Ryall/Trevor Peacock Juliet Cameron - Siobhan Redmond Rose - Sheila Reid Arthur - James Garbutt Polly Bannister - Ruth Gemmell Gerald Mossman - David Neville Merffyn Edwards - Ray Smith/Douglas Blackwell Kay Bennett - Jane Booker Nick - Julian Dutton Eamon - Shaun Prendergast Alex - Caroline Bliss Sharp - Norman Bird With Brian Redhead, Laurie Macmillan, Stuart Organ, Graham Blockey, Rupert Baker, Joan Matheson, Ken Cumberlidge, Danny Schiller, John Fortune, Iain Cuthbertson, Dennis Ramsden, Charles Simpson, Christopher Scott, Michael Kilgarriff, Ian Targett, David Goudge, John Bull, David King, Brian Miller, David McAlister, Terence Edmonds, Brett Usher, John Grieve, Richard Caldicot, Bill Wallis, Stephen Greif First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 August-7 October 1989 (Series 1), 25 December 1989 (Christmas Special), 17 September-5 November 1991 (Series 2), 16 March-20 April 1992 (Series 3), 28 October-2 December 1992 (Series 4), 17 June-22 July 1993 (Series 5), 9 June-14 July 1994 (Series 6) © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Christopher Lee (Author), Christopher Benjamin, David Ryall, Isla Blair, Julian Glover, Peter Kelly, Sarah Badel, Sheila Reid, Timothy West, Trevor Peacock (Narrator)

Audiobook

This Sceptred Isle: Empire: The Classic BBC Radio History

Christopher Lee's highly-acclaimed and award-winning BBC Radio 4 history of the British Empire. Britain had the biggest empire the world has ever known. At one time a quarter of the global land mass was British. Over a third of the world was insured at Lloyds. At his coronation, more than 400 million people saluted George V. Truly, the sun never set on this historical phenomenon. Whatever the day, whatever the hour, somewhere on the globe, the empire worked and played the British game, often absurdly so. BBC Radio 4's monumental history of Britain tells the story of the British Empire from its earliest beginnings through the years when British influence grew steadily around the globe, years when Britain took full advantage of the technical advances of its industrial revolution. Here are the origins of the modern nations of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and of the ways in which British influence has affected, for better or for worse, nations such as India, Sri Lanka, and China. Here are the stories, not always happy and glorious, of Captain James Cook, Mungo Park, Warren Hastings, Sir Stamford Raffles, and David Livingstone. The story of the British Empire is one of enormous personalities, adventure, scientific and maritime development, and the building of one of the most complex international administrations the world has ever seen. ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey, Christopher Eccleston, Denis Lawson, Juliet Stevenson, Mark Heap, Martin Freeman, Rob Brydon, Robert Powell, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

This Sceptred Isle: Collection 3: The 20th Century: The Classic BBC Radio History

All five volumes from the landmark BBC radio series This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century Christopher Lee's vivid, compelling history tells the story of Britain from the death of Queen Victoria to the dawning of a new millennium. This collection includes the original volumes 1-5: 1901-1919: The Victorian era comes to an end, Suffragettes demand 'Votes for Women', the Titanic sinks and the Great War casts a long shadow. 1919-1939: Ramsay MacDonald becomes the first Labour PM, millions of workers take industrial action during the General Strike, Wall Street crashes and Hitler rises to power. 1939-1959: The horrors of the Second World War and the onset of the Cold War, Indian independence, the founding of the NHS, the beginning of a new Elizabethan age and the Space Race. 1959-1979: War in Vietnam, Profumo causes a scandal, the Beatles generate worldwide hysteria, Britain joins Europe and Thatcherism is born. 1979-1999: The nation celebrates a fairytale royal wedding, Argentine troops invade the Falklands, disaster strikes at Chernobyl, the Berlin Wall falls - and as the year 2000 approaches, construction begins on London's Millennium Dome. Narrated by Anna Massey, with additional readings by Robert Powell, this is the definitive radio account of one of the most exciting and fast-moving periods in the history of the United Kingdom. NB: Due to the age of these recordings, sound quality may vary Production credits Written by Christopher Lee Narrated by Anna Massey, with additional readings by Robert Powell Produced by Pete Atkin First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 August-31 December 1999

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey, Robert Powell (Narrator)

Audiobook

Colvil & Soames: The Complete Series 1-2: The BBC Radio 4 Crime Drama

Christopher Benjamin and Amanda Redman star in two six-part BBC radio crime dramas, created by Christopher Lee In these two compelling murder mysteries, MI6 officers Henry Colvil and Alex Soames become involved in a pair of complex cases which take them to the very top of the political and religious spheres. In Series 1, the duo attend the funeral of an elderly Irish priest, and receive a tip-off that his death has controversial links. Probing further, they discover a shocking secret in Father Dominic's past - and Henry's faith is dealt a mortal blow. Can it withstand the whole truth? Series 2 opens with a disturbing murder on a Brighton beach. What seemed like a simple drug-related killing turns out to have unexpected complications - and as Colvil and Soames investigate, they uncover nefarious connections between the victim and a prominent politician, and a case that threatens to send shockwaves through government... Written by acclaimed historian, broadcaster and author Christopher Lee, these gripping spy thrillers star Christopher Benjamin (Pride and Prejudice, Doctor Who) as Henry Colvil and Amanda Redman (The Good Karma Hospital, New Tricks) as Alex Soames. Written by Christopher Lee Produced by Pete Atkin Starring Christopher Benjamin as Henry Colvil and Amanda Redman as Alex Soames First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16 October-20 November 1996 (Series 1), 29 October-3 December 1998 (Series 2) Series 1 cast Arthur Guscott........................Dudley Sutton Joseph Kutner........................Stephen Thorne Mrs Wedlock........................Colette O'Neil Monsignor........................Peter Yapp Father Dominic Byrne........................Joseph O'Conor Roger Brown........................Neil McCaul Father Williamson........................Christian Rodska Donna Hanley........................Beth Porter Theresa........................Elaine Claxton Porter........................Denys Hawthorne Series 2 cast DCI Guscott........................Dudley Sutton DS Gwen Jenkins........................Sue Jones Davies Miranda Peel........................Sheila Reid DCS Evans........................John Hartley Sidney Carpenter........................Neil Conrich Doctor........................Stuart Organ Tom Margeson........................Tom Cotcher Charlie Lofthouse........................Alistair McGowan Maggie Lindley........................Alphonsia Emmanuel Police Constable/Norman Tate........................Brian Bowles

Christopher Lee (Author), Amanda Redman, Christopher Benjamin (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Sceptred Isle: The Dynasties: The complete BBC collection

The Sceptred Isle provided the definitive radio account of the British nation, from 55BC to the end of the 20th century. Now its attention turns towards the incredibly powerful families which have wielded power behind the scenes for the past 1,000 years. The Dynasties relates how the loyalties of this privileged elite, many of whom are older than the monarchy itself, were tested and rewarded; it also uncovers a multitude of murderous plots, bloody battles, adulteries, intrigues and shocking executions.The first volume examines three powerful houses: The Godwines, the north-dwelling Percys and the royalist Despensers.Volume two looks at the Mortimers, the Berkeleys and a triumvirate of warring Irish dysnasties: the Macmurroughs, the Fitzgeralds and the O'Neills.The third volume investigates the Churchills, the Cecils and the Scottish Dalrymples.In the fourth volume the Cavendishes appear, along with the Comptons and the Russells.In the fifth and final volume, the families examined include the Carringtons, the Waldegraves and the Norfolks. There is also a look at the families who today continue the tradition of dynastical power at the highest levels.

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey (Narrator)

Audiobook

This Sceptred Isle: Collection 1: 55BC - 1702: The Classic BBC Radio History

The first five volumes from the landmark BBC radio series This Sceptred Isle. Christopher Lee's epic history tells the story of Britain from the Romans to the death of Victoria. This collection includes the original first five volumes: 55BC-1087: Julius Caesar to William the Conqueror From Britannia under the Romans to the Dark Ages and the invasions of Angles, Saxons, Danes, and Norwegians. 1087-1327: The Making of the Nation The Crusades, Welsh and Scottish rebellions and the foundations of the modern state including Magna Carta and the fledgling English Parliament. 1327-1547 The Black Prince to Henry VIII The Hundred Years' War, the Peasants' Revolt, the Wars of the Roses and the reign of Henry VIII. 1547-1660 Elizabeth I to Cromwell Elizabeth I's long reign; the Civil War, the execution of Charles I and the establishment of Cromwell as Lord Protector. 1660-1702 Restoration and Glorious Revolution The return of Charles II, the Great Plague and Great Fire of London, and a ruler from a different country on the throne: William of Orange. Narrated by Anna Massey, with extracts from Sir Winston Churchill's A History of the English-speaking Peoples read by Paul Eddington and Peter Jeffrey, this is the definitive radio account of the events and personalities that have shaped our nation. Duration: 15 hours approx.

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey, Paul Eddington (Narrator)

Audiobook

This Sceptred Isle Collection 2: 1702 - 1901: The Classic BBC Radio History

The final five volumes from the landmark BBC radio series This Sceptred Isle. Christopher Lee's epic history tells the story of Britain from the Romans to the death of Victoria. This collection includes the original volumes 6-10: 1702-1760: The First British EmpireThe reign of George I; Britain's first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole, and the first rendition of Rule Britannia. 1760-1792: The Age of Revolution The Industrial Revolution begins; America declares independence and France is rocked by social and politicalupheaval. 1792-1815: Nelson, Wellington and Napoleon War in Europe; the introduction of Income Tax; and England is victorious in the Battle of Trafalgar. 1815-1837: Regency and Reform The Prince of Wales becomes George IV; Sir Robert Peel creates the Metropolitan Police and slavery is abolished in the British Empire. 1837-1901: The Age of Victoria Victoria's 64-year reign encompasses huge social changes; Britain expands her empire and the Labour Party is founded. Narrated by Anna Massey, with extracts from Sir Winston Churchill's A History of the English-speaking Peoples read by Peter Jeffrey, this is the definitive radio account of the events and personalities that have shaped our nation. Duration: 14 hours approx.

Christopher Lee, Sir Winston Churchill, Winston Churchill (Author), Anna Massey, Peter Jeffrey (Narrator)

Audiobook

This Sceptred Isle Empire Volume 3 - 1876-1947

As this final part of the story of the British Empire begins, the Empire is at its peak. It would continue to grow, but the self-confidence, the success, and the sheer splendour of the Empire in the late nineteenth century would never be equalled. The basis of the Empire’s success was always commercial, and it was during this period that other great world powers - Germany, Japan, and, most of all, the USA - began to compete and dominate. And the commercial success of the colonies themselves would lead most of them to seek to run their affairs independently of the government in London. It’s often said that Britain is the only imperial power in history to have given up its empire voluntarily. Nevertheless, this was often a painful process, and one that was not always managed effectively or without dreadful violence. Here are the passionate stories of Ireland, of General Gordon at Khartoum, of young Winston Churchill at the battle of Omdurman, of the follies and shame of two Boer Wars, of Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and the worldwide grief at her death. Here, too, are accounts of the Empire’s role in two World Wars, of the sowing of the seeds of modern-day confusion in Iraq, and finally of Gandhi and Jinnah, and India’s painful and difficult path towards independence in 1947, after which the Empire almost miraculously transformed itself into the present-day Commonwealth.

Christopher Lee (Author), Juliet Stevenson (Narrator)

Audiobook

This Sceptred Isle Empire Volume 2 - 1783-1876

This is volume 2 of the eagerly-awaited follow-up to Christopher Lee’s highly-acclaimed and award-winning BBC Radio 4 series. BBC Radio 4’s monumental history of Britain picks up the story of the British Empire at the point where the American colonies have become the United States of America with their triumph over General Cornwallis and the British army at Yorktown in 1781. These are the years when British influence grew steadily around the globe, years when Britain took full advantage of the technical advances of its industrial revolution until it could be truly said that its Empire was one on which the sun never set. Here are the origins of the modern nations of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and of the ways in which British influence has affected - for better or for worse - nations such as India, Sri Lanka, and China. Here are the stories - not always happy and glorious - of Captain James Cook, Mungo Park, Warren Hastings, Sir Stamford Raffles and David Livingstone. This part of the story culminates in Queen Victoria being proclaimed Empress of India in 1876, the central symbol of some of the most potent imperial imagery. But just as the Empire itself was built not as the result of any grand plan, so the seeds of its twentieth century move towards independence from Britain were simultaneously and unwittingly being sown.

Christopher Lee (Author), Christopher Lee, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

The This Sceptred Isle The Twentieth Century 1901-1919

Continuing the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series of the story of Britain, from the start of the twentieth century to the present day. Christopher Lee's history of Britain, 'This Sceptred Isle', provided the definitive radio account of the nation from the arrival of Julius Caesar to the death of Queen Victoria. 'This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century' continues the story, taking us through decades of whirlwind change and technological advancement in a diverse and colourful country on the brink of a new millennium. Volume 1, covering the years 1901-1919, looks at the impact of the death of Queen Victoria, the growth of the Suffragette Movement, changes in the capital, such as the introduction of the first motor buses and, of course, the far-reaching consequences of the First World War. Narrated by Anna Massey with Robert Powell, 'This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century', is an authoritative, vivid and compelling account of one of the most exciting and fast-moving periods in Britain's history. Due to the age of these recordings, sound quality may vary.

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey (Narrator)

Audiobook

The This Sceptred Isle The Twentieth Century 1919-1939

Continuing the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series of the story of Britain, from the start of the twentieth century to the present day. Christopher Lee's history of Britain, 'This Sceptred Isle', provided the definitive radio account of the nation from the arrival of Julius Caesar to the death of Queen Victoria. 'This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century' continues the story, taking us through decades of whirlwind change and technological advancement in a diverse and colourful country on the brink of a new millennium. Volume 2, covering the years 1919-1939, looks at a Britain ravaged by war and at the mercy of millions of striking workers. It also takes in the lighter side of life in the 1920s and 30s, including the first loaf of bread going on sale and the glory days of Fred Perry. Narrated by Anna Massey with Robert Powell, 'This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century', is an authoritative, vivid and compelling account of one of the most exciting and fast-moving periods in Britain's history.

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey, Robert Powell (Narrator)

Audiobook

The This Sceptred Isle The Twentieth Century 1979-1999

This is the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series of the story of Britain, from the start of the 20th century to the present day. Christopher Lee's history of Britain, This Sceptred Isle, provided the definitive radio account of the nation form the arrival of Julius Caesar to the death of Queen Victoria.This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century continues the story, taking us through decades of whirlwind change and technological advancement in a diverse and colourful country on the brink of a new millennium. Volume 5, covering the years 1979-1999, looks at the Thatcher years, the Falklands War, and the greatest ever royal wedding. Beyond Britain, Gorbachev was influencing world affairs and, back in the nation's capital, a dome was being built to celebrate the approaching millennium. ©1999 BBC Audiobooks Ltd. (P)1999 BBC Audiobooks Ltd.

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey, Robert Powell (Narrator)

Audiobook