Audiobooks by Eric Merriman

Play it Cool: A Vintage BBC Radio 4 Comedy

The complete series of the fast-moving 1960s sketch show A leading light of British stage and screen from the 1950s onwards, Ian Carmichael made a career out of playing the amiable, bumbling nincompoop in films such as Private's Progress and I'm All Right Jack, and TV shows including Bachelor Father and The World of Wooster. This dithering persona was expanded and amplified in his first radio comedy, Play It Cool. Written in 1964 by Beyond Our Ken's Eric Merriman, it sees him joined by Carry On's Joan Sims and radio veteran Hugh Paddick (Beyond Our Ken, Round the Horne) for a series that mixes music and comedy to provide a slice of 1960s cool. These six episodes feature a plethora of comic characters, and situations ranging from the potty to the pompous. Join our frolicsome trio as they send up big business and women's magazines; expose the behind-the scenes worlds of ballroom dancing and boxing; and turn the pages of history back to the Edwardian era in 'Scrapheap of 1907'. There's also international affairs, revealing tales of Hollywood, and the life of William Shakespeare - plus an insight into what might happen if the Cannes Film Festival came to Britain... Light-hearted, witty and slyly satirical, this sparkling series showcases all three of our comedy stars' skills, ably assisted by guest stars Gordon Faith and Anthony Sagar. Musical interludes are provided by Rosemary Squires, The Mike Sammes Singers and The Ken Thorne Orchestra. Production credits Written by Eric Merriman Starring Ian Carmichael, Joan Sims and Hugh Paddick With Gordon Faith and Anthony Sagar Produced by John Simmonds With music from Rosemary Squires, The Mike Sammes Singers and The Ken Thorne Orchestra First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme, 26 July-30 August 1964 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Eric Merriman (Author), Hugh Paddick, Ian Carmichael, Joan Sims (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken: The Collected Series 5-7: 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

Eric Merriman (Author), Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee, Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Minor Adjustment: The BBC Radio 4 comedy series

The Stubbs family, cartoonist Richard, therapist Sarah, sixteen year-old Kate and 3 year-old Amy, who has Down's Syndrome, feature in this six part sitcom chronicling the highs and lows of family life. Richard (played by Peter Davison) and Sarah (Samantha Bond), juggle their way through life's minor disruptions, such as well-meaning TV crews turning up unannounced, summons to the headmaster's office to discuss teen Kate and the arrival of Sarah's sister with a horse-box full of expressionist art and 3 moulting cats. On top of it all, Sarah considers a third child. Perhaps a holiday will do? Written by son and father team Andy and Eric Merriman (best known for 'Beyond Our Ken'), the series was inspired by Andy's own four-year-old daughter, Sarah.

Andy Merriman, Eric Merriman (Author), , Claire Russell, Peter Davison, Samantha Bond, Sarah Merriman (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken: Complete Series 4

All nineteen surviving episodes from the fourth series of Beyond Our Ken, plus bonus programme Forty Laughing Years A superb melange of sketches and songs, liberally sprinkled with puns and double entendres, Beyond Our Ken made millions of listeners laugh out loud between 1958 and 1964. These nineteen fantastic episodes, published for the first time on audio, were initially broadcast on the BBC Light Programme between 1960 and 1961. Featuring favourite characters including Charles and Rodney, Ambrose and Felicity and Cecil Snaith, not to mention Kenneth Horne himself, these classic shows are full of fun and laughter. Musical interludes are provided by Janet Waters, the Hornets and the BBC Variety Orchestra, conducted by Paul Fenoulhet. The episodes include Suddenly Last Summer, Spring in Park Lane, The Gentleman's Agreement, Three Coins in a Fountain, The Man with the Golden Arm, House of Wax, Desire Under the Elms, Brief Encounter, The Thirty-Nine Steps, Gale Warning (followed by Scrooge), Room at the Top, The Horse Soldiers, All Quiet on the Western Front, The Charge of the Light Brigade, A Hatful of Rain, Twelve O'Clock High, Tea and Sympathy, Some Come Running and Tunes of Glory. Also included is the 1962 tribute programme Forty Laughing Years, hosted by Kenneth Horne. (NB: This volume contains the nineteen surviving episodes from Series 4, plus bonus programme Forty Laughing Years. No recording of Episode 12, Thames Suicide Attempt, is now known to exist, and this episode cannot therefore be included.)

Eric Merriman (Author), Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee, Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken Series 3: The classic BBC radio comedy

Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and others star in the complete third series of the madcap forerunner to Round the HorneA hectic mix of sketches and songs, Beyond Our Ken kept millions of listeners in stitches between 1958 and 1964. These fourteen fantastic episodes, published for the first time on audio, were first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1960. In these uproarious half hours, you can enjoy a series of plays to remember; hear all about Kenneth Horne's adventures in Switzerland, Macau and the North West Frontier; check out the latest film releases in Picture Go Round and learn about the worlds of photography, hobbies, food, the City and more in documentary feature Hornerama. In addition, Russian comrades Rodney and Charles launch their rocket, Felicity and Ambrose enjoy some home movies, Cecil Snaith goes on a polar expedition and there's a special edition of The Archers, American-style. So join Kenneth Horne and friends for more witty wordplay, larger-than-life characters, comic catchphrases and sublimely silly humour from the hugely popular 'sort of radio show'. Written by Eric Merriman, with musical accompaniments provided by Pat Lancaster, the Fraser Hayes Four, Edwin Braden and the BBC Variety Orchestra. Duration: 7 hours approx

Eric Merriman (Author), Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken: Series 2: Classic BBC Radio comedy

Kenneth Horne is joined by Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee and Pat Lancaster in the second series of the classic weekly radio show. Between 1958 and 1964, 'Beyond Our Ken' was one of radio's most popular comedy shows, with a regular audience of ten million listeners. A hilarious mix of sketches and music, packed with witty wordplay, comic catchphrases and larger-than-life characters, this fabulous forerunner to 'Round the Horne' remains just as funny today.In these fourteen episodes, written by Eric Merriman and Barry Took, listen to some extraordinary incidents from Kenneth Horne's week and enjoy special 'Hornerama' investigations into the worlds of showbusiness, communications, the film industry, shipping and many more. Say hello to Rodney and Charles, follow roving reporter Cecil Snaith to the depths of the Red Sea and join Felicity and Ambrose as they are shipwrecked on a desert island.Plus, there's a spoof 'Any Questions?' featuring Hankie Flowered, Ricky Livid, Fanny Haddock and Arthur Fallowfield, and musical interludes from The Fraser Hayes Four and Pat Lancaster – so join urbane host Kenneth Horne and friends for more fun, puns, merriment and madcap humour from the much-loved comedy show. Duration: 7 hours approx.

Eric Merriman (Author), Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken: Series One

Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Ron Moody star in the surviving 13 episodes from the very first series of the classic weekly show, the forerunner to Round the Horne. Between 1958 and 1964, Beyond Our Ken lit up the airwaves. A madcap mix of sketches and songs, it remains as funny today as when it was first broadcast. Full of witty wordplay, larger-than-life characters, comic catchphrases and sublimely silly humour, the show introduced regulars such as Rodney and Charles, countryman Arthur Fallowfield and roving reporter Cecil Snaith. Enjoy regular documentary feature 'Hornerama', plan a break with 'Kenneth Horne's Holiday Bureau', listen to Parisian caberet artist Maurice Chandelier, and meet Felicity and Ambrose - the happiest couple in Great Britain. With episodes written by Eric Merriman and Barry Took, and musical interludes from The Malcolm Mitchell Trio and The Fraser Hayes Four, join avuncular host Kenneth Horne and friends in this hilarious precursor to Round the Horne. Duration: 6 hours 30 mins approx.

Barry Took, Eric Merriman (Author), Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Ron Moody (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken The Collector's Edition: Series 2

Kenneth Horne is joined by Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee and Pat Lancaster in the second series of the classic weekly show, which lit up the airwaves between 1958 and 1964. The forerunner to Round the Horne, Beyond Our Ken is a madcap mix of sketches and music. Seven series were broadcast between 1958 and 1962, written principally by Eric Merriman - Barry Took joined him as co-writer for the first two series. With musical entertainment from Pat Lancaster and The Malcolm Mitchell Trio, join genial host Kenneth Horne and his ensemble in this fantastic funny show.

Barry Took, Eric Merriman (Author), Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Pat Lancaster, Ron Moody (Narrator)

Audiobook