Audiobooks by John Clifford Mortimer

The Tudor Crown: A BBC Radio 4 Drama Collection

"Nine gripping dramas that delve into the turbulent, thrilling history of the Tudor era Affairs and assassinations. Conflict and chaos. Power and plots. The tumultuous Tudor period is one of the most iconic and fascinating chapters in British history. In these ten atmospheric dramas, we get a glimpse into the inner workings of Tudor England – and rediscover the key characters we have grown to love and hate. Featuring world-renowned actors, these gripping, historically accurate tales are packed with excitement. A Pattern of Tudors - the story of Cardinal Wolsey who built Hampton Court, and Henry VIII who took it from him. True and Lawful Queen - Katherine of Aragon’s refusal to divorce Henry VIII sparks a chain of events that leads to the Reformation. Black Queen to King’s Castle - the ghost of Anne Boleyn tells her own story of the events that led to her execution. The Babington Plot - Told from the perspective of the conspirators, this is an enthralling account of the 1586 plot to assassinate Elizabeth I and return England to Catholic rule under Mary, Queen of Scots. La Princesse de Clèves - a playful adaptation of Madame de Lafayette's classic novel of intrigue and love set in the 16th Century and following the dangerous liaisons of a beautiful young lady newly presented to Court. Gold’s Fool - the true story of how Queen Elizabeth I was misled by alchemists into believing that the Arctic black rocks of Baffin Island were rich in precious ore. Mary Stuart - we learn of the extraordinary relationship between Elizabeth I and her rival cousin, the imprisoned Scottish queen. Edward, Edward - seen entirely through the eyes of children, this shows how Edward VI, crowned king at the age of nine, finds himself powerless in a world ruled by adults. The Nine Days Queen - the tragic story of the trial of Lady Jane Grey. Crowned Queen of England in 1553 aged 16, she was imprisoned in the Tower nine days later, and was dead within a year. Among the stellar cast of these remarkable dramas are Phyllida Nash, Michael Hordern, David Troughton, Izzy Meikle-Small, Stephen Greif, Burn Gorman, Roger Lloyd Pack, Kathleen Helme and Melody Grove. © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Abigail Docherty, Alison Plowden, Amanda Whittington, Friedrich Schiller, John Clifford Mortimer, Madame De Lafayette, Michael Butt, Paul B. Davies, Peter Wolf (Author), Alexandra Mathie, Full Cast, Kathleen Helme, Louise Brealey, Meg Fraser, Melody Grove, Michael Bryant, Michael Horden, Roger Lloyd Pack (Narrator)

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Rumpole: A BBC Radio Collection: 32 BBC Radio full-cast dramas

"An irresistible collection of sparkling stories featuring John Mortimer's beloved comic creation Horace Rumpole is the most erudite, astute, and seldom defeated of barristers in the annals of the Old Bailey. In these 32 dramas, arranged in order of broadcast, four distinguished actors don the wig and white band to portray our hero as he recalls his long, eventful career. Timothy West stars as the older Rumpole in eight cases in which he proves, despite scurrilous rumours to the contrary, that he is alive, well and as adept as ever at getting to the heart of crimes ranging from sexual assault to terrorism. He also has hopes of becoming a QC at last - but his marriage to She Who Must Be Obeyed is under pressure... Joining Timothy West for another seven legal adventures, Benedict Cumberbatch plays the young, feisty, devastatingly acute Rumpole. We flash back to the 1950s, as he meets and marries Hilda, embarks on his first big murder case 'alone and without a leader', and defends clients including an aristocrat, a shoplifting clergyman and a gardener accused of blackmail. Returning as young Rumpole, Cumberbatch takes us through six more curious cases. It is 1964, and Horace takes on a new pupil - Phyllida Trant, the 'Portia of our Chambers' - only to find himself becoming smitten with her. Forced to consider the path his life has taken, he comes close to giving up the law... With the Sixties swinging, Julian Rhind-Tutt gives us a Rumpole in his prime, recounting ten tales which find the tireless defender swapping sides to appear for the prosecution; coming to the aid of a doctor accused of unprofessional conduct; and suffering the indignity of wrongful arrest. We leave him facing a life-changing decision: after many years of falling in and out of love with both women, will he finally leave Hilda to be with Phyllida? Also included is a special 90-minute Christmas episode starring Desmond Barrit, in which Rumpole indulges in a little seasonal, charitable blackmail and solves an audacious crime at the panto. Production credits Written by John Mortimer Adapted by Richard Stoneman Directed by Marilyn Imrie. A Catherine Bailey production for BBC Radio 4 Sax quartet version of Gershwin's 'They Can't Take That Away From Me' arranged by Julie Hodge and performed by 'Sax' (Luiza Beddoes, Kate Mylnar, Janine Ng and Julie Hodge) Pantomime music written by Neil Brand Cast Older Horace Rumpole - Timothy West/Desmond Barrit Young Horace Rumpole - Benedict Cumberbatch/Julian Rhind-Tutt Hilda - Prunella Scales/Joanna David Young Hilda - Jasmine Hyde/Cathy Sara Phyllida - Cathy Sara/Patience Tomlinson 'Soapy Sam' Ballard - Michael Cochrane Claude Erskine-Brown - Nigel Anthony Fig Newton - David Shaw-Parker/Geoffrey Whitehead Bonny Bernard - Bruce Alexander/Nicholas Le Provost/Matthew Morgan Judge Bullingham - Christopher Benjamin/David Shaw-Parker/Stephen Critchlow Liz Probert - Elaine Claxton First broadcast BBC Radio 4 between 25 December 2001 and 9 May 2018 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

John Clifford Mortimer (Author), Benedict Cumberbatch, Desmond Barrit, Full Cast, Jasmine Hyde, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Prunella Scales, Timothy West (Narrator)

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Rumpole and the Old Familiar Faces: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

"Desmond Barrit stars as Horace Rumpole in this full-cast, feature-length radio drama Rumpole has no special objection to Christmas - except that with the Old Bailey closed, he has no opportunity to exercise his skills in court. But over the course of one unusual holiday, he nonetheless manages to triumph in two very different cases... Dragooned into spending Christmas in Norfolk, at the home of one of Hilda's old schoolfriends, Rumpole is feeling less than festive. Chilly Coldsands Rectory does not offer much in the way of enjoyment - but a trip to the local church and a surprise encounter with an old acquaintance leads to a God-given opportunity to indulge in a little seasonal, charitable blackmail. A New Year outing to see Aladdin also provides more excitement than expected. The traditional British pantomime is one of Rumpole's favourite institutions, but he has a vague feeling that there's something odd about this particular production. A post-panto drink, some overheard remarks and a glance at the programme confirm his suspicions - and put him on the path to solving an audacious crime... Starring Desmond Barrit as Rumpole and Joanna David as Hilda, with Tim McInnerny as Donald Compton and Nigel Anthony as Fred Timson. Cast Horace Rumpole - Desmond Barrit Hilda Rumpole - Joanna David Rev Eric Longstaff - Oliver Ford Davies Donald Compton - Tim McInnerny Fred Timson - Nigel Anthony Phillida Erskine-Brown - Patience Tomlinson Judge Bullingham - Philip Voss Skimpy Simpson - Ioan Meredith Bonny Bernard - Bruce Alexander Detective Inspector Grimble - John Hartley Aladdin - Rebecca Lacey Denis Timson - Tom George Widow Twanky - Tilly Vosburgh Tristan - Lewis Reece Isolde - Lauren Bird Production credits Written by John Mortimer Directed by Marilyn Imrie Produced by Catherine Bailey Pantomime music written by Neil Brand A Catherine Bailey production for BBC Radio 4"

John Clifford Mortimer (Author), Desmond Barrit, Full Cast, Tim Mcinnerny (Narrator)

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Rumpole: On Trial & Going for Silk: Two BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

"Timothy West takes on the role of Rumpole in these two thrilling dramas featuring the wily magician of the Old Bailey at his implacable best Rumpole on Trial Rumpole takes up the cause of young Bertie Timson, whose sole ‘crime’ seems to be playing football in the street. As he endeavours to defend our ancient freedoms, he becomes uneasy about exactly what his wife Hilda is up to in her continuing friendship with a high court judge. Going for Silk Having narrowly avoided an ASBO himself, Rumpole hopes to become a QC at last. But first he must turn his attention back to the Timson case, while also preparing to defend a young man charged with the murder of a prostitute. Timothy West stars as Rumpole and Prunella Scales as Hilda, with Nigel Anthony as Claude Erskine-Brown and Michael Cochrane as ‘Soapy Sam’ Ballard. Cast and production credits: Written by John Mortimer Directed by Marilyn Imrie Rumpole on Trial First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 May 2008 Horace Rumpole – Timothy West Hilda Rumpole – Prunella Scales ‘Soapy Sam’ Ballard – Michael Cochrane Bonny Bernard – Nicholas Le Provost Prosecutor Parkes – Roger May Madam Chair of Magistrates – Jillie Mears Graham Wetherby – David Holt Lars Bergman – Matthew Morgan Judge Bullingham – David Shaw-Parker Fig Newton – Geoffrey Whitehead Going for Silk First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 May 2008 Horace Rumpole – Timothy West Hilda Rumpole – Prunella Scales Bonny Bernard – Nicholas Le Provost Anna McKinnon – Jillie Mears Prosecutor Noakes – Matthew Morgan Police Doctor – Roger May Judge Barnes – Geoffrey Whitehead Graham Wetherby – David Holt Det Insp Belfrage – David Shaw-Parker"

John Clifford Mortimer (Author), Full Cast, Prunella Scales, Timothy West (Narrator)

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Rumpole: The Teenage Werewolf & other stories: Four BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

"Timothy West stars as Rumpole in these four fantastic radio dramas Rumpole and the Teenage Werewolf Rumpole heads to the Home Counties to defend Ben, a teenager accused of sending emails deemed to be sexually harassing, and of an actual physical attack on a girl. Rumpole and the Right to Privacy Rumpole leaves the Old Bailey to defend a civil case: an editor of a local newspaper who is accused of breaching a successful businessman's right to privacy. Truth Makes All Things Plain If one man can be counted on to fight injustice and insist on a fair trial for everyone, whatever their circumstances, it is Horace Rumpole. So when the beautiful Tiffany Khan learns that her husband has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism, she calls for his help right away. The Past Catches up with us All As he struggles to win justice for his client, Rumpole finds that his marriage to She Who Must Be Obeyed is, rather like his waistcoat, straining at the seams. Timothy West stars as Rumpole and Prunella Scales as Hilda, with Matt Smith as Ben, Nigel Anthony as Claude Erskine-Brown and Michael Cochrane as ‘Soapy Sam’ Ballard. Cast and credits Written by John Mortimer Directed by Marilyn Imrie Rumpole and the Teenage Werewolf First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 July 2006 Horace Rumpole - Timothy West Hilda Rumpole - Prunella Scales Hermione Swithin - Felicity Montagu Mr Beazley - Nicholas Le Provost Chris Swithin - Philip Jackson Ben Swithin - Matt Smith Judge Denis Wintergreen - Karl Johnson Adrian Hodinott - Sean Baker Felicity Halliday - Ellie Beaven Rumpole and the Right to Privacy First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 July 2006 Horace Rumpole - Timothy West Hilda Rumpole. - Prunella Scales Mr Rankin - David Shaw-Parker Claude Erskine-Brown - Nigel Anthony Liz Probert - Elaine Claxton Hugo Winterton - Anton Rogers Gervase Johnson - Stephen Critchlow Sir Mike Smedley - Kim Durham Mrs Justice Erskine-Brown - Joanna David Truth Makes All Things Plain First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 August 2007 Horace Rumpole - Timothy West Hilda Rumpole - Prunella Scales Judge Bullingham - Christopher Benjamin Tiffany Khan - Lily Bevan ‘Soapy Sam’ Ballard - Michael Cochrane Bonny Bernard - Bruce Alexander Dr Mahmood Khan - Shiv Grewal Barrington Whiteside - Geoffrey Whitehead Will Timson - Ben Crowe Peter Plaistow - Christopher Scott Mrs Justice Templett - Joanna David Fred Sugden - Kim Durham Ian Antrim - Nigel Anthony The Past Catches up with us All First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 22 August 2007 Horace Rumpole – Timothy West Hilda Rumpole – Prunella Scales Claude Erskine-Brown – Nigel Anthony Fred Sugden – Kim Durham Dr Mahmood Khan – Shiv Grewal Will Timson – Ben Crowe Judge Bullingham – Christopher Benjamin Bonny Bernard – Bruce Alexander Barrington Whiteside – Geoffrey Whitehead Peter Plaistow – Christopher Scott"

John Clifford Mortimer (Author), Full Cast, Matt Smith, Prunella Scales, Timothy West (Narrator)

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Rumpole: The Primrose Path & other stories: Four BBC Radio 4 dramatisations starring Timothy West

"Timothy West takes on the role of Rumpole in these four delightful dramas featuring the wily barrister Rumpole and the Primrose Path Rumpole exposes criminal practices at the nursing home where he was sent to recuperate after a heart attack, leaving him in dire need of claret, cheroots and good company. Rumpole and the Scales of Justice When Rumpole defends a senior policeman in court, his love for Shakespeare’s Othello and his old acquaintances in the south London criminal fraternity prove very useful. Rumpole and the Vanishing Juror Rumpole’s admiration for the integrity of the Old Bailey jury is legendary – but he is mystified when his most promising juror in a murder trial suddenly disappears… Rumpole Redeemed Invited to dinner at his local prison, Rumpole solves the conundrum of whether an ex-con can be reformed – while also seeking redemption himself. Timothy West stars as Rumpole, with Prunella Scales as Hilda, Michael Cochrane as Sam Ballard, Nigel Anthony as Claude Erskine-Brown and Sophie Thompson as Luci Gribble."

John Clifford Mortimer (Author), Timothy West (Narrator)

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Rumpole: The Golden Thread & other stories: Three BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

"Three thrilling full-cast dramas starring Julian Rhind-Tutt as the irrepressible Horace Rumpole Rumpole and the Golden Thread In Africa defending an old pupil in a murder trial, Rumpole is arrested. When Phillida arrives to bail him out, a spark between them is rekindled... Rumpole and the Official Secret Rumpole defends a civil servant accused of selling secrets and is embroiled in a wine fraud. Meanwhile, Phillida tells Rumpole she plans to leave her husband and asks him to keep it a secret, and Horace considers what that might mean. Rumpole and the Quality of Life Ballard’s wedding looms and Rumpole faces a life-changing decision about his own marriage. Hilda expects him to join her in Cornwall, but Phillida hopes he will leave to be with her at last… For fifteen years, Rumpole has fought, won and occasionally lost myriad cases – and fallen in and out of love with both wife Hilda and ‘the Portia of our Chambers’, Phillida Erskine-Brown. These three episodes leave us guessing until the very end – will Rumpole finally leave ‘She Who Must be Obeyed’ for Phillida? Julian Rhind-Tutt stars as Rumpole, with Jasmine Hyde as Hilda, Nigel Anthony as Claude Erskine-Brown and Cathy Sara as Phillida."

John Clifford Mortimer (Author), Full Cast, Julian Rhind-Tutt (Narrator)

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Rumpole: The Way Through the Woods & other stories: Three BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

"A sixth collection of captivating courtroom dramas, starring Julian Rhind-Tutt as Horace Rumpole Rumpole and the Way Through the Woods Rumpole makes friends with a dog named Sir Lancelot, and finds himself defending a hunt saboteur who claims to be guilty of murder. But Horace is convinced that the true culprit is among the hunting fraternity. Rumpole for the Prosecution Rumpole’s personal commandment is ‘Thou Shalt Not Prosecute’ – but he breaks this rule to take on a private prosecution brought by a dead girl’s father. However, an obscure literary reference and a piece of evidence that doesn’t fit bring his defender’s instincts to the fore... Rumpole and the Quacks Temporarily indisposed, Rumpole consults a charming Indian doctor who later asks for Horace’s help when he is accused of molesting a patient. Meanwhile, Rumpole’s friendship with Phillida Erskine-Brown deepens as both their marriages hit a tricky patch. Julian Rhind-Tutt stars as Rumpole, with Jasmine Hyde as Hilda, Nigel Anthony as Claude Erskine-Brown and Cathy Sara as Phillida."

John Clifford Mortimer (Author), Full Cast, Jasmine Hyde, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Nigel Anthony (Narrator)

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Rumpole: On Trial & other stories: Four BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

"Julian Rhind-Tutt takes on the role of Rumpole in this fifth collection of cracking court cases. Rumpole on Trial Suffering from toothache, Rumpole is in no mood for his client’s boring testimony or Justice Gwent-Evans’ impatience. But when he argues with the judge, he is warned in no uncertain terms about his future conduct. Soon, Rumpole finds himself on trial and facing the end of his career… Rumpole and Hilda Rumpole’s long-suffering wife Hilda (‘She Who Must Be Obeyed’) narrates a fascinating tale of murder and romance that Horace would prefer to remain untold, and gives Rumpole – and us – a glimpse of her true, passionate nature. Rumpole and Memories of Christmas Past Rumpole spends an unexpectedly rewarding Christmas in Norfolk; discusses the spirit of Christmas with the Mad Monk; and learns that the season of goodwill is shared by barristers and criminals alike. Rumpole and the New Year’s Resolutions Rumpole has an interesting encounter with Santa Claus at a Chambers Christmas party, finds himself on babysitting duty after a blackmail trial, and attends a traditional British panto – where he recognises a familiar face. Starring Julian Rhind-Tutt as Rumpole, Jasmine Hyde as Hilda and Nigel Anthony as Claude Erskine-Brown. A Catherine Bailey production for BBC Radio 4."

John Clifford Mortimer (Author), Full Cast, Jasmine Hyde, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Nigel Anthony (Narrator)

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Rumpole: The Age of Miracles & other stories: Three BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

"Benedict Cumberbatch plays Horace Rumpole in this fourth collection of dramatic court cases Rumpole and the Bubble Reputation Erskine-Brown is working on a sordid ABH and affray case which allegedly occurred in a Soho night club. When he and Rumpole visit the disreputable scene of the crime, they meet Maurice Machin, the editor of the Daily Beacon, whose paper is being sued for libel. Rumpole and the Age of Miracles Hilda's distant relation, The Reverend Timothy Donkin, looks set to be defrocked as Canon of Lawnchester Cathedral unless Rumpole can convince an Ecclesiastical Court that adultery did not take place in the nearby Saint Edithna Hotel. Rumpole and the Tap End Tony Timson finds himself in hot water when charged with the attempted drowning of his wife April, while sharing a bath with her. Rumpole not only defends Tony, but also finds he must protect Judge Guthrie Featherstone QC, who upsets women everywhere with sexist pronouncements about their proper place in the tub."

John Clifford Mortimer (Author), Benedict Cumberbatch, Full Cast, Jasmine Hyde, Nigel Anthony (Narrator)

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Rumpole: The Sleeping Partners & other stories: Three BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

"Benedict Cumberbatch plays the young, devastatingly acute Horace Rumpole in this third thrilling collection of court cases Rumpole and the Old Boy Net: With the help of his new pupil, Miss Phillida Trant, Rumpole must defend Mr Napier Lee, who is charged with blackmail. But the alleged victim of the blackmail went to public school with the defendant, and Mr Lee won't sneak on his old school chum... Rumpole and the Sleeping Partners: After a legal ball in the Savoy Hotel, Rumpole and Hilda argue about Rumpole's drunken behaviour and Rumpole decides to sleep the night on his sofa in chambers - strictly against the rules. But there he finds his colleague Erskine-Brown with Phillida Trant, 'working late'... Rumpole and the Portia of our Chambers: Rumpole comes close to giving up the law when forced to consider the path his life has taken by a combination of his attraction to his pupil Phillida, an unsettling case involving an Irish terrorist, and a visit from an old flame of Hilda's."

John Clifford Mortimer (Author), Benedict Cumberbatch, Full Cast, Jasmine Hyde, Timothy West (Narrator)

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Rumpole: The Gentle Art of Blackmail & other stories: Four BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

"Benedict Cumberbatch plays the young Horace Rumpole in this second stellar collection of court cases, also starring Timothy West as the older Rumpole Rumpole and the Man of God It is 1959, and Rumpole must defend a clergyman accused of shoplifting who, although he clearly did not commit the crime, is curiously reluctant to be cross-examined under oath. Meanwhile, Hilda (she who must be obeyed) has big news… Rumpole and the Explosive Evidence Rumpole defends a well-known safe blower and exposes the underhand behaviour of one Dirty Dickerson, a senior police officer who is quite prepared to tamper with evidence. Rumpole and the Gentle Art of Blackmail In 1964 Rumpole returns to Oxford, where he studied law, to defend a young gardener who is accused of blackmailing the Master of St Joseph’s College. Their friendship had provoked rumours of homosexuality – still illegal in those days – and the Master says he has been threatened with a public accusation. Rumpole and the Expert Witness Rumpole is asked to defend a GP, Dr Ned Dacre, who is accused of murdering his wife, Sally. The plot thickens when the local pathologist turns out to have history with Dr Ned…"

John Clifford Mortimer (Author), Benedict Cumberbatch, Full Cast, Timothy West (Narrator)

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