Audiobooks by Lenny Henry

Sir Lenny Henry: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Four Full-Cast Plays & Lenny Henry’s Rogues Gallery

"A quartet of original radio plays and nine darkly comic tales by Sir Lenny Henry Sir Lenny Henry has had a long and successful career as a comedian, impressionist, actor and presenter. Having starred in several plays in the West End and on radio, he was inspired to complete an MA in screenwriting and in 2011 penned his first radio drama, Corrinne Come Back and Gone, which opens this collection. He continued his writing career with three more Radio 4 plays and nine episodes of his comic monologue series Lenny Henry’s Rogues Gallery. Collected here for the first time, listen to these poignant and humorous original dramas, featuring an all-star cast including Frances Barber, Clare Perkins, Nadine Marshall, Claire Benedict, Tyrone Huggins, George Fouracres, Peter Bankolé and Lenny Henry himself. Corrinne Come Back and Gone – When Corrinne Jackson receives a letter from her daughter, inviting her to return to Jamaica after twenty years, she is overjoyed. Two decades ago, she left her abusive husband and fled to the UK, leaving her children behind. Now he is dead, and there’s a chance to set things right… Miss You Still – Grief-stricken after losing his wife and daughter, Midlands bus driver Charlie has shut himself off from the world. Then his colleague Joyce reaches out, sending her teenage daughter to help him. But the last thing 16-year-old Roxanne wants on her hands is a smelly old man who hears voices… A moving, funny story with a touch of the supernatural. Amsterdam – Taking her boyfriend and difficult teenage sons on a bonding trip to the Dutch capital, Juliet is hoping it will be a family weekend to remember. However, it’s not long before things start to go pear-shaped… In Vino Veritas – Reverend Marcus Campbell is a popular, charismatic pastor. His huge congregation adore him, and he’s about to do a deal with an American cable network that will see him preaching to an even bigger audience. But has success made him lose sight of his true purpose? Lenny Henry’s Rogues Gallery – Comprising two series and a Christmas Special, this anthology of genre-bending comic monologues, written by Lenny Henry, all have a twist in the tale. Among the characters telling their unusual stories are a blind man who experiences a modern-day miracle, an American GI who embarks on a life-changing relationship, a family butcher whose son is a musical prodigy, and a frustrated artist with a robot butler… Cast and credits Written by Lenny Henry Corrinne Come Back and Gone Starring Claire Benedict, Doña Croll, Nadine Marshall, Clare Perkins, Petra Letang, Alex Lanipekun and Leah Ocran Produced and directed by Claire Grove Miss You Still Starring Lenny Henry, Clare Perkins, Bunmi Mojekwu, Amit Shah, Alex Lanipekun and Tranae Sinclair Produced and directed by Claire Grove Amsterdam Starring Frances Barber, Tyrone Huggins, Lee Hodge, Jack Loxton, James Lailey, Ewan Bailey, Scarlett Brookes, Adie Allen, Anne Bunting, Marc Beeby and Shuming Chen Directed by Mary Peate In Vino Veritas Starring Lenny Henry, Nadine Marshall, John Bradley, Peter Bankolé, Martina Laird, McKell David, Sean Murray, Lewis Bray, Cameron Percival, Liam Lau Fernandez, Elizabeth Counsell, Emma Handy, Ryan Whittle and Jeanette Percival Directed by Mary Peate Lenny Henry’s Rogues Gallery Performed by Lenny Henry, Monica Dolan, Tanya Moodie and George Fouracres Produced by Sam Michell © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Lenny Henry (Author), Clare Perkins, Frances Barber, Full Cast, George Fouracres, Lenny Henry, Nadine Marshall (Narrator)

Audiobook

Sir Lenny Henry’s Journey to Othello: A BBC Radio Collection

"Three BBC Radio programmes charting Sir Lenny Henry’s transformation from comic actor to tragic hero – including the complete full-cast production of Shakespeare’s Othello Lenny Henry used to hate Shakespeare. For over 35 years he avoided anything to do with the Bard – until, in 2006, he decided to find out just what the rest of the world saw in him. In this enthralling collection, we hear how Lenny’s late-flowering passion for the legendary playwright’s works set him on the path that led to his sell-out stage debut as Othello. Bringing together this behind-the-scenes journey with the final result, this collection culminates in Lenny’s standout performance in a dynamic full-cast radio production of Othello. Lenny and Will sees him going ‘in search of the magic of Shakespeare in performance’, starting at the recreated Globe Theatre. Talking to leading actors and directors including Adrian Lester, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Peter Hall, Trevor Nunn, Dominic Dromgoole and Patsy Rodenburg, he wonders why we put Shakespeare on a pedestal, and confesses to a newfound enthusiasm for his classic dramas. And, after reciting Othello’s last speech to Northern Broadside’s Barrie Rutter, he begins to wonder if he could take on the role for real... Lenny Henry Plays Othello takes up the story where Lenny and Will left off, continuing Lenny’s personal odyssey. Having been offered the chance of a lifetime by Barrie Rutter, he sets out on a long road of preparation. Listening to his audio diary, we hear his hopes and fears – and eavesdrop on everything from coaching sessions to boot fittings. From first rehearsals to curtain up, we follow his remarkable metamorphosis into Shakespeare’s betrayed Moorish general. Finally, in Lenny Henry in Othello, we hear Lenny’s acclaimed performance as the noble African commander whose mind is poisoned by the hate-filled Iago: a stunning achievement that won him the Evening Standard’s Outstanding Newcomer Award. Featuring the cast of the acclaimed West End production and with original music from Conrad Nelson, who also plays Iago, this mesmerising tale of love, jealousy, racism and desire will grip you from start to tragic finish. Cast and credits Lenny and Will Presented by Lenny Henry Produced by Simon Elmes With Adrian Lester, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Peter Hall, Trevor Nunn, Barrie Rutter, Dominic Dromgoole and Patsy Rodenburg First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 25 Mar 2006 and 23 Dec 2006 Lenny Henry Plays Othello Produced by Simon Elmes First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 Feb 2009 Lenny Henry in Othello Iago – Conrad Nelson Roderigo – Matt Connor Brabantio – Geoff Leesley Othello – Lenny Henry Cassio – Richard Standing Duke/Gratiano – David Beckford Senator/Lodovico – Simon Holland Roberts Desdemona – Jessica Harris Montano – Andy Cryer Emilia – Sara Poyzer Herald/Gentleman – Chris Pearse Bianca – Victoria Gee Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Barrie Rutter Produced by David Hunter Music arranged by Conrad Nelson and performed by the cast Original stage production created by Northern Broadsides and West Yorkshire Playhouse and staged in London by Sonia Friedman Productions First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 Feb 2010 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Lenny Henry, William Shakespeare (Author), Adrian Lester, Barry Rutter, Conrad Nelson, Dominic Dromgoole, Full Cast, Judi Dench, Lenny Henry, Lolita Chakrabarti, Patsy Rodenburg, Peter Hall, Trevor Nunn (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Boy With Wings: Clash of the Superkids

"This super-charged audiobook is excitingly and hilariously read by the author, Lenny Henry. Join Tunde on his next superpowered mission in The Boy with Wings: Clash of the Super Kids, a hilarious, action-packed story from Lenny Henry. Wings? Check. A super-cool, super-secret past? Check. An impossible mission to save the world from a super evil enemy? Check. When Tunde's parents take him to a top-secret testing facility called The Complex, he's nervous about meeting others like him who have super powers. But trying to make new friends is the least of his worries. There's something much scarier going on. And it's going take more than just the boy with wings to stop it... Now that flight isn't an option, the only choice is to fight."

Lenny Henry (Author), Lenny Henry (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Book of Legends: A hilarious and fast-paced quest adventure from bestselling comedian Lenny Henr

"Perfect for fans of fast-paced adventures, The Book of Legends, from comedian Lenny Henry is a laugh-out-loud magical story for 8 -12 year olds, read by the author. Twins, Bran and Fran, are two ordinary kids who are about to go on an extraordinary adventure! When their mum mysteriously disappears in a lightning strike, just like their dad, the twins are all alone and know they have to stick together – if only to face their new guardian’s terrible cooking! But when their mum’s treasured storybook turns out to be a portal to another world full of mythical legends, everything changes. Suddenly, evil princes, mud monsters and Viking armies are all very real and out to get them. Luckily, the twins have Wilma, the Wizard's Wife, and Zachary, a wisecracking Zebracorn, to help them solve the mystery surrounding their parents’ disappearance. Quests are no joke (but there are lots of jokes in this book) and this is the quest of a lifetime . . ."

Lenny Henry (Author), Lenny Henry (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Boy With Wings: The laugh-out-loud, extraordinary adventure from Lenny Henry

"Lenny Henry's hilarious adventure, The Boy with Wings, is for listeners of 9 to 12 and also read by Lenny Henry. Includes an exclusive comic book adventure illustrated by Mark Buckingham, available to download as a PDF. An ordinary kid is about to become an EXTRAORDINARY hero! Wings? Check. A super-cool, super-secret past? Check. An impossible mission to save the world from a fur-ocious enemy? Check. When Tunde sprouts wings and learns he's all that stands between Earth and total destruction, suddenly school is the least of his problems. Luckily, his rag-tag group of pals have got his back, and with his new powers, Tunde is ready to fly in the face of danger. So what if he can't even stand up to the school bully? He's the boy with wings - this is his destiny. No pressure then. . ."

Lenny Henry (Author), Lenny Henry (Narrator)

Audiobook

Lenny Henry's What's So Great About...?: And 4 other BBC documentaries

"A collection of BBC radio shows presented by comedian and actor Lenny Henry. Stand-up comedian, actor, writer, singer, TV presenter: Lenny Henry is a multi-talented Renaissance man with a wide range of interests. But there are a few things (and people) he just doesn't get, despite their iconic status - and in What's So Great About...?, he explores them to find out what makes them so appealing. He questions the mystique surrounding Method Acting; discusses the benefits of Life Coaches with Phill Jupitus; hears about the joy of Maths from Carol Vorderman and asks Simon McBurney and Fiona Shaw to persuade him of the genius of Samuel Beckett. He also investigates the art of Jackson Pollock, meets stars from the world of Snooker to discover the lure of the cue and chats about Chaucer with Terry Jones. Lenny was once sceptical about Shakespeare too, but he's now a passionate convert. In Lenny Henry Plays Othello, we follow him as he embarks on his first straight stage role and first Shakespearean role, playing one of theatre's most tragic characters. From voice coaching to first night nerves, we eavesdrop on his journey from comedian to tragedian. In August Shines, inspired by his theatrical success in August Wilson's Fences, Lenny travels to Pittsburgh to tell the story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning African-American playwright. The city was also home to the bad-boy pop artist whose work Lenny explores in Andy Warhol: Time Regained. Visiting the Warhol Museum, he learns about the 'Time Capsules' - an artwork consisting of 300,000 eclectic objects assembled across the last 13 years of Warhol's life - and joins the audience for the unboxing of the mysterious Capsule 528... Finally, in the compelling 10-part series Raising the Bar: 100 Years of Black British Theatre and Screen, Lenny traces the long, painful road that black Britons have travelled on stage and screen, from the overt racial discrimination of the 19th Century, via the veiled slurs that persisted throughout the 20th, to today's more equal society. Talking to playwrights such as Kwame Kwei-Armah, and actors and directors including Carmen Munroe, Yvonne Brewster and Steve McQueen, he tells the story of black drama and the influential artists who have shaped it over the past century, and looks to the future to examine the prospects for young black British talent. Published by Penguin Random House Ltd Licensed by BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd MCPS Presented by Lenny Henry What's So Great About...? Produced by Simon Elmes With Ellen Burstyn, James Lipton, Phill Jupitus, Carol Vorderman, Celia Hoyles, Professor Brian Butterworth, Simon McBurney, Fiona Shaw, John Calder, James Knowlson, Brian Sewell, Julian Joseph, Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, Dennis Taylor, John Virgo, John Parrott, Terry Griffiths, Ardis Butterfield, Mike Poulton, Terry Jones First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 July 2008-11 June 2011 Lenny Henry Plays Othello Produced by Simon Elmes First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 February 2009 August Shines Produced by Simon Elmes With Chris Rawson, Professor Larry Glasco, Kim Ellis, Jeff Folino, Sala Udin, Nelson Harrison First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9 October 2014 Andy Warhol: Time Regained Produced by Simon Elmes With Ben Harrison, Rick Armstrong, Tim Marlow, Erin Byrne, Benjamin Liu, Donald Warhola First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 11 September 2014 Raising the Bar: 100 Years of Black British Theatre and Screen Presented by Lenny Henry Produced by Simon Elmes Series Consultant: Dr Michael Pearce Featuring: Bola Agbaje, Yvonne Brewster, Michael Buffong, Lolita Chakrabarti, Isaac Julien, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Mustapha Matura, Steve McQueen, Carmen Munroe, Horace Ové, Winsome Pinnock, Paulette Randall, Roy Williams First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9-20 November 2015"

Lenny Henry (Author), Lenny Henry (Narrator)

Audiobook

Raising the Bar: 100 Years of Black British Theatre and Screen

"Lenny Henry presents this groundbreaking BBC radio series exploring a century of black British theatre, TV and film In this fascinating ten-part series, Lenny Henry traces the long and painful road that black Britons have travelled on stage and screen, from the overt racial discrimination of the 19th Century, via the thinly veiled slurs that persisted through the first 70 years of the 20th, to today's more equal society. Interviewing playwrights, actors, directors and filmmakers – including Mustapha Matura, Roy Williams, Lolita Chakrabarti, Michael Buffong, Horace Ové and Steve McQueen – he tells the story of black drama and the influential artists who have shaped it over the past hundred years. Beginning with the breakthrough arrival of Kwame Kwei-Armah's celebrated tragedy Elmina's Kitchen to the West End, he goes on to examine the evolving depiction of Afro-Caribbeans on TV from Love Thy Neighbour to Desmond’s; explores the complex stage history of Othello; focuses on how Caribbean migration has been reflected on stage and screen; and journeys back to the 1960s and 70s to explore the spirit of protest that welled up with the advent of the Black Power movement. In addition, he looks at the burgeoning black theatre companies of the 1970s and 80s; charts the breakthrough of a host of powerful new voices in the 90s; scrutinizes attitudes towards homosexuality; investigates the current blossoming of new theatrical voices with roots in Africa and concludes with a look at future prospects and opportunities for black British talent."

Lenny Henry (Author), Full Cast, Lenny Henry (Narrator)

Audiobook