Audiobooks by Mike Walker

2025: A Full-Cast BBC Sci-Fi Thriller

"Mona Hammond and Alphonsia Emmanuel star in this futuristic sci-fi drama, set in a world where artificial intelligence has become a reality It’s 2025, and advances in gene therapy have led to the eradication of many once-common diseases. But the ability to engineer and re-engineer the brain has provoked fear – for it means that a truly artificial consciousness is within reach. The idea that humans may no longer be the only sentient species is so unthinkable that legislation is hastily passed, rigorously controlling genetic experiments. But there are certain people who seek to circumvent the law... People like Beth David, a doctor conducting research into incurable illnesses. Like elderly Olivia, who has lain dreaming in a clinic for seven years – but is now determined to wake up and live. And like her granddaughter, Irena, a TV production assistant, who desperately needs to gain access to the shady world of genetic engineering. Each relies on an AI: Voice Recognition Unit ‘Susie’, a response programme running on software produced by the giant conglomerate Fortunate Fragrance. She seems like the perfect servant – docile, helpful and cooperative. But unbeknown to all three women, she wants more than she has been created to have… Alphonsia Emmanuel, Mona Hammond, Daniela Nardini and Su-Lin Looi star in Mike Walker’s gripping two-part serial. Originally broadcast in 1998, this drama takes a fascinating look at a possible 2025. Production credits Written by Mike Walker Directed by Sally Avens Cast Irena – Alphonsia Emmanuel Olivia – Mona Hammond Dr Beth David – Daniela Nardini Henry Chu/Mr Li – David Yip Anno – Su-Lin Looi Praeger – John Rowe Dr Finzey – Alastair Danson Kate – Rachel Atkins Capstick – Gerard McDermott Terry Gupta/Market stall holder – Ravin J Ganatra First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5-12 January 1998 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Mike Walker (Author), Alastair Danson, Alphonsia Emmanuel, Daniela Nardini, David Yip, Gerard McDermott, John Rowe, Mona Hammond, Rachel Atkins, Ravin J Ganatra, Su-Lin Looi (Narrator)

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The Medici: Bankers, Gangsters, Popes: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast drama

"Mike Walker’s gripping BBC Radio drama about money, art, religion, politics and power Florence, 1415. Banker Cosimo Medici is looked down upon as a jumped up money-changer. Then he marries the noble Contessina de Bardi and becomes the richest man in Europe. But his wealth and power threaten the Florentine elite, who are determined to bring him down... However, the House of Medici cannot be crushed that easily. Sixty years and many violent deaths later, the family are the unquestioned, ruthless rulers of Florence. They control the government, have transformed the city through their patronage of the arts, and one of them has even been crowned Pope. But trouble is coming in the form of the fanatical poet monk Savonarola, and the bank is in decline. Can Lorenzo the Magnificent save anything for his dim-witted successors – and will they even care? With a cast of extraordinary characters including Piero the Gouty, master negotiator Lucrezia Tornabuoni and Pope Leo X, as well as Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Artemisia Gentileschi, this fast-paced ‘Renaissance Sopranos’ tells the thrilling story of one of the most infamous dynasties of all time. Among the cast are Patrick Baladi, Sirine Saba, Tom Cullen, Saran Morgan and Catrin Aaron. Created by Mike Walker Written by Mike Walker, Sian Ejiwunmi Le-Berre and Catherine Johnson Sound Design: Nigel Lewis and Catherine Robinson Organ: Branwen Munn Produced by John Norton Cast Cosimo de' Medici – Patrick Baladi Contessina de' Bardi – Sirine Saba Rinaldo degli Albizzi – Richard Elfyn Niccolo Tinucci – Christopher Elson Old Giovanni – Hugh Thomas Silvio – Marc Danbury Gio Verdi – Marco Fiera The Manager – David Hounslow Lorenzo de' Medici – Tom Cullen Lucrezia Tornabuoni – Saran Morgan Clarice Orsini – Abra Thompson Gio de' Medici – Gareth Pierce Marietta – Saran Morgan Cardinal Orsini – Simon Armstrong Soderini – Daniel Cerqueira Pope Sixtus – John Cording Tinucci – Tommy Sim'aan Pazzi – Matthew Durkan Savonarola – Matthew Gravelle King Ferrante – Jonathon Forbes Pope Innocent – Roger Ringrose Leonardo da Vinci – Tom Kiteley Botticelli – Hughie O' Donnell Alessandro de Medici - Elliott Barnes-Worrell Lorenzino de Medici - Sion Daniel Young Ippolito de Medici - Jacob Ifan Taddea Malaspina - Kiran Sonia Sawar Simonetta da Collevecchio - Marsha Millar Giorgio Vasari - Nico Pimparé Pope Clement - Arwel Gruffydd Emperor Charles V - Michael Bertenshaw Margaret - Kitty O'Sullivan Scoronconcolo - Tyler Cameron Strozzi - John Lightbody Young Alessandro - Hardy Yusuf Young Ippolito - Huw Huckstep Catherine de Medici - Catrin Aaron Silvestri - Julian Lewis Jones Diane de Poitiers - Juliette Aubrey Prince Henri - Arthur Hughes King Francis - Aneirin Hughes Guise - Joel MacCormack Nurse - Heather Craney Young Catherine - Grace Nettle Isabelle - Nia Gandhi Coligny - Ian Dunnett Jnr Le Conde - Matthew Bulgo Cardinal Guise - Tom Mumford Margot - Poppy Almond © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Mike Walker (Author), Catrin Aaron, Full Cast, Patrick Baladi, Saran Morgan, Sirine Saba, Tom Cullen (Narrator)

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American Legacy: Epic dramas of US politics: Four BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramas

"Four gripping historical dramas centred around key figures who shaped America in the 20th century Award-winning writer Mike Walker has created many acclaimed docudramas and historical dramas for Radio 4, including The Stuarts, Tsar, Caesar! and Plantagenet. This collection includes four nuanced dramas featuring a trio of controversial men who stamped their mark on American history: J Edgar Hoover, Lyndon Baines Johnson and Richard Baines Nixon. Among the casts are William Hootkins, Bob Sherman, Lorelei King, Nathan Osgood and Alex Lanipekun. J Edgar Hoover - This four-part drama charts the rise and fall of the notorious FBI director. Beginning in 1919, when a young Hoover uses his reputation for anti-Communist zealotry to further his ambitions, it takes in his single-minded pursuit of criminals including 'Public Enemy Number One' John Dillinger; his struggles with Bobby Kennedy and his relationship with his longtime deputy and close companion Clyde Tolson. LBJ - Inspired by real historical events, this two-part drama looks at the Kennedy administration, LBJ and the Vietnam War through the eyes of fictional journalist Lyle Weaver. Offered a job working as speechwriter to Vice-President Johnson, idealistic Lyle can't resist the chance to become an insider, helping to drive change. But the White House is riven by power struggles and, forced to take sides, he fails to consider the personal cost of being one on LBJ's people. The Product - Vietnam, 1968. When their helicopter is shot down, a soldier and a reporter are stranded in the jungle. Battling together to reach safety, they share stories, and realise that they were part of opposing campaigns in the historic 1960 election which saw JFK narrowly defeat Nixon. Reflecting on a victory won through propaganda, dollars and dirty tricks, they recall the candidates they each supported - and consider the legacy of their choices. American Faith: Richard Milhous Nixon's Road to Watergate - An epic, intimate drama recounting the life and extraordinary career of one of America's most fascinating and enigmatic Presidents: from his upbringing as a Quaker shopkeeper's son to his involvement in the 1970s Watergate scandal that rocked the nation and forced his resignation. NB: Contains strong language and attitudes from the era in which these stories are set which would not be considered acceptable today. © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Mike Walker (Author), Alex Lanipekun, Bob Sherman, Colin Stinton, Full Cast, Lorelei King, Nathan Osgood, William Hootkins (Narrator)

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Broken Wings and Bright Stars & other stories: Five BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramas

"A collection of dramas set in South and Central America by acclaimed dramatist Mike Walker An award-winning dramatist, author and feature writer, Mike Walker has written numerous original dramas for BBC Radio 4, including his epic chronicles Tsar, Caesar!, The Stuarts and Castle of the Hawk. Collected here are five of his gripping dramas from the 1980s and '90s, set around the Amazon rainforest and Nicaragua. Broken Wings and Bright Stars - Life in Tomas's small Brazilian fishing village hasn't changed for generations. But the old ways are dying, and few men now venture out to sea. For young Tomas, the future lies with the developers and their promise of jobs and money - so when his grandfather asks for his help building a boat, he is faced with a dilemma... Gary Cady stars as Tomas, with Michael Spice as Jose, in this first play in the Broken Wings and Bright Stars trilogy. Dull Sun, Polished Moon - American filmmaker Bill Krause leads a crew into the Amazon jungle to make a documentary about tribal life, accompanied by his friend Father Alvarro, Tomas and Javari, a Brazilian Indian. They want to record the truth - but the truth is complicated, and difficult to reconcile. This second drama in the Broken Wings and Bright Stars trilogy stars Gary Cady, Ronald Herdman, Crawford Logan and Steve Hodson. Fallen Leaves, Dead City - In this final part of the Broken Wings and Bright Stars trilogy, Tomas, desperate to make a difference, has embarked on a dangerous venture. Forced to confront the consequences of his actions, he must put aside idealism and face some harsh realities. Starring Gary Cady, Frances Jeater, Richard Pascoe and Crawford Logan. Staying Still - When Jack Lowell is not organising survival courses for unfit executives on a remote Scottish island, he is living with an indigenous tribe in the Brazilian rainforest. Then tragedy occurs and his two worlds collide. Unhinged by grief, he seeks to extract payment for his losses... Nigel Anthony and Hilary MacLean star in this haunting tale of ritual, remorse and revenge. Compañeros - Four strangers meet and decide to make a journey into the heart of Nicaragua, but when they happen upon a group of trigger-happy Contras, their nightmare begins... Starring Derek Newark, Angharad Rees, Trevor Nichols and Colin Stinton. Production credits Written by Mike Walker Broken Wings and Bright Stars Cast Gary Cady, Michael Spice, Steve Hodson, Eric Lander, Pauline Letts, Martyn Read, Anton Phillips, Crawford Logan, John Webb, Jill Lidstone, Ronald Herdman, Patience Tomlinson Directed by Christopher Venning. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 October 1981 Dull Sun, Polished Moon Cast Gary Cady, Ronald Herdman, Steve Hodson, Frank Ellis, Crawford Logan, John Livesey, Stephen Thorne, Hugh Dickson Directed by Christopher Venning. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 April 1982 Fallen Leaves, Dead City Cast, Richard Pascoe, Gary Cady, Frances Jeater, Beth Porter, Aaron Swartz, Ronald Herdman, Nick Reding, James Bryce, Crawford Logan, Alex Jennings, Stuart Organ, Henry Stamper, Michael Spice, John Livesey Directed by Christopher Venning. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3 February 1983 Staying Still Cast Nigel Anthony, Hilary MacLean, Bob Docherty, David Bannerman, Pavel Douglas, Patricia Gallimore, Deborah Berlin, Cornelius Garrett, Tina Gray, Richard Fleming, Aled Jones, Rachel Oldfield, Anna Rose Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 October 1994 Compañeros Cast Derek Newark, Angharad Rees, Trevor Nichols, Colin Stinton, Stuart Milligan, Arturo Venegas, Francisco Morales, Alan Dudley, Michael Deacon Directed by Peter King. First broadcast BBC Radio 4,11 January 1988 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Mike Walker (Author), Aled Jones, Colin Stinton, Crawford Logan, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Gary Cady, Hilary Maclean, John Livesey, Nigel Anthony, Ronald Herdman, Steve Hodson, Trevor Nichols (Narrator)

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Tumanbay: The Complete Series 1-4: The BBC Radio epic full-cast saga

"An engrossing, expansive historical fantasy drama, inspired by the Mamluk slave dynasty of Egypt Tumanbay: the wealthiest city on earth. The beating heart of a vast empire. A city of dreams, where those who once arrived as slaves now hold power, and merchants, artists and warriors live side-by-side in peace. But this magnificent city is under threat. A rebellion in a far-off province, led by 'Queen' Maya, is gathering strength - and a mysterious force is devouring the empire from within. Gregor, a merciless spymaster and Master of the Palace Guard, is charged by Sultan Al-Ghuri to crush the insurgence, as his brother General Qulan is dispatched to quell the provincial insurrection. But as well as rooting out traitors, Gregor must contend with his arch-rival, the cunning Grand Vizier, Cadali. Meanwhile, Heaven, the 14-year-old daughter of slave merchant Ibn, is adrift at sea, captive to an escaped slave on whom she depends for her survival. Madu, the Sultan's spoilt nephew, also has to grow up quickly as he swaps palace life for the army... As the wheel of fate turns, Tumanbay's fortunes suffer a terrible reversal. Beset by plague, assassins, invasion, occupation and revolution, the once-great city is riven by political intrigue and power struggles. As rulers are toppled and tyrants fall, who will survive and thrive - and who will die? A Game of Thrones-style epic with the sweep of The Arabian Nights, this compelling story of love, revenge, betrayal and deception won the Best Audio Serial Gold Award at the New York Radio Festival. Among the impressive ensemble cast are Rufus Wright, Olivia Popica, Matthew Marsh, Alexander Siddig, John Sessions, Hiran Abeysekera, Aiysha Hart, Anton Lesser, Tara Fitzgerald, Enzo Cilenti and Rob Jarvis. Production credits Created by John Scott Dryden and Mike Walker and inspired by the Mamluk slave rulers of Egypt Written by John Scott Dryden, Mike Walker and Mac Rogers Directed by John Scott Dryden Produced by Emma Hearn, Nadir Khan and John Scott Dryden Original music by Sacha Puttnam Additional music by Jon Ouin Sound Design: Steve Bond, Jon Ouin and Eloise Whitmore Sound Recording by Joe Richardson and Laurence Farr Sound Edited by James Morgan and Andrea Gomez Editors: Ania Przygoda and James Morgan A Goldhawk Production for BBC Radio 4 © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

John Dryden, Mike Walker (Author), Alexander Siddig, Anton Lesser, Danny Ashok, Full Cast, John L. Sessions, Matthew Marsh, Nabil Elouahabi, Olivia Popica, Raad Rawi, Rufus Wright (Narrator)

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Castle of the Hawk: An epic chronicle of the Habsburg dynasty: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast drama

"Mike Walker's thrilling saga of the Habsburg dynasty, who ruled most of Europe - and much of the New World - for almost 600 years For almost six centuries, the House of Habsburg was one of the most powerful royal families in Europe - and beyond. They established an empire that began with a castle on a crag, and ended up extending over four continents. In these riveting dramas, Mike Walker traces their rise and fall. Hawk Rising - Brugg, 1230. Summoned to Duke Rudolf of Habsburg's clifftop fortress to tutor his son, Albert, Turkish scholar Ibrahim finds himself accompanying the young man on a Prussian crusade. Rudolf is determined to become Holy Roman Emperor - but he needs the Pope's backing, and Alexander supports the expedition... Starring Philip Arditti as Ibrahim, Mark Lewis Jones as Rudolf and Kai Owen as Albert. Hawk Hunting - Enthroned as Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf battles to secure his dynasty. If Albert is to succeed him, various enemies must be removed from the scene, including his onetime ally King Ottokar of Bohemia. Meanwhile, Ibrahim is teaching philosophy to Albert's son, Frederick - and making secret deals. Starring Matthew Aubrey as Frederick and John Telfer as Ottokar. Hawk Wounded - Albert the One-Eyed of Habsburg has supplanted Norbert as Holy Roman Emperor: but Wenceslas is set on revenge. Disenchanted with Frederick, Albert places his trust in another Habsburg, John of Swabia - and Ibrahim confronts his nemesis. Starring Aled Pugh as John. Wallenstein - 1618. Wallenstein, a brilliant, rebellious Protestant mercenary, strives for advancement in the Holy Roman Empire's army. Guided by astute widow Katherina, he achieves fame and fortune. But this war wolf is hard to tame - can Katherina rein him in? Richard Harrington stars as Wallenstein, with Anamaria Marinca as Katherina. Redl - Vienna, 1913. Double agent Colonel Alfred Redl believes he is invincible: as unstoppable as the Habsburgs he purports to serve. A pioneer of modern surveillance techniques and a superb story-spinner, he is almost the perfect spy. But when this arch-traitor is himself betrayed, he falls - and the Empire falls with him... Starring Jonathan Forbes as Redl. Production credits Written by Mike Walker Directed by Alison Hindell and John Norton Sound design: Nigel Lewis A BBC Cymru Wales Production © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Mike Walker (Author), Anamaria Marinca, Carl Prekopp, Full Cast, Jonathan Forbes, Kai Owen, Mark Lewis Jones, Matthew Mcnulty, Nia Roberts, Philip Arditti, Richard Harrington (Narrator)

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George Orwell: A BBC Radio Collection: Including Nineteen Eighty-Four, Animal Farm and Other Dramas

"A radio anthology of George Orwell's finest novels, memoirs and essays, plus four biographical dramas and a bonus documentary, The Road to Nineteen Eighty-Four Visionary author and journalist George Orwell was the man behind two of the best-loved and most influential novels of the 20th century, Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm. This collection celebrating his life and work features dramatisations of both these classic books, with stellar casts including Christopher Eccleston, Pippa Nixon, Tim Pigott-Smith, Tamsin Greig and Nicky Henson. Also included is a drama based on his autobiographical account of the Spanish Civil War, Homage to Catalonia, starring Joseph Millson and Lyndsey Marshal. Four biographical radio plays by Mike Walker and Jonathan Holloway - Burma, Dreaming, Loving and Jura - explore further episodes in Orwell's fascinating life, showing the disconnection between the man who was Eric Blair and the writer who was George Orwell. Timeless examples of his essays and journalism are showcased here, including 'A Hanging', 'Confessions of a Book Reviewer', 'My Country Right or Left', 'Pleasure Spots' and 'As I Please' (all read by Clive Merrison), while Joseph Millson narrates Down and Out in Paris and London, Orwell's vivid memoir of his time living among the poor in Europe's two great cities. Finally, in The Road to Nineteen Eighty-Four, David Aaronovitch examines what led avowed socialist George Orwell to write a book beloved of the Right, revealing how the novel grew from a forgotten political world shaped by the atom bomb. George Orwell worked for BBC Radio from August 1941 to November 1943, and even went on air himself. Sadly, none of the programmes in which he took part survive - in those days, radio was essentially a live medium, and broadcasts were not recorded for posterity. But Orwell's connection to the BBC remains a fascinating part of its wartime history. ©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

George Orwell, Jonathan Holloway, Mike Walker (Author), Christopher Eccleston, Clive Merrison, Full Cast, Joseph Milson, Lyndsey Marshal, Nicky Henson, Pippa Nixon, Samuel Barnett, Tamsin Greig, Tim Pigott-Smith, Toby Jones (Narrator)

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Caesar!

"Nine BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramas by Mike Walker, chronicling Rome’s greatest rulers Drawing on historical sources including Suetonius’s ‘Lives of the Caesars’, Mike Walker’s compelling drama cycle follows the story of the leaders of Rome, from Julius Caesar’s ascension to power to the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West in AD 475. Meeting at Formiae – Julius Caesar secretly seeks senate leaders Cicero and Cato’s support to shake up the rule of Rome. Stars David Troughton as Caesar, Anton Lesser as Cicero and Stephen Critchlow as Cato. The Arena – As Julius’s appointed heir, young Octavian uses his legendary political skills to outwit enemies and rule Rome. Starring Adam Levy as Octavian. Peeling Figs for Julius – His name is now a byword for depravity, but growing up in Tiberius’s court, how evil was Emperor Caligula? Stars David Tennant as Caligula and Neil Dudgeon as Cassius Chaerea. The Best of Mothers – The murderous tale of Emperor Nero and his interfering mother Agrippina. Jonathan Forbes stars as Nero, with Frances Barber as Agrippina the Younger. The Glass Ball Game – The story of Emperor Hadrian and his relationship with Antinous, who died in mysterious circumstances. Starring Jonathan Hyde as Hadrian and Andrew Garfield as Antinous. Citizens in a Great City– Young Commodus buckles under the expectations put upon him by his father, the philosopher/emperor Marcus Aurelius. And Septimus Severus is called on to save the Empire from anarchy. Jim Sturgess stars as Commodus, with Ronald Pickup as Marcus Aurelius and Ray Fearon as Septimus Severus. Empress in the West– As the Roman Empire begins to fall apart, Victoria Poppea sees an opportunity to wield the power that her gender has always denied her. Stars Barbara Flynn as Victoria and Sam Troughton as Victorinus. The Maker of All Things– Constantine and Crispus are father and son – but can this indivisible bond survive politics? Sam Dale stars as Constantine the Great, with Joseph Kloska as Crispus. Empire Without End– With the Empire in the West under attack from Attila the Hun’s forces, an unlikely coalition of kingmakers selects the last Roman emperor. Starring Tom Hiddleston as Romulus Augustus."

Mike Walker (Author), Andrew Garfield, Anton Lesser, David Tennant, David Troughton, Full Cast, Tom Hiddleston (Narrator)

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The Biggest Secret: A BBC Radio 4 Drama

"In the early hours of 5 June 1944, Captain Rob Collins, who is languishing in hospital, receives a call that will take him on a journey through England that will change his life. Mike Walker's play is an epic journey across England poised on the edge of a historical moment: D-Day. It is set on June 5th, the day before the invasion that will change the course of history - but an invasion only a very few know is about happen... Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Juliet Stevenson, and Claudia Harrison. Credits Narrator...Juliet Stevenson Capt Collins...Benedict Cumberbatch Cpl Cunningham...Claudia Harrison Jack Harris...Danny Webb Gloria Harris...Kaye Wragge Ray Harris...Joseph Tremain Tim...Ben Tibber Gen Eisenhower...Colin Stinton Flt Lt Paul Parker...Bertie Carvel Lilly...Emily Chennery Eddie...Ricci Harnett Lancaster Skipper...Jamie Glover Lancaster Crew...Carl Prekopp/Simon Nehan Warders...Chris MacDonnell/John Rowe Rosie...Alice Hart Sea Captain...David Leonard 1st Lieutenant RN...Andrew Mackintosh G.I....John Guerrasio Monty...Philip Fox Nursing Sister...Joanna McCallum Directed by Jeremy Howe First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 June 2004"

Mike Walker (Author), Benedict Cumberbatch, Claudia Harrison, Full Cast, Juliet Stevenson (Narrator)

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Dickens Confidential: The Complete Series 1-2

"Charles Dickens was, for a time, editor of a daily newspaper. This series takes an imaginative look at how Dickens would have tackled bringing the news to the masses. We follow Dickens the editor as he contends with railway crashes, gory deaths in the River Thames, have his editorial judgement scrutinised, work with tyrannical landowners, enter the murky worlds of opium and prostitution, and most tragically of all, investigate a child's death. In he and his newspaper tackles financial plotting, encountering a young - and very secretive - Disraeli, and the prospect of war overseas. Originally broadcast in 2008 this complete BBC Radio collection stars Jamie Glover as Dickens in Series 1 and Dan Stevens as Dickens in Series 2. Also starring Jasmine Hyde, Eleanor Howell, Andrew Buchan, John Dougall, John Rowe and Gerard Murphy."

Mike Walker (Author), Dan Stevens, Full Cast, Jamie Glover, Jasmine Hyde (Narrator)

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The Stuarts: The epic BBC Radio 4 Drama

"Eleven BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramas telling the stories of Mary Queen of Scots and the Stuart royals Under the Stuarts, Britain entered the modern world. But with great change came turmoil, and for 111 years, the Stuart monarchs faced dynastic struggles, religious conflict, the rise of parliamentary democracy – and civil war. These dramas chart that turbulent epoch through its royal family, from Mary, Queen of Scots to the ‘last Stuart’, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s daughter Charlotte. It Came In with a Lass – 1561. Arriving in mist-shrouded Scotland, Queen Mary must quickly distinguish her friends from her enemies. Starring Jeany Spark as Mary. To Make the Plough Go Before the Horse – James I’s life and reign told through his relationships, from his first love, Esme to his last favourite, George Villiers. Starring Bill Paterson as James I and VI. A World of Fools and Knaves – Henrietta Maria, Charles I's Catholic queen, watches her husband fail to keep hold of the reins of government. Starring Julian Rhind-Tutt as Charles I. This War Without an Enemy – Only on the morning of his execution can Charles I begin to understand the events that brought him to to the scaffold. Starring Julian Rhind-Tutt as Charles I. Charles II, Part One: Through the World in Various Fortune – When news of Oliver Cromwell's death reaches Brussels, the exiled Charles II plots his return. Starring Jamie Parker as Charles II. Charles II, Part Two: The Long Lease of Pleasant Days– Charles II plots to confound parliamentary reformers and secure the throne for his brother. Starring Pip Torrens as Charles II. James II: The Storms of this Deceitful World– 1688. After just four years as King, James II flees England in the Glorious Revolution. How did it all go so wrong? Starring James Fleet as James II. William III and Mary II: To Have and To Hold– Dutch William marries his Stuart cousin for reasons of politics, not passion – but their partnership proves crucial when it comes to ruling England. Starring Mark Edel-Hunt as William III and Elaine Cassidy as Mary. Queen Anne: Myself Alone– Queen Anne must abandon long-held allegiances to command parliament’s loyalty and rule with authority. Starring Fenella Woolgar as Queen Anne. Bonnie Prince Charlie: Who Dares to Be Free– Charles Edward Stuart, the ‘Young Pretender’, risks everything for the Stuart name. Starring Blake Ritson as Charles. Charlotte Stuart: The Last Stuart – Is Charlotte Stuart as driven as her predecessors, or the last victim of the Stuart curse? Starring Kate O’Flynn as Charlotte. Produced and directed by Jessica Dromgoole, Sasha Yevtushenko, Marc Beeby and Gemma Jenkins."

Mike Walker (Author), Anton Lesser, Bill Paterson, Blake Ritson, Brian Cox, Fenella Woolgar, Full Cast, James Fleet, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Kate O'flynn, Pip Torrens (Narrator)

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The Real George Orwell: The complete BBC Radio 4 dramas

"A series of four BBC Radio full-cast dramas exploring the disjuncture between the man who was Eric Blair and the writer who was George Orwell. George Orwell - the pen name of Eric Blair - was a writer and political commentator who is very hard to pin down. He is a complex mass of confusions - an anti-establishment, pro-English, ex-Etonian, ex-policeman, and socialist, who was ardently anti-authoritarian. He was as anti-fascist as he was anti-communist, a former Spanish Civil War soldier who was anti-war but pro the Second World War. Burma: After an undistinguished academic career at Eton, Eric leaves in December 1921. When the girl he hopes to marry rejects him, he sets sail for Burma to join the colonial police. His experiences in Burma will affect him profoundly. When he rejects the Empire and returns to England, Blair begins to spend more and more time with the poor. Dreaming: In September 1938, Eric and Eileen Blair leave London for Marrakech. He is hoping that the climate will be good for his health, and that he will be able to complete his novel, Coming Up for Air. But the bruising reception he received following the publication of Homage to Catalonia is troubling Eric. And both Eric and Eileen are still feeling guilty about the fate of one of their Spanish Civil War comrades, Georges Kopp. Loving: Eric Blair's relationship with the opposite sex could be a distraught one; over the course of his lifetime, he made several awkward marriage proposals to different women. But his relationship with Eileen O'Shaugnessy, whom he married in 1935, had a huge influence both on his life and his writing. Jura: In 1947, the year after Eileen's death, Eric leaves London and moves to Jura in the Scottish Hebrides, with his sister Avril, and his three year old son. He is suffering from tuberculosis but is determined to try and make a go of living off the land. But most of all he is determined to finish Nineteen Eighty-Four, his final book. Cast: Eric Blair . . . Joseph Millson Eileen Blair… Lyndsey Marshall Jacintha Buddicom . . . Sophie Roberts Wilson . . . Joseph Kloska Inspector d'Souza . . . Ernest Ignatius Georges Kopp…Ewan Bailey Avril Blair…Liza Sadovy Ricky Blair…James Foster Other parts played by Armaan Kirmani, Derek Riddell, Alun Raglan, Paul Stonehouse, Ben Crowe, Will Howard, Alun Raglan, Alexandra Guelff, Lizzy Watts. Burma was written by Mike Walker and directed by Kate McAll. Dreaming was written by Mike Walker and directed by Jeremy Mortimer. Loving was written by Jonathan Holloway and directed by Kate McAll. Jura was written by Jonathan Holloway and directed by Jeremy Mortimer."

Jonathan Holloway, Mike Walker (Author), Full Cast, Joseph Millson, Lyndsey Marshall (Narrator)

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Audiobooks by Mike Walker

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