Theatre & Radio Audiobooks | Literature

Captain Jim Nicholson: The Dark Island & Return to the Islands: Two Full-Cast Classic BBC Radio Spy

"A double serving of thrilling vintage spy drama featuring the tenacious Captain Jim Nicholson A treat from the archive: two classic dramas from the writer of Z-Cars, Robert Barr, set during the height of the Cold War. The Dark Island is a thrilling story of espionage set among the remote, mist-veiled islands of the Outer Hebrides. Two Intelligence Officers discover an escape route for defectors from Britain. The route, ending behind the Iron Curtain, involves the use of Russian trawlers plying outside territorial waters. Edward de Souza (Coronation Street, Doctor Who) stars as Jim Nicholson in this full-cast drama packed with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you gripped until the very end. In Return to the Islands, the indefatigable Captain Jim Nicholson heads back to the atmospheric islands of the north when a body is discovered near a secret training base. Things take a sinister turn when an elite trainee is taken hostage. An enemy agent is captured and interrogated but can Nicholson and his team solve the mystery in time? When tragedy strikes, the team are pushed to their limit and embark on a deadly endgame… Former BBC war correspondent Robert Barr is best remembered writing for BBC TV’s police dramas Z-Cars and Softly Softly. He also wrote the long-running radio series Detective. The Dark Island was originally made for TV in 1962 as well as being published as a novel in 1972. This is a gem from the archive, perfect for fans of espionage thrillers and vintage drama performed by a great cast. Cast and credits The Dark Island Written by Robert Barr Produced by Peter Titheridge Jim Nicholson - Edward De Souza Bill Grant - Geoffrey Frederick Ian McLeod - Bryden Murdoch Lieutenant Ritchie - Roy Spencer Major Williams - Peter Hawkins Brigadier - Michael Kilgarriff Mary Somers - Rosemary Miller Colonel Jamieson/Hotel Manager - Alaric Cotter Alec Thompson - John Graham Major Williams - Peter Hawkins First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19th September - 24th October 1969 Return to the Islands Written by Robert Barr Produced by Peter Titheridge Jim Nicholson - Edward de Souza Ian McLeod - Bryden Murdoch Major Miller - John Graham Paul O'Donnell - Geoffrey Frederick Sergeant Finney - Clive Merrison Alan Shaw/Landlord - Andrew Neil Katy Evans - Gretta Gouriet Alec Rogers - Ian Dewar Doctor - Gerald Cross Prisoner - David Gooderson Miss Dalgliesh - Eva Stuart First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 10th October - 14th November 1971 ©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Robert Barr (Author), Bryden Murdoch, Edward de Souza, Full Cast, Geoffrey Frederick (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Prince and The Mandrake: Two Full Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations

"The renowned masterpiece from one of the most influential writers in history, Machiavelli The Prince, written during the Italian Renaissance by author Niccolò Machiavelli, is an internationally renowned masterpiece about power, greed and strategy in government. Regarded by some as a manual for would-be tyrants on how they should seize and maintain power and by others as a simple reflection of political reality, listen now to this full-cast dramatisation and make up your own mind. In addition to this stunning, modern dramatisation of the classic novel, this download includes The Mandrake, Machiavelli’s comedy packed with intrigue, infidelity and fools and the documentary Machiavelli – Devil or Democrat from Jonathan Freedland, which re-assesses Machiavelli and explores whether his maligned reputation has overshadowed his other achievements… The Prince is the classic 16th-century treatise on the nature of power and statecraft. In this modern rendition, the author Machiavelli (Ciaran Hinds), often identified as Satan, uses his brilliance and cunning to explain how power can be created and sustained. This brilliant adaptation is performed for the first time as a monologue with dramatised illustrations from a full-cast, including Philip Voss, Stephen Critchlow and Christopher Godwin. The Mandrake is Machiavelli’s best-known comedy, taking place in a square in Florence in 1504. Callimaco, desires to sleep with Lucrezia, the young and beautiful wife of an elderly fool, Nicia. Nicia above all else desires a son and heir. Conspiring with a rascally marriage broker, and a corrupt priest, Callimaco masquerades as a doctor and tricks Nicia into letting his wife become his lover using the power of the mandrake plant. This double edition download comes with the added exclusive content, Machiavelli – Devil or Democrat. A fascinating documentary that explores the life and work of one of the most maligned authors in history. The impact of this writer has been felt across the centuries from the execution of King Charles I to the ‘Founding Fathers’ of the United States and journalist and writer Jonathan Freedland re-assesses the legacy of this incredible thinker and writer. This is a download not to missed, perfect for any fans of classical literature with a twist, packed with compelling intrigue, wit and fascinating revelations. Cast and credits Written by Niccolò Machiavelli The Prince Niccolo - Ciaran Hinds The Prince - Christopher Godwin Louis - Philip Voss Severus - Stephen Critchlow Oliverotti - Scott Handy Giovanni - John Rowe Other parts played by Chris Kelham, Tom George and Gavin Muir Dramatised by Peter Wolf Directed by Cherry Cookson First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21st January 2000 The Mandrake Callimaco - John Rye Siro - Anthony Jackson Messer Nicia - Douglas Wilmer Ligurio - David March Sostrata - Beity Hardy Fra Timoteo - Willoughby Goddard A young widow - Hilda Schroder Lucrezia - Hilary Hardiman Singers Robert Tear, Douglas Wilmer, Willoughby Goddard, John Rye and David March Translated from the Italian by J. R. Hale Produced by Charles Lefeaux Songs by Elizabeth Poston First Broadcast BBC Radio 3, 27th October 1967 Machiavelli – Devil or Democrat Presented by Jonathan Freedland Produced by Rob Shepherd First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18th November 2013 ©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Niccoli Machiavelli (Author), Anthony Jackson, Christopher Godwin, Ciarán Hinds, David March, Douglas Wilmer, Full Cast, Hilda Schroder, John Rowe, John Rye, Philip Voss, Scott Handy, Stephen Critchlow (Narrator)

Audiobook

The School for Scandal, The Rivals & The Duenna: Three Full-Cast Vintage BBC Radio Productions

"Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the Anglo-Irish playwright and Whig politician, left an indelible mark on English literature and theatre. This collection of Sheridan’s classic comedies showcases his sharp wit and keen eye for social pretensions, making it a must-have for lovers of timeless, satirical theatre. His witty, satirical dramas continue to captivate audiences, as evidenced by the Royal Shakespeare Company's recent 2024 production of The School for Scandal. Sheridan's enduring appeal makes his works a treasure trove for BBC listeners who cherish classic, witty dramas. Set in 1770s London, Sheridan’s The School for Scandal is a brilliantly biting comedy of manners. Lady Sneerwell takes pleasure in ruining reputations, targeting bachelor Charles Surface. Together with Charles’ conniving brother Joseph, Sneerwell orchestrates schemes of intrigue and infidelity. Cast includes Barbara Mitchell, Rolf Lefebvre and Maurice Denham. The Rivals is a delightful comedy where Captain Jack Absolute assumes the persona of a poor army officer to woo Lydia Languish, under the nose of her guardian, Mrs Malaprop. Set in 18th-century Bath, the play explores Lydia's reaction upon learning the truth. Cast includes Flora Robson, Denys Hawthorne, Peter Pratt, Rosalind Shanks In The Duenna, Don Jerome arranges for his daughter, Louisa, to marry a wealthy merchant, but she loves Don Antonio. Louisa seeks help from a duenna to outwit her father’s plans. Casts include: Denis Quilley, Jane Wenham, Patricia Routledge, Barrie Ingham."

Richard Brinsley Sheridan (Author), Alan Dudley, Alexander John, Barbara Mitchell, Christopher Bidmead, David March, Denis Quilley, Denys Hawthorne, Dorothy Tutin, Flora Robson, Haydn Jones, Maurice Denham, Patricia Routledge, Peter Pratt, Ronald Herdman, William Ingram (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Playboy of the Western World & The Well of Saints: Two Full-Cast BBC Radio Drama Productions

"Two of J M Synge’s remarkable plays and an exploration of the man, his work and his life on the Aran Islands J M Synge was one of the giants of Irish theatre, and a leading dramatist of the Irish Literary Renaissance. Together with W B Yeats and others, he co-founded Dublin’s famous Abbey Theatre in 1904, and was a director there until his death in 1909. He is best known for his comic masterpiece The Playboy of the Western World, which appears here alongside his dark comedy The Well of the Saints and the illuminating documentary Synge Song. The Playboy of the Western World – When handsome adventurer Christy Mahon walks into a pub in County Mayo, claiming to have killed his violent father, landlord’s daughter Pegeen is smitten. She’s not the only villager to be beguiled by his bravery and his tall tales, and Christy soon achieves the status of local hero – until another stranger arrives in town… Aisling O’Sullivan and Finbar Lynch star in this classic play, which caused riots during its opening run at the Abbey Theatre in 1907. The Well of the Saints – Set in a lonely, mountainous district of Ireland, this blackly comic play tells the story of Martin and Mary Doul, old, blind beggars who have been tricked by the local villagers into believing they are beautiful. A wandering saint restores their sight with water from a holy well, but this miracle cure brings more problems than it solves, as their eyes are opened to their own ugliness and the harsh realities of life. Starring Cyril Cusack and Marie Kean, this 1971 radio production was broadcast to mark the 100th anniversary of Synge's birth. Synge Song – Before he was a playwright, Synge was a talented composer, and a sense of music informs everything he wrote for the stage. Visiting the Aran Islands, where Synge spent several summers, musician and writer Ann Mann looks at the sights and sounds that inspired him, talking to Aran Islanders and Synge scholars about the source of his unique language – his ‘Synge song.’ Interspersed with their insights are extracts from his compositions for violin and piano, and readings from his work by Kate Binchy and Jim Norton. First published 1905 (The Well of the Saints), 1907 (The Playboy of the Western World) Cast and credits Written by J M Synge The Playboy of the Western World Pegeen Mike – Aisling O’Sullivan Christy Mahon – Finbar Lynch Sean Kheough – Lloyd Hutchinson Widow Quin – Dillie Keane Old Mahon – Michael Elphick Michael James – John Rowe Philly Cullan – David Bannerman Jimmy Farrell – Anthony Ofoegbu Sarah Tansey – Anne-Marie Duff Susan Braidy – Janet Maw Honor Blake – Tracy Ann Oberman Adapted for radio and produced by Peter Kavanagh First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6 October 1997 The Well of the Saints Martin Doul – Cyril Cusack Mary Doul – Marie Kean Timmy – Kevin Flood Molly Byrne – Kate Binchy Bride – Rosalind Shanks Mat Simon – Alan Barry The Saint – Martin Dempsey Reader – Denys Hawthorne Produced by John Scotney First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13 September 1971 Synge Song Presented by Ann Mann Music performed by Krysia Ostostowicz and Timothy Carey Readings by Kate Binchy and Jim Norton Produced by Piers Plowright First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 January 1994 © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

J.M Synge (Author), Aisling O'Sullivan, Alan Barry, Cyril Cusack, Dillie Keane, Finbar Lynch, Full Cast, Kate Binchy, Kevin Flood, Marie Kean, Martin Dempsey, Michael Elphick, Rosalind Shanks (Narrator)

Audiobook

Bernard Kops: A BBC Radio Collection: 20 Full-Cast Productions including Ezra, Soho Nights & more

"An anthology of plays and original radio dramas from the prolific playwright Born and brought up in the East End of London, Bernard Kops came to fame in the late 1950s as part of British drama’s ‘New Wave’. A lyrical chronicler of Jewish family life, he is often compared to Arnold Wesker and Harold Pinter, though his work is more sentimental and surreal. In a 50-year career, he wrote 10 novels, numerous poetry collections, two autobiographies and over 40 stage, TV and radio plays. Included here are some of his most popular pieces, beginning with two East End tales of love, loss, friendship and community, Whitechapel Dreams and Harry and the Angels, both featuring Kops himself as the narrator. An adaptation of his famous stage play, Ezra, about the treacherous, anti-Semitic poet Ezra Pound, is followed by a selection of original radio dramas including Falling in Love Again, the five-part serial Soho Nights and a two-parter featuring the trials and tribulations of a Yiddish theatrical troupe, The Jericho Players and The Jericho Players: Rogues and Vagabonds. Next up are more plays specially written for radio: The Lost Loves of Phoebe Myers (commissioned to mark Kops’ 80th birthday), Kafe Kropotkin, Trotsky Was My Father, Over the Rainbow, Bournemouth Nights, and The Anarchist Bed and Breakfast. Also featured are Sailing with Homer; which won Kops a Writers’ Guild Award in 1995; Congress in Manchester, centring around an ageing publisher’s attempts to seduce a young poetess; and Simon at Midnight, his 1982 radio drama about an East End factory owner facing bankruptcy which was later adapted for the theatre. Concluding this collection are a quartet of vintage plays from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s that have not been broadcast since they first aired: The Street Game; I Grow Old, I Grow Old; The Lemmings and The Dark Ages. Showcasing the range and prodigious output of an extraordinary talent, these 21 dramas star a wealth of leading actors, among them Michael Sheen, Miriam Margolyes, Ian Holm, Anne-Marie Duff, Maureen Lipman, Timothy West, Amanda Root, Stephanie Cole, Mark Bonnar, Louise Brealey, Alfred Molina, Warren Mitchell, Lesley Joseph, Leo McKern, Derek Fowlds,Tracy-Ann Oberman, Jane Asher, Andrew Sachs and Denis Quilley With thanks to Keith Wickham and the Radio Circle Production credits Written by Bernard Kops Text copyright © 1959 (The Street Game), 1963 (The Lemmings), 1964 (The Dark Ages), 1979 (Bournemouth Nights; I Grow Old, I Grow Old), 1980 (Over the Rainbow), 1981 (Ezra), 1982 (Stephen at Midnight), 1984 (Trotsky Was My Father), 1988 (Kafe Kropotkin), 1990 (Congress in Manchester), 1993 (Soho Nights), 1994 (Sailing with Homer), 1996 (The Jericho Players), 1998 (The Jericho Players: Rogues and Vagabonds), 2000 (Falling in Love Again, The Anarchist Bed and Breakfast), 2006 (The Lost Love of Phoebe Miles), 2008 (Whitechapel Dreams), 2010 (Harry and the Angels) All rights reserved Content List - Whitechapel Dreams - Harry and the Angels - Ezra - Falling in Love Again - Soho Nights - The Jericho Players - The Jericho Players: Rogues and Vagabonds - The Lost Love of Phoebe Miles - Kafe Kropotkin - Trotsky Was My Father - Over the Rainbow - Bournemouth Nights - The Anarchist Bed and Breakfast - Sailing with Homer - Congress in Manchester - Simon at Midnight - The Street Game - I Grow Old, I Grow Old - The Lemmings - The Dark Ages © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Bernard Kops (Author), Alison Pettitt, Anne-Marie Duff, Bernard Kops, Frederick Treves, Full Cast, Ian Holm, Jane Asher, Louise Brealey, Mark Bonnar, Maureen Lipman, Michael Sheen, Ronan Vibert, Timothy West, Tracy-Ann Oberman (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Queen of Romance: The Complete Series 1-3: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Comedy Drama

"Lesley Joseph stars as romantic novelist Angela Temple in these three sparkling series Angela Temple is a best-selling ‘bonk-buster’ writer beloved by her readers for her raunchy, bodice-ripping historical romances. To her adoring public, she’s demure, chaste and respectable – but in reality, she’s a much-married, chain-smoking, heavy-drinking hedonist who treats her staff like dirt. Her long-suffering housekeeper, Mrs Partridge, is used to the abuse, but when her agent’s son, Conrad Bone, becomes her new personal assistant, he soon finds that life with Angela isn’t exactly a bowl of cherries. An ex-journalist and aspiring author of serious literary fiction, Conrad considers it deeply unfair that he should have to work for a talentless hack. But despite his deep dislike of her, he saves her bacon on more than one occasion as Angela tangles with an old flame, a rival author, an untrustworthy reporter, her soap star sister and her erstwhile boyfriend, the dashing Dr Lockheart... Starring alongside Lesley Joseph in Stephen Sheridan’s lively sitcom are Matthew Byam Shaw, Anna Wing, Pat Coombs and Gordon Reid, with guest stars including Honor Blackman, Geoffrey Whitehead, Jean Heywood, James Grout and Sally Grace. Written by Stephen Sheridan Produced and directed by Caroline Leddy and Ann Jobson Cast Angela Temple – Lesley Joseph Conrad Bone – Matthew Byam Shaw Mrs Partridge – Anna Wing/Pat Coombs Donald Bone – Gordon Reid With Jon Glover, Elizabeth Spriggs, Robert Harley, Melinda Walker, Jonathan Adams, Saira Todd, Ken Bruce, Victoria Plum, Michael Melia, Francesca Ryan, Andrew Rashleigh, Chris Emmett, Frank Windsor, Jonathan Gould, Liz Smith, James Grout, Linda Polan, Philip Anthony, Honor Blackman, Ronald Herdman, Ainslie Foster, Christopher Rowe, Geoffrey Whitehead, Jean Heywood, John Baddeley, Michael Onslow, Rachel Atkins, James Taylor, David Thorpe, Barry J Gordon, Robert Lang, Mary Wimbush, Dominic Letts, Colin Pinney, David Swift, John Evitts, Margaret Courtenay, Jonathan Keeble, Hilda Braid, Joshua Towb, Deborah Berlin, Ian Masters, Peter Yapp, Norman Bird, Sally Grace, Dan Strauss, Andrew Branch and Eva Stuart First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 18 November-23 December 1992 (Series 1), 2 December 1993-13 January 1994 (Series 2), 17 February-23 March 1996 (Series 3) © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Stephen Sheridan (Author), Anna Wing, Full Cast, Gordon Reid, Lesley Joseph, Matthew Byam Shaw, Pat Coombs (Narrator)

Audiobook

Red Dwarf: Series I to IV: The BBC TV Soundtracks

"The TV soundtracks of the iconic cult sci-fi comedy series Re-live your favourite moments from one of the greatest TV comedies of all time, now available to listen to as an audio download. Join Lister (Craig Charles), Rimmer (Chris Barrie), Kryten (Robert Llewellyn), Cat (Danny John Jules), Holly (Norman Lovett/Hattie Hayridge) and a gang of misfits they meet on their journey back to Earth. Three million years into deep space, Dave Lister is the last surviving member of the human race. Woken from suspended animation on the mining ship Red Dwarf, he discovers a radiation leak has killed the rest of the crew and his only companions are Arnold Rimmer, a hologram of his dead bunkmate, Holly, a senile computer, and a creature who evolved from the descendants of the ship's cat. Resigned to his fate, Lister begins the long journey home. Parallel universes, time travel, false memories, and virtual reality all conspire to confuse the crew and delight audiences over the first four series of this ground-breaking, classic TV show. This hilarious TV classic from Rob Grant and Doug Naylor is a must-listen for any fans of sci-fi, comedy, and everything in between. This audio-only collection of the original TV soundtracks provides the perfect opportunity for fans to relive the show's finest moments while on the go. First airing in 1988, Red Dwarf was the longest-running and highest-ranked comedy on BBC 2 ever, amassing an audience of over 8 million. It won an International Emmy Award in the 'Popular Arts' category and 'Best BBC Comedy Series' at the British Comedy Awards as well as numerous other awards. Since airing, there have been 12 series of the show and a 2020 TV film - The Promised Land. Series V-VIII are also available to download now. Cast and credits Written by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor Directed and Produced by Ed Bye Arnold Rimmer - Chris Barrie Dave Lister - Craig Charles Cat - Danny John Jules Holly - Norman Lovett (Series 1-2), Hattie Hayridge (Series 3-4) Kryten - David Ross (Series 2), Robert Llewellyn (Series 3-4) First Broadcast BBC2, 15 February – 21 March 1988 (Series 1), 6 September – 11 October 1988 (Series 2), 14 November – 19 December 1989 (Series 3), 14 February – 21 March 1991 (Series 4) ©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Doug Naylor, Rob Grant (Author), Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John Jules, Full Cast, Hattie Hayridge, Norman Lovett, Robert Llewelyn (Narrator)

Audiobook

Red Dwarf: Series V to VIII: The BBC TV Soundtracks

"The TV soundtracks of the iconic cult sci-fi comedy series The crew of the deep space mining ship, Red Dwarf, return! A legion of hilarious new villains and heroes are here to hinder, help and generally create havoc for the beleaguered crew trying to get home. Re-live their iconic moments with the laugh-out-loud TV soundtracks of one of the greatest TV comedies of all time. Join Lister (Craig Charles), Rimmer (Chris Barrie), Kryten (Robert Llewellyn), Cat (Danny John Jules), Holly (Norman Lovett/Hattie Hayridge) and a cast of space misfits on their long journey home. Parallel universes, time travel, false memories and virtual reality all conspire to confuse the crew and delight listeners time and again in this ground-breaking classic TV show soundtrack. The hilarious TV classic from Rob Grant and Doug Naylor is a must-listen for any fans of sci-fi, comedy and everything in-between. This audio-only collection of the original TV soundtracks provides the perfect opportunity for fans to relive the show's finest moments while on the go. First airing in 1988, Red Dwarf was the longest-running and highest-ranked comedy on BBC 2 ever, amassing an audience of over 8 million. It won an International Emmy Award in the 'Popular Arts' category and 'Best BBC Comedy Series' at the British Comedy Awards as well as numerous other awards. Since airing, there have been 12 series of the show and a 2020 TV film - The Promised Land. Series I-IV are also available to download now. Cast and credits Written by Rob Grant and Doug Naylor (Series 5-6); Doug Naylor, Kim Fuller, Paul Alexander, Robert Llewellyn and James Hendrie (Series 7); Doug Naylor and Paul Alexander (Series 8) Directed by Juliet May, Rob Grant and Doug Naylor (Series 5), Andy de Emmony (Series 6), Ed Bye (Series 7-8) Arnold Rimmer - Chris Barrie Dave Lister - Craig Charles Cat - Danny John Jules Kryten - Robert Llewellyn Holly - Norman Lovett (Series 5-8), Hattie Hayridge (Series 7-8) First Broadcast BBC2, 20 February – 26 March 1992 (Series 5), 7 October – 11 November 1993 (Series 6), 17 January – 7 March 1997 (Series 7), 18 February – 5 April 1999 (Series 8) ©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Doug Naylor, Rob Grant (Author), Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John Jules, Full Cast, Hattie Hayridge, Norman Lovett, Robert Llewellyn (Narrator)

Audiobook

Destination – Fire!: 14 Full-Cast Vintage BBC Radio Crime Dramas

"Robert Beatty stars as Quentin Barnaby: Fire Investigator in Philip Levene’s gripping 1960s crime series A prolific writer for radio and TV, Philip Levene scripted numerous crime dramas and serials for the BBC in the 1960s. One of the most popular was Destination – Fire!, inspired by his fascination with the varied motivations of those who commit arson. Intrigued by ‘the puzzle of the charred remains of a burnt out building’, he came up with the idea of an investigator who would work out how a fire was started, by whom, and why. Starring Robert Beatty, who was well known for playing Irish detective Philip Odell on BBC radio, Destination – Fire! ran for three series on the Light Programme between 1962 and 1966. Of the original 33 episodes, 19 have sadly been lost, but the remaining 14 are all included here. Among the cases tackled by the tenacious ‘Q’ Barnaby are a blaze in a cinema, a fire aboard ship, the destruction of a theatre, an incident in a recording studio involving a pop singer, and a double arson insurance fraud which sparks murder… These thrilling standalone dramas feature a full cast of established actors, including Gudrun Ure as Valerie Chrane, Duncan McIntyre as Inspector Hackett and Anthony Hall as Alec Groves. Produced by Martyn C. Webster © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Philip Levene (Author), Anthony Hall, Duncan McIntyre, Full Cast, Gudrun Ure, Robert Beatty (Narrator)

Audiobook

Pink Flamingos: A Screenplay

"The return of a spectacular, reviled, and iconic classic of American filth! John Waters takes us back to the scene of his original crime against good taste. Listen as Babs Johnson fights to hold on to her title as “Filthiest Person Alive,“ fending off the craven attempts to dethrone her by her nemeses Connie and Raymond Marble. Listen along as Waters takes us on a romp through his camp and filthy vision of Baltimore, from nefarious baby-stealing lesbians to scenes of unspeakable things done to unsuspecting chickens, to the film’s iconic and revolting coup de grace (no spoilers, but it is just as stomach-churning on the page more than fifty years later!). Pink Flamingos is John Waters at his provocative, disgusting, piety-puncturing best, with the hellish and hilarious trash masterpiece that first made him a household name. A Macmillan Audio production from Farrar, Straus and Giroux."

John Waters (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Flamingos Forever: A Screenplay

"One part of John Waters’ iconic Trash Trilogy, Flamingos Forever is a dark-comedy screenplay about a drag queen trying to retain her title of “Filthiest Person in the World.” Fifteen years after the events of Pink Flamingos, Babs Johnson returns to Baltimore from a life spent largely in bus station lavatories, only to find that she once again has to fight for the right to claim the title of “World’s Filthiest Person.” Her nemesis Connie Marble’s sister, Vera Venninger, and her necrophiliac husband, Wilbur, are in her way. So begins a new battle of filth. This raucous, filthy—and essential!—volume in John Waters’s oeuvre never made it to the screen, so this is listeners’ and his legions of fans’ one chance to hear how this ghastly and irreverent saga meets its end! A Macmillan Audio production from Farrar, Straus and Giroux"

John Waters (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Desperate Living: A Screenplay

"A grotesque and hilarious satire about the American dream, suburban living, and the corrupting influence of power, set in a world that could only have sprung from the unhinged and brilliant mind of John Waters. On the verge of a suburban mental health crisis, frazzled and wildly unstable housewife Peggy (immortalized by Mink Stole on-screen) runs away from home with her maid and partner in crime, Grizelda (played with spectacular gumption by the sizzling Jean Hill), only to end up in Mortville, a shantytown filled with society’s rejects. Mortville is run by the evil Queen Carlotta, who parades through the cardboard streets taunting and terrorizing her subjects. John Waters’ wild and visionary fable lampoons everything from the staid conservatism of the American dream to race and class relations. The New York Times ranked Desperate Living at “the highest peak atop [John Waters’] trash heap of a filmography.” High praise indeed!"

John Waters (Author), TBD (Narrator)

Audiobook

Theatre & Radio Audiobooks in Literature