Audiobooks narrated by A Full Cast

"Shakespeare’s history plays fall into two categories: political dramas and propagandistic pageants. The second category is comprised of the two plays in this presentation, Henry V and Henry VIII. These two plays have many elements in common. An underlying theme is the necessity and glory of government by sovereign royalty. Each play is presented by a chorus, who defines the action and intent of the drama. Rather than a continuous narrative the action is depicted in a series of tableaux, each of which seeks to illustrate a positive aspect of the monarch’s character. In each play an early part of the action involves the detection of treason and the punishment of the malefactors, presented as examples of the king’s shrewdness and rigorous sense of justice. Henry V, originally titled The Life of Henry the Fifth, tells the story of the king’s successful incursion into France to regain control of the territories claimed by the English crown, and his consolidation of his position by marrying the daughter of the King of France. Despite its references to the horror of military conflict, the mood of the play is generally bright and upbeat, although in the final speech the Chorus warns that much of this glory will be lost under the rule of Henry VI. Henry VIII, first published as The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eighth, was a joint production by Shakespeare and John Fletcher. It appears to have been written in 1612–1613. During a production of the play at the Globe Theatre in 1613, a cannon was discharged, resulting in a fire which burned the building to the ground. The action of Henry VIII focuses on three major events: The allegation of treason against the Duke of Buckingham, and his subsequent conviction and execution; Henry’s concern over the failure of his wife Katharine of Aragon to produce a male heir, his desire to divorce her and to marry the much younger Anne Bullen (Boleyn); and the birth of Anne’s child, the future Queen Elizabeth I. All references to Anne Bullen’s fall from grace and execution and to Henry’s subsequent marriages are strictly avoided. Henry is presented as a thoughtful and capable sovereign, somewhat overbearing, but genuinely troubled by the thought that his marriage to Katharine may have been canonically improper. Featuring Blaise Doran as Henry V and Josh Innerst as Henry VIII. Audio edited by Denis Daly"

William Shakespeare (Author), A Full Cast, Alan Weyman, Blaise Doran, Christopher Dukes, David Shears, Denis Daly, Geraint Pickard, Gregory Dwyer, Josh Innerst, Laura E. Richcreek, Linda Barrans, P. J. Morgan, Shane Emmett, Tim Dehn (Narrator)

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Henry IV: Part 1 & Part 2

"This full cast presentation includes Part 1 and Part 2 of Shakespeare’s Henry IV. In 1598 appeared a Quarto with the following title: The History of Henrie the Fourth; With the Battell at Shrewsburie, betweene the King and Lord Henry Percy, surnamed Henrie Hotspur of the North. With the humorous conceits of Sir John Falstaffe. At London. Printed by P. S. for Andrew Wise, dwelling in Paules Churchyard, at the signe of the Angell. 1598. This was the First Part of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, which must have been written in 1597. This play is the first in which Shakespeare really demonstrated his great and overwhelming individuality. Its dramatic structure is fairly loose, though is closer knit and technically stronger than that of the Second Part. However, as a poetical creation, it is one of the great masterpieces of the world’s literature, at once heroic and burlesque, thrilling and side-splitting. Yet these contrasted elements are not brought into hard-and-fast rhetorical antithesis, but move and mingle with a natural freedom. The driving elements of the plot are the machinations of the guilt-ridden King Henry IV to establish the legitimacy of his accession and the inevitable revolt by the former supporters who helped him to gain the throne. One of the leaders of the opposing faction is the warlike Henry Percy, nicknamed Hotspur, who the king compares unfavourably with his own son, the self-indulgent and riotous Prince Hal. The prince spends much of his time cavorting with a group of boon companions, the most notable of which is the dissipated and unscrupulous knight, Sir John Falstaff, who acts as something of a surrogate parent. At the end of the First Part, the revolt is suppressed; in the conflict, Prince Hal reveals his true character as a doughty defender of the realm. In the Second Part, the king’s health progressively declines and Hal begins to assert his royal prerogative. Eventually, the king dies, and Hal, now having shed all his adolescent impertinence, ascends to the throne. Falstaff, in expectation of elevation to high office and new-found prosperity, publicly accosts the new king and is rudely rebuffed, together with his disreputable retinue. Audio edited by Denis Daly The text used for this performance was kindly provided by playshakespeare.com. Welsh dialogue and tune for Lady Mortimer’s song in Henry IV Part One provided by Noni Lewis."

William Shakespeare (Author), A Full Cast, Alan Weyman, Blaise Doran, Christopher Dukes, Denis Daly, Geraint Pickard, Graham Scott, Gregory Dwyer, Josh Innerst, Laura E. Richcreek, Noni Lewis, Roberta Jackson, Rory Barnett, Sarah Jane Rose, Shane Emmett, Tim Dehn (Narrator)

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Eight Shakespeare Comedies

"This collection contains eight of Shakespeare’s best loved comedies. Each exhibits the vigour, humour, and optimism of the young master before he turned to the gloom and bitterness of the great tragedies. Contents A Midsummer Night’s Dream All’s Well That Ends Well Twelfth Night Much Ado About Nothing The Comedy of Errors As You Like It Measure for Measure The Merchant of Venice Featuring the voices of: Aisling Gray, Alan Weyman, Alexandra Lee Smith, Blaise Doran, Cate Barratt, Catherine Bilson, Claudia Anglade, Dara Brown, David Shears, Denis Daly, Emma Faye, Gary D. MacFadden, Graham Scott, John Burlinson, Josh Innerst, Kendra Murray, Laura Richcreek, Lillian Rachel, Linda Barrans, Mark Crowle-Groves, Marty Krz, PJ Morgan, Roberta Jackson, Ron Altman, Simon Paxton, Susan Iannucci, Tom Saer, and Trisha Rose. Texts kindly provided by playshakespeare.com Songs created and arranged by Alan Weyman and Marty Krz Audio edited by Denis Daly"

William Shakespeare (Author), A Full Cast, Aisling Gray, Alan Weyman, Alexandra Lee Smith, Blaise Doran, Cate Barratt, Catherine Bilson, Claudia Anglade, Dara Brown, David Shears, Denis Daly, Emma Faye, Gary MacFadden, Graham Scott, John Burlinson, Josh Innerst, Kendra Murray, Laura E. Richcreek, Lillian Rachel, Linda Barrans, Mark Crowle-Groves, Marty Krz, P. J. Morgan, Roberta Jackson, Ron Altman, Simon Paxton, Susan Iannucci, Tom Saer, Trisha Rose (Narrator)

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Like Father, Like Daughter

"2005 - In the small town of Hulls Creek, tragedy strikes 18-year-old Troy Ellis, a young father who is left with the burden of his newborn child, Hayley, and the guilt and suspicion of an entire town, as a torturous ordeal follows in the wake of this, he must wrestle with the fear of a future of conjecture and judgement. 2023 - Troy is now a grown man, currently dreading the fact that it is nearing the day of Hayley's 18th birthday. However, when events go awry at her party, an eerily similar chain of events occur which leads to her disappearance. With the help of Sophie, a local detective, Troy goes on a crusade to find his daughter, while discovering a sinister link between the crime of 18 years ago, and his daughter's vanishing."

Tyrone Hamilton (Author), A Full Cast (Narrator)

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Measure for Measure

"Measure for Measure is one of darkest of Shakespeare’s comedies. Written in about 1603 and first performed in 1604, it immediately preceded the composition of the major tragedies Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth. Duke Vincentino, the ruler of Vienna, fears that under his mild sovereignty, the people may have become lazy and lax. He decides to “go over cover” in the disguise of a monk and appoint his deputy, Angelo, who is a reputed paragon of virtue, as temporary ruler. On assuming power, Angelo inaugurates draconian provisions regarding sexual propriety. One of the first victims of this new regime is young Claudio, who has impregnated his lover Juliet, and is accordingly sentenced to death. Claudio’s sister, Isabella, who is preparing to enter religious life, is encouraged to approach Angelo and plead for her brother’s life. Angelo is immediately smitten with the beautiful Isabella and makes her an offer: her brother will be spared if she yields to Angelo’s sexual advances. Isabella indignantly rejects this proposal, but finds herself unable to reveal Angelo’s hypocrisy publicly, as she fears her accusations will lack credence. Fortunately, the Duke, who has not left Vienna, befriends Isabella in his assumed role of friar, and hatches a plan to both save Claudio and to unmask Angelo. Featuring the voices of Denis Daly, Gary D. MacFadden, David Shears, Graham Scott, Josh Innerst, Kendra Murray, Blaise Doran, Simon Paxton, Roberta Jackson, Alexandra Lee Smith, and Alan Weyman. Audio edited by Denis Daly Tunes for songs provided by Alan Weyman. The text used for this performance was kindly provided by playshakespeare.com."

William Shakespeare (Author), A Full Cast, Alan Weyman, Alexandra Lee Smith, Blaise Doran, David Shears, Denis Daly, Gary MacFadden, Graham Scott, Josh Innerst, Kendra Murray, Roberta Jackson, Simon Paxton (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Merchant of Venice

"Antonio, a wealthy and popular merchant, is in financial difficulty. He approaches a Jewish money lender, Shylock, who agrees to provide 3000 ducats, with a very curious bond – a pound of the merchant’s flesh, to be levied if Antonio fails to make a timely repayment. Feeling confident that his argosies will arrive in time to cover the debt, Antonio agrees to this bizarre transaction. Meanwhile, a wealthy gentlewoman, Portia, must choose a suitor using a curious ritual mandated by her father’s will. Applicants must choose from three locked caskets, one of which contains a picture of Portia. He who chooses the casket with the picture will wed Portia immediately; the unsuccessful applicants will cease courting not only Portia, but all prospective partners. Portia’s preferred suitor is a young Venetian, Bassanio, who is a close friend of Antonio. Antonio’s ships fail to arrive in time to satisfy his debt to Shylock and Antonio is hauled into court. In a male disguise, Portia appears in court to represent Antonio. Will her skillful representation free Antonio from Shylock’s demands? Written between 1596 and 1598 and published in 1600, The Merchant of Venice most notably touches on the troubling subject of antisemitism. While critical debate rages about Shakespeare’s actual attitudes toward Jewish culture, it is difficult to deny that the eventual fate of Shylock is not in accord with today’s view of social justice. Featuring the voices of Denis Daly, Catherina Bilson, Alexandra Lee Smith, Gary D. Macfadden, Blaise Doran, Graham Scott, Roberta Jackson, Josh Innerst, Simon Paxton, Alan Weyman, Emma Faye and Marty Krz."

William Shakespeare (Author), A Full Cast, Alan Weyman, Alexandra Lee Smith, Blaise Doran, Catherine Bilson, Denis Daly, Emma Faye, Gary MacFadden, Graham Scott, Josh Innerst, Marty Krz, Roberta Jackson, Simon Paxton (Narrator)

Audiobook

Little Matilda

"Little Matilda is lonely and eager to find a friend. She approaches several potential playmates, but no-one wants to play with her. Will Matilda be alone forever? Join Little Matilda as she learns to believe in herself and holds onto her dream of making a friend. This affirming and uplifting tale deals with the complex emotions of rejection and loneliness, and provides opportunities to discuss resilience and overcoming everyday challenges in a fun and accessible way."

Caz Goodwin (Author), A Full Cast, Carla Greene (Narrator)

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Little Matilda and the Lost Bunny

"Little Matilda loses her treasured bunny and has a meltdown. When she calms down, she finds her bunny and apologizes for her behavior. Little Matilda has one toy that she loves more than anything — her bunny. She takes it everywhere, even on a nature walk with her friend, Jack. When they get home, Little Matilda realizes her treasured bunny is missing. She cries, squeals and thumps her small paws. Will Little Matilda ever find her bunny? Will she learn to manage her anger and frustration?"

Caz Goodwin (Author), A Full Cast, Carla Greene (Narrator)

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Mirelle's Mirror

"Mirelle is beautiful, but her ocean home is a mess. When pollution stains her flawless tail, Mirelle puts down her mirror for the first time and looks around her — what she sees fills her with dismay. This vain but delightfully determined mermaid must ultimately decide what’s more important — saving her good looks or saving her beautiful ocean."

Katherine Wallace (Author), A Full Cast, Carla Greene (Narrator)

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As You Like It

"Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night, and As You Like It are usually regarded as Shakespeare’s crowning achievements in the world of mirth and humor. In this group of plays, written during the playwright’s Second Period (1595–1600), the author depicts chiefly the cheerful, energetic side of life. In As You Like It, a wicked Duke expels his virtuous brother, the lawful ruler, from his domains. The banished Duke takes refuge with his followers in the Forest of Arden, where they live as free a life as did Robin Hood and his merry men. They are presently sought out by the Duke’s daughter Rosalind and her cousin Celia, who have been banished by the usurper. Also among the banished is Orlando, a virtuous young man, who is being pursued by his wicked brother Oliver, pursuant to the orders of the usurping duke. Orlando and Rosalind immediately fall in love, and she, disguised as a boy under the name of Ganymede, makes sport with him throughout the play. Eventually all ends happily – with conversions, repentance and revelations of love. Featuring the voices of Linda Barrans, Blaise Doran, Laura Richcreek, Emma Faye, Claudia Anglade, P J Morgan, Gary MacFadden, Denis Daly, Marty Krz, Dara Brown, Trisha Rose, John Burlinson, and Kendra Murray. Audio edited by Denis Daly Tunes for songs provided by Alan Weyman. The text used for this performance was kindly provided by playshakespeare.com. Production copyright 2024 is held by Voices of Today."

William Shakespeare (Author), A Full Cast, Blaise Doran, Claudia Anglade, Dara Brown, Denis Daly, Emma Faye, Gary MacFadden, John Burlinson, Kendra Murray, Laura E. Richcreek, Linda Barrans, Marty Krz, P. J. Morgan, Trisha Rose (Narrator)

Audiobook

What Ants Do On Very Dry Days

"Andi and Johnny were the best of friends and did everything together. But as they grew up, their different abilities kept them apart. Johnny became an Awesome Ant who provided for the colony and was hailed as a hero. Andi worked underground, was looked down upon and forgotten. One day, the rains stopped and the land became very dry. The Awesome Ants went in search of water. They dug underground but lost their way in the darkness. With the hero ants in trouble, would this mean the end of the colony?"

Sun Xueling (Author), A Full Cast, Carla Greene (Narrator)

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What Ants Do On Stormy Days

"Andi and the ants sail down the river in boats made out of leaves. They settle down in a beautiful land and make friends with the locals, the keledek (sweet potatoes). The ants are enthralled when a flight of big white birds stop over and show them the world by flying them across continents and seas. But when a heavy downpour threatens to destroy their home and wash them away, who will come to their rescue?"

Sun Xueling (Author), A Full Cast, Carla Greene (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by A Full Cast

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