Audiobooks Narrated by Alan Dudley

Headlong Hall, Crotchet Castle & Nightmare Abbey: A BBC Radio Collection

"Three stunning full-cast dramatisation of Thomas Love Peacock’s classic stories Listen now to this collection of three of the finest stories from Thomas Love Peacock. A contemporary and close friend of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Love Peacock was born in 1785 and wrote satirical novels discussing and criticising the philosophical opinions of the day. Packed with witty dialogue, intriguing ideas and featuring the iconic voices of Sir Michael Hordern (Lord Of The Rings) and Kenneth Williams (Carry On films, Just a Minute) this collection is a must listen for any fans of classic audio productions. In Headlong Hall it’s winter, 1815 and Harry Headlong, like all Welsh squires, is fond of shooting, hunting and drinking. But he becomes seized with a passion to form the acquaintance of philosophers and dilettanti. Sir Michael Hordern narrates this classic novella. Love Peacock assembles a group of eccentrics in Crochet Castle, each with a single monomaniacal obsession. Hilarity ensures as their various interactions and conversations play out a rich social satire of the day. Reverend Doctor Folliott, a vigorous middle-aged clergyman with a love for ancient Greek language and literature, is greatly suspicious of the reform slogan of the 'March of Intellect', as well as anything done by Lord Brougham. Romance stirs between Mr. Chainmail (who is convinced that the world has gone downhill continuously since the twelfth century) and Susannah Touchandgo (the daughter of a disgraced banker), and between Captain Fitzchrome (an attractive gentleman with only a moderate income) and Lady Clarinda Bossnowl (the daughter of an impoverished peer, who is cynically determined to make a financially rewarding marriage). Voted one of the 100 best novels ever in 2023 in The Guardian, Nightmare Abbey is read by Kenneth Williams who brings this story to life in Martin Remes’s brilliant adaptation. A true radio archive gem. Written in 1818, this is classic satire poking fun at the Romantic Movement and its obsession with the morbid. Raised by his widower father in the bleak family mansion in Lincolnshire, on a dry stretch of land between the sea and the fens, Scythrop Glowry vows to change the world… This is a listening treat for any fans of the classics, featuring a star-studded cast and stories that will both intrigue and delight. Cast includes: Michael Horden, Daniel Massey, Carlton Hobbs, Vivienne Chatterton, Esme Percy and more. Content Headlong Hall Crotchet Castle Nightmare Abbey ©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Thomas Love Peacock (Author), Alan Dudley, Andrew Branch, Carleton Hobbs, Caroline Gruber, Daniel Massey, Esme Percy, Frank Duncan, Full Cast, John Baddeley, Kenneth Williams, Michael Horden, Norman Shelley (Narrator)

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

"Three of the ever-popular Sheridan’s finest plays Born in Dublin in 1751, Richard Brinsley Sheridan was a theatre impresario, statesman and the most celebrated playwright of his time. His brilliantly witty comedies of manners have become part of the literary canon, and are frequently performed around the world. This collection comprises three classic radio productions of his best works, performed by star casts including Barbara Mitchell, Rolf Lefebvre, Dorothy Tutin, Flora Robson, Dennis Quilley and Patricia Routledge. The School For Scandal – Collated from two manuscripts corrected by Sheridan himself, this 1967 radio version of his most famous play introduces us to gossip-monger Lady Sneerwell, who loves nothing more than spreading slander and ruining reputations. When she sets her sights on the young, rakish Charles Surface, the stage is set for scandal... The Rivals – Set in 18th century Bath, where the wealthy and fashionable come to take the waters, Sheridan’s sparkling debut centres around young lovers Jack Absolute and Lydia Languish. Knowing his beloved is resolved never to marry a rich man, the aristocratic Jack pretends to be the poor soldier Ensign Beverley. Lydia is overjoyed at the thought of eloping with Beverley under the nose of her guardian, Mrs Malaprop – but how will she react when her romantic dreams are shattered? The Duenna – Spanish nobleman Don Jerome wishes his daughter to marry the wealthy merchant Isaac Mendoza. Louisa, however, has given her heart to the impoverished Don Antonio. With the help of her duenna, can she secure her true love? This comic operetta features an early performance from Dame Patricia Routledge, who talks at the end of the production about her time playing Donna Clara. First published 1775 (The Rivals, The Duenna), 1777 (The School for Scandal) Cast and credits Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan The School for Scandal Lady Sneerwell – Barbara Mitchell Snake – Rolf Lefebvre Joseph Surface – Alan Badel Maria – Hilda Schroder Mrs Candour – Barbara Couper Crabtree – Max Adrian Sir Benjamin Backbite – David March Sir Peter Teazle – Maurice Denham Rowley – Ronald Herdman Lady Teazle – Dorothy Tutin Sir Oliver Surface – Hamlyn Benson Moses – Haydn Jones Trip – Leroy Lingwood Charles Surface – John Quentin Careless – Alexander John Sir Toby Bumper – Alan Dudley Maid – Rosalind Shanks Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan with the Epilogue by George Colman Produced by Charles Lefeaux BBC Midland Light Orchestra Leader: James Hutcheon Conductor: Gilbert Vinter The Rivals Mrs Malaprop – Flora Robson Sir Anthony Absolute – Peter Pratt Lydia Languish – Christine Finn Captain Absolute – Bernard Brown Bob Acres – William Ingram Julia – Rosalind Shanks Faulkland – Peter Tuddenham Sir Lucius O’Trigger – Denys Hawthorne Lucy – Barbara Mitchell Fag – Christopher Bidmead David – Ronald Herdman Thomas – Alan Dudley Boy/Maid – Carol Marsh Servant – LeRoy Lingwood Directed by Betty Davies The Duenna Don Antonio – Denis Quilley Donna Louisa – Jane Wenham Don Jerome – Alan Dudley Don Carlos – Gordon Faith Don Ferdinand – Barrie Ingham Donna Clara – Patricia Routledge The Duenna – Betty Huntley-Wright Isaac Mendoza – Peter Pratt Pepita – Valerie Kirkbright Father Paul – Aubrey Woods Lopez – Andrew Sachs Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan and adapted by Lionel Harris Adapted for radio and produced by Peter Bryant Music composed by Julian Slade, played by the Sinfonia of London conducted by Marcus Dods © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

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)

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The Sand Leopard & Other Vintage Thrillers: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Collection

"Ten full-cast BBC Radio thrillers by Berkely Mather Berkely Mather (real name John Evan Weston-Davies) was a British author who wrote sixteen novels ranging from historical adventures to espionage fiction. A prolific writer for television and radio, he contributed scripts to TV series including Z Cars and The Avengers, and his film credits include Dr. No. Included here are some of his best radio thrillers, beginning with The Sand Leopard, charting the exploits of Geth Straker, captain of the Peregrine. The trouble-hunting mariner is commissioned to sail to the Red Sea in search of sunken Second World War bullion – but are his two new crew members what they seem? Neil McCallum stars as Straker in this action-packed drama. In The Hard Buy, it is the late 1960s, and wealthy young British playboy Brett Beaumont (John Rye) suddenly finds himself discredited and framed. Aboard his luxury yacht, he embarks on a dramatic journey to clear his name. The Meisterspringer, starring Cyril Shaps and Graham Blockey, sees ‘Meisterspringer’ Paul Mettold blackmailed by British agents into arranging the escape from prison of Russian spy James Carter. But the breakout does not go according to plan… The Bounce Back features six plays themed around retribution – Returned Without Thanks, Honesty’s The Best Fiddle, The Stake-Out, Just a Detail, Never Let Your Left Hand Know…, and Quick Returns. Among the casts are Hector Ross, Hilda Schroder, Henry Stamper, Humphrey Morton, Douglas Hankin, Sheila Grant, Alan Dudley and Ronald Herdman. Finally, the 30-minute drama Bird’s Eye View, starring Geoffrey Matthews and Cecile Chevreau, tells the story of an English convict on a French prison island who attempts to escape by boat – but on board, a surprise awaits him… NB: Due to the age of these recordings, the sound quality may vary. Some episodes contain dated attitudes and language First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 31 July-18 September 1961 (The Sand Leopard), 15 October 1962 (Bird’s Eye View), 23 January-13 March 1967 (The Bounce Back), 27 June-22 July 1968 (The Hard Buy), 21 April-26 May 1985 (The Meisterspringer) © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Berkely Mather (Author), Alan Dudley, Cecile Chevreau, Cyril Shaps, Full Cast, Geoffrey Matthews, Graham Blockey, Hector Ross, Hilda Schroder, John Rye, Neil Mccallum (Narrator)

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Frost: A Touch of Frost: Classic Radio Crime

"A BBC Radio 4 full-cast drama starring Derek Martin, the precursor to the popular TV series and novels. Jack Frost is disheveled, disorganised and disrespectful. His superiors don't like him. He has a habit of doing things his way – and getting results. But when Denton CID is faced with a spate of major crimes, Frost finds himself under pressure. A young woman becomes the sixth victim of a multiple rapist, a teenage girl goes missing, there's a robbery at the Purple Parrot nightclub, and an old man is injured in a hit-and-run. With all this on his plate, Frost has little time and less patience for paperwork – but if he doesn't submit the overtime reports, there will be hell to pay. Has Frost bitten off more than he can chew? A Touch of Frost gave rise to a hugely successful TV series that ran between 1992 and 2010. This gritty drama, first broadcast on Radio 4 in 1982, features Derek Martin as Jack Frost, with a supporting cast including Haydn Wood, Stephen Thorne and Alan Dudley. Classic Radio Crime: presenting vintage detectives for your investigation! Duration: 1 hour 25 mins approx."

R D Wingfield (Author), Alan Dudley, Derek Martin, Full Cast (Narrator)

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