Audiobooks narrated by Anna Massey

Young Victoria: A BBC Radio 4 drama Audiobook

A girl becomes a Queen... This illuminating serial charts the transformation of the young Victoria from spirited teenager to shy young bride to celebrated ruler of Britain and 'Mother of Europe'. But while her roles changed, her essential nature remained the same: vibrant, passionate, principled and fiercely independent. Through extracts from Victoria's own diaries and letters, and dramatised episodes featuring the characters closest to her, we are given a thrilling insight into the thoughts and feelings of the woman behind the crown - and the secrets of her mind and heart. The key events of her life are revealed in a new perspective - from her coronation, which captured the heart of a nation; to her blissful wedding and honeymoon; the birth of her nine children and the death of her beloved Albert. Adapted by acclaimed scriptwriter Juliet Ace and featuring a star cast including Adrian Lukis, Anna Massey and Christopher Cazenove, this magical drama paints a detailed portrait of Victoria's younger life, revealing some of the remarkable and long-lasting achievements of this extraordinary queen. Cast Victoria...Imogen Stubbs Duchess of Kent...Anna Massey Prince Albert...Adrian Lukis Baroness Lehzen...Selina Cadell Sir John Conroy/MP/Lord Aberdeen...John Rowe Lord Melbourne...Christopher Cazenove WAG/Prince Ernest/Page/Anson/Cubitt...Andrew Wincott William IV/Stockmar/Peel...Terence Edmond Prince of Wales Bertie/Paxton...Thomas Arnold Princess Vicky/Helena...Clare Corbett Prince of Wales Bertie (as a child)...George Allonby Produced and directed by Cherry Cookson

Juliet Ace (Author), , Adrian Lukis, Anna Massey, Christopher Cazenove, Imogen Stubbs, John Rowe, Selina Cadell (Narrator)

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This Sceptred Isle: Empire: The Classic BBC Radio History

Christopher Lee's highly-acclaimed and award-winning BBC Radio 4 history of the British Empire. Britain had the biggest empire the world has ever known. At one time a quarter of the global land mass was British. Over a third of the world was insured at Lloyds. At his coronation, more than 400 million people saluted George V. Truly, the sun never set on this historical phenomenon. Whatever the day, whatever the hour, somewhere on the globe, the empire worked and played the British game, often absurdly so. BBC Radio 4's monumental history of Britain tells the story of the British Empire from its earliest beginnings through the years when British influence grew steadily around the globe, years when Britain took full advantage of the technical advances of its industrial revolution. Here are the origins of the modern nations of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and of the ways in which British influence has affected, for better or for worse, nations such as India, Sri Lanka, and China. Here are the stories, not always happy and glorious, of Captain James Cook, Mungo Park, Warren Hastings, Sir Stamford Raffles, and David Livingstone. The story of the British Empire is one of enormous personalities, adventure, scientific and maritime development, and the building of one of the most complex international administrations the world has ever seen. ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey, Christopher Eccleston, Denis Lawson, Juliet Stevenson, Mark Heap, Martin Freeman, Rob Brydon, Robert Powell, Various (Narrator)

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This Sceptred Isle: Collection 3: The 20th Century: The Classic BBC Radio History

All five volumes from the landmark BBC radio series This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century Christopher Lee's vivid, compelling history tells the story of Britain from the death of Queen Victoria to the dawning of a new millennium. This collection includes the original volumes 1-5: 1901-1919: The Victorian era comes to an end, Suffragettes demand 'Votes for Women', the Titanic sinks and the Great War casts a long shadow. 1919-1939: Ramsay MacDonald becomes the first Labour PM, millions of workers take industrial action during the General Strike, Wall Street crashes and Hitler rises to power. 1939-1959: The horrors of the Second World War and the onset of the Cold War, Indian independence, the founding of the NHS, the beginning of a new Elizabethan age and the Space Race. 1959-1979: War in Vietnam, Profumo causes a scandal, the Beatles generate worldwide hysteria, Britain joins Europe and Thatcherism is born. 1979-1999: The nation celebrates a fairytale royal wedding, Argentine troops invade the Falklands, disaster strikes at Chernobyl, the Berlin Wall falls - and as the year 2000 approaches, construction begins on London's Millennium Dome. Narrated by Anna Massey, with additional readings by Robert Powell, this is the definitive radio account of one of the most exciting and fast-moving periods in the history of the United Kingdom. NB: Due to the age of these recordings, sound quality may vary Production credits Written by Christopher Lee Narrated by Anna Massey, with additional readings by Robert Powell Produced by Pete Atkin First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 August-31 December 1999

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey, Robert Powell (Narrator)

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This Sceptred Isle: Collection 1: 55BC - 1702: The Classic BBC Radio History

The first five volumes from the landmark BBC radio series This Sceptred Isle. Christopher Lee's epic history tells the story of Britain from the Romans to the death of Victoria. This collection includes the original first five volumes: 55BC-1087: Julius Caesar to William the Conqueror From Britannia under the Romans to the Dark Ages and the invasions of Angles, Saxons, Danes, and Norwegians. 1087-1327: The Making of the Nation The Crusades, Welsh and Scottish rebellions and the foundations of the modern state including Magna Carta and the fledgling English Parliament. 1327-1547 The Black Prince to Henry VIII The Hundred Years' War, the Peasants' Revolt, the Wars of the Roses and the reign of Henry VIII. 1547-1660 Elizabeth I to Cromwell Elizabeth I's long reign; the Civil War, the execution of Charles I and the establishment of Cromwell as Lord Protector. 1660-1702 Restoration and Glorious Revolution The return of Charles II, the Great Plague and Great Fire of London, and a ruler from a different country on the throne: William of Orange. Narrated by Anna Massey, with extracts from Sir Winston Churchill's A History of the English-speaking Peoples read by Paul Eddington and Peter Jeffrey, this is the definitive radio account of the events and personalities that have shaped our nation. Duration: 15 hours approx.

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey, Paul Eddington (Narrator)

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This Sceptred Isle Collection 2: 1702 - 1901: The Classic BBC Radio History

The final five volumes from the landmark BBC radio series This Sceptred Isle. Christopher Lee's epic history tells the story of Britain from the Romans to the death of Victoria. This collection includes the original volumes 6-10: 1702-1760: The First British EmpireThe reign of George I; Britain's first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole, and the first rendition of Rule Britannia. 1760-1792: The Age of Revolution The Industrial Revolution begins; America declares independence and France is rocked by social and politicalupheaval. 1792-1815: Nelson, Wellington and Napoleon War in Europe; the introduction of Income Tax; and England is victorious in the Battle of Trafalgar. 1815-1837: Regency and Reform The Prince of Wales becomes George IV; Sir Robert Peel creates the Metropolitan Police and slavery is abolished in the British Empire. 1837-1901: The Age of Victoria Victoria's 64-year reign encompasses huge social changes; Britain expands her empire and the Labour Party is founded. Narrated by Anna Massey, with extracts from Sir Winston Churchill's A History of the English-speaking Peoples read by Peter Jeffrey, this is the definitive radio account of the events and personalities that have shaped our nation. Duration: 14 hours approx.

Christopher Lee, Sir Winston Churchill, Winston Churchill (Author), Anna Massey, Peter Jeffrey (Narrator)

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This Sceptred Isle Empire Volume 1 - 1155-1783

This is volume 1 of the eagerly-awaited follow-up to Christopher Lee’s highly-acclaimed and award-winning BBC Radio 4 series. The original ground-breaking series of 'This Sceptred Isle' was a compelling, continuous narrative, from the arrival of the Romans to the end of the twentieth century. This new series explains how Britain, through trading in such commodities as sugar, spice - and slaves - built the biggest empire the world had ever known. At one time a quarter of the global land mass was under British rule: so whatever the day, whatever the hour, the sun never set on the Empire. Christopher Lee begins Volume 1 with the colonisation of Ireland by Henry II in 1155. Following the growth of Elizabethan exploration with John Cabot, Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh, outposts in North America and the West Indies gradually became established and successful, while the East India Company was gaining an even firmer foothold in India. Juliet Stevenson, as narrator, takes us through triumphs and disasters - to the British defeat at Yorktown in 1783 and the independence of the United States of America. Using a range of contemporary documents read by Rob Brydon, Martin Freeman, Mark Heap, Anna Massey and Robert Powell, this is an informative, engaging and fascinating insight into the rise - and eventual fall - of the British Empire.

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey (Narrator)

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The This Sceptred Isle The Twentieth Century 1979-1999

This is the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series of the story of Britain, from the start of the 20th century to the present day. Christopher Lee's history of Britain, This Sceptred Isle, provided the definitive radio account of the nation form the arrival of Julius Caesar to the death of Queen Victoria.This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century continues the story, taking us through decades of whirlwind change and technological advancement in a diverse and colourful country on the brink of a new millennium. Volume 5, covering the years 1979-1999, looks at the Thatcher years, the Falklands War, and the greatest ever royal wedding. Beyond Britain, Gorbachev was influencing world affairs and, back in the nation's capital, a dome was being built to celebrate the approaching millennium. ©1999 BBC Audiobooks Ltd. (P)1999 BBC Audiobooks Ltd.

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey, Robert Powell (Narrator)

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The This Sceptred Isle The Twentieth Century 1919-1939

Continuing the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series of the story of Britain, from the start of the twentieth century to the present day. Christopher Lee's history of Britain, 'This Sceptred Isle', provided the definitive radio account of the nation from the arrival of Julius Caesar to the death of Queen Victoria. 'This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century' continues the story, taking us through decades of whirlwind change and technological advancement in a diverse and colourful country on the brink of a new millennium. Volume 2, covering the years 1919-1939, looks at a Britain ravaged by war and at the mercy of millions of striking workers. It also takes in the lighter side of life in the 1920s and 30s, including the first loaf of bread going on sale and the glory days of Fred Perry. Narrated by Anna Massey with Robert Powell, 'This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century', is an authoritative, vivid and compelling account of one of the most exciting and fast-moving periods in Britain's history.

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey, Robert Powell (Narrator)

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The This Sceptred Isle The Twentieth Century 1901-1919

Continuing the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series of the story of Britain, from the start of the twentieth century to the present day. Christopher Lee's history of Britain, 'This Sceptred Isle', provided the definitive radio account of the nation from the arrival of Julius Caesar to the death of Queen Victoria. 'This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century' continues the story, taking us through decades of whirlwind change and technological advancement in a diverse and colourful country on the brink of a new millennium. Volume 1, covering the years 1901-1919, looks at the impact of the death of Queen Victoria, the growth of the Suffragette Movement, changes in the capital, such as the introduction of the first motor buses and, of course, the far-reaching consequences of the First World War. Narrated by Anna Massey with Robert Powell, 'This Sceptred Isle: The Twentieth Century', is an authoritative, vivid and compelling account of one of the most exciting and fast-moving periods in Britain's history. Due to the age of these recordings, sound quality may vary.

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey (Narrator)

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The Sceptred Isle: The Dynasties: The complete BBC collection

The Sceptred Isle provided the definitive radio account of the British nation, from 55BC to the end of the 20th century. Now its attention turns towards the incredibly powerful families which have wielded power behind the scenes for the past 1,000 years. The Dynasties relates how the loyalties of this privileged elite, many of whom are older than the monarchy itself, were tested and rewarded; it also uncovers a multitude of murderous plots, bloody battles, adulteries, intrigues and shocking executions.The first volume examines three powerful houses: The Godwines, the north-dwelling Percys and the royalist Despensers.Volume two looks at the Mortimers, the Berkeleys and a triumvirate of warring Irish dysnasties: the Macmurroughs, the Fitzgeralds and the O'Neills.The third volume investigates the Churchills, the Cecils and the Scottish Dalrymples.In the fourth volume the Cavendishes appear, along with the Comptons and the Russells.In the fifth and final volume, the families examined include the Carringtons, the Waldegraves and the Norfolks. There is also a look at the families who today continue the tradition of dynastical power at the highest levels.

Christopher Lee (Author), Anna Massey (Narrator)

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The Pilgrim’s Progress: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisation

The 17th Century classic brought to life in a bold new telling The Pilgrim's Progress is regarded as one of the most significant works of theological fiction in English literature and is considered by some to be the first novel written in English. First published in 1678, it has been translated into more than 200 languages and had never been out of print. John Bunyan's seminal work has influenced writers across the centuries from Charlotte Brontë to Enid Blyton and beyond. In this innovative and beautifully paced production of John Bunyan's classic novel, dramatist Brian Sibley takes us deftly on the pilgrim Christian's life changing journey to the Celestial City, whilst also delicately weaving into the narrative the author's own journey. Arrested and imprisoned in the late 1600s for holding improper religious services, the drama unfolds through Bunyan's plight behind bars as he wrestles with his relationship to God, sense of duty and creativity - and begins to pen the novel from his cell. Sibley delivers a fresh perspective and wonderful re-telling of the adventures of Christian, a pilgrim who embarks on a perilous journey from his hometown, the allegorical City of Destruction, to the Celestial City, or Heaven. Dramatised across three episodes, we follow Christian as he meets with death, despair, hope and ultimately salvation. It is the story of the everyman pilgrim who seeks to gain knowledge, making mistakes along that way that inform and inspire him on his path to grace. Starring Anton Rodgers (May to December) as Bunyan and Neil Dudgeon (Midsomer Murders) as Christian, this full-cast production also features the well-known voices of Anna Massey and Peter Bowles. Brian Sibley is perhaps best known as the writer behind the hugely popular, landmark BBC radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Written by Brian Sibley based on the novel by John Bunyan Directed by Pam Fraser Solomon Cast Bunyan - Anton Rodgers Christian - Neil Dudgeon Evangelist - Alec McCowen Beelzebub - Don Warrington Interpreter - Anna Massey Caged Man - Peter Bowles Elizabeth - Caroline Lee Johns Jailer - Ioan Meredith Judge - Derek Waring Pliable/Watchful/Sincere - Philip Fox Obstinate/Clerk/Knowledge - Chris Moran Help/Prudence/Angel - Jaimi Barbakoff Goodwill/Charity/Angel - Lydia Leonard Angel/Piety/Deceiver - Cherie Taylor-Battiste Child - Sophie Levy Child - Nyla Lev Faithful - Graham Crowden Cobb/Giant Despair - Stephen Thorne Discretion - Eve Karpf Talkative/Ignorance - Rachel Atkins Timorous/Experience - Damian Lynch Hopeful - Paul Medford Mrs Despair - Frances Jeater False-Confidence - Declan Wilson First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4 January 2004 ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Brian Sibley, John Bunyan (Author), Anna Massey, Anton Rodgers, Don Warrington, Full Cast, Neil Dudgeon, Peter Bowles (Narrator)

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The Phantom of the Opera

Gaston LeRoux (Author), Alexander Siddig, Anna Massey, James D'Arcy (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Anna Massey