Audiobooks narrated by Anne Reid

Fat Chance: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Series Audiobook

"Jenny McDade’s heart-warming comedy about a wannabe Blue Peter presenter who joins a slimming group It’s the 1990s and the body positivity movement has yet to be born. Graham Pitscottie dreams of one day becoming a presenter on Blue Peter. However, he is stuck replenishing the pick 'n' mix at Woolworths. By his own admission he is, ‘a bit of a fatso’, and because there are no fat Blue Peter presenters, he joins - at the insistence of his mother Soo - a slimming class run by Wendy Bottomley. This heartwarming vintage sitcom is a joy to listen to. As Graham befriends his fellow slimmers, he learns that everyone has a story to tell. Wendy has not admitted to her husband Clive that she is running the class. Tina enlists his help as an escort, in a bid to make her errant husband jealous. And when bride-to-be Kelly is getting ready for her big day, the club rally round to give her a day she'll never forget - though she may want to… Share the trials and tribulations of a group of unlikely friends, who have each other’s backs through cheating exes, unsupportive husbands, uncertain weddings, Blue Peter aspirations and being accepted for who you are. This full-fat, bittersweet comedy about a group of people fighting the flab stars Janine Duvitski (Waiting for God, One Foot in the Grave and Benidorm) and Michael Troughton (Minder, The New Statesman and Doctor Who). Cast and credits Written by Jenny McDade Produced by Sally Avens Graham Pitscottie - Gareth Corke Wendy Bottomley - Janine Duvitski Clive Bottomley - Michael Troughton Soo Pitscottie - Anne Reid Tina Tattersall - Julia Deakin Kelly Chambers - Tilly Gaunt Lee Dubs - Harry Myers Mrs Enright - Frances Jeater First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 11 February - 11 March 1999 ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Jenny Mcdade (Author), Anne Reid, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Gareth Corke, Harry Myers, Janine Duvitski, Julia Deakin, Michael Troughton, Tilly Gaunt (Narrator)

Audiobook

Unmade Movies: Harold Pinter's The Dreaming Child: A BBC Radio 4 adaptation of the unproduced screen

"Harold Pinter's unproduced screenplay of Karen Blixen's intriguing short story of love and loss 'An important addition to the Pinter canon' The Stage The annals of movie history are full of lost treasures - spectacular scripts from world-renowned writers that could have been classics, had they only been made. Now, for the first time, some of these forgotten gems have been brought to life, fully realised as vivid, cinematic radio productions. Scripted by major 20th Century writers, including Harold Pinter, Arthur Miller, Alfred Hitchcock and Dennis Potter, they star a host of A-list actors and feature richly evocative, atmospheric soundtracks. The Dreaming Child, one of seven 'unmade movies' available on audio, is an eerie, enigmatic drama set in Bristol in 1868. Emily Carter, married to a wealthy man, is haunted by her first love, who died at sea. Unable to have children, she and her husband Tom adopt a young slum child - but Jack is no ordinary boy, and seems to have an uncanny knowledge of his new home and family... Renowned for his critically-acclaimed plays, Harold Pinter also wrote many outstanding film scripts, including Accident, Betrayal and The Pumpkin Eater. The Dreaming Child was commissioned in 1997 by actress Julia Ormond, who wanted to produce and direct, but the project never got the green light - until now. Lydia Leonard (Last Christmas) stars as Emily, with Bertie Carvel (The Sister) as Tom, Rose Leslie (Game of Thrones) as Peggy and Anne Reid (Last Tango in Halifax) as the narrator, who provides the 'establishing shots' - the stage directions and descriptions from the screenplay. Moving, mesmerising and mysterious, this remarkable production is a triumphant fulfilment of Pinter's great artistic vision. Production credits Written by Harold Pinter Based on 'The Dreaming Child' by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen) Adapted by Joanna Hogg and Laurence Bowen Directed by Joanna Hogg Produced by Laurence Bowen Sound design: Wilfredo Acosta A Feelgood Fiction production for BBC Radio 4 Cast Narrator - Anne Reid Emily - Lydia Leonard Tom - Bertie Carvel Charlie - Joshua Silver Mrs Jones - Joanna Scanlan Miss Scott - Susan Woolridge Jack - Jack Hollington Peggy - Rose Leslie Bess - Bryony Hannah Mr Rudd - Karl Johnson Mr Carter - Malcolm Sinclair Children - Flynn Allen, Esme Allen-Quarmby, Isabella Blake-Thomas & Joey Price First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7 March 2015 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Harold Pinter, Karen Blixen (Author), Anne Reid, Bertie Carvel, Full Cast, Lydia Leonard, Rose Leslie (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Whole 'Nother Story: Complete series 1-3: A BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

"All 14 episodes of Amanda Murphy's sitcom about the will-they-won't-they romance between best friends Cassie and Pete Cassie's 30, single, and miserable. All her friends are getting married - even Ugly Paula (albeit to someone on a life sentence in a Kentucky prison) but nobody loves her. Except for Pete. And he's her best mate, so he doesn't count... or does he? Over the course of three series, we follow Cassie and Pete as they attempt to answer that critical question, and sort out their complicated feelings for each other. Joining a dating agency, they begin to suspect that they could be each other's perfect match - but it's only when they both start seeing other people that they realise how much they really mean to each other. Should they risk their lifelong friendship to take a chance on love? Just as Cassie's finally listening to her heart, Pete's new relationship gets serious - and when he's free and single, she's coupled up. Are they fated to remain just good friends, or can they overcome the obstacles in their way and find their happy-ever-after? Debra Stephenson (Spitting Image, Dead Ringers) stars as Cassie in this funny and relatable comedy drama, with Dave Lamb (Come Dine with Me) as Pete, and a stellar supporting cast including Brendon Burns, Shaun Dooley, Anne Reid, Mike Grady and Paula Wilcox. Production credits Written by Amanda Murphy Produced by Graham Frost and Dawn Ellis First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5-26 September 2001 (Series 1), 23 October-27 November 2002 (Series 2), 17 September-22 October 2003 (Series 3) Cast Cassie - Debra Stephenson Pete - Dave Lamb Rebecca/Jenny - Mika Simmons PJ - Brendon Burns Dad (Bill) - Mike Grady Mum (Janet) - Anne Reid/Brigit Forsyth/Paula Wilcox Simon - Shaun Dooley Checkout Girl - Victoria Ashley Maddie - Julia Morris Freddie Farmer/Mr Alison/News Anchor/Mr Priestley - Stephen Critchlow Other parts played by members of the cast ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Amanda Murphy (Author), Anne Reid, Dave Lamb, Debra Stephenson, Full Cast, Paula Wilcox, Shaun Dooley (Narrator)

Audiobook

Little Lifetimes: Series 1-6: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Where Women Share Their Secrets

"A sparkling collection of comic monologues by Jenny Eclair, about women facing pivotal moments in their lives ‘Exquisitely crafted’ Radio Times In these funny, poignant short stories, voiced by some of Britain’s finest actresses, we are introduced to 29 very different women as they open their hearts and share their secrets. Here are tales of love, grief, revenge and adventure, told by a wealth of fascinating characters. There’s Bea, a top cook who’s about to prepare a very special birthday cake for her husband; Christine, who takes up watercolours and discovers inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places; Patsy, a rock star’s wife with a past and Penny, who takes looking after her boss a bit too far. From a grandmother visiting a posh supermarket to buy her grandchildren a meal they won't forget, to a cleaner who discovers some secrets behind the Farrow and Ball doors of the middle-class homes she visits, every one of the women we meet has a memorable, moving and surprising tale to tell... Among the star narrators are Lesley Sharp, Anita Dobson, Imelda Staunton, Josie Lawrence, Frances Barber, Samantha Bond, Doon Mackichan and Anne Reid. Produced by Sally Avens Series 1 Fifteen Minutes to Landing Woman – Lesley Manville Captain James Barrington – Clive Hayward Air Hostess – Jane Slavin Carol Goes Swimming Carol – Lorraine Ashbourne Manager – Jane Slavin A Trolley for a Change Pat – Ruth Sheen Checkout woman – Elaine Claxton Security guard – Clive Hayward Lauren – Jane Slavin George’s Cake Bea – Susie Blake The Viewing Reader – Annette Badland Doing the Best for Daniel Reader – Jenny Eclair Series 2 Lorna’s Holiday Lorna – Lesley Sharp Christine Paints Christine – Rosie Cavaliero Beverley in Shoes Beverley – Samantha Spiro Points Gail – Sarah Hadland A Slight Alteration Reader – Tessa Peake-Jones Waiting for Billy Patsy – Anita Dobson Series 3 Leo’s Passport Penny – Imelda Staunton Caroline – Karen Bartke Hannah’s Gone Hannah’s Mum – Josie Lawrence Mothers and Daughters Coral – Frances Barber Girl – Karen Bartke Boy – Luke MacGregor Anthea’s Round Robin Anthea – Samantha Bond Series 4 The Last Day Miss Cavendish – Vicki Pepperdine The Visit Reader – Doon Mackichan The Nannas Dawn – Tilly Vosburgh A Nice Time with All the Family Julie – Beverley Callard Series 5 A Long Weekend Cathy – Anne Reid The Kitchen Table Reader – Monica Dolan The Book Club Belle – Lucy Robinson Greta Doesn’t Want to Wait for Godot Greta – Amelia Bullmore"

Jenny Eclair (Author), Anita Dobson, Anne Reid, Doon Mackichan, Frances Barber, Full Cast, Imelda Staunton, Jenny Eclair, Josie Lawrence, Lesley Sharp, Samantha Bond (Narrator)

Audiobook

Everyone Quite Likes Justin: The Complete Series 1-2

"In one version of his life, Justin is a well-known local Manchester radio DJ who is successful, funny, and stopped in the street by adoring fans. He's the man who has everything. In another version he's a DJ in a slightly shabby local radio station who gets hassled by the occasional oddball on the street. And he's the man who hopes for everything. The truth lies somewhere in between. And at home? Well, naturally, his private life is chaotic. His wife has left him, taking custody of his 8-year-old son Justin jnr, and is in the process of taking him to the cleaners. So he's back on the market. As is his house - so he's currently living in his father-in-law's spare room in Bury. The only person who understands him is his Gran, living in luxury in an old folk's home in Warrington. Oh, and his producer Bryn but this might not be a good thing. Despite all this mess, Justin always remains positive. Every new day is a new opportunity, 'When life throws you lemons, make lemonade'. This complete collection of Everyone Quite Likes Justin, Justin is played by Justin Moorhouse, Gran by Anne Reid, Ray by Paul Copley and Lisa by Christine Bottomley. There's a satisfyingly high gag hit-rate for this new comedy about a radio presenter - The Guardian Producer: Steven Canny"

Jim Poyser, Justin Moorhouse (Author), Anne Reid, Full Cast, Jim Poyser, Justin Moorhouse, Paul Copley (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Salt Path: The Sunday Times bestseller, shortlisted for the 2018 Costa Biography Award & The Wai

"Penguin presents the audiobook edition of The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, read by Anne Reid. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years is terminally ill, the couple lose their home and their livelihood. With nothing left and little time, they make the brave and impulsive decision to walk the 630 miles of the sea-swept South West Coast Path, from Somerset to Dorset, via Devon and Cornwall. They have almost no money for food or shelter and must carry only the essentials for survival on their backs as they live wild in the ancient, weathered landscape of cliffs, sea and sky. Yet through every step, every encounter, and every test along the way, their walk becomes a remarkable journey."

Raynor Winn (Author), Anne Reid (Narrator)

Audiobook

Doctor Who: Time Lord Fairy Tales

"Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable, audiobook edition of Doctor Who: Time Lord Fairy Tales read by Tom Baker, Joanna Page, Adjoa Andoh, Ingrid Oliver, Anne Reid, Dan Starkey, Sophie Aldred, Rachael Stirling, Samuel Anderson, Nicholas Briggs, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Yasmin Paige, Michelle Gomez, Paul McGann & Andrew Brooke. A collection of dark and ancient fairy tales from the world of Doctor Who, these captivating stories include mysterious myths and legends about heroes and monsters of all kinds, from every corner of the universe. Originally told to young Time Lords at bedtime, these twisted tales are enchanting for Doctor Who fans of all ages."

Justin Richards (Author), Adjoa Andoh, Andrew Brooke, Anne Reid, Dan Starkey, Ingrid Oliver, Joanna Page, Michelle Gomez, Nicholas Briggs, Paul Mcgann, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Rachael Stirling, Samuel Anderson, Sophie Aldred, Tom Baker, Yasmin Paige (Narrator)

Audiobook

Noonday

"Penguin presents the unabridged, downloadable, audiobook edition of Noonday by Pat Barker, read by Juliet Stevenson, Stephen Boxer, John Sackville, Anne Reid & Finlay Robertson From the Booker Prize-winning and Women's Prize-shortlisted author of The Silence of the Girls The final novel in Pat Barker's acclaimed 'Life Class' trilogy - an unforgettable story of art and war, from one of our greatest writers on war and the human heart 'Bold, hard-hitting, unforgettable, with luminous and unsparing insight' Independent on Sunday 'Barker's command of detail and gift for metaphor are as sharp as ever... Noonday is in the first rank' Mail on Sunday '[There is] no end to her talent in describing how conflicts rupture the soul' Arifa Akbar, Independent London, the Blitz, autumn 1940. As the bombs fall on the blacked-out city, ambulance driver Elinor Brooke races from bomb sites to hospitals trying to save the lives of injured survivors, working alongside former friend Kit Neville, while her husband Paul works as an air-raid warden. As the bombing intensifies, the constant risk of death makes all three of them reach out for quick consolation. Old loves and obsessions re-surface until Elinor is brought face to face with an almost impossible choice. Writing about the Second World War for the first time, Pat Barker brings the besieged and haunted city of London into electrifying life. The Life Class trilogy: Life Class Toby's Room Noonday"

Pat Barker (Author), Anne Reid, Finlay Robertson, John Sackville, Juliet Stevenson, Stephen Boxer (Narrator)

Audiobook

Mr Larkin's Awkward Day: A Sony Radio Academy Award-Winning Play

"Chris Harrald's Sony Radio Academy Award-winning play takes a light-hearted look at a chaotic day in the life of an emerging poet. One morning in September 1957, Philip Larkin receives a very official looking letter which sends him into a spin. The events that unfold provide a delicious insight into Philip's character, with a tremendous sense of period. The Sony Gold citation said: 'Assured direction, excellent performances and concise, skilfully-researched writing all made this deceptively straightforward story a masterpiece. Funny and touching by turns, a single, seemingly insignificant incident in the life of Philip Larkin brought out the humanity and humour of a poet whose personal life is not commonly associated with either.' Starring Adrian Scarborough as Philip Larkin with a cast including Anne Reid, Lynne Verrall, Stephen Critchlow and Chris Pavlo."

Chris Harrald (Author), Adrian Scarborough, Anne Reid, Lynne Verrall (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Anne Reid