Audiobooks narrated by Anton Lesser

Seneca’s Tragedies: Thyestes & Oedipus: Two Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations & Seneca’s Letters

"Full-cast productions of Seneca’s most famous tragedies, plus letters from the Roman philosopher read by Paul Scofield Stoic philosopher and playwright Lucius Annaeus Seneca lived through the reigns of Caligula and Claudius, and was tutor and adviser to Nero, before his untimely suicide in AD65. His gory, outrageous tragedy Thyestes inspired Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, and is widely considered his masterpiece. It opens this collection, which also includes his classic Oedipus, a selection of his correspondence and two special documentary programmes exploring the man and his life. Thyestes – Brothers Atreus and Thyestes have fought a long and bitter civil war. After seducing Atreus’ wife and stealing the golden ram of kingship, Thyestes is defeated and banished. A pretend offer of friendship sees him returning home with his three sons, ostensibly to share the throne of Argos – but in reality, Atreus Is plotting a horrifying act of revenge. Denis Quilley and Richard Pasco star as Thyestes and Atreus, wih Anton Lesser as the Messenger. Oedipus – Cursed by the gods, Oedipus flees his native city of Corinth for Thebes. There, he solves the riddle of the Sphinx, is proclaimed King and marries Queen Jocasta. But when the city is struck by drought and a deadly plague, he is faced with a new riddle: and the answer spells his own doom… Seneca’s reworking of the Ancient Greek legend is adapted by onetime Poet Laureate Ted Hughes, and stars Martin Jarvis and Siân Phillips. Seneca’s Letters – Paul Scofield reads a selection of Seneca’s lively, humorous philosophical letters to his young friend Lucilius, in which he discurses on topics including the evils of crowds, the pleasures of old age, the perils of drunkenness, the folly of wanderlust and the part played by philosophy in advancing civilization. Is Seneca Possible? – In a personal reflection on the celebrated playwright, poet James Fenton attempts to put him into historical context. T S Eliot asserted that Seneca ‘created his own genre’, but with so few examples of Roman tragedy remaining, has our view been distorted by the drama we’ve lost? In Our Time: Seneca the Younger – Melvyn Bragg and guests Mary Beard, Catharine Edwards and Alessandro Schiesaro discuss Seneca, reflecting on his status as one of the first great writers born in the new Roman empire after the fall of the Republic. NB: Contains strong language Thyestes Thyestes – Denis Quilley Atreus – Richard Pasco The Messenger – Anton Lesser Fury – Hugh Dickson Ghost of Tantalus – David March Courtier – Anthony Newlands Tantalus, Thyestes’ son – Crawford Logan His brothers – Stuart Organ & Simon Hewitt Seneca – Peter Tuddenham Chorus – Hugh Dickson, David Gooderson, Simon Hewitt, Anton Lesser, Crawford Logan, Stuart Organ, Richard Pasco, Denis Quilley, Peter Tuddenham Oedipus Oedipus – Martin Jarvis Jocasta – Siân Phillips Creon – John Rowe Tiresias – Hugh Dickson Manto – Frances Jeater Corinthian Messenger – Nigel Graham Phorbas – Timothy Bateson Theban Slave – David Gooderson Chorus Leader – Stephen Thorne Chorus – James Bryce, Jill Lidstone, David Peart, Jean Trend, David Gooderson, Nigel Graham, Timothy Bateson Seneca’s Letters 1: Avoid the Crowds; Befriend Your Slaves 2: The Pleasures of Old Age 3: Worldly Noise and the Tranquil Mind 4: Thoughts in a Dark Tunnel 5: Philosophy v Daily Trivialities Is Seneca Possible? Presented by James Fenton In Our Time: Seneca the Younger Presented by Melvyn Bragg With Mary Beard, Catharine Edwards and Alessandro Schiesaro Produced by Simon Tillotson © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Seneca (Author), Anton Lesser, Crawford Logan, Denis Quilley, Francis Jeater, Full Cast, Hugh Dickson, Martin Jarvis, Paul Schofield, Sian Phillips, Stephen Thorne, Timothy Bateson (Narrator)

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Arthur Schnitzler: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Nine Full Cast Productions plus a reading of Dream Story

"Nine full-cast dramatisations of Schnitzler’s sizzling psychological plays and stories, plus a reading of Dream Story The sharp, provocative works of Viennese writer Arthur Schnitzler have been banned for transgressive content, burned by the Nazis, and beloved by fellow writers and artists – many of whom took inspiration from his pieces for their own work. This includes his well-known 1926 novella Dream Story, which was reversioned as the 1999 hit Stanley Kubrick film Eyes Wide Shut, and La Ronde or Love Game, which were adapted for the stage at various times by David Hare, Tom Stoppard, and David Harrower. This comprehensive collection features some of Schnitzler’s finest tales of love, sex, jealousy and desire, brought to life by ensemble casts, feauturing Angharad Rees, Anton Lesser, Malcolm Sinclair, Carole Boyd, Martin Jarvis, Maureen O’Brien, and many others. Also included is the erotic, enigmatic Dream Story, read by award-winning actor Paul Rhys. Content List: - The Spring Sonata - Love Games, aka Liebelei - A Confirmed Bachelor - Anatol - Professor Bernhardi - Intermezzo - What a Hysterical Girl - Lieutenant Gustl - Festival of Bacchus - Dream Story With thanks to Keith Wickham and the Radio Circle for sourcing the recordings. Cast and credits The Spring Sonata Featuring: Alison Ram, James Duke, Claudia Harrison, Christopher Kent, Michael Jenn, David Thorpe, Fenella Norman, Vanessa Rosenthal, John McCraw, Catherine Kinsella, Dominic Curran, Sam Starling Dramatised by Vanessa Rosenthal Directed by Chris Wallis Love Games Featuring: Angharad Rees, Anton Lesser, Diana Bishop, John Webb, Geoffrey Matthews, Carole Boyd, William Hope Translated by Charles Osborne Adapted for radio by John Scotney Directed by Walter Acosta Pianist: Mary Nash Technical presentation: Keith Perrin A Confirmed Bachelor Featuring: Keith Drinkel, Cathy Sara, Jo Rafferty, Oona Beeson, Robert Lister, Sunny Ormonde, Richard da Costa, Marian Kemmer, Elizabeth Wofford Dramatised by Vanessa Rosenthal Directed by Peter Leslie Wild Anatol Starring Malcolm Sinclair as Anatol and Simon Shepherd as Max With Victoria Carling, Pauline Moran, Julia Swift, Helena Breck, Jane Bertish, Richard Pearce, Emily Richard, Melinda Walker and Roy Miles Directed by Glyn Dearman Music by Colin Guthrie played by the composer, Perry Montague-Mason and Chris Laurence Professor Bernhardi Featuring Dorit Welles, Leslie Heritage, Gabriel Woolf, John John, John Rye, Jack May, John Wyse, David Spenser, Victor Lucas, Lewis Stringer, James Thomason, Gerald Cross, Richard Hurndall, Martin Friend, Patrick Tull, David Hadda, John Gabriel Produced by Archie Campbell Adapted for radio by Mollie Hardwick from the English version by Louis Borrell and Ronald Adam Intermezzo Featuring James Aubrey, Mel Martin, Tim Woodward, Kim Wall, Julie Berry, Haydn Gwynne, Alistair White, Jennifer Piercey, Elaine Claxton English version by Robert David MacDonald Original music composed, and piano played, by Terence Allbright Song sung by Anna Bernardin Directed by Glyn Dearman What a Hysterical Girl Starring Carole Boyd as She, John Rye as He and Vernon Joyner as the Narrator Produced by Martin Esslin Lieutenant Gustl Starring Hugh Hayes as Gustl With Michael Graham Cox and Ian Targett Translated by George Roubicek Dramatised by George Roubicek, Ivor Benjamin and Hugh Hayes Directed by Ivor Benjamin Produced by Caroline Raphael Festival of Bacchus Featuring Martin Jarvis, Maureen O’Brien, Dinsdale Landen, Josie Kidd, Gordon Reid Translated and adapted for radio by Basil Ashmore Directed by Martin Jenkins Dream Story Read by Paul Rhys Translated by JMQ Davies Produced by Eugene Murphy © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Arthur Schnitzler (Author), Anton Lesser, Dinsdale Landen, Full Cast, Hadyn Gwynne, Keith Drinkel, Martin Jarvis, Oona Beeson (Narrator)

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Euripides’ Greek Tragedies: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: The Women of Troy, Medea, Alcestis and more

"A selection of Euripides’ renowned Greek tragedies, adapted for BBC Radio Acclaimed by Aristotle as ‘the most tragic of the poets’, Euripides was one of the pre-eminent playwrights of 5th century Athens. Included here are seven of his masterpieces: powerful, shocking tales of passion, suffering and revenge that still resonate with us today. Among the star casts are Maxine Peake, Richard Dormer, Roger Allam, Olympia Dukakis, Christine Bottomley, Timothy West, Siân Phillips, Emma Fielding and Anton Lesser. The Women of Troy – Troy has fallen. The great city is destroyed, its men slaughtered and its women held captive: among them, Hecuba and her daughters... In Linda Marshall Griffith’s contemporary reimagining of Euripides’ compelling anti-war play, journalist Sappho leads a chorus of women as they record and broadcast their testimonies on social media for the world to witness. Iph... – Colin Teevan’s forceful, vigorous version of Iphigeneia at Aulis sees the Greek leader Agamemnon facing a horrifying choice. With the Greek fleet becalmed at Aulis, should he sacrifice Iphigeneia to the gods for a fair wind to Troy, or save his beloved daughter at the cost of his honour? Alcestis – When the gods insist that King Admetos must die, his devoted wife Alcestis offers herself in his place and goes to the grave in his stead. Can the hero Heracles rescue her from Death’s clutches? Hecuba – Having watched the rape and pillage of Troy, the widowed, enslaved Trojan queen learns that her daughter is to be sacrificed to the spirit of Achilles, and her youngest son has been murdered by the man who was meant to protect him. Grief-stricken, she vows to take vengeance… An elegant, fierce rendering by Timberlake Wertenbaker of Euripides’ controversial classic. Hippolytus – Angered that Theseus’ illegitimate son refuses to worship her, the goddess Aphrodite swears revenge. Using her divine power, she causes Theseus’ wife Phaedra to fall desperately in love with Hippolytus – and condemns them both to death… The ‘Ion’ of Euripides – Young temple slave Ion has grown up believing himself an orphan. When he meets Queen Kreousa, who was raped by Apollo and forced to give up the resulting child, he discovers his true parentage – but is he destined to die at the hands of his mother? The Medea of Euripides – Abandoned by her faithless husband, Jason, the vengeful sorceress Medea determines to punish him. Driven by ruthless, cold-blooded rage, she plots to kill his new bride – and murder her own children... NB: Contains strong language The Women of Troy Iph... Alcestis Hecuba Hippolytus The ‘Ion’ of Euripides The Medea of Euripides © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Euripides (Author), Anton Lesser, Christine Bottomley, Emma Fielding, Full Cast, Maxine Peake, Richard Dormer, Roger Allam, Sian Philips, Timothy West (Narrator)

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The Robe: A BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramatisation

"A full-cast dramatisation of the bestselling Biblical adventure story by Lloyd C. Douglas Weary of governing, the half-crazed Emperor Tiberius retreats to Capri, leaving his loathsome stepson, Prince Gaius, in charge of an increasingly corrupt Rome. Few dare speak out against him – so when young tribune Marcellus Gallio insults him at a banquet, he is sent away on a punishment posting to a remote hill-fort in Palestine. On arrival, he is invited to take a detachment of legionaries to Jerusalem, to help keep order during Passover. But once in the city, he finds himself officiating at the crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. To blot out the horror, he gets drunk and takes part in a dice game, where he wins Christ’s robe – but the garment affects him strangely, and he suffers a complete nervous collapse. Accompanied by his faithful slave Demetrius, Marcellus sets out on a journey, hoping to heal his mind and learn more about the man he was ordered to crucify. But will he put himself and everyone he cares about in danger...? Meanwhile, Marcellus’ childhood sweetheart Diana has rushed to Capri to plead with Tiberius to send him back home. But the Emperor has his own plans for his beautiful granddaughter, and will not let her leave. Caught up in a madman’s manoeuvrings, can she escape to freedom? And what fate awaits her if she does? One of the most popular novels of the 1940s, The Robe was No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list for a year, and in 1953, it was made into an Oscar-winning movie starring Richard Burton and Jean Simmons. Adapted for radio in 1987, this epic tale of love, faith and redemption won the Silver Sony Award for Best Dramatisation, and stars Edward de Souza as the Narrator, Anton Lesser as Marcellus, Stuart Organ as Demetrius, Helena Breck as Diana and Annette Crosbie as Empress Julia. Written by Lloyd C. Douglas Dramatised by David Buck ‘Miriam’s Song’ composed by David Timson Directed by Martin Jenkins Cast Narrator/Tiberius – Edward de Souza Marcellus Gallio – Anton Lesser Senator Gallio – Bernard Hepton Demetrius – Stuart Organ Diana – Helena Breck Tuscus – Brian Hewlett Quintus – Christian Rodska Lucia – Susie Brann Tertia – Deborah Makepeace Prince Gaius – Keith Drinkel Marcipor – Manning Wilson Boy – Elizabeth Lindsay Cornelia – Pauline Letts Captain Manius – Sean Arnold Sextus – Henry Stamper Paulus – David Buck Melas – Timothy Bateson Pontius Pilate – John Castle Paula – Rachel Gurney Pilate’s aide/Second soldier – Steven Harrold Dion/Centurion/Groom – Brian Hewlett Chamberlain – Alan Dudley Theodosia – Sue Broomfield Benjamin – Cyril Shaps Justus – John Bennett Philip – Alkis Constantouris Stephanos – David Timson Benyosef – Cyril Luckham Simon Peter/Captain – Anthony Jackson Trader/Prisoner – Tim Reynolds Warder/Drunken soldier/First soldier/Caligula – Jonathan Tafler Miriam – Karen Ascoe Reuben – Clive Swift Naomi – Linda Polan Guard/Sentry – Kim Wall Empress Julia – Annette Crosbie Atreus/Driver/Slave – David Goodland Serving girl – Elaine Claxton Overseer/Sentry – Richard Durden Antonia – Jennifer Piercey Woman/Salome – Sheila Grant Sarpedon – David March First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12 April-17 May 1987 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Lloyd C. Douglas (Author), Annette Crosbie, Anton Lesser, Edward De Souza, Full Cast, Helena Breck, Stuart Organ (Narrator)

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Robert Browning: The Ring and the Book, The Pied Piper of Hamelin & more: BBC Radio dramatic reimaginings of five iconic poems

"BBC Radio dramatisations and readings of Browning’s most famous poems, performed by stars including Anton Lesser, Roger Allam and David Tennant, plus two bonus plays Victorian poet Robert Browning was renowned for his evocative dramatic monologues peopled with vivid, morally ambiguous characters. In 1846, he eloped with fellow poet Elizabeth Barrett, and they rapidly became Britain’s most famous literary power couple. This collection brings together four of Browning’s poetic masterpieces, juxtaposed with a play inspired by his work and a drama about Robert and Elizabeth’s romance. The Ring and the Book – In the aftermath of a triple stabbing, Rome is rife with speculation. Accused of murdering his young wife and her parents, Count Guido Franceschini is put on trial, and finds himself desperately fighting for his life. Anton Lesser, Roger Allam and Andrew Sachs star in this thrilling tale of of sex, lies, murder and justice. The Pied Piper of Hamlin – When a town fails to pay the rat-catcher who has lured all the rats away with his magic pipe, the piper takes a terrible revenge. Playing his music once more, he leads all the children from the town. Only one boy remains behind… David Tennant stars as the Narrator, with Bertie Gilbert as the boy. My Last Duchess – Based on Browning’s chilling poem about an aristocrat whose wife died young in suspicious circumstances, this intriguing dramatisation attempts to solve the mystery of what happened to the duchess, and who did the deed. Starring Roger Allam, Emily Mortimer and Tim McInnerny. Content Warning: The themes present in this drama could be distressing for some listeners . Andrea del Sarto – Richard Pasco reads Robert Browning's monologue about the 16th-century Florentine artist known as ‘the faultless painter’, whose marriage was the source of deep unhappiness. The Contemplative Life – Brother James's loathing of oafish Brother Lawrence has led him to petty acts of destruction. As a punishment, he is forced to share a cell with him… Alan Rickman and Michael Aldridge star in this comedy inspired by Browning’s poem ‘Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister’. The Barretts of Wimpole Street – Starring Dorothy Tutin and Jeremy Brett, this radio version of Rudolf Besier’s celebrated stage play explores the secret courtship of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, which took place at No 50 Wimpole Street, her father’s forbidding household. First published 1842 (‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin’, ‘My Last Duchess’), 1855 (‘Andrea del Sarto’), 1868 (‘The Ring and the Book’) Cast and credits Written by Robert Browning The Ring and the Book Cast: Anton Lesser, Roger Allam, Lou Brealey, Dominic Rowan, Andrew Sachs, Frances Jeater, Dan Starkey, Stephen Critchlow, Ben Crowe, Chris Pavlo, Joan Walker, John Rowe, Michael Maloney, Stephen Moore The Pied Piper of Hamelin Cast: David Tennant, Bertie Gilbert With music and songs written and performed by John Harle, lyrics by Joyce Harle, sung by Thomas Platts, head chorister at Canterbury Cathedral with the choir of Wingham School, Kent My Last Duchess Cast: Roger Allam, Emily Mortimer, Tim McInnerny, Robert Hands, John Hartley, Jacob Heringman Andrea del Sarto Read by Richard Pasco The Contemplative Life Cast: Alan Rickman, Michael Aldridge, David Garth, Brian Smith, Colin Starkey, David Sinclair, Trevor Nichols, John Webb The Barretts of Wimpole Street Cast: Dorothy Tutin, Jeremy Brett, Paul Rogers, William Eedle, John Rowe, John Samson, Robin Browne, David Valla, Christopher Good, Kate Binchy, Jane Knowles, Kenneth Fortescue, Helen Worth, Michael Kilgarriff, Rolf Lefebvre, John Ruddock, Sheila Grant © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Robert Browning (Author), Alan Rickman, Andrew Sachs, Anton Lesser, Ben Crowe, Chris Pavlo, Dan Starkey, David Tennant, Emily Mortimer, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Joan Walker, Louise Brealey, Roger Allam, Stephen Critchlow, Tim McInnerny (Narrator)

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Banned Books: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Four Full-Cast Dramatisations of Modern Classics

"Four modern masterpieces that dared to push boundaries and disrupt the status quo Deviant. Depraved. Dangerous. Denounced for their transgressive themes and inflammatory ideas, these 20th-century classics have all been considered so seditious that they had to be suppressed. Find out what made these iconic works so threatening to governments worldwide in these superlative dramatisations, featuring stellar casts and specially composed music. Ulysses – Prosecuted for obscenity in the UK and US, James Joyce’s seminal novel tells the combined stories of Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom, as they wander through Dublin on one ordinary day: 16th June 1904. The Well of Loneliness – Radclyffe Hall’s groundbreaking tale of lesbian love was judged as obscene soon after its publication in 1928, and banned in the UK for over 20 years. It centres around Stephen, a baby girl born to well-to-do parents who grows up feeling ‘different’ and knows she will never be attracted to a man. But will she always be an outcast? Brave New World – Aldous Huxley's visionary dystopian fable, banned in Ireland and Australia when it first appeared in 1932, portrays a corrupt future society where promiscuity is the norm, eugenics a respectable science and the drug soma is the opiate of the people. Token dissidents Bernard Marx and Helmholtz Watson long to be free – but it is an outsider, John ‘the Savage’, who shows them the true meaning of rebellion. Nineteen Eighty-Four – London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster, the Thought Police uncover every act of betrayal. When Ministry of Truth employee Winston Smith finds love with Julia, the duo begin to question the Party – but for enemies of the state, Room 101 awaits… George Orwell’s classic tale, banned in the Soviet Union until 1988 and still one of the most-challenged books in the USA today. The star-studded casts of these dramatisations include Andrew Scott, Henry Goodman, Niamh Cusack, Stephen Rea, Valerie Edmond, Amanda Root, Justin Salinger, John Coy, Milton Lopes, Christopher Eccleston, Pippa Nixon and Tim Pigott-Smith. First published 1918 (Ulysses), 1928 (The Well of Loneliness), 1932 (Brave New World), 1949 (Nineteen Eighty-Four) Cast and credits Ulysses Cast: Stephen Rea, Andrew Scott, Kevin Trainor, Harry Livingstone, Janet Moran, Ronan Raftery, Jim Norton, Joshua Ellershaw, Aidan Dunlop, Henry Goodman, Niamh Cusack, Grainne Keenan, Stephen Hogan, Des McAleer, Christine Absalom, Jonathan Forbes, Bronagh Taggart, Sean Campion, John Rogan, Peter Hamilton Dyer, Joshua Ellershaw, Lorcan Cranitch, Gerard McDermott, Denise Gough, Pip Donaghy, Frances Barber, Susie Riddell Written by James Joyce Dramatised by Robin Brooks Directed by Jeremy Mortimer and Jonquil Panting Produced by Jeremy Mortimer Executive producer: Claire Grove Singer: Daire Halpin Pianist: Colin Guthrie The Well of Loneliness Cast: Valerie Edmond, Alexandra Bateman, Roberta Kerr, Rob Pickvance, Amanda Root, Sarah Parks, Paul Warriner, Russell Dixon, Katy Cavanagh, Sara Kaplan, Thomas Hudson, Martin Reeve, Paul Warriner, Katy Cavanagh, Malcolm Hebden Written by Radclyffe Hall Dramatised by Sarah Woods Directed by Melanie Harris Music composed and performed by Odaline de la Martinez Celloist: Andy Wardale Violinist: Janet Fuste Brave New World Cast: Justin Salinger, Jonathan Coy, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Anton Lesser, Milton Lopes, Karina Fernandez, Nicola Ferguson, Sam Rix, James Lailey, Sean Baker, Scarlett Brookes, Brian Protheroe, Nick Underwood Written by Aldous Huxley Dramatised by Jonathan Holloway Directed by David Hunter Nineteen Eighty-Four Cast: Christopher Eccleston, Pippa Nixon, Tim Pigott-Smith, Kim Wall, Robert Blythe, Sam Alexander, Susie Riddell, Christine Absalom, Don Gilet, Joe Sims and Joshua Swinney Written by George Orwell Dramatised by Jonathan Holloway Directed by Jeremy Mortimer (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Aldous Huxley, George Orwell, James Joyce, Radclyffe Hall (Author), Andrew Scott, Anton Lesser, Christopher Eccleston, Full Cast, Henry Goodman, Jonathan Coy, Justin Salinger, Niamh Cusack, Pippa Nixon, Stephen Rea, Tim Pigott-Smith, Valerie Edmond (Narrator)

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Aldous Huxley: A BBC Radio Collection: Including Brave New World, Antic Hay, The Devils & more

"BBC Radio adaptations of Aldous Huxley’s finest works – plus a bonus documentary programme ‘Over nine hours’ worth of quality drama… The stories presented in ‘A BBC Radio Collection’ combine to give the listener a taste of Huxley’s versatility as a writer. His vivid imagination always leaves the listener with philosophical ideas to ponder.’ Greg Jameson, Entertainment Focus Philosopher, pacifist, psychonaut and prophet, Aldous Huxley was one of the 20th century’s pre-eminent intellectuals and writers. The author of over 50 books, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize nine times, and elected Companion of Literature by the Royal Society of Literature in 1962, a year before his death. Known for his mordant satire and visionary ideas, Huxley spanned the period from post-First World War disillusionment to mid-century mysticism, and the works in this collection reflect his literary evolution. Antic Hay, his witty, ironic portrait of the glittering hedonism of 1920s London, is dramatised by award-winning playwright Mike Harris, and stars James Cooney and Emily Pithon. Originally a short story, Huxley’s dark comedy of manners The Gioconda Smile was adapted as a hit West End play in 1948. This BBC Radio dramatisation stars Peter Bowles as the womanizing Henry Hutton, about to marry his second wife but accused of killing his first. Brave New World is Huxley’s classic 1932 tale of a future totalitarian dystopia, where promiscuity is the norm, eugenics a respectable science and the drug Soma is freely available. Adapted for Radio 4, it stars Jonathan Coy, Justin Salinger, Milton Lopes and Anton Lesser. Aldous Huxley’s 1953 novel The Devils of Loudun, an imagined account of a real-life witch trial in 17th-century France, was revamped for the stage as The Devils in 1960. A gripping tale of mass hysteria, religious and sexual obsession and alleged demonic possession, this radio version stars Michael Bryant and Sarah Badel. The Dwarves, a full-cast drama based on Chapter 13 of Crome Yellow, tells the story of Sir Hercules and his wife Filomena, whose country-house haven for dwarves like themselves is unexpectedly threatened. David Learner, Claire Faulconbridge and Garard Green star. Concluding our collection are readings of five of his short stories set in the 1920s and a fascinating biographical documentary. Edward Petherbridge reads ‘Cynthia’, ‘The Bookshop’, ‘Eupompus Gave Splendour to Art by Numbers’, ‘Fard’ and ‘The Portrait’, while the documentary All Those Vile Bodies explores the contradictions of the satirist of the brittle 20s turned prescient critic of 20th-century progress. Valentine Cunningham presents, with contributions from Sybille Bedford, Lord Jenkins, Sir Stephen Spender, Gavin Ewart, Julian Symons and Lewis Wolpert, and archive recordings of Huxley, his brother Julian and contemporaries. First published 1920 (‘Cynthia’, ‘The Bookshop’, ‘Eupompus Gave Splendour to Art by Numbers’), 1921 (‘The Dwarves’), 1923 (Antic Hay), 1924 (‘Fard’, ‘The Portrait’), 1932 (Brave New World), 1948 (The Gioconda Smile), 1960 (The Devils) © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.(P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Aldous Huxley (Author), Anton Lesser, Claire Faulconbridge, David Learner, Edward Petherbridge, Emily Pithon, Full Cast, Garard Green, James Cooney, Jonathan Coy, Justin Salinger, Michael Bryant, Milton Lopes, Peter Bowles, Sarah Badel (Narrator)

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Goethe: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Six Full-Cast Dramatisations including Faust, The Sorrows of Young Werther and more

"A collection of seminal dramatised pieces by the great German polymath Johann Wolfgang Goethe was a colossus of German literature and a true Renaissance man. A novelist, dramatist, poet, humanist, scientist and philosopher, he wrote the first international bestseller, The Sorrows of Young Werther, and his epic masterpiece Faust is one of the most famous and celebrated dramas of all time. We open this anthology with a dramatisation of Faust, which tells of a magus with an insatiable thirst for knowledge who makes a pact with the Devil. Featuring atmospheric music performed by the King's College Choir and the BBC Singers, it stars Simon Callow as Faust, with Ronald Pickup as Mephistopheles. It is followed by The Sorrows of Young Werther, Goethe's tale of a passionate young artist at odds with society, who falls hopelessly in love with his friend's fiancée. Dramatised by award-winning playwright Hattie Naylor and introduced by Cambridge University lecturer Dr Charlotte Lee, it stars Joel MacCormack, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jack Farthing. Originally published in 1795 under the title 'The Green Snake and the Beautiful Lily', A Fairy Tale is a magical, mysterious and strikingly modern story whose images foreshadow the poetry of surrealism. David Davis is the Teller of the Tale, with Rosalind Shanks as The Beautiful Lily and Mary Morris as The Serpent. Next up are a trio of historical tragedies: Egmont, set in 16th century Brussels and with a score specially composed by Ludwig van Beethoven; Iphigenia in Tauris, a reworking of the ancient Greek play by Euripides; and Torquato Tasso, a verse drama about the eponymous 16th century Italian poet and courtier and his descent into madness. All three feature superb ensemble casts including Paul Daneman, John Rye, Maureen O'Brien, Anton Lesser, Michael Pennington and David Suchet. To conclude, four bonus documentaries examine Goethe's life, work and influence. In Search of Faust sees poet and singer Twm Morys exploring why artists have been fascinated by this unlikely hero for the last 500 years; while Spotlight: The Sorrows of Young Werther looks at the tragic protagonist of Goethe's 1774 epistolary novel. In Our Time: Goethe and the Science of Enlightenment finds Melvyn Bragg and guests assessing Goethe's scientific legacy, and in The Forum - Goethe: The story of colour, Bridget Kendal discusses his monumental book The Theory of Colours with art historian Alexandra Loske, writer Victoria Finlay and designer Odette Steele. First published 1774 (The Sorrows of Young Werther), 1779 (Iphigenia in Tauris), 1788 (Egmont), 1790 (Torquato Tasso), 1795 ('The Green Snake and the Beautiful Lily), 1808 (Faust, Part One), 1832 (Faust, Part Two) Faust: Dramatisation for radio (c) Anthony Vivis 1982. All rights reserved. Torquato Tasso: Translation (c) Alan and Sandy Brownjohn 1982, all rights reserved. Production credits Written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Faust The Sorrows of Young Werther A Fairy Tale Egmont Iphigenia in Tauris Torquato Tasso In Search of Faust Presented by Twm Morys Spotlight: The Sorrows of Young Werther In Our Time: Goethe and the Science of the Enlightenment Presented by Melvyn Bragg With Nicholas Boyle and Simon Schaffer The Forum - Goethe: The story of colour Presented by Bridget Kendall With Alexandra Loske, Victoria Finlay and Odette Steele © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethes (Author), Anton Lesser, Daisy Edgar-Jones, David Suchet, Eileen Aitkin, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Gabriel Woolf, Jack Farthing, Joel Maccormack, Melvyn Bragg, Ronald Pickup, Simon Callow (Narrator)

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Classic Dystopias: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: The Time Machine, We, The Trial, Brave New World, Nineteen Eighty-Four, The Chrysalids

"Full-cast dramatisations of six masterpieces from the founding fathers of dystopian fiction Dark and disturbing, provocative and prescient, dystopian literature has long captured our imagination with its nightmarish visions of forbidding future worlds. Included here are six classic novels of time-travel, totalitarianism and terror, written by some of the masters of speculative fiction and adapted for radio with all-star casts. The Time Machine by HG Wells - A Victorian inventor takes a fateful journey into the far future, where mankind has diverged into two species - the Eloi and the Morlocks. Robert Glenister and William Gaunt star in this pioneering science fiction adventure. We by Evgeny Zamyatin - In a post-revolutionary future, OneState is ruled according to the principles of rationality. The penalty for dissent is death. But when engineer D-503 meets the beautiful 1-330, he begins to question everything... Starring Anton Lesser, Don Warrington and Brigit Forsyth. The Trial by Franz Kafka - Josef K is an ordinary man who lives a quiet life. Then, one morning, he is awoken by two men and arrested - but what is his crime? Mike Gwylim stars in this gripping dramatisation by Hanif Kureishi. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - It's 2116 and Helmholtz Watson and Bernard Marx are token rebels in a society where eugenics, promiscuity and happiness are gently enforced. Into this world comes an outsider, John, who will show the duo what rebellion really means... Starring Justin Salinger, John Coy and Milton Lopes. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell - Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth, rewriting history to suit the Party. When he finds love with Julia, he awakens to new possibilities - but free thinking is forbidden, and Big Brother is always watching... Christopher Eccleston and Pippa Nixon star in Orwell's chilling tale. The Chrysalids by John Wyndham - In a post-apocalyptic world devastated by genetic mutation, the God-respecting people of Waknuk regard deviation as the work of the Devil. Young David and his friends can communicate by telepathy: but as Mutants, they must hide their powers or face the consequences of discovery... Starring Matthew Beard, Verity-May Henry and Emma Cunniffe. First published 1899 (The Time Machine), 1921 (We), 1925 (The Trial), 1932 (Brave New World), 1949 (Nineteen Eighty-Four), 1955 (The Chrysalids) (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Aldous Huxley, Franz Kafka, George Orwell, H.G. Wells, John Wyndham, Yevgeni Zamyatin (Author), Anton Lesser, Brigit Forsyth, Christopher Eccleston, Don Warrington, Full Cast, Jonathan Coy, Justin Salinger, Matthew Beard, Mike Gwylim, Pippa Nixon, Robert Glenister, William Gaunt (Narrator)

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Anton Chekhov: 6 Full-Cast BBC Radio Productions: The Seagull, The Cherry Orchard, Uncle Vanya, Wild Honey & More

"BBC radio productions of some of Anton Chekhov's finest plays A master of Russian realism, Anton Chekhov is renowned for his meticulously observed plays and short stories exploring the human condition, in all its joys and sorrows. Included here are six of his best-known dramas, as well as Michael Frayn's adaptation of Wild Honey, drawn from an early, untitled Chekhov play; and one documentary exploring Chekhov's life and work. Wild Honey - The acclaimed radio version of Michael Frayn's adaptation and Olivier Award-winning comedy, in which village teacher Platonov's youthful ambitions are rekindled when the seductive Sofya arrives. Ian McKellen stars as Platonov The Seagull - Recorded on location in Russia, this much-praised version of Chekhov's classic set on a lakeside dacha features a star cast including Diana Quick, Alex Jennings, Robert Glenister and Helena Bonham-Carter. Ivanov - 19th Century landowner Ivanov is in debt and depressed - can the love of a beautiful young woman rejuvenate him? Alec McCowan, Maurice Denham, Maxine Audley and Judi Dench star in this vintage production, adapted by John Gielgud. The Cherry Orchard- Returning home from Paris, Madame Ranyevskaya and her daughter Anya discover that the family estate must be sold to cover their debts. Can they save their beloved cherry orchard? Starring Sinéad Cusack, Anna Massey, Patricia Routledge and Andrew Sachs. Three Sisters - Stuck in provincial Russia, Olga, Masha and Irina dream of one day returning to Moscow. But life keeps getting in the way... Hattie Morahan, Scarlett Alice Johnson and Flora Spencer-Longhurst star in Chekhov's poignant meditation on love and longing. Uncle Vanya - Life on a rural Russian estate is thrown into turmoil by the visit of the ailing Professor Serebryakov and his beautiful young wife Yelena. Anton Lesser stars as Serebryakov, with Lyndsey Marshal as Yelena and Neil Dudgeon as Vanya. Great Lives - Matthew Parris, William Boyd and Chekhov biographer Donald Rayfield consider the Russian writer's claim to greatness. First published 1887 (Ivanov), 1895 (The Seagull), 1898 (Uncle Vanya), 1900 (Three Sisters), 1904 (The Cherry Orchard), 1984 (Wild Honey) Wild Honey © Michael Frayn 1984, 1985, 2016 Michael Frayn has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as author of this work All rights reserved Cast and credits Written by Anton Chekhov Wild Honey translated and adapted by Michael Frayn Cherry Orchard - Translated by Richard Cottrell Uncle Vanya - Adapted by Christopher Hampton Contents list Wild Honey The Seagull Ivanov The Cherry Orchard Three Sisters Uncle Vanya Great Lives: Anton Chekhov ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Anton Chekhov (Author), Alex Jennings, Anton Lesser, Full Cast, Hattie Morahan, Helena Bonham-Carter, Ian Mckellen, Judi Dench, Maurice Denham, Robert Glenister, Sinead Cusack (Narrator)

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The George Bernard Shaw: A BBC Radio Drama Collection

"15 of the finest works by the world-renowned playwright, as heard on BBC radio George Bernard Shaw - or Bernard Shaw, as he preferred to be known - was one of Ireland's foremost dramatists and thinkers. His plays range from contemporary satires to historical allegories, and are infused with ideas, insight, wit and wisdom. Included here are some of his best works, adapted for radio and brought together in reverse chronological order in one statement collection. We begin with his prophetic political comedy The Apple Cart, set in the future and pitting the fictional King Magnus against his Prime Minister. Next is his masterpiece Saint Joan, dramatising the trials of Joan of Arc, for which he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925. Heartbreak House lampoons England's ruling elite before World War I, as they sail heedlessly towards catastrophe; Pygmalion explores feminism and the class system through Cockney flowergirl Eliza Doolittle and irascible phonetics professor Henry Higgins; and in Androcles and the Lion, Shaw transforms Aesop's fable to impart his thoughts on human frailty, religion and martyrdom. The Dark Lady of the Sonnets imagines a meeting between William Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth I, while alternate history Press Cuttings sets the suffragettes against crotchety war veteran General Mitchener. Here, too, are the controversial The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet, banned in England for contravening blasphemy laws; the classic comedy Major Barbara, a tale of romance, rich privilege and a battle of wills; and the humorous philosophical drama based on the Don Juan theme, Man and Superman, directed for Radio 3 by theatrical icon Sir Peter Hall. Also featured are early works Caesar and Cleopatra, a dramatised account of the relationship between the Roman dictator and the Egyptian queen; The Devil's Disciple, set against the backdrop of the American War of Independence; The Man of Destiny, in which Napoleon enters into a battle of wits with a beautiful stranger; and Candida, about a vicar's wife whose life is turned upside down by a young poet. Finally, Shaw's acclaimed 'problem play', Mrs Warren's Profession, probes issues of Victorian prostitution and double standards. And in a bonus documentary, devotees of the great author discuss his life, work and legacy. Among the array of stars in these coruscating dramas are Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, Prunella Scales, Anton Lesser, Juliet Stevenson, Paul Merton, Ron Cook, Victoria Hamilton, Nicholas Le Prevost, David Suchet, Eleanor Bron, David Troughton, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Alistair McGowan, Al Murray, Morgana Robinson, Robert Bathurst, Leslie French, Marius Goring, Arthur Lowe, Denys Hawthorne, Rebecca Front, Alan Badel, Gregory Peck, Paul Ritter, Hannah Gordon, Edward Petherbridge and Maggie Steed. NB: This collection contains language that reflects the attitudes of the era in which the plays were written. Production credits Written by George Bernard Shaw First published 1893 (Mrs Warren's Profession), 1894 (Candida), 1895 (The Man of Destiny), 1896 (The Devil's Disciple), 1898 (Caesar and Cleopatra), 1902 (Man and Superman), 1905 (Major Barbara), 1909 (The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet, Press Cuttings), 1910 (The Dark Lady of the Sonnets), 1912 (Androcles and the Lion, Pygmalion), 1919 (Heartbreak House), 1923 (Saint Joan), 1928 (The Apple Cart), 2007 (Great Lives) Contents The Apple Cart Saint Joan Heartbreak House Pygmalion Androcles and the Lion The Dark Lady of the Sonnets Press Cuttings The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet Major Barbara Man and Superman Caesar and Cleopatra The Devil's Disciple The Man of Destiny Candida Mrs Warren's Profession Great Lives: George Bernard Shaw ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

George Bernard Shaw (Author), Anton Lesser, David Suchet, Full Cast, Judi Dench, Juliet Stevenson, Prunella Scales, Ralph Fiennes, Rebecca Front, Ron Cook, Various (Narrator)

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The Patricia Highsmith BBC Radio Collection: The Talented Mr Ripley, Strangers on a Train, Carol & other stories

"The definitive collection of dramatisations and readings of Patricia Highsmith's finest fiction - plus bonus material A master of the psychological crime genre, Patricia Highsmith is most famous for her quintet of bestselling 'Ripley' novels, and her groundbreaking thriller Strangers on a Train (notably adapted as a classic film by Alfred Hitchcock). This extensive collection encompasses her best-known works, as well as selected short stories and three programmes about the author herself and her greatest creation, charismatic anti-hero Tom Ripley. Included is a series of five plays charting Ripley's journey from smalltime conman to cool, calculated killer. Comprising The Talented Mr Ripley, Ripley Under Ground, Ripley's Game, The Boy Who Followed Ripley and Ripley Under Water, The Complete Ripley stars Ian Hart as Tom. Also featured are dramatisations of Strangers on a Train (starring Anton Lesser, Michael Sheen, Saskia Reeves and Bill Nighy); Patricia Highsmith's compelling tale of obsession, The Cry of the Owl (starring John Sharian, Adrian Lester and Joanne McQuinn); and the dark, intriguing domestic noir A Suspension of Mercy (starring Stuart Milligan and Janet Maw). Highsmith's tender, unsettling lesbian love story Carol is abridged and read in 10 parts by Zoë Wanamaker, and there are abridged readings of her short stories 'A Dangerous Hobby', 'Variations on a Game' (both read by Campbell Scott), and 'The Trouble with Mrs Blynn, the Trouble with the World' (read by Anna Massey). Five more unabridged stories, 'The Cries of Love', 'The Snail-Watcher', 'The Breeder', 'Notes from a Respectable Cockroach' and 'Goat Ride', are read by Helen Horton, John Webb, Garrick Hagon, William Hootkins and Crawford Logan. In Looking for Ripley, crime writer Mark Billingham unravels the mystery behind our lasting fascination with Tom Ripley, while in A Passionate Affair, Marcel Berlins asks if his creator Patricia Highsmith also fell under his spell. And in Desert Island Discs, the author shares the soundtrack of her life with presenter Roy Plomley. Contents The Talented Mr Ripley Ripley Under Ground Ripley's Game The Boy Who Followed Ripley Ripley Under Water Strangers on a Train The Cry of the Owl A Suspension of Mercy Carol A Dangerous Hobby Variations on a Game The Trouble with Mrs Blynn, The Trouble with the World The Cries of Love The Snail-Watcher The Breeder Notes from a Respectable Cockroach Goat Ride Looking for Ripley A Passionate Affair Desert Island Discs: Patricia Highsmith Original texts © 1993 by Diogenes Verlag AG Zurich, all rights reserved. © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Patricia Highsmith (Author), Adrian Lester, Anton Lesser, Bill Nighy, Full Cast, Ian Hart, John Sharian, Mark Billingham, Michael Sheen, Saskia Reeves, Zoë Wanamaker (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Anton Lesser

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