Audiobooks narrated by Arthur Smith

We’ve Been Here Before: The Complete Series 1 and 2: The BBC Radio Comedy Panel Show

"Clive Anderson and guests poke fun at the past in this panel show with a yesteryear twist Originally broadcast on Radio 4 in 2003-4, We’ve Been Here Before is the topical, satirical, historical panel game that aims to show beyond all doubt that there’s nothing new in the news. Hosted by award-winning comedian, broadcaster and Whose Line Is It Anyway? star Clive Anderson, it takes a wry, witty look at long-gone days through a present-day lens, as the panellists battle it out to discover who’s got the best memory for detail when it comes to raking up the past. Gyles Brandreth, Jimmy Carr, Chris Addison, Mark Steel, Natalie Haynes, Richard Herring, Robin Ince and Steve Punt are among the stellar guests striving to identify news clips from years gone by, and to spot the parallels with contemporary events. From reality TV, BBC-bashing and striking unions to celebrity American presidential hopefuls, European referendums and Prime Ministers under pressure, they find that the stories they sift through sound strangely familiar. Still funny and relevant over 20 years after it first aired, this entertaining series is the ultimate proof that what goes around comes around. It’s a blast from the past with a modern perspective – and any similarity to current events is entirely the idea... Production credits Presented by Clive Anderson Reader: Lewis MacLeod Produced by Adam Bromley (Series 1) and Ed Morrish (Series 2) Series 1 featuring: Gyles Brandreth, Jimmy Carr, John O'Farrell, David Quantick, Jon Holmes, Simon Brett, Lewis Shaffer, Steve Punt, Robin Ince, Maureen Lipman, Simon Brett Series 2 featuring: Gyles Brandreth, John O'Farrell, Arthur Smith, Arabella Weir, Natalie Haynes, Richard Herring, Mark Steel, David Quantick, Chris Addison, Nick Revell, Helen Atkinson-Wood First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 1-29 August 2003 (Series 1), 11 June-2 July 2004 (Series 2) © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd."

Clive Anderson (Author), Arthur Smith, Chris Addison, Clive Anderson, David Quantick, Gyles Brandreth, Jimmy Carr, John O'farrell, Lewis Macleod, Maureen Lipman, Natalie Haynes, Richard Herring, Robin Ince, Simon Brett, Steve Punt, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

Room 101: Highlights from the Classic BBC Radio 5 Comedy Series

"Nick Hancock finds out what people, places and pop songs his celebrity guests would consign to oblivion Room 101 is the anti-Desert Island Discs. Instead of picking the tracks, books and luxuries they love, guests are invited to banish their least favourite things to Orwell's eponymous chamber of horrors. Twenty-seven episodes of the show were broadcast on Radio 5 between 1992 and 1994, and it went on to run for 18 hit series on BBC TV before relaunching on Radio 4 in 2023. This specially-curated collection contains 16 of the very best editions of the original radio series. Included are the first ever show, in which Paul Merton reveals his aversion to Northanger Abbey, the city of Edinburgh and Kenneth More's laugh, and the final one from 1994, which sees Andy Hamilton hoping to rid the world of Look Back in Anger, 'Long Haired Lover from Liverpool' and Field of Dreams. Among the other famous names discussing their bugbears and bête noires are Helen Lederer, Trevor and Simon, Caroline Quentin, Tony Hawks, Kevin Day, Maria McErlane and Mark Lamarr. Weighing up their arguments (and adding a few prejudices of his own) is host Nick Hancock, who has the final say on what stays and what goes. Will he let Arthur Smith put Barbara Cartland into Room 101? What has Jenny Eclair got against 'My Little Pony' videos? Why does Ian Hislop detest 'We Are The Champions'? And why does Steve Punt think Platform 5 at East Croydon station is the worst place in the world? All will be revealed in these bright and breezy shows, as some of our favourite celebrities share their peeves, pet hates and personal stories. Production credits Presented by Nick Hancock Produced by Lissa Evans and Phil Clark First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 on the following dates: Paul Merton 9 January 1992 Jenny Eclair 16 January 1992 Arthur Smith 30 January 1992 Steve Punt 6 February 1992 Ian Hislop 14 August 1992 John Walters 4 September 1992 Helen Lederer 11 September 1992 Donna McPhail 2 October 1992 Trevor Neal and Simon Hickson 3 September 1993 Caroline Quentin 10 September 1993 Tony Hawks 17 September 1993 Kevin Day 15 October 1993 Maria McErlane 22 October 1993 Mark Lamarr 29 October 1993 Nick Revell 27 February 1994 Andy Hamilton 25 March 1994 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd."

Nick Hancock (Author), Arthur Smith, Caroline Quentin, Helen Lederer, Ian Hislop, Jenny Eclair, Mark Lamarr, Nick Hancock, Paul Merton, Steve Punt, Tony Hawks, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

Stand Up, Barry Goldman

"All I’d wanted for as long as I could remember was a woman to love, a soulmate to live with in contentment for the rest of my days: friend, lover, companion, mother to our children. Time was running out: I was getting old. Next year I would be eighteen. Barry Goldman is a sensitive boy. He’s being primed to run the family business but has discovered a talent for making audiences laugh at his silly poems. At last, he has found something that might make him attractive to girls – in particular, Harriet Fink - but there’s not much call for delicate, earnest poets in the 1970s comedy world of hot-panted dolly birds and battle-axe mothers-in-law. Then one night he sees Kris Dean on stage and understands that the world of comedy is about to change forever. Stand Up, Barry Goldman – like Elena Ferrante, but with jokes - is the debut novel of David J. Cohen, stand-up comedian and writer best known as the creator of dozens of songs for multi-BAFTA winning hit TV show Horrible Histories, and less well known as lead singer in the world’s first Jewish heavy metal band, Guns’n’Moses. 'Funny and fascinating, a lovely tale.' Jo Brand 'Powerfully funny, often moving... Dave has created the Jewish Adrian Mole of alternative comedy.' David Quantick"

David J Cohen (Author), Arthur Smith (Narrator)

Audiobook

Arthur Smith's Balham Bash: The Complete Series 1-3: A BBC Radio 4 comedy

"Arthur Smith presents music, comedy and entertainment from his South London home - plus a special show from the Edinburgh Festival Welcome to Arthur Smith's 26-bedroom mock-Tudor manor house, in the heart of international Balham. Behind his front door are a plethora of prodigiously talented performers, all ready and eager to entertain. There's jamming in the kitchen, laughter in the lounge and poetry on the landing - and a whole lot more fun and frolics going on upstairs... Among Arthur's very special house guests are comedians Pippa Evans (as Loretta Maine), Milton Jones, Stephen K Amos, Micky Flanagan, Stewart Lee, Richard Herring, Andrew Lawrence, Tom Wrigglesworth, Jenny Eclair, Sean Lock and Kevin Eldon. Plus, there's vibrant verse from Benjamin Zephaniah, John Hegley, Elvis McGonagall, John Smallshaw and Kate Fox, and sensational songs and music from Glenn Tilbrook, Alabama 3, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Scouting for Girls, Paloma Faith, Gomez, Nine Below Zero, Katie Melua, Alex Wilson and his salsa combo and Squeeze. And in Arthur Smith's Edinburgh Bash, Arthur takes the audience on a tour of top-flight music and comedy from the festival's Fringe, including Emo Phillips, Russell Kane and Clanadonia. Cast and credits Presented by Arthur Smith Produced by Sam Michell and Alison Vernon-Smith Series 1 featuring: Pippa Evans (as Loretta Maine), Paul Sinha, Milton Jones, Glenn Tilbrook, Benjamin Zephaniah, Matt Holness (as Merriman Weir), Stephen K Amos, Nat Luurtsema, Seann Walsh, Micky Flanagan, Alabama 3, Stewart Lee, Reginald D Hunter, Sophie Ellis-Bextor Series 2 featuring: John Hegley, Barbara Nice, Andrew Lawrence, Scouting For Girls, Paloma Faith, Miles Jupp, Tom Wrigglesworth, Elvis McGonagall, Doc Brown, Gomez, Henry Paker, Richard Herring, Nine Below Zero, Phill Jupitus (as Porky the Poet), Josh Widdecombe, Marlon Davis Edinburgh Bash featuring: Kate Fox, Emo Phillips, Russell Kane, Clanadonia, Simon Donald Series 3 featuring: Katie Melua, Roisin Conaty, Alun Cochrane, Nick Helm, Jenny Eclair, Simon Evans, John Smallshaw, Alex Wilson and his salsa combo, Sean Lock, Annette Fagon, Squeeze, Luke Wright, Billy Jenkins, Kevin Eldon, Imran Yusef, Kate Fox First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7-28 July 2009 (Series 1), 15 April-6 May 2010 (Series 2), 26 August 2010 (Arthur Smith's Edinburgh Bash), 4-25 April 2011 (Series 3) © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Arthur Smith (Author), Arthur Smith, Full Cast, Jenny Eclair, Josh Widdicombe, Micky Flanagan, Miles Jupp, Milton Jones, Paloma Faith, Paul Sinha, Sophie Ellis Bextor (Narrator)

Audiobook

Sentimental Journeys: Stories of personal travel: A BBC Radio 4 comedy

"Arthur Smith takes a trip down memory lane with celebrities including Miriam Margolyes, Tony Benn and Jack Vettriano 'Charming' The Times Comedian and broadcaster Arthur Smith plays tour guide to fifteen well-known personalities, as they visit places that are meaningful to them and remember pivotal moments in their lives. Through genial chat, humorous banter and gentle probing, he discovers just what made these locations so special and significant - and opens the floodgates to some amazing personal stories. Revisiting their home towns, Jack Vettriano and Barbara Castle reminisce about their youth, while other guests travel further afield. Returning to Romania, Annie Nightingale recalls her 1990 visit, shortly after the revolution, and the tour she organised to bring Western music to the youth of Bucharest. Eric Newby goes back to Fontanello, where he was a prisoner of war from 1943 - and where he first met the beautiful blonde who was to become his wife. Meanwhile, Miriam Margolyes embarks on a quest to trace the history of her Jewish family in Belarus. Among Arthur's other travelling companions are Hammer Horror actress Ingrid Pitt, who returns to Buenos Aires, where she lived in the 1970s with her racing-driver husband; Germaine Greer, who takes a nostalgic trip to southern Italy, where she spent the summer of 1967; and Imogen Stubbs, who retraces her steps to her alma mater, Oxford University's Exeter College - and to a rustic, romantic shack out in the woods... Eclectic, entertaining, intriguing and surprising, this captivating collection will give you new insight into the extraordinary lives and experiences of some truly fascinating people. Production credits Presented by Arthur Smith Produced by Sharon Banoff, Dilly Barlow, Sara-Jane Hall, Rebecca Moore and Vibeka Venema First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: Barbara Castle 4 January 1998 Nick Hancock 11 January 1998 Simon Callow 18 January 1998 Eric Newby 12 February 1998 Miriam Margolyes 4 April 1999 Imogen Stubbs 11 April 1999 Robert Fisk 18 April 1999 Jack Vettriano 1 July 2006 Germaine Greer 8 July 2006 Tony Benn 29 July 2006 Ingrid Pitt 5 August 2006 Brendan Foster 12 August 2006 Shaparak Khorsandi 19 August 2006 Julian Lloyd Webber 26 August 2006 Annie Nightingale 9 September 2006 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd."

Arthur Smith (Author), Arthur Smith, Barbara Castle, Germaine Greer, Imogen Stubbs, Nick Hancock, Robert Fisk, Shappi Korsandi, Simon Callow, Tony Benn (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Black Cat

"The narrator boasts of his well-known kindness and compassion towards animals, which was mirrored by his wife. His favorite pet of theirs was a large black cat named Pluto. As the years passed, the narrator became more besotted by drink and consumed by his own cruelty and perverseness. He abused his wife and the animals. Pluto, who was his favorite, bore the brunt of his rage. One day, the narrator cut out one of the cat’s eyes, and not long after that, he hanged the cat from the branch of his tree."

Edgar Allan Poe (Author), Arthur Smith (Narrator)

Audiobook

Booked!: The Complete Series 1-6: The BBC Radio 4 literary panel game

"All 36 episodes of the maverick literary quiz Poet Ian McMillan is our host in this gleeful game of literary tomfoolery, outrageous parody and biting wit. Joining him for some lighthearted competitive wordplay are a quartet of writers and comedians, all ready and eager to run riot through the halls of great literature. Their bookish challenges include 'New Beginnings and Endings', which sees them topping and tailing well-known literary works to produce some very tall tales, 'Sound Effects', where they have to guess a book title from a mélange of sounds, and 'Conversation Consequences', where they imagine some unlikely meetings between fictional characters. Mrs Malaprop shares a Jacuzzi with Eliza Doolittle, Inspector Clouseau takes Blanche Dubois to a dance and The Dong with the luminous nose honks hooters with Cyrano de Bergerac... In addition, the panellists seize the chance to liberate famous authors from their individual genres and turn them loose on something different. Among their freewheeling stylings are Hunter S Thompson writing a public school prospectus, John Betjeman creating the copy for a Ford Probe brochure and Franz Kafka dispensing self-help advice in his Little Book of Calm. Wreaking havoc with the literary canon are Roger McGough, Miles Kington, Mark Thomas, Dillie Keane, John Hegley, Rory Motion, Mark Radcliffe, Arthur Smith, David Stafford, Helen Lederer, Sophie Hannah, Simon Armitage, Stuart Maconie, Linda Smith and Mark Steel. Presented by Ian McMillan Devised by Marc Jobst Produced by Marc Jobst and Viv Beeby NB: contains some dated attitudes and language First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 31 October-5 December 1995 (Series 1), 18 February-25 March 1997 (Series 2), 14 October-18 November 1997 (Series 3), 2 July-6 August 1998 (Series 4), 25 November-30 December 1998 (Series 5), 22 June-27 July 1999 (Series 6) (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Ian McMillan (Author), Arthur Smith, Helen Lederer, Ian McMillan, Linda Smith, Mark Radcliffe, Mark Steel, Roger Mcgough, Simon Armitage, Sophie Hannah, Stuart Maconie (Narrator)

Audiobook

Married: A BBC Radio Sci-Fi Comedy: Series 1-3

"Cantankerous bachelor Robin Lightfoot is happily single – until one morning he awakes to discover he’s married with two children. And he has two half-brothers... both called Ian. Is it a nightmare, a practical joke or something more sinister? Robin gradually realises that he’s in an alternate universe, where the Lib Dems are in power, the Dimbleby brothers are sports commentators and alcohol is a class-A drug. He discovers that Arthur Smith is a children’s entertainer, Stephen Fry is a Royal Biographer, and Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark is a homeless waif who sets fire to telephone boxes. But just as he’s adjusting to the situation and warming to his new family, his life is up-ended once more when he learns of the existence of his evil doppelganger, who is wreaking havoc in both universes. With events spiralling out of control, Robin gets set for divorce from the woman he never married in the first place, is accused of murder and faces the death penalty, and discovers the awful truth about Operation War of the Worlds. And as the two universes collide, vortices open and temporal and spatial anomalies multiply, Robin begins to suspect he may be personally responsible for the whole mess. Can he solve the riddle and save the world, or is he just too grumpy to try? Created by award-winning writer Tony Bagley, this madcap parallel universe comedy stars Hugh Bonneville as Robin and Josie Lawrence as Lesley, with co-stars including Stephen Frost, Lewis MacLeod and Arthur Smith. Written by Tony Bagley Produced by Claire Jones Theme music: ‘I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive’, written and sung by Hank Williams"

Tony Bagley (Author), Arthur Smith, Full Cast, Hugh Bonneville, Josie Lawrence (Narrator)

Audiobook

Grumpy Old Men The Secret Diary

"To everything there is a season. A time to be born, a time to die, and a time to get a few things off your chest.The sequel to Grumpy Old Men: The Official Handbook covers a year in the sad and sordid life of a Grumpy Old Man, sorting into dates and seasons the many and manifold bloody irritations which multiply in this perpetual torment that we call modern living. Yes, it's a daily chronicle of life for the terminally irritable; an almanac of angst. If you know, live with, tolerate or, God forbid, ARE, a Grumpy Old Man, this is essential reading. ©2005 BBC Audiobooks Ltd. (P)2005 BBC Audiobooks Ltd."

Stuart Prebble (Author), Arthur Smith (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Grumpy Old Men The Official Handbook

"Do you know someone who is incensed by compulsory tipping? Who is infuriated if kept on hold for more than a minute? Who is positively apoplectic if someone answers their phone during dinner? If so, you've probably encountered the phenomenon of the grumpy old man. Following their first massively successful BBC1 series, this autumn will see the grumpy old men will return to our screens, and this time they're grumpier than ever. Packed with funny and informative chapters such as 'Who are we', 'What are we grumpy about' and 'How can you spot the signs of grumpiness coming on', this book will leave even the grumpiest of men with a grin on his face."

Stuart Prebble (Author), Arthur Smith (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Arthur Smith