Audiobooks narrated by Barbara Jefford

E. F. Benson: A BBC Radio Collection: Full-cast BBC Radio Dramatisations of Queen Lucia, Lucia in Lo

"A collection of social comedies, wry observations of Victorian society and ‘spook stories’ from the great humorist E. F. Benson E. F. Benson is probably best known for his wickedly satirical ‘Mapp and Lucia’ series. A prolific writer, his works included novels, biographies and supernatural fiction. His versatility is showcased in these dramatisations and readings, which range from the hilariously comic to the horribly chilling. Queen Lucia – Mrs Emmeline Lucas – or ‘Lucia’, as she prefers to be addressed – vigorously guards her status as the uncrowned Queen of Riseholme. But now a mysterious Indian guru has stolen her throne – can Lucia overthrow him and reign supreme? Barbara Jefford stars as Lucia, with Aubrey Woods as the Narrator, in this scintillating adaptation of the first ‘Mapp and Lucia’ book. Lucia in London – When Lucia inherits an elegant town house from her Aunt Amy, she sets about trying to conquer 1920s London society. Will she make her mark on the metropolis? This hilarious adaptation of the third book in the ‘Mapp and Lucia’ series once again stars Barbara Jefford and Aubrey Woods. Secret Lives – The formidable Mrs Mantrip is the doyenne of Durham Square, acknowledged by all as a most desirable address. But when the arrival of Miss Susan Leg threatens to lower the tone, Mrs Mantrip has a fight on her hands. Pauline Collins and Margot Boyd star in this effervescent three-part drama, set in Edwardian London. As We Were: A Victorian Peepshow – In these five marvellous monologues, read by Sir John Gielgud, we hear Benson’s witty, indiscreet recollections of both his gifted parents and a host of eccentric Victorian luminaries: clergymen, academics, poets, politicians and society hostesses. The Face – A happily married woman is haunted by a recurring nightmare from her childhood. Praying for release from her mounting dread, she knows she cannot escape the horror that is to come… Rosalind Ayres stars in this terrifying ghost story. The Terror by Night – A convivial reunion is marred by eerie sensations, inexplicable moods and strange smells, as two friends experience a feeling of indefinable fear… E. F. Benson’s uncanny tale is read by Brian Gear. First published 1912 (‘The Terror by Night’), 1920 (Queen Lucia), 1924 (‘The Face’), 1927 (Lucia in London), 1930 (As We Were: A Victorian Peepshow), 1932 (Secret Lives) © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

E.F. Benson (Author), Aubrey Woods, Barbara Jefford, Brian Gear, Full Cast, Margot Boyd, Pauline Collins, Rosalind Ayres, Sir John Gielgud (Narrator)

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Patrick Hamilton: Rope, Gaslight, Hangover Square and more: Seven BBC Radio Full-Cast Productions

"A collection of thrilling radio dramas from the celebrated novelist and playwright Patrick Hamilton is renowned for his gritty, slice-of-life tales chronicling the hopes, dreams and obsessions of London's working class in the inter-war years. This collection brings together his key pieces, together with some lesser-known classics and a bonus 2004 documentary exploring his achievements and legacy. Hangover Square - Earl's Court, 1939. With war looming, everyone is frantically pursuing a good time. But when composer George Bone becomes obsessed with beautiful, fast-living actress Netta, murder and madness ensue... This brooding adaptation of Patrick Hamilton's masterpiece stars Nicholas Farrell and Amanda Redman. Rope - Believing they have committed the perfect murder, two students throw a macabre dinner party, where the guests include the victim's father. Will anyone see through their terrible vanity? Alan Rickman and Adam Baring star in this electrifying drama, famously adapted as an Alfred Hitchcock film. Gaslight - A husband commits to driving his wealthy young wife insane in order to steal from her in this psychological drama which originated the term 'gaslighting'. Starring Barbara Jefford and Michael Kilgarriff. Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky - Patrick Hamilton's semi-autobiographical trilogy tells a story of unrequited love amid the hardship of 1920s London, and comprises The Midnight Bell, The Siege of Pleasure and The Plains of Cement. Steven Pacey, Annette Badland, John Moffatt and Emily Morgan star. The Governess - Ethel Fry takes a position as a governess in the Drew household, but when the family discovers their baby son has been abducted, the entire house is thrown under suspicion. Starring Margaret Wolfit and Helen Worth To The Public Danger - A young couple fall into the company of two reckless motorists, whose drunk-driving has fatal consequences. Ivan Samson and Arthur Young star. The Duke in Darkness - Set in the Chateau Lamorre during the 16th-century French Civil Wars, this stirring tale of imprisonment and escape stars Alec Clunes and John Moffatt. A Portrait in Black - Biographer Nigel Jones celebrates the centenary of Hamilton's birth and his skill at conjuring up a lost world of seedy boarding-houses, third-class railway compartments, dance halls and fleapit cinemas. Text copyright © Patrick Hamilton 1929 (Rope), 1935 (Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky), 1938 (Gas Light), 1939 (To the Public Danger), 1941 (Hangover Square), 1943 (The Duke in Darkness), 1946 (The Governess) Cast and credits Written by Patrick Hamilton Hangover Square Rope Gaslight Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky The Governess To The Public Danger The Duke in Darkness Extra Content: A Portrait in Black 'If you were looking to fly from Dickens to Martin Amis with just one overnight stop, then Hamilton is your man' Nick Hornby © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Patrick Hamilton (Author), Adam Bareham, Alan Rickman, Amanda Redman, Annette Badland, Barbara Jefford, David Thorpe, Full Cast, Geoffrey Whitehead, John Moffatt, Michael Kilgarriff, Nicholas Farrell, Steven Pacey (Narrator)

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The Tree of Strife: A BBC Radio 4 Icelandic Saga full-cast dramatisation

"An epic BBC historical drama based on Iceland's famous saga of tragedy, heroism and fate Written by an anonymous storyteller in the 13th Century, and describing events between 960 and 1020, Njáls saga is one of the great works of medieval literature. The longest and most celebrated of the Icelandic sagas, it deals with family honour, vengeance, and a vicious blood feud spanning almost 50 years. Based on the classic translation by Magnus Magnusson and Hermann Pálsson, this gripping dramatisation centres around two friends - the wise, learned Njal, and the brave warrior Gunnar. Gifted with the ability to see into the future, Njal can foretell his own death - but he is powerless to stunt the growth of the tree of strife that flourishes after Gunnar's betrothal to Hallgerd with the thief's eyes. Embroiled in his wife's intrigues, Gunnar is caught in a cycle of killings and revenge - and as Njal's sons are drawn into this web of violence, tragedy ensues. Bound by ties of blood, and unable to escape their destiny, Gunnar, Njal, and their descendants seem doomed to an endless vendetta. Even the coming of a new faith, Christianity, fails to halt the conflict- and as brother turns upon brother, will peace ever be restored? Adapted by veteran dramatist David Wade, this gripping tale vividly evokes Iceland's heroic age. Thronged with action, passion, power struggles and prophetic dreams, it features a host of vividly-drawn characters, and stars Bernard Hepton as Njal, Struan Rodger as Gunnar and Maureen O'Brien as Hallgerd. Production credits Dramatised by David Wade from a translation by Magnus Magnusson and Herman Palsson Music by David Chilton and Nick Russell-Pavier Directed by Jeremy Mortimer Cast Narrators - Norman Rodway & Barbara Jefford Njal Thorgeirsson - Bernard Hepton Gunnar Hámundarson- Struan Rodger Hallgerd Long-Legs- Maureen O'Brien Ahdli/Thorgeir Otkelsson - Ian Targett Bergthóra, Njal's wife - Maggie McCarthy Unn - Anna Cropper Skarphedin Njalsson - Robert Glenister Helgi Njalsson/Otkel Skarfsson - Vincent Brimble Greem Njalsson - Andrew Branch Brynjolv/Hoskuld Dala-Kollsson/Gayrmund - John Bull Hrut Herjolfsson/Ketill/Thorgeir - David King Kolskegg Gunnarsson - David Goudge Thord Freemansson/Hocni Gunnarsson - Paul Downing Thrain Sigfusson - John Church Mord Valgardsson - Shaun Prendegast Valgard the Grey - John Moffatt Hoskuld Thrainsson - Jonathan Tafler Hildigunn - Victoria Carling Sigmundt/Skammkel/Gudmund - Brian Millar Skjold/Law Speaker - Donald Gee Asgnmr Ellioa-Grimsson/Thorgeir - Alan Barker Flosi Thordarson - Crawford Logan Kari Solumndarson - Jimmy Yuill Kawl/Bjorn the White/Melkov - Ken Cumberlidge Thorgardh/Bjorn's wife - Alice Arnold Halvard/Thorgeir Skorargeir- Joe Dunlop Greeman - Drew Branch With Sam Bennett, Simon Linnell, Joan Matheson, Danny Schiller and Joan Walker First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 17-18 February 1990 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

David Wade (Author), Barbara Jefford, Bernard Hepton, Full Cast, Maggie Mccarthy, Maureen O'brien, Norman Rodway, Robert Glenister, Struan Rodger (Narrator)

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Queen Lucia: The BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

"Barbara Jefford is the hilariously outrageous Lucia in this BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of the novel by E.F. Benson. Lucia is the uncrowned queen of 1920s provincial society, the Everest of social climbers and the most delicious of snobs. In the pastoral serenity of the village of Riseholme, Lucia and her unforgettable cronies face up to an Indian guru, spiritualism and a cultural usurper. E.F. Benson's wickedly witty satires on the rivalries of English middle-class life have elevated Lucia's extravagant exploits to cult comedy status."

Aubrey Woods, E F Benson (Author), Barbara Jefford, Full Cast, Jonathan Cecil (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Barbara Jefford