Audiobooks Narrated by Bill Wallis

Joseph Conrad: The Secret Agent, Heart of Darkness & More: A BBC Radio 4 drama collection

Dramatisations of six of Conrad's finest novels, plus bonus material Polish-born author and mariner Joseph Conrad is widely regarded as one of the greatest English novelists. His 16 years in the merchant navy profoundly shaped his fiction, giving him transformative experiences of adventure and exotic places, and a unique insight into the human psyche. Included here are adaptations of six of his best works, brought together for the first time and collected in chronological order, plus one fascinating bonus programmes exploring his life and art. Heart of Darkness - Ordered to sail up the Congo River in search of enigmatic ivory trader Mr Kurtz, Marlowe's journey takes him deep into an unknown continent... David Calder, Bill Wallis and Kris Marshall star in this radio production of Conrad's controversial masterpiece. Lord Jim - Faced with disaster, young first mate Jim abandons the sinking SS Patna. Wracked with guilt, he tries to start a new life - but can he ever escape his past? Starring Simon Treves and David March. The Secret Agent - A terrorist bomb explodes in London, killing the bomber and threatening the authorities and anarchists alike... Ron Cook and Robert Glenister star in a 2-part dramatisation of Conrad's prescient black comedy. Il Conde - An elderly aristocrat is traumatised by a terrifying encounter in Naples in this adaptation of Conrad's haunting short story, starring John Moffatt and John Woodvine. The Secret Sharer - An inexperienced skipper gives sanctuary to a fugitive murderer who seems like his doppelganger: and faces his own subconscious fears. Michael Feast, Christopher Scott and Stephen Tompkinson, star in this dramatisation of one of Joseph Conrad's most popular short tales. Victory - Set in the Far East, this 1915 novel tells of one man's struggle towards self-realisation and redemption in a hostile world. Starring David March and Patrick Barr. Meridian: Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness - Onyekachi Wambu explores Conrad's most famous novel, inspired by the brutal imperialist exploitation of the Congo during the 1880s. First published 1899 (Heart of Darkness), 1900 (Lord Jim), 1907 (The Secret Agent), 1908 ('Il Conde'), 1910 ('The Secret Sharer'), 1915 (Victory) Cast and credits Written by Joseph Conrad With thanks to Keith Wickham and the British Library Heart of Darkness Adapted by Jeremy Howe. Produced by Jeremy Howe and Iain Hunter. Music by David Lord First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 13 July 2003 Lord Jim Dramatised by Keith Darvill. Directed by Martin Jenkins and Graham Gauld First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 July-1 September 1985 The Secret Agent Dramatised by David Napthine. Directed by Jessica Dromgoole First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1-8 October 2006 Il Conde Dramatised by Alun Owen. Directed by Enyd Williams First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2 March 1994 The Secret Sharer Dramatised by Robert Forrest. Directed by Patrick Rayner First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7 June 1989 Victory Other parts played by members of the BBC Drama Repertory Company Adapted by Helena Wood. Produced by Joe Burroughs First broadcast BBC Home Service Basic, 22 November 1965 Meridian: Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness Presented by Onyekachi Wambu With Adam Hochschild, Professor Allan H. Simmons, Michela Wrong First broadcast BBC World Service, 20 February 2002 ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Joseph Conrad (Author), Bill Wallis, David Calder, Kris Marshall, Robert Glenister, Ron Cook, Stephen Tompkinson (Narrator)

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The L-Shaped Room, Backward Shadow & other stories: A BBC Radio 4 drama collection

A full-cast adaptation of Lynne Reid Banks' bestselling novel, plus sequel The Backward Shadow and more Award-winning author Lynne Reid Banks is perhaps best known for her classic children's book The Indian in the Cupboard. But it was her groundbreaking debut novel for adults, The L-Shaped Room, that made her name. First published in 1960, it was an instant success, and has been in print ever since. This collection contains both The L-Shaped Room and sequel The Backward Shadow, as well as two stories specially written for BBC radio and a bonus edition of Bookclub. The L-Shaped Room - Jane is young, middle-class, single - and pregnant. Thrown out by her parents, she rents a squalid bedsit, where she struggles to overcome both her own prejudices and those of 1950s society. Starring Lynne Seymour as Jane, with John McAndrew as Toby. The Backward Shadow - Living with her baby in a cottage inherited from her aunt, Jane's quiet life is shaken up by the arrival of her friend Dottie and the reappearance of Toby, the love of her life ... Lynne Seymour stars as Jane, with Rachel Atkins as Dottie. Who Shall I Run To? - Sally recalls how she and ex-husband Jeremy celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary with a romantic trip to Paris. Read by Siân Phillips. Lame Duck - Anne and her artist husband Lionel have three boys, and little time for going out - so they decide to take in a lodger who might be prepared to babysit occasionally. Sadly, things do not work out as planned... Starring Anne Rosenfeld as Anne and Manning Wilson as Lionel. Bookclub: Lynne Reid Banks - Readers talk to the celebrated author about The L-Shaped Room, describing what it means to them and how it has changed their lives. Chaired by James Naughtie. Text copyright © Lynne Reid Banks 1960 (The L-Shaped Room), 1970 (The Backward Shadow), 1978 (Lame Duck), 2005 (Who Shall I Run To?) Cast and credits Written by Lynne Reid Banks The L-Shaped Room Jane - Lynne Seymour Toby - John McAndrew John - Trevor Laird Father - Bill Wallis Doris - Nickie Rainsford Mavis - Marie Gordon Price James - Simon Armstrong Dr Maxwell - John Rowe Jane 2/Dottie - Rachel Atkins Boss - Dave Bond Dr Graham - Richard Mitchley Terry - Robert Bowman Addy - Shirley Dixon Dramatised by Juliet Ace Prioduced and directed by Alison Hindell First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 February-5 March 2004 The Backward Shadow Jane - Lynne Seymour Dottie - Rachel Atkins Toby - John McAndrew Henry - Simon Ludders Father/Ted - Don McCorkindale Billy Lee - Lesley Rooney Alan - Keiron Self Mrs Stephens - Manon Edwards Dora - Siriol Jenkins John - Trevor Laird Joanna - Nickie Rainsford Dramatised by Juliet Ace Prioduced and directed by Alison Hindell First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16-27 May 2005 Who Shall I Run To? Read by Siân Phillips Produced by Emma Harding First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 14 August 2005 Lame Duck Cliff - Christopher Guard Anne - Anne Rosenfeld Lionel - Manning Wilson Jamie - Judy Bennett Terry - Delia Morgan Dan - Elizabeth Lindsay Jacky - Karen Archer Mr Brent, a publican - Bruce Beeby Mrs Brent - Jane Knowles Directed by David B Godfrey First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6 January 1978 Bookclub: Lynne Reid Banks Presented by James Naughtie With Lynne Reid Banks and a live studio audience Produced by Dymphna Flynn First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6 June 2010 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Lynne Reid Banks (Author), Anne Rosenfeld, Bill Wallis, John Mcandrew, Lynne Seymour, Manning Wilson, Rachel Atkins, Sian Philips, Various (Narrator)

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Winston: Series 1-5: A BBC Comedy Drama

All five series of Peter Tinniswood's bawdy comedy about roguish poacher/philosopher Winston Hayballs - plus special seasonal episode Winston at Christmas 'Earthy, resilient, witty and bloody-minded ... nobody can write like Peter Tinniswood' The Times When the middle-class Empsons move from London to picturesque Winterleaf Gunner, they find themselves totally unprepared for country life - and utterly reliant on Winston. Handyman, village poacher, scholar, gentleman romantic and out-and-out rogue, Winston transforms their lives, fixing up their dilapidated house, introducing them to the works of Kingsley Amis - and giving Nancy a lesson in love. So when his wife throws him out because of his infidelities, he invites himself to stay with the family. Spoiling them with his cordon bleu cuisine, he lulls them into a false sense of security - but he's got an ulterior motive: Nancy... Series 1 sees him plotting to get rid of the other Empsons so he can have her all to himself... but his plans hit an unexpected snag. In Winston Comes to Town, Father's illness forces the family to return to London - only for Winston to stow away in a removal van and follow them. Winston in Love finds Nancy with a new boyfriend (Roland from the Ministry of Whatsisname), Winston hooking up with the woman from the fish shop, and Father announcing his engagement. In Winston at Christmas, Nancy wants the family to enjoy a festive celebration together, but Winston has other ideas. Winston in Europe follows the Empsons to France, where Winston's talk of Baudelaire leaves Nancy feeling baffled, and Father sings the praises of Crewe toilets. And in Winston Back Home, the clan return to Winterleaf Gunner, where Winston is set to wed Nancy at last. But exactly how will they tie the knot? Scripted by award-winning author Peter Tinniswood (Uncle Mort's North and South Country), this fantastic family sitcom brims with brilliantly funny dialogue and wonderful larger-than-life comic characters. Bill Wallis stars as Winston, alongside Maurice Denham, Shirley Dixon, Liz Goulding and Christian Rodska. Production credits Written by Peter Tinniswood Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 April-31 May 1989 (Winston), 1 January-5 February 1990 (Winston Comes to Town), 31 December 1990-4 February 1991 (Winston in Love), 25 December 1991 (Winston at Christmas), 12 March-16 April 1992 (Winston in Europe), 31 March-5 May 1994 (Winston Back Home) Cast Winston - Bill Wallis Father - Maurice Denham Nancy - Shirley Dixon Rosie - Liz Goulding William - Christian Rodska

Peter Tinniswood (Author), Bill Wallis, Christian Rodska, Liz Goulding, Maurice Denham, Shirley Dixon (Narrator)

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BBC Radio Shakespeare: A Collection of Six Tragedies

Six full-cast BBC Radio productions of Shakespeare's classic tragedies Treachery, betrayal and fatal power struggles are among the themes of these six iconic productions of Shakespeare's timeless tragedies. Featuring all-star casts, they are introduced by Sir Richard Eyre. Hamlet Shakespeare's powerfully poetic tragedy of murder, madness and revenge stars Michael Sheen as the Prince of Denmark, with Kenneth Cranham as Claudius and Juliet Stevenson as Gertrude. Macbeth In this notorious 'Scottish play', a lust for power and the prophecy of three witches transform a brave nobleman into a traitor and murderous tyrant. Ken Stott stars as Macbeth and Phyllis Logan as Lady Macbeth. King Lear The tragic consequences of evil triumphing over truth, and of the vanity of old age, are set in motion when Lear banishes his favourite daughter, Cordelia, from court. Starring Corin Redgrave as King Lear, with David Troughton, Geraldine James and Robert Glenister. Othello Evil cunning perverts a once noble mind, as heroic general Othello is destroyed by both his own jealousy and the machinations of the devious Iago. Ray Fearon stars as Othello, with James Frain as Iago. Romeo and Juliet An updated version of Shakespeare's tragedy of feuding families and doomed love, set in modern Verona and starring Douglas Henshall as Romeo and Sophie Dahl as Juliet. Cymbeline When Cymbeline discovers his daughter Imogen's secret marriage to Posthumus, he banishes her husband. But Posthumus's boasts of his wife's chastity provoke lachimo to attempt her seduction. Bill Wallis stars as Cymbeline.

William Shakespeare (Author), Bill Wallis, Corin Redgrave, Full Cast, Geraldine James, Juliet Stevenson, Ken Stott, Kenneth Cranham, Michael Sheen, Siân Phillips, Sophie Dahl (Narrator)

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The Blue Cross

Gilbert Keith Chesterton was born in Campden Hill, Kensington on May 29th 1874. Originally after attending St Pauls School he went to Slade to learn the art of illustration. In 1896 he joined a small London publisher and began his journalistic career as a freelance art and literary critic and going on to writing weekly columns in the Daily News and the Illustrated London News. In 1901 he married Frances Blogg, to whom he remained married for the rest of his life. For many he is known as a very fine novelist and the creator of the Father Brown Detective stories which were much influenced by his own beliefs. A large man – 6’ 4” and 21st in weight he was apt to be forgetful in that delightful way that the British sometimes are – a telegram home to his wife saying he was in one place but where should he actually be…….? He was prolific in many other areas; he wrote plays, short stories, essays, loved to debate and wrote hundreds of poems. G K Chesterton died of congestive heart failure on 14th June, 1936 and is buried in Beaconsfield just outside of London.

G K Chesterton (Author), Bill Wallis, Ghizela Rowe (Narrator)

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The Resurrection of Father Brown

Gilbert Keith Chesterton was born in Campden Hill, Kensington on May 29th 1874. Originally after attending St Pauls School he went to Slade to learn the art of illustration. In 1896 he joined a small London publisher and began his journalistic career as a freelance art and literary critic and going on to writing weekly columns in the Daily News and the Illustrated London News. In 1901 he married Frances Blogg, to whom he remained married for the rest of his life. For many he is known as a very fine novelist and the creator of the Father Brown Detective stories which were much influenced by his own beliefs. A large man – 6’ 4” and 21st in weight he was apt to be forgetful in that delightful way that the British sometimes are – a telegram home to his wife saying he was in one place but where should he actually be…….? He was prolific in many other areas; he wrote plays, short stories, essays, loved to debate and wrote hundreds of poems. G K Chesterton died of congestive heart failure on 14th June, 1936 and is buried in Beaconsfield just outside of London.

G K Chesterton (Author), Bill Wallis, Ghizela Rowe (Narrator)

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The Pit and the Pendulum

Edgar Allan Poe, is considered the greatest of all writers of macabre stories, was born in Boston, Massachesetts, in 1809. His father, an Irish-American actor, died the following year, and his mother, an English actress, the year after, in Richmond, Virginia. John Allan, a wealthy Richmond merchant, adopted him. When he was 7, the Allans moved to England, sending him to school at Stoke Newington, at age 12 they moved back to Richmond.He wanted to become a writer, but John Allan wanted him to become a lawyer. He failed to finish courses at the University of Virginia and at West Point Military Academy, and John Allan disowned him. Struggling to live by his writing, he became an ill-paid magazine writer, and at 26 married Virginia, the daughter of his aunt, Mrs Clemm, aged 14. They were happy together, and while married he wrote much of his best work. But Virginia contracted tuberculosis, and worry over her illness and their poverty led him to drink heavily. After six years of marriage, she died. Suffering a complete breakdown, he was nursed back to health by Mrs Clemm.Returning to Richmond, he made a determined attempt to give up drinking. In 1849 he got engaged to a Richmond woman he had loved in his youth. Travelling north to collect Mrs Clemm to the wedding, he stopped off in Baltimore, Ohio. Found there lying drunk on a pavement, he was taken to hospital, but died a few hours later. His poems and short stories have influenced scores of writers. He invented the modern detective story, and his tales of terror are as chilling and powerful today as they have ever been.

Edd Mcnair, Edgar Allan Poe (Author), Bill Wallis (Narrator)

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The Premature Burial

Edgar Allan Poe, is considered the greatest of all writers of macabre stories, was born in Boston, Massachesetts, in 1809. His father, an Irish-American actor, died the following year, and his mother, an English actress, the year after, in Richmond, Virginia. John Allan, a wealthy Richmond merchant, adopted him. When he was 7, the Allans moved to England, sending him to school at Stoke Newington, at age 12 they moved back to Richmond.He wanted to become a writer, but John Allan wanted him to become a lawyer. He failed to finish courses at the University of Virginia and at West Point Military Academy, and John Allan disowned him. Struggling to live by his writing, he became an ill-paid magazine writer, and at 26 married Virginia, the daughter of his aunt, Mrs Clemm, aged 14. They were happy together, and while married he wrote much of his best work. But Virginia contracted tuberculosis, and worry over her illness and their poverty led him to drink heavily. After six years of marriage, she died. Suffering a complete breakdown, he was nursed back to health by Mrs Clemm.Returning to Richmond, he made a determined attempt to give up drinking. In 1849 he got engaged to a Richmond woman he had loved in his youth. Travelling north to collect Mrs Clemm to the wedding, he stopped off in Baltimore, Ohio. Found there lying drunk on a pavement, he was taken to hospital, but died a few hours later. His poems and short stories have influenced scores of writers. He invented the modern detective story, and his tales of terror are as chilling and powerful today as they have ever been.

Edd Mcnair, Edgar Allan Poe (Author), Bill Wallis (Narrator)

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Classic Short Stories - Volume 12

Stories are one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements. Whether written down or spoken they have an ability to capture our imagination and thoughts, and take us on incredible journeys in the space of a phrase and the turn of a page.Within a few words of text or speech, new worlds and characters form, propelling a narrative to a conclusion with intricate ease. Finely crafted, perfectly formed these Miniature Masterpieces, at first thought, seem remarkably easy to conjure up. But ask any writer and they will tell you that distilling the essence of narrative and characters into a short story is one of the hardest acts of their literary craft. Many attempt, but few achieve.

Edd Mcnair, Edgar Allan Poe, Edith Nesbit (Author), Bill Wallis, Richard Mitchley (Narrator)

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Classic Short Stories - Volume 18

Stories are one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements. Whether written down or spoken they have an ability to capture our imagination and thoughts, and take us on incredible journeys in the space of a phrase and the turn of a page.Within a few words of text or speech, new worlds and characters form, propelling a narrative to a conclusion with intricate ease. Finely crafted, perfectly formed these Miniature Masterpieces, at first thought, seem remarkably easy to conjure up. But ask any writer and they will tell you that distilling the essence of narrative and characters into a short story is one of the hardest acts of their literary craft. Many attempt, but few achieve.

D H Lawrence, Edd Mcnair, Edgar Allan Poe, Kate Chopin (Author), Bill Wallis, Jake Urry, Richard Mitchley (Narrator)

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Brief Lives

In this eclectic selection of biographical sketches Bill Deedes remembers some of the key figures of the twentieth century. Political heavyweights such as Ramsay MacDonald, Stanley Baldwin and Anthony Eden are reassessed and reevalued, while record breakers such as Sir Edmund Hillary and Roger Bannister are shown to be far more than just their achievements. Further afield, W. F. Deedes ruminates on the chaotic and shady world of Imelda Marcos, the dignity and determination of anti-apartheid campaigner Helen Suzman and the controversial leadership of Ian Smith in Rhodesia. But there are lighter portraits too. Noel Coward, with his useful advice on trains, Mary Whitehouse's inadvertent demonstration of pornography and Malcolm Muggeridge's half-hearted suicide attempt all feature in this delightful compendium. Finally there is an engaging and funny look at Deedes' great friend Denis Thatcher. In an elegiac essay, we see the man rather than the husband of a famous woman. Stories abound, particularly when on holiday in Spain. . . Like his previous books, Dear Bill and At War With Waugh, Brief Lives is an affectionate, perceptive and anecdotal book, bursting with life, humour and wit.

W. F. Deedes (Author), Bill Wallis (Narrator)

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Father Brown

Father Brown. This wonderful creation by GK Chesterton is a familiar favourite to many as a TV series in the 70s with Kenneth More. Chesterton's other works include 'The Man Who Knew Too Much. These four stories test Father Brown in many ways creating headaches a plenty. However Father Brown is nothing if not redoubtable and whilst Chesterton's stories are, in his own words, "very slight and improbable" his method is all his own. Bill Wallis captures perfectly the mood and tone of Father Brown in this collection.

G. K. Chesterton (Author), Bill Wallis (Narrator)

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