Audiobooks Narrated by Carolyn Backhouse

Tales from the Arabian Nights: A BBC Radio 4 Drama

"Seven of Shahrazad's stories of love, magic and mystery - plus bonus documentary A collection of fabulous tales of genies, heroes, flying carpets and fantastic voyages, The Arabian Nights has enchanted generations of children and adults. Forged in the Islamic Golden Age, it was brought to Europe in the 18th Century, where it became an instant sensation. Included here are seven full-cast dramatisations, starring Carolyn Backhouse as Shahrazad and Derek Jacobi as the King, as well as a bonus edition of In Our Time exploring the story behind the tales. Ghanim, the Thrall of Love - To escape the executioner's sword, Shahrazad beguiles the King with a spellbinding tale of love, jealousy, betrayal - and a magic drum. The Ebony Horse - The magical story of a handsome prince, a beautiful princess, and a remarkable wooden horse. The Three Suitors - When Jamilla's lover is thrown in prison, she devises a cunning plan to free him, involving a carpenter, a magistrate, a bogus camel-cleaner, and a wardrobe... The Ninth Pedestal - Prince Zain inherits eight valuable statues - but the ninth is missing. He goes on a quest to find it - but what he discovers is beyond price... Homza's Dance - The hunt for a lost arrow leads Prince Ahmed into an amazing adventure of sorcery and transformation. The Hunchback - A series of bizarre accidents befall an eccentric cast of characters in a tale that's full of twists and turns. The Dream of Baba Abdullah - In a final attempt to save her life, Shahrazad invites the king to enter the final story with her - or return alone... In Our Time: The Arabian Nights - Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the myths, tales and legends of this ever-shifting sea of stories. Cast and credits Adapted by Colin Haydn Evans Directed by Nigel Bryant Music: Sue Harris and Steafan Hannigan Starring Carolyn Backhouse as Shahrazad and Derek Jacobi as the King. Ghanim, the Thrall of Love Wazir - Simon Carter Ghanim - Michael Lumsden Leila - Moir Leslie Caliph - Duncan Law Rahil - Mary Wimbush Slave - Richard O'Ryan Old Man - Geoffrey Banks The Ebony Horse Kamar - James Telfer The Sage - Roger Hume Shams - Teresa Gallagher Kamar's father - John Baddeley The Three Suitors Jamilla - Rachel Atkins Hassan - William Chubb Faris - Geoffrey Banks Gaoler - Michael Mears Magistrate - Philip Anthony Carpenter - John Baddeley Shahrazad's father - Simon Carter The Ninth Pedestal Prince Zain - James Telfer Moubarak - John Baddeley Genie - Steve Hodson Maysun -Teresa Gallagher Homza's Dance Ahmed - James Telfer Peri Banou - Rachel Atkins Sultan - Philip Anthony Sorceress - Mary Wimbush Hussein - Steve Hodson The Hunchback Tailor - Harry Landis Tailor's wife - Maria Charles Doctor's wife - Mary Wimbush Doctor - Philip Anthony Seamstress - Kate Binchy Christian - John Baddeley Watchman - Jonathan Owen Magistrate - Maurice Denham Hunchback - Tania Ison The Dream of Baba Abdullah Baba Abdullah - Daniel Strauss Dervish - Geoffrey Banks In Our Time Presented by Melvyn Bragg With Robert Irwin, Marina Warner and Gerard van Gelder Produced by James Cook © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Colin Haydn Evans (Author), Carolyn Backhouse, Derek Jacobi, Full Cast, Geoffrey Banks, James Tefler, John Baddeley, Mary Wimbush, Philip Anthony, Rachel Atkins, Simon Carter, Teresa Gallagher (Narrator)

Audiobook

Play Sample Listen For Free

Twin Reaction: A BBC Radio 4 Detective Drama

"Twin sisters are the investigating police in this unusual three-part detective series Alice and Belinda are identical twins, and have grown up sharing everything: toys, rooms, and friends. But as they begin their careers as detectives - a job they have each wanted for as long as they can remember - a computer error sees them accidentally starting at the same North London police station. Work gives them enough mysteries to be investigating as they attempt to make themselves known and respected in their new roles, but when Belinda is sexually harassed by a colleague, her twin Alice realizes she can use her identical appearance to fight back when her sister no longer can... Created by Juliet Ace, award-winning writer and playwright (The Archers, Young Victoria, A Slight Hitch), Twin Reaction is a fascinating and fresh look at the bond of sisters, the demands of work, and the pleasures and pains of being a woman in the modern world. Starring Jenny Funnel (As Time Goes By, Doctors) and Carolyn Backhouse (Rosemary and Thyme, Jupiter Moon), this compelling series is perfect for listeners of Colvil and Soames, The Lady Detectives, and The Unforgiven. Content Warning: This drama deals with adult themes such as sexual violence Cast and credits Alice - Jenny Funnel Belinda - Carolyn Backhouse Newsome - Eric Allen Glover - Cornelius Garrett Cox - Lindsay Mack Dobson - Ian Sanders Bella - Sue Broomfield Other cast: Rachel Oldfield Paul Nicholson Janet Dale Marilla Robson Brian Gear Jilly Bond William Eedle Sunny Ormonde Linda Regan Joanne Mitchell Written by Juliet Ace Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin Originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4: 7 August - 21 August 1995 ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Juliet Ace (Author), Carolyn Backhouse, Cornelius Garrett, Eric Allen, Full Cast, Ian Sanders, Jenny Funnell, Jilly Bond, Lindsay Mack, Marilla Robson, Paul Nicholson, Rachel Oldfield, Sue Broomfield, Sunny Ormonde (Narrator)

Audiobook

Play Sample Listen For Free