Audiobooks narrated by Christian Rodska

Flashman & more: Three Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations

"Full-cast adaptations of two Flashman novels, plus a standalone historical romp, a humorous short story and an interview with George MacDonald Fraser Scottish author George MacDonald Fraser took the loutish bully from Thomas Hughes’ Tom Brown's Schooldays and gave him a new lease of life. Over the course of 12 novels, caddish anti-hero Flashman swashbuckled his way around the British Empire, playing a key role in some of the 19th century’s most significant events. Adapted for BBC Radio, and featuring a stellar cast, this collection includes: Flash for Freedom! – It is 1848 and Flashman is considering a political career. But a disastrous card game with Disraeli plunges him into hair-raising involvement with a murderous sea captain, the transatlantic slave trade, the Underground Railroad and Abraham Lincoln. Flashman at the Charge – Renowned bounder, blackguard, liar, lecher, and self-confessed coward Sir Harry Flashman suffers the ill fortune of being caught up in the Charge of the Light Brigade – and rides with the descendants of Genghis Khan against the might of Imperial Russia, as he attempts to save British India… Good Queen Bess and the Dastardly Don – England, 1599, and at the Spanish Embassy, a devilish plot is brewing. New envoy Don Diego claims to possess a compromising letter written by Queen Elizabeth 50 years ago: and unless it is retrieved, her reputation as the Virgin Queen will be in tatters. Time to call in Mistress Phoebe Fosdyke, Secret Agent… ‘Monsoon Selection Board’ – Corporal David MacNeill recalls his challenging time in 1940s Burma, when he was part of a battalion trying to stop the Japanese army escaping. Hoping to become an officer, he is sent to face the Selection Board – but can he prove his mettle? Bookclub: George MacDonald Fraser – James Naughtie talks to George MacDonald Fraser about his inspiration for the Flashman books, writing a Bond screenplay, and why we can’t resist a rogue. Text copyright © George MacDonald Fraser 1970 (‘Monsoon Selection Board’), 1971 (Flash for Freedom!), 1973 (Flashman at the Charge), 2000 (Good Queen Bess and the Dastardly Don) Cast and credits Written by George MacDonald Fraser Flash for Freedom Featuring Joss Ackland, Rhys Meredith, Nigel Anthony, Christian Rodska, William Hope, Ndidi Del Fatti, Emily Wachter, Jamie Newall, Robert Hastie, Damian Lynch, Stuart Milligan Dramatised by George MacDonald Fraser Directed by Patrick Rayner First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 Mar-3 Apr 2005 Flashman at the Charge Featuring Joss Ackland, Angus Wright, Jayne McKenna, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Nigel Anthony, David Holt, David Bannerman, Peter Kenny Dramatised by George MacDonald Fraser Directed by Patrick Rayner First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13-20 Oct 2002 Good Queen Bess and the Dastardly Don Featuring Vivienne Dixon, Crawford Logan, Katherine Igoe, Mark McDonnell, James Bryce, Julie Austin Written by George MacDonald Fraser Directed by Patrick Rayner First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 May 2000 ‘Monsoon Selection Board’ Read by Tom Fleming Produced by Bruce Young First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 Oct 1990 Bookclub: George MacDonald Fraser Presented by James Naughtie With George MacDonald Fraser Produced by Dymphna Flynn First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 Jan 2006 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

George MacDonald Fraser (Author), Angus Wright, Christian Rodska, Crawford Logan, Full Cast, Jayne McKenna, Joss Ackland, Katherine Igoe, Mark McDonnell, Nigel Anthony, Rhys Meredith, Tom Fleming, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Vivienne Dixon, William Hope (Narrator)

Audiobook

Occupation: Spy: Eight Full-Cast BBC Radio Spy Thrillers

"A collection of full-cast dramatisations and original radio plays from master storyteller Ted Allbeury – plus bonus programmes Described by Len Deighton as ‘a classic writer of espionage fiction’, Ted Allbeury based his many acclaimed spy novels on his own real-life experiences. In World War II, he served as an intelligence officer with Special Operations Executive, and subsequently ran agents across the border between East and West Germany during the Cold War. He began writing in his fifties, and went on to pen over 40 bestselling books, five of which are dramatised here alongside three plays specially written for BBC Radio and two bonus documentaries. The Lonely Margins tells the story of James Harmer, parachuted into France in 1944 on a secret mission. Christian Rodska and Kim Thomson star in this tense tale of danger and deceit. Inspired by actual events, The Other Side of Silence sees MI6 agent John Powell tasked with finding out why notorious traitor Kim Philby wants to return to England from Russia. James Bolam stars as Powell, with Nigel Hawthorne as Philby. In Long Ago and Far Away, starring David McAlister and Kate Binchy, two ex-SOE operatives find the past returning to haunt them when a voice on the radio brings back memories best left dormant. In Pay Any Price, a Presidential assassination sparks trouble for the CIA and SIS, as they deal with the consequences of a sinister programme known as MKUltra… Starring Barry Foster, Robert Beatty, Susannah Fellows and Michael J. Shannon. The Way We Live finds Andrew Collins discovering the unexpected repercussions of being ‘positively vetted’ by the Security Service, starring John Forbes-Robertson. Time Spent in Reconnaissance sees Peter Harvey finding out how an old military adage applies to his professional and private lives. This thrilling radio play stars Michael Cochrane. No Place to Hide centres around John Rennie (James Kerry), a secret agent whose loyalty is tested when he is ordered to do something he considers abhorrent. Meanwhile, in Deep Purple, starring Michael Melia, Louise Germain and Steve Hodson, the fates of a Secret Intelligence Service officer, a Russian defector and a prostitute are inextricably linked. We conclude with the fascinating two-parter Occupation: Spy, in which Ted Allbeury gives us his unique perspective on the shadowy world of spies and spying. NB: The language in these programmes reflects the era in which they were first broadcast Due to the age of these archive recordings, the sound quality may vary Text copyright © Ted Allbeury 1981 (The Lonely Margins, The Other Side of Silence), 1982 (Long Ago and Far Away), 1983 (Pay Any Price, The Way We Live, Time Spent in Reconnaissance), 1984 (No Place to Hide), 1989 (Deep Purple) 'If you like spy stories rooted in the Second World War madness and Cold War paranoia, and appreciate quality radio drama, then ‘Occupation: Spy' will continue to delight for almost eighteen hours' - Greg Jameson © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Ted Allbeury (Author), Barry Foster, Christian Rodska, David Mcalister, Full Cast, James Bolam, James Kerry, John Forbes-Robertson, Kate Binchy, Kim Thomson, Louise Germain, Margaret Robertson, Michael Cochrane, Michael J. Shannon, Michael Melia, Nigel Hawthorne, Robert Beatty, Steve Hodson, Susannah Fellows (Narrator)

Audiobook

J.L. Carr: A Month in the Country and The Harpole Report: Two BBC Radio Full Cast Dramatisations

"Two stunning dramatisations from one of the twentieth century’s most beloved authors Sink into the lyrical landscapes and beautifully observed lives of J. L. Carr’s finest stories, brought to life in these glorious, full-cast dramatisations starring Shaun Dingwall (Noughts and Crosses, Top Boy) and Rupert Evans (Man in the High Castle, Bridgerton). This BBC Radio collection includes the Booker nominated, A Month in the Country. Be transported to the Yorkshire village of Oxgodby where, in the aftermath of the First World War, survivor Tom Birkin spends a summer uncovering a medieval mural in the local church. Birkin discovers treasures he thought the war had blown away forever. A tender and beautiful story about spirituality and healing in the aftermath of horror. The Harpole Report tells the humorous story of idealistic young teacher, George Harpole, who decides to shake things up when he becomes acting head of Tampling St Nicholas Primary School. There’s stiff resistance, improper suggestions and children running riot, but true romance may be just around the corner… J. L. Carr served in the RAF in WWII and after the war worked as a teacher, publisher and writer. His novel, A Month in the Country, won the Guardian Fiction Prize and was also turned into a film starring Colin Firth and Natasha Richardson. Since his death in 1994, Carr has become recognised as one of the great British writers; funny and heart-breaking in equal measure. Immerse yourself in this timeless and very English collection. Cast and credits Written by J. L. Carr A Month in the Country Adapted by Dave Sheasby Produced by David Hunter Birkin - Rupert Evans Alice - Hattie Morahan Keach - Stephen Critchlow Moon - Blake Ritson Kathy - Leah Brotherhead Station Master - Tony Bell First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 November 2010 The Harpole Report Dramatised by Jonathan Smith Directed and produced by Bruce Young George Harpole - Shaun Dingwall Emma Foxberrow - Hattie Morahan Mr Tusker - Christian Rodska Mr Theaker - Sam Dale Mrs Blossom - Lesley Nicol Mrs Rita Grindle-Jones - Jane Whittenshaw Mr James Pintle - David Holt Mrs Sue Byrd - Susie Riddell Other parts played by the cast First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12 March 2012 ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

J.L. Carr (Author), Anna Hope, Caitlin Mottram, Christian Rodska, Full Cast, Harriet Walter, Hattie Morahan, Jane Wittenshaw, Kate Eaton, Richard Hope, Rupert Evans, Shaun Dingwall, Stephen Critchlow (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Fosdyke Saga: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama

"Miriam Margolyes leads a comedy spoof version of John Galsworthy's classic 'The Forsyte Saga' novels Follow the uproarious antics of the Edwardian Fosdyke family as they work their way out of the mining pits of Lancashire to become rulers of a global tripe empire. An empire that the villainous Roger Ditchely will stop at nothing to try and bring down... A classic tale of struggle, power, personalities, and offal. Based on Bill Tidy's hugely popular Daily Mirror cartoon strip, this full-cast production is a laugh-out-loud parody of John Galsworthy's classic, 'The Forsyte Saga'. Cast and credits Written by Bill Tidy and John Junkin Produced by Alan Nixon Josiah Fosdyke - Philip Lowrie Victoria Fosdyke - Miriam Margolyes Roger Ditchely - Christian Rodska Rebecca Fosdyke - Stephanie Turner Ben Ditchley - Colin Douglas Tom Fosdyke - David Threlfall The King - John Westerbrook The Warder - John Junkin Albert Fosdyke - Enn Reitel Von Richtofen and Colonel Boodle - Larry Lamb The Sergeant - Trevor Cooper Schmidt - David Timson Fifi - Sally Grace The Strangler - Nick Maloney The Judge - David Ross Other parts played by - Douglas Blackwell, Christopher Barr, David English, Nick Revell, Arthur Smith and John Dougall First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, October 1983 ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Bill Tidy, John Junkin (Author), Christian Rodska, Colin Douglas, David Threlfall, Full Cast, John Junkin, Larry Lamb, Miriam Margolyes, Philip Lowrie, Stephanie Turner, Trevor Cooper (Narrator)

Audiobook

God’s Revolution: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast historical drama

"An epic 12-part drama about the events leading up to, and following, the execution of King Charles I 'Classy writing... wonderfully crisp, with a brilliant cast' The Spectator England, 1647. Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army has routed the Royalists, and the King, having fled to Scotland, has been ransomed, sent back across the border and imprisoned. It seems the war is over, but there is trouble ahead. Parliament wants to disband the army and install its own militia - an act that looks, to Cromwell's loyal soldiers, like outright betrayal. As dissent grows within the ranks, agitators such as Francis White and John Reynolds, and leading Leveller John Lilburne, step up to speak for the common man. What began with a dispute over army demobilisation soon becomes far more, and a radical faction arises demanding freedom, equality and power to the people. But for Cromwell and his Commander-in-Chief, Thomas Fairfax, this is a challenge to Parliament's authority, and smacks of revolution. Facing a schism within the army, Cromwell is torn - but when the King escapes from custody, he and his troops have a new threat to deal with... Meanwhile, the women at home have troubles of their own. Clever, independent Penelope White is subject to the whims of her intransigent father, who wants her to marry a man of his choosing. And Lilburne's wife, Elizabeth, must risk her life each time she smuggles forbidden political papers into his cell in the Tower of London. As their men prepare to fight once more, what does the future hold for them? Set between the pivotal years of 1647 and 1649, this classic Civil War drama stars Bernard Hepton as Cromwell, Nigel Anthony as Fairfax, Graham Blockey as Francis White, Christian Rodska as Lilburne, William Eedle as Charles I, Deborah Makepeace as Penelope and Maureen O'Brien as Elizabeth. Cast and credits Written by Don Taylor God's Revolution Lord General Fairfax - Nigel Anthony John Church - Eric Allan Francis White - Graham Blockey Charles I/Lieut. Colonel Jackson/Cornet Denne - William Eedle Oliver Cromwell - Bernard Hepton Stephen White - David March John Reynolds - Kim Wall John Lilburne - Christian Rodska James Thompson - Simon Cuff Miles Sindercombe/Col. Rainsborough/Sir William Waller/Morrison - John Baddeley Corporal Perkins/Silent soldier/Simeon/Joseph/Winstanley/Brother Gerard - Steve Hodson Colonel James/Lockyer/Major General Skippon/Huntingdon - Peter Craze Edmund White/Major Gooday/Col. Scroop - Cornelius Garrett Penelope White - Deborah Makepeace Elizabeth Lilburne - Maureen O'Brien William Thompson/Captain Musket - Anthony Jackson Commissary Ireton - Bill Wallis Edward Sexby/Col. Whalley - John Hartoch Lady Anne Fairfax - Lin Sagovsky Cornet Joyce/Everard - Jonathan Nibbs Betty - Zelah Clarke Mrs Cromwell/Martha- June Barrie John Lilburne - Christian Rodska Beggar woman - June Tobin John Wildman - Stephen Rashbrook Robin - Elizabeth Lindsay Isaac - Christopher Asante Capt. Hatton - Alan Coveney Pride - Norman Eshley Mary Overton - Barbara Kellermann Mrs Chidley - Ellen Dryden Barry - Paul Sirr Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin and Ronald Mason Psalms arranged by Blaise Compton First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7 October-23 December 1988 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Don Taylor (Author), Bernard Hepton, Christian Rodska, Full Cast, Graham Blockey, Nigel Anthony (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Complete Uncle Mort Adventures: North Country, South Country & Celtic Fringe: A BBC Comedy

"For the first time ever all three much-loved series featuring the legendary creations Uncle Mort and Carter Brandon are brought together in one collection. As the pair tour Britain, Uncle Mort's recollections make for some hilarious moments. Uncle Mort and his Yorkshire based family first appeared in Tinniswood's novel 'A Touch of Daniel' which earned them a run of four series of 'I Didn't Know You Cared' on BBC TV from 1975-1979. In Uncle Mort's North Country, having been granted a week's holiday, Carter Brandon, with his uncle Mort for company, takes a series of day trips around the north. From day one the week is quite eventful, from a burning barn and a death in a pub where they stop for a drink, to a trip to the seaside where events are equally interesting and amusing. In Uncle Mort's South Country, these famous sons of the north find a fruitful new patch of Tinniswood country in which to air their views. Soho and Hampton Court, southern hotels and southern pubs, southern beer and southern food, that caustic one-nation philosopher, Uncle Mort, has to stomach them all. In the Celtic Fringe the adventures continue west of the English border. Carter Brandon and his Uncle continue their epic journey through Wales, in his Beetle. They sample an eclectic mix of Welsh hospitality, from spending a night in a very eccentric hotel, spending time with famed sportsman Icky Williams and lodging with a sex mad Reverend. Uncle Mort has strange visions and the eccentric trip takes an unusual turn when they look up Mort's old flame. Uncle Mort... Stephen Thorne Carter Brandon ... Sam Kelly Narrator... Christian Rodska"

Peter Tinniswood (Author), Christian Rodska, Full Cast, Liz Goulding, Sam Kelly, Stephen Thorne (Narrator)

Audiobook

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 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

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

Audiobook

Greenmantle

"In Greenmantle, Richard Hannay, hero of The Thirty-Nine Steps, travels across war-torn Europe in search of a German plot and an Islamic Messiah. He is joined by three more of Buchan's heroes: Peter Pienaar, the old Boer Scout; John S. Blenkiron, the American determined to fight the Kaiser; and Sandy Arbuthnot. Greenmantle himself is partly modeled on Lawrence of Arabia. The intrepid four move in disguise through Germany to Constantinople and the Russian border to face their enemies—the grotesque Stumm and the evil beauty of Hilda von Einem."

John Buchan (Author), Christian Rodska (Narrator)

Audiobook

Quarterdeck

"Thomas Kydd was promoted to acting lieutenant at the bloody Battle of Camperdown in October 1797. Now, he must sit an examination to confirm his rank. But this is only the first of many obstacles for a man from humble origins. If he is to avoid spending the rest of his career as a tarpaulin officer, he must also become a gentleman."

Julian Stockwin (Author), Christian Rodska (Narrator)

Audiobook

Conquest

"The Race for the Empire begins… Captain Kydd joins an expedition to take Dutch-held Cape Town, a strategic imperative to secure the rich trade-route to India. But even if the British can defeat the enemy and take possession of the capital, there is still more fighting to be done.Kydd and his men must defend the fragile colony from attacks by the enemy from all sides, while braving the wild beasts and hostile environment of Africa's vast and savage hinterland."

Julian Stockwin (Author), Christian Rodska (Narrator)

Audiobook

Invasion

"Napoleon's forces are poised to invade Britain, and Commander Thomas Kydd's ship is at the forefront of the fleet. Then Kydd is abruptly withdrawn from the fleet and sent back to Dover on a secret mission to guard a mysterious American inventor. He is furious to find he will miss his opportunity to prove himself in battle. Yet Kydd's role in the approaching war may be the most crucial part he has ever played."

Julian Stockwin (Author), Christian Rodska (Narrator)

Audiobook

Command

"Thrilled at his first command, a little brig sloop called Teazer; Thomas Kydd must race to bring his ship to battle readiness in order to defend Malta against Barbary corsairs. But his jubilation does not last long - peace is suddenly declared. Instead he sets sail as captain of a convict transport for the penal colony in New South Wales - and challenges that will test both his seamanship and humanity to the limit."

Julian Stockwin (Author), Christian Rodska (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Christian Rodska