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The School for Scandal, The Rivals & The Duenna: Three Full-Cast Vintage BBC Radio Productions
"Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the Anglo-Irish playwright and Whig politician, left an indelible mark on English literature and theatre. This collection of Sheridan’s classic comedies showcases his sharp wit and keen eye for social pretensions, making it a must-have for lovers of timeless, satirical theatre. His witty, satirical dramas continue to captivate audiences, as evidenced by the Royal Shakespeare Company's recent 2024 production of The School for Scandal. Sheridan's enduring appeal makes his works a treasure trove for BBC listeners who cherish classic, witty dramas. Set in 1770s London, Sheridan’s The School for Scandal is a brilliantly biting comedy of manners. Lady Sneerwell takes pleasure in ruining reputations, targeting bachelor Charles Surface. Together with Charles’ conniving brother Joseph, Sneerwell orchestrates schemes of intrigue and infidelity. Cast includes Barbara Mitchell, Rolf Lefebvre and Maurice Denham. The Rivals is a delightful comedy where Captain Jack Absolute assumes the persona of a poor army officer to woo Lydia Languish, under the nose of her guardian, Mrs Malaprop. Set in 18th-century Bath, the play explores Lydia's reaction upon learning the truth. Cast includes Flora Robson, Denys Hawthorne, Peter Pratt, Rosalind Shanks In The Duenna, Don Jerome arranges for his daughter, Louisa, to marry a wealthy merchant, but she loves Don Antonio. Louisa seeks help from a duenna to outwit her father’s plans. Casts include: Denis Quilley, Jane Wenham, Patricia Routledge, Barrie Ingham."
Richard Brinsley Sheridan (Author), Alan Dudley, Alexander John, Barbara Mitchell, Christopher Bidmead, David March, Denis Quilley, Denys Hawthorne, Dorothy Tutin, Flora Robson, Haydn Jones, Maurice Denham, Patricia Routledge, Peter Pratt, Ronald Herdman, William Ingram (Narrator)
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Tower of London: A Vintage BBC Radio Full-Cast Dramatisation
"An epic 13-part dramatisation of William Harrison Ainsworth’s historical romance, centring around the rise and fall of Lady Jane Grey William Harrison Ainsworth was lauded by his contemporaries as a successor to Sir Walter Scott, and was named in 1847 as one of the three most popular writers in England (alongside Edward Bulwer-Lytton and Charles Dickens). His first three historical novels were inspired by the lives of Dick Turpin, ‘Honest Jack’ Sheppard and ‘the Admirable Crichton’, but with The Tower of London, he decided to base his book around a place rather than a person. Depicting the ancient citadel ‘in its triple light of a palace, a prison and a fortress’, he went on to weave a thrilling tale of power struggles, romance and political intrigue – featuring two coronations, a wedding, several executions and a siege... It begins in July 1553, as the newly-crowned Queen Jane makes her way by barge to the Tower, where she will spend the first days of her reign. Following the death of Edward VI, she has been installed on the throne by her father-in-law, the Duke of Northumberland, who has married her to his son Lord Guildford Dudley with hopes of making him King. But danger lurks within the Tower’s high walls, for there are many who plot against Jane: not least Simon Renard, the Spanish Ambassador, who is determined to make Catherine of Aragon’s Catholic daughter, Mary, Queen in Jane’s place. Surrounded by enemies and betrayed by those she trusted most, Jane is led step by step to her tragic fate... Meanwhile, the beautiful Cicely, the ‘Rose of the Tower’, has fallen in love with Dudley’s squire, Cuthbert Cholmondeley, only for their budding romance to be thwarted by the villainous, jealous head jailer Nightgall. As history plays out around her, is she destined for happiness or heartbreak? Dramatised by actor and writer Tony Van den Bergh, this riveting 1968 drama dates from the glory days of the BBC Repertory Company, and features an ensemble cast including Gudrun Ure, Peter Baldwin, Francis de Wolff, Rosalind Shanks, Garard Green and Marjorie Westbury. With thanks to Keith Wickham and the Radio Circle NB: This recording contains dated language and attitudes Production credits Written by William Harrison Ainsworth First published 1840 Dramatised by Tony Van den Bergh Produced and directed by R D Smith Cast Jane, the Queen – Gudrun Ure Nightgall, head jailer – Peter Baldwin Magog, a giant warder – Francis de Wolff Ribald, his crony – Leigh Crutchley Archbishop Cranmer/Arundel – John Wyse Bishop Ridley – Ralph Truman de Noailles, French Ambassador – David March Simon Renard, Spanish Ambassador – Malcolm Hayes Suffolk – Peter Williams Lord Guilford Dudley – Michael Harbour Cuthbert, his squire – Christopher Bidmead Cicely – Beth Boyd Gunnora, an old nurse – Phyllis Montefiore Dame Potentia, a cook’s wife – Lynn Carson Xit, a dwarf – Nigel Anthony Northumberland, Lord Protector – Denis McCarthy Princess Elizabeth – Rosalind Shanks Queen Mary – Alexa Romanes Lord Gardiner – Duncan McIntyre Lord Courtenay – Douglas Hankin Alexia, a crazed prisoner – Margaret Ford Winchester – Rolf Lefebvre Dean Feckenham – Geoffrey Wincott Sir Thomas Wyatt – Garard Green Mistress Ellen – Marjorie Westbury Underhill – Haydn Jones Mauger – John Holus Other parts played by Diana Robson, Jan Edwards, Norma Griffin, Joyce Latham, Henry Webb, Norman Wynne and members of the BBC Drama Repertory Company First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13 March-5 June 1968 © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"
William Harrison Ainsworth (Author), Alexa Romanes, Christopher Bidmead, David March, Denis McCarthy, Duncan McIntyre, Francis de Wolff, Full Cast, Gudrun Ure, Malcolm Hayes, Nigel Anthony, Peter Williams, Ralph Truman (Narrator)
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