Audiobooks narrated by David March

The Prince and The Mandrake: Two Full Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations

"The renowned masterpiece from one of the most influential writers in history, Machiavelli 'It's very, very good...an engaging exploration of one of the most influential political works ever written.' - Entertainment Focus The Prince, written during the Italian Renaissance by author Niccolò Machiavelli, is an internationally renowned masterpiece about power, greed and strategy in government. Regarded by some as a manual for would-be tyrants on how they should seize and maintain power and by others as a simple reflection of political reality, listen now to this full-cast dramatisation and make up your own mind. In addition to this stunning, modern dramatisation of the classic novel, this download includes The Mandrake, Machiavelli’s comedy packed with intrigue, infidelity and fools and the documentary Machiavelli – Devil or Democrat from Jonathan Freedland, which re-assesses Machiavelli and explores whether his maligned reputation has overshadowed his other achievements… The Prince is the classic 16th-century treatise on the nature of power and statecraft. In this modern rendition, the author Machiavelli (Ciaran Hinds), often identified as Satan, uses his brilliance and cunning to explain how power can be created and sustained. This brilliant adaptation is performed for the first time as a monologue with dramatised illustrations from a full-cast, including Philip Voss, Stephen Critchlow and Christopher Godwin. The Mandrake is Machiavelli’s best-known comedy, taking place in a square in Florence in 1504. Callimaco, desires to sleep with Lucrezia, the young and beautiful wife of an elderly fool, Nicia. Nicia above all else desires a son and heir. Conspiring with a rascally marriage broker, and a corrupt priest, Callimaco masquerades as a doctor and tricks Nicia into letting his wife become his lover using the power of the mandrake plant. This double edition download comes with the added exclusive content, Machiavelli – Devil or Democrat. A fascinating documentary that explores the life and work of one of the most maligned authors in history. The impact of this writer has been felt across the centuries from the execution of King Charles I to the ‘Founding Fathers’ of the United States and journalist and writer Jonathan Freedland re-assesses the legacy of this incredible thinker and writer. This is a download not to missed, perfect for any fans of classical literature with a twist, packed with compelling intrigue, wit and fascinating revelations. Cast and credits Written by Niccolò Machiavelli The Prince Niccolo - Ciaran Hinds The Prince - Christopher Godwin Louis - Philip Voss Severus - Stephen Critchlow Oliverotti - Scott Handy Giovanni - John Rowe Other parts played by Chris Kelham, Tom George and Gavin Muir Dramatised by Peter Wolf Directed by Cherry Cookson First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21st January 2000 The Mandrake Callimaco - John Rye Siro - Anthony Jackson Messer Nicia - Douglas Wilmer Ligurio - David March Sostrata - Beity Hardy Fra Timoteo - Willoughby Goddard A young widow - Hilda Schroder Lucrezia - Hilary Hardiman Singers Robert Tear, Douglas Wilmer, Willoughby Goddard, John Rye and David March Translated from the Italian by J. R. Hale Produced by Charles Lefeaux Songs by Elizabeth Poston First Broadcast BBC Radio 3, 27th October 1967 Machiavelli – Devil or Democrat Presented by Jonathan Freedland Produced by Rob Shepherd First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18th November 2013 ©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Niccoli Machiavelli (Author), Anthony Jackson, Christopher Godwin, Ciarán Hinds, David March, Douglas Wilmer, Full Cast, Hilda Schroder, John Rowe, John Rye, Philip Voss, Scott Handy, Stephen Critchlow (Narrator)

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Christopher Isherwood: A BBC Radio Collection: Three Full-Cast BBC Radio Adaptations including Mr Norris Changes Trains

"Full-cast dramatisations of three insightful novels by Christopher Isherwood, plus a bonus interview Novelist and playwright Christopher Isherwood is best known for The Berlin Stories of pre-Hitler Germany, which inspired the musical Cabaret. Many of his works have been adapted for stage and screen. This BBC Radio collection comprises full-cast adaptations of three of the Anglo-American’s acclaimed works, together with a riveting interview with Isherwood himself. Mr Norris Changes Trains – The Berlin Stories Part One. 1930. Travelling by train to Berlin, impressionable young English teacher William Bradshaw asks his fellow passenger for a light. This chance meeting leads to a bizarre friendship, as William is caught up in the strange world of the mysterious, disreputable Mr Norris… Michael Maloney and David March star in this evocative portrait of the last, decadent years of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazism. Christopher Himself – Charting the young Isherwood’s creative coming of age in the movie world of the 1930s, and his relationship with his Austrian mentor, the autocratic director Friedrich Bergmann, this piece was written by Philip Glassborow inspired by Isherwood's Prater Violet. Starring David Suchet and Adam Godley, and featuring interviews with Isherwood’s partner Don Bachardy and biographer Kate Bucknell. A Single Man – Following the death of his young lover, Jim, middle-aged English college professor George must deal with his feelings of grief, loneliness and alienation. Alec McCowen stars in this radio dramatisation of Isherwood’s 1964 novel, which was adapted as an Oscar-nominated film (starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore) in 2009. Christopher and His Kind – Recorded in 1977, soon after Isherwood published his autobiography ‘Christopher and His Kind’, the author chats to novelist and critic Paul Bailey about the formative experiences of his life, and how he used them in his novels. Cast and credits Written by Christopher Isherwood Mr Norris Changes Trains Mr Norris – David March William Bradshaw – Michael Maloney Helen Pratt – Sheila Grant Fraulein Schroeder – Hilda Schroder Friedrich/Otto – Haydn Wood Waiter – Spencer Banks Schmidt – Adrian Egan Baron von Pregnitz – Sean Arnold Whore/Portress – Denica Fairman Anni – Deborah Paige Bayer – Wolf Kahler German Official/Policeman/Waiter – Danny Schiller Dramatised by Eric Ewens Directed by David Spenser First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16-23 Sep 1984 Christopher Himself Isherwood – Adam Godley Bergmann – David Suchet Brian – Bernard Cribbins Mother – Sylvestra Le Touzel Waitress – Polly March Meadwell – Robert Meadwell Written by Philip Glassborow With scenes based on the novel Prater Violet by Christopher Isherwood Directed by Beaty Rubens Music: Guy Meredith First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 Aug 2004 A Single Man George – Alec McCowen Charley – Rosemary Martin Jim – William Gaminara Kenny – Neil Roberts Doris – Liza Ross Mrs Strunk – Valerie Colgan Andy – Angelo Gibson Cynthia – Bonnie Hurren Rick – Michael Morris Nurse – Jane Whittenshaw Adapted for radio by Michael Michaelian from his own stage play Directed by Glyn Dearman First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 10 Nov 1991 Christopher and his Kind Presented by Paul Bailey With Christopher Isherwood First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 28 Mar 1977 © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Christopher Isherwood (Author), Alec McCowen, David March, David Suchet, Full Cast, Michael Maloney, Mick Ford, Neil Roberts, Patricia Routledge, Rosemary Martin, William Gaminara (Narrator)

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The School for Scandal, The Rivals & The Duenna: Three Full-Cast Vintage BBC Radio Productions

"Three of the ever-popular Sheridan’s finest plays Born in Dublin in 1751, Richard Brinsley Sheridan was a theatre impresario, statesman and the most celebrated playwright of his time. His brilliantly witty comedies of manners have become part of the literary canon, and are frequently performed around the world. This collection comprises three classic radio productions of his best works, performed by star casts including Barbara Mitchell, Rolf Lefebvre, Dorothy Tutin, Flora Robson, Dennis Quilley and Patricia Routledge. The School For Scandal – Collated from two manuscripts corrected by Sheridan himself, this 1967 radio version of his most famous play introduces us to gossip-monger Lady Sneerwell, who loves nothing more than spreading slander and ruining reputations. When she sets her sights on the young, rakish Charles Surface, the stage is set for scandal... The Rivals – Set in 18th century Bath, where the wealthy and fashionable come to take the waters, Sheridan’s sparkling debut centres around young lovers Jack Absolute and Lydia Languish. Knowing his beloved is resolved never to marry a rich man, the aristocratic Jack pretends to be the poor soldier Ensign Beverley. Lydia is overjoyed at the thought of eloping with Beverley under the nose of her guardian, Mrs Malaprop – but how will she react when her romantic dreams are shattered? The Duenna – Spanish nobleman Don Jerome wishes his daughter to marry the wealthy merchant Isaac Mendoza. Louisa, however, has given her heart to the impoverished Don Antonio. With the help of her duenna, can she secure her true love? This comic operetta features an early performance from Dame Patricia Routledge, who talks at the end of the production about her time playing Donna Clara. First published 1775 (The Rivals, The Duenna), 1777 (The School for Scandal) Cast and credits Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan The School for Scandal Lady Sneerwell – Barbara Mitchell Snake – Rolf Lefebvre Joseph Surface – Alan Badel Maria – Hilda Schroder Mrs Candour – Barbara Couper Crabtree – Max Adrian Sir Benjamin Backbite – David March Sir Peter Teazle – Maurice Denham Rowley – Ronald Herdman Lady Teazle – Dorothy Tutin Sir Oliver Surface – Hamlyn Benson Moses – Haydn Jones Trip – Leroy Lingwood Charles Surface – John Quentin Careless – Alexander John Sir Toby Bumper – Alan Dudley Maid – Rosalind Shanks Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan with the Epilogue by George Colman Produced by Charles Lefeaux BBC Midland Light Orchestra Leader: James Hutcheon Conductor: Gilbert Vinter The Rivals Mrs Malaprop – Flora Robson Sir Anthony Absolute – Peter Pratt Lydia Languish – Christine Finn Captain Absolute – Bernard Brown Bob Acres – William Ingram Julia – Rosalind Shanks Faulkland – Peter Tuddenham Sir Lucius O’Trigger – Denys Hawthorne Lucy – Barbara Mitchell Fag – Christopher Bidmead David – Ronald Herdman Thomas – Alan Dudley Boy/Maid – Carol Marsh Servant – LeRoy Lingwood Directed by Betty Davies The Duenna Don Antonio – Denis Quilley Donna Louisa – Jane Wenham Don Jerome – Alan Dudley Don Carlos – Gordon Faith Don Ferdinand – Barrie Ingham Donna Clara – Patricia Routledge The Duenna – Betty Huntley-Wright Isaac Mendoza – Peter Pratt Pepita – Valerie Kirkbright Father Paul – Aubrey Woods Lopez – Andrew Sachs Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan and adapted by Lionel Harris Adapted for radio and produced by Peter Bryant Music composed by Julian Slade, played by the Sinfonia of London conducted by Marcus Dods © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

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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The Inter-City Contract & more: Seven Full-Cast BBC Radio Crime Dramas

"A collection of seven ingenious full-cast thrillers and crime dramas by Rod Beacham Actor, dramatist and founding member of Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre, Rod Beacham wrote over 15 plays for BBC Radio. This collection comprises seven crime dramas first broadcast on Radio 4’s ‘Saturday Night Theatre’ strand between 1980 and 1987, ranging in tone from tense whodunnits to light-hearted comedy thrillers. The Inter-City Contract – A chess-playing Hungarian, a concert harpist and a septuagenarian lady mountaineer are just some of the passengers on the overnight express to Edinburgh. Lurking amongst them is a hired assassin and his intended victim… Michael Maloney, Melinda Walker and Steve Hodson star in this gripping mystery set on a sleeper train. The Gortys Triangle – Crete is the setting for this suspenseful drama, which revolves around a young man’s death by drowning. Attempting to uncover the truth, his archaeologist cousin navigates the world of the super-rich and meets the mysterious Candy, who appears to be the key to it all. Starring Patrick Mower and David March. Thanks for Looking After Jeannie – When Dicky Doyle drops dead in Wormwood Scrubs, he takes the hiding place of some stolen jewels to his grave. Or does he? Criminal mastermind Jack Prince thinks otherwise – and this spells trouble... Peter Vaughan stars in this entertaining comedy thriller. Prince of Thieves – This sequel to the previous play finds arch-villain Jack Prince planning a gold bullion heist. But it’s not until he meets nutty computer expert Mad Doc Pargeter that he sees a way to break through the vault’s electronic doors… Starring Peter Vaughan, Bryan Pringle and June Tobin. Go Down in Darkness– Susan Penreith walked out of university in her second year, and has since vanished. She was always convinced that something terrible would happen to her when she was 25 – but what was she so afraid of, and why is her ex-boyfriend Matt suddenly having terrifying dreams about her? Steve Hodson, Frances Jeater and Glynis Brooks star in this eerie thriller. Disconnection – Peter Taylor has worked hard all his life for achievement and success, and now it finally seems within his grasp. Only then he makes a phone call – and the voice on the other end fills him with apprehension and terror… Starring David Daker. The Hubris File – Senior civil servant Pargeter is missing, and the only clues to the mystery lie in his diary. It reveals that he was under increasing strain – and that he was on the trail of a traitor within the ranks of the Intelligence Department. Could this double agent be responsible for his disappearance? Geoffrey Collins stars in this absorbing tale. © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Rod Beacham (Author), Alan Thompson, Bryan Pringle, David Daker, David March, Frances Jeater, Full cast, Geoffrey Collins, Glynis Brooks, Melinda Walker, Michael Maloney, Peter Vaughan, Robin Summers, Steve Hodson, Trevor Nichols (Narrator)

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M. R. James: Stories I Have Tried to Write: Seven Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramas

"A series of full-cast ghost stories based on plots by M. R. James In 1929, M. R. James penned an essay called 'Stories I Have Tried to Write', in which he detailed plots that had failed to blossom and fragments of tales that never materialised, recalling them 'for the benefit of someone else'. In this BBC Radio series, Sheila Hodgson takes advantage of his generosity, fleshing out these sketchy ideas into full-blown dramas. Some are narrated by M. R. James himself, while others feature the author as a character, caught up in strange, inexplicable events. The Whisper in the Ear - M. R. James recounts the curious affair of young undergraduate Robert Stafford and his mysterious train companion. Turn Turn Turn - The Cambridge provost tells a chilling cautionary tale of witchcraft in Cambridge, in an attempt to heal a rift between a vicar and his son. The Backward Glance - The unsettling story of a mysterious 18th-century mask made of black silk - and skin... Here Am I, Where Are You? - The tale of a cursed professor with a curious red book, a wayward nephew and a Georgian tankard. Echoes from the Abbey - An invitation to spend Christmas at Medborough Abbey leads to a ghostly encounter for distinguished academic Dr James. The Lodestone - A young illustrator becomes obsessed with drawing the gravestone of a 17th-century witch. The Boat Hook - Visiting Trondheim Cathedral, Dr James is unsettled by the appearance of a small model boat... David March and Michael Williams star in these haunting supernatural dramas, which will thrill all fans of M. R. James' original ghost stories. NB: Due to the age of some of the recordings, the sound quality may vary Written by Sheila Hodgson Based on ideas by M.R. James Directed by David Johnston © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Sheila Hodgson (Author), David March, Full Cast, Michael Williams (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by David March

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