Audiobooks narrated by Fenella Woolgar

One Chord Wonders: Five Full Cast BBC Radio Dramas

"Frank Cottrell Boyce’s series of plays about the punk generation 30 years on What if punk heroes The Adverts had played a gig in Camberley in 1977, to an audience of 27 people? And what if, three decades later, someone tried to bring that audience back together for a reunion? That’s the premise of these five linked plays by award-winning screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce, telling the stories of some of those audience members as they look back on that life-changing night. Among the star casts are Doon Mackichan, Pauline Quirke, Siân Reeves, Rosie Cavaliero, Richard Ridings, Danny Webb and Manjinder Virk. Parallel Lines – When Julie, a singer in a Blondie tribute band, is invited to the reunion (along with her husband Pete, aka Zorba the Freak), she’s unsure whether or not to go. As she tries to track down 'Thing' and Margaret, two of her contemporaries from those formative days, she finds herself facing a few uncomfortable truths. Blitzkrieg Bop – Back in 1977, Mo Motormouth was a fanzine writer, and co-promoter of the Adverts gig alongside fellow punk Benny Bondage. Now a struggling local radio presenter, her career receives an unexpected boost when she gives her on-air persona an opinionated, in-yer-face makeover. But her newfound success brings some unwelcome attention from the livelier elements among her listeners… Damned, Damned, Damned – Ex-punk and ex-personal security guard Mick ended up in prison after an altercation with an over-enthusiastic fan. But now he’s a different man: he’s found Jesus, and he’s working on managing his anger. Can he find salvation in remembering the one time when he was truly happy? This Is the Modern World – Onetime ‘anarcho-punk’ Muttley lives in an eco-collective in Wales with his teenage daughter, Lineel. Hoping to find out about her late mother’s past, Lineel sets off on a walking pilgrimage to Camberley, and Muttley has no choice but to accompany her. He’s about to be forcibly reunited with his former self – and Lineel’s about to find out what life is like in the ‘real world’ beyond the commune. Television is Over – In this final play, we flash back to where it all began: Camberley, March 1977. Punk has arrived in suburban Surrey, and the town’s respectable residents are outraged – but the local teens are ready for revolution. And at the centre of it all are Julie, Pete, Mo, Benny, Mick, Muttley – and Adam, a young man desperate for something to believe in… Production credits Written by Frank Cottrell Boyce Produced and directed by Toby Swift Parallel Lines Cast: Doon Mackichan, Siân Reeves, Rosie Cavaliero, Ivan Kaye, Paul Viragh, Joseph Tremain, Sarah Bedi, John Rowe, Ben Crowe, Helen Longworth Blitzkrieg Bop Cast: Pauline Quirke, Adam Kotz, Manjinder Virk, Ivan Kaye, Ben Crowe, Harry Myers, Sanjay Shelat, Stephen Critchlow, John Rowe, Amy Enticknap Damned, Damned, Damned Cast: Richard Ridings, Lloyd Thomas, Chris Pavlo, Richie Campbell, Paul Richard Biggin, John Rowe, Ben Crowe This Is the Modern World Cast: Danny Webb, Stephanie Leonidas, Ann Beach, Carl Prekopp, John Biggins, Alex Tregear, John Cummins, Sam Dale, Liz Sutherland Television’s Over Cast: Kristopher Milnes, Freddy White, Gerard Horan, Fenella Woolgar, Leanne Rowe, James Daley, Ben Crowe, John Hasler, Amy Enticknap, John Rowe, Dan Starkey, Nyasha Hatendi, Sarah Bedi, Joan Walker, Tim James © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Frank Cottrell Boyce (Author), Danny Webb, Doon Mackichan, Fenella Woolgar, Full Cast, Ivan Kaye, Kristopher Milnes, Manjinder Virk, Pauline Quirke, Richard Ridings, Rosie Cavaliero (Narrator)

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Mansfield Park

"At just ten years old, Fanny Price is sent from her poor Portsmouth home to live with the family of her wealthy uncle, Sir Thomas Bertram, in the vast grandeur of Mansfield Park. Timid and fragile, Fanny is neglected by the indolent Lady Bertram, belittled by her conceited cousins Maria and Julia, and constantly reminded of her lowly status by her ever-critical Aunt Norris. Her only comfort is the kindness and attention shown by her cousin Edmund, and her sole strength the sense of her own moral integrity. But this strength is tested when the alluring and sophisticated Henry and Mary Crawford arrive, and Fanny must watch her cousins – even her beloved Edmund – succumb to their seductive charms."

Jane Austen (Author), Fenella Woolgar (Narrator)

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The Underground Library

"Read by Fenella Woolgar, known for her role as Sister Hilda in BBC series Call the Midwife. When the Blitz threatens the heart of a London neighbourhood, three young women must use their fighting spirit to keep their community together in this heartwarming novel from the author of The Kitchen Front. On the day Juliet Lansdown reports to work for the first time at Bethnal Green Library, it isn't the bustling hub she's been expecting. But, in the face of German attacks, she's intent on making it a place where everyone feels safe and welcome. Katie Upwood is thrilled to be working at the library, too, though she's only there until she heads off to university in autumn. But, after the death of her sweetheart on the front line and some unexpected family strife, she's more in need of support herself. Sofie Baumann, a Jewish refugee without any family to lean on, finds comfort and friendship in Bethnal Green's rapidly growing literary scene and escapes to the library every chance she gets. But, with her asylum in London tied to a domestic work visa issued by an unscrupulous employer, her position is vulnerable. When bombs damage the library, Juliet can't bear to give up on her safe haven of books, so she relocates the stacks to an underground station, where the city's residents shelter nightly. The three women must work together to overcome their own troubles and keep the library - the beating heart of their community - open to all . . ."

Jennifer Ryan (Author), Fenella Woolgar (Narrator)

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William Boyd: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: A Good Man in Africa, An Ice Cream War, Restless and mor

"A collection of BBC dramatisations and readings of William Boyd's award-winning novels and short stories One of Britain's foremost contemporary writers, William Boyd is renowned worldwide for his bestselling novels, which have been translated into over 30 languages. He has won numerous awards, including the Somerset Maugham Award (for A Good Man in Africa), the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize (for An Ice-Cream War) and the Costa Book Award (for Restless). Collected here are the BBC radio productions of all three acclaimed books. Starring Alan Rickman Alison Steadman and Bill Paterson, A Good Man in Africa tells the satirical story of a buffoonish diplomat's struggles in a fictional West African country. In the espionage thriller Restless, it is 1976, and Ruth discovers that her very English mother, Sally, is in fact a Russian emigré and former British spy. Eileen Atkins stars as Sally, with Fenella Woolgar as Ruth. And in An Ice-Cream War, as millions face slaughter on the Western Front, British and German colonists in East Africa try to emulate their European counterparts. Nickolas Grace and William Hootkins star in this darkly comic drama. Also included are dramatisations of three of Boyd's superb short stories. 'On the Yankee Station' is a gripping tale of revenge on an American aircraft carrier; 'The Destiny of Nathalie X' features an African filmmaker's encounter with Hollywood and its grotesque inhabitants; and in the eerie 'A Haunting', a landscape architect finds himself taken over by an unseen presence. Peter Whitman, Keith Edwards, John Sessions and Maynard Eziashi are among the star casts. We conclude with five further stories, read by Ben Miles, Jonathan Firth, Bill Nighy, Niamh Cusack and Tom Goodman-Hill. 'Adult Video' features an Oxford post-graduate who 'rewinds', 'fast forwards' and 'plays' through his life; 'Varengeville' sees a young boy go exploring and meet a painter - as his mother entertains her 'friend'; 'Lunch' reveals a diner's eventful days through his restaurant receipts and pithy comments; 'Fantasia on a Favourite Waltz' centres around a prostitute's encounter with a talented young pianist; and 'The Pigeon' takes us into the world of a sickly author facing romantic betrayal and family fissures. Cast and credits Written by William Boyd Text copyright © William Boyd 1981 (A Good Man in Africa, 'On the Yankee Station'), 1982 (An Ice Cream War), 1995 ('The Destiny of Nathalie X'), 1998 ('Varengeville'), 2000 ('A Haunting'), 2004 ('Adult Video', 'Lunch', 'Fantasia on a Favourite Waltz', 'The Pigeon'), 2006 (Restless) A Good Man in Africa Dramatised by Stephen Davis Directed by Richard Wortley First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18 March 1985 Restless Dramatised by Melissa Murray Directed by Marc Beeby First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6-17 April 2009 An Ice Cream War Dramatised by John Peacock Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 May-16 June 1994 'On the Yankee Station' Adapted by William Boyd Directed by Richard Wortley First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9 May 1985 'The Destiny of Nathalie X' Directed by Dave Batchelor First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 November 1998 'A Haunting' Directed by Dave Batchelor First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 December 2001 William Boyd - Fascination Abridged by Neville Teller Produced by Duncan Minshull First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15-19 November 2004 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

William Boyd (Author), Alan Rickman, Alison Steadman, Ben Miles, Bill Nighy, Bill Paterson, Eileen Atkins, Fenella Woolgar, Full Cast, Niamh Cusack, Tom Goodman-Hill (Narrator)

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#Blessed and other stories of love and friendship: 13 BBC Radio Dramas

"Thirteen plays about human connection, from some of BBC Radio's best writers exploring love, family, romances and life's ups and downs This diverse collection of stories centres around family dynamics, relationships both romantic and platonic, and the diverse ways ordinary people navigate the vicissitudes of everyday life. Ranging from modern fairy tales to coming-of-age dramas, they feature a wide variety of styles, and are scripted by an array of writers from award-winning dramatists to first-time authors. Here are stories of meeting and parting; hope and heartbreak; grief and forgiveness; and the endless possibility of change. We meet the couple racing to secure their IVF treatment; the wide-eyed young Conservative whose awakening is more than just political; the teenager who discovers a secret that threatens his entire extended family; the ex-offender transformed through his friendship with a photographer, and many more captivating characters. These engrossing dramas let us venture into their worlds; giving us an intimate insight into their lives and loves. Among the casts are Jaime Winstone, Sean Gallagher, Rhea Bailey, Mina Anwar, Ciarán Griffiths and Harry McEntire. Cast and credits All plays are Sparklab productions for BBC Radio 4 and Radio 3. Produced by Melanie Harris and Executive Produced by Polly Thomas, Jeremy Mortimer & Jo Meek. #blessed Cast: Olivia Poulet, Laurence Dobiesz, Ayesha Dharker, Valmike Rampersad, Fenella Woolgar Written by Olivia Poulet and Laurence Dobiesz. Directed by Susannah Tresilian. Indigo Children Cast: Lizzy Clark, Jaime Winstone, Luke Jerdy, Sylvestra Le Touzel Written by Hannah Silva. Directed by Jude Kelly My Life Is a Series of People Saying Goodbye Cast: Sean Gallagher, David Annen, Will Payne, Fenella Woolgar, Frances Grey, Jenny Jules Written by Dan Rebellato. Produced and Directed by Polly Thomas Not for Turning Cast Nicola Holt, Henry Devas, Andrew Bentley, Ashley Gerlach, Toby Hadoke Written by Tim Dawson. Directed by Lawrence Till The Ladies Room Cast: Rhea Bailey, Lisa Livingstone, Lois Chimimba Written by Gemma Bedeau. Directed by Melanie Harris Whose Baby? Cast: Gurjeet Singh, Mina Anwar, Perveen Hussain, George Bukhari, Sid Akbar Ali Written by Ishy Din. Directed by Julia Ford. 1963 Cast: Andy Clark, Curtis Appleby, Ross Waiton, Jill Dellow, Micheal Ajao Written by Peter Flannery. Directed by Melanie Harris Carifesta 2019: Mr Singh Cast: Keegan Maharaj, Rhesa Samuel, Idrees Saleem, Tafar Lewis, Khadijah Kirton, Israel Nunes Children from the Quays Foundation, Maloney, Trinidad & Tobago. Written by Derron Sandy. Directed by Melanie Harris Carifesta 2019: Aron Cast: Levee Rodriguez, Errol Fabien, Anand Lawkaran, Jayron Remy, Tishanna Williams, Nickolai Salcedo. Written by Kyle Hernandez. Directed by Melanie Harris Carifesta 2019: Water More Than Flour Cast: Mandisa Granderson, Conrad Parris, Kimmy Stoute-Robinson, Arnold Goindham Written by Elisha Efua Bartels. Directed by Melanie Harris Karin and Andrew Cast: Eve Shotton, Ciarán Griffiths, Darren Kuppan, Melissa Jane Sinden Scripted and directed by Melanie Harris. In His Kiss Cast: Niamh McGowan, Harry McEntire, Kimberly Hart-Simpson Written by Lucy Montague Moffatt. Directed by Julia Ford The Reality Tunnel Cast: Sarah Miele, Sam Newton Written by Karen Law. Directed by Melanie Harris © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Dan Rebellato, Derron Sandy, Elisha Efua Bartels, Gemma Bedeau, Hannah Silva, Ishy Din, Karen Laws, Kyle Hernandez, Laurence Dobiesz, Lucy Montague Moffatt, Melanie Harris, Olivia Poulet, Peter Flannery, Tim Dawson (Author), Fenella Woolgar, Full Cast, Jamie Winstone, Mina Anwar, Olivia Poulet (Narrator)

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The Hand of Ethelberta

"Opportunistic, shrewd and beautiful, Ethelberta resolves to disguise her humble beginnings and elevate her position in society. Crafting her career as a society poet and staging her family as her servants, she proves admirably adept at sustaining her own web of deceit as she reinvents herself and navigates the attentions of four different suitors. The wealthiest is not the one she loves... what will she do? This is a light-hearted, urban tale, offering a different side of Thomas Hardy. The master of pastoral realist novels was presenting a ‘somewhat frivolous narrative’, which nevertheless displayed his acute consciousness of class divisions and continues to delight those who discover it within his better-known works."

Thomas Hardy (Author), Fenella Woolgar (Narrator)

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The Grand Tour: Letters from the British Empire Expedition 1922

"Unpublished for 90 years, Agatha Christie’s extensive and evocative letters from her year-long round-the-world trip to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and America as part of the British trade mission for the famous 1924 Empire Exhibition. In 1922 Agatha Christie set sail on a 10-month voyage around the British Empire with her husband as part of a trade mission to promote the forthcoming British Empire Exhibition. Leaving her two-year-old daughter behind with her sister, Agatha set sail at the end of January and did not return until December, but she kept up a detailed weekly correspondence with her mother, describing in detail the exotic places and people she encountered as the mission travelled through South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and Canada. The extensive and previously unpublished letters are accompanied by some of the original letters collected by Agatha on her trip. Edited and introduced by Agatha Christie’s grandson, Matthew Prichard, this unique travelogue reveals a new side to Agatha Christie, demonstrating how her appetite for exotic plots and locations for her books began with this eye-opening trip, which took place just after only her second novel had been published (the first leg of the tour to South Africa is very clearly the inspiration for the book she wrote immediately afterwards, The Man in the Brown Suit). The letters are full of tales of seasickness and sunburn, motor trips and surf boarding, and encounters with welcoming locals and overbearing Colonials. The Grand Tour is a book steeped in history, sure to fascinate anyone interested in the lost world of the 1920s. Coming from the pen of Britain’s biggest literary export and the world’s most widely translated author, it is also a fitting tribute to Agatha Christie and is sure to fascinate her legions of worldwide fans."

Agatha Christie (Author), Fenella Woolgar (Narrator)

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Dangerous Women: The Compelling and Beautifully Written Mystery About Friendship, Secrets and Redemp

"Brought to you by Penguin. The devastating and thought-provoking tale about female anger, subservience and, ultimately, strength, inspired by a true story London, 1841. Two hundred Englishwomen file aboard the RAJAH, the ship that will take them on a three-month voyage to the other side of the world. They're daughters, sisters, mothers - and convicts. Transported for petty crimes. Except one of their number is a secret killer, fleeing justice. When a woman is mortally wounded, the hunt is on for the culprit. But who would attack one of their own, and why? Based on a true story, Dangerous Women is a sweeping tale of confinement, loss, love and, above all, hope in the unlikeliest of places. © Hope Adams 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021"

Hope Adams (Author), Fenella Woolgar (Narrator)

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The Chocolate Box: A Hercule Poirot Short Story

"A classic Agatha Christie short story, available individually for the first time on audio. Sitting in front of a fire, Hastings listens as Poirot recounts his greatest failure. When a wealthy French deputy dies, everyone believes it is from natural causes. Poirot is on vacation from the Belgian police when a young lady comes to him convinced the man was poisoned. She creates a guise for him to enter the house as a journalist to investigate…"

Agatha Christie (Author), Fenella Woolgar (Narrator)

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A Woman's Courage

"The new heartwarming wartime saga in the Home Fires series, perfect for fans of Rosie Clarke and Annie Groves. In the midst of World War II, the members of one village WI fight harder than ever to help the war effort . . . But behind closed doors, each is fighting a more personal battle. Pat Simms is reeling from her own role in her abusive husband's death, and the new freedom before her is daunting. Sarah Collingborne is struggling with the absence of her husband, who is stranded in a POW camp abroad, and trying her best to fill his treasured place in the village. Meanwhile, Teresa Lucas is anxious about her future as a parent, and her friend Alison Scotlock is on the verge of starting a new relationship. And Miriam Brindsley's good luck might be about to change . . . Grieving for men already lost and anxious for those still away fighting, the women of Great Paxford must rely on each other. Amidst the complexities of broken relationships, loss and friendship, this group of very different women must work together to find a way through."

Maria Malone, S. Block (Author), Fenella Woolgar (Narrator)

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MIDWINTER MURDER: Fireside Mysteries from the Queen of Crime

"An all-new collection of winter-themed mysteries from the master of the genre, just in time for the festive period. There's a chill in the air and the days are growing shorter… It's the perfect time to curl up in front of a crackling fireplace with this winter-themed collection from legendary mystery writer Agatha Christie. But beware of deadly snowdrifts and dangerous gifts, poisoned meals and mysterious guests. This compendium of short stories, some featuring beloved detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, is an essential omnibus for Christie fans and the perfect gift for mystery lovers. INCLUDES THE STORIES: The Chocolate Box A Christmas Tragedy The Coming of Mr Quin The Mystery of the Baghdad Chest The Clergyman’s Daughter The Plymouth Express Problem at Pollensa Bay Sanctuary The Mystery of Hunter’s Lodge The World’s End The Manhood of Edward Robinson Christmas Adventure"

Agatha Christie (Author), Fenella Woolgar (Narrator)

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The M. R. James BBC Radio Collection: Dramatisations and readings of his classic ghost stories

"Spine-tingling stories by M. R. James, plus a chilling original drama and two bonus programmes about his life and work M. R. James was the master of the uncanny. His classic supernatural stories have haunted readers for over a century, and been adapted countless times for radio, TV and film. This collection features dramatisations of twelve of his most popular stories – The Mezzotint; Casting the Runes; The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral; A Warning to the Curious; Rats; Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come To You, My Lad; The Tractate Middoth; Lost Hearts; The Rose Garden; Number 13; Martin’s Close and Count Magnus. Among the star-studded casts are Mark Gatiss, Derek Jacobi, James D’Arcy, Anton Lesser, Julian Rhind-Tutt and Donald Wolfit. Also included are a trio of readings by Benjamin Whitrow: Canon Alberic’s Scrapbook; A School Story and The Haunted Dolls’ House. Neil Brand’s disturbing drama The Haunting of M. R. James, starring Mark Gatiss and Fenella Woolgar, sees horrific events from James’s own stories echoed in reality. The life of M. R. James is discussed by Muriel Gray and Christopher Frayling in an episode of biography series Great Lives, presented by Humphrey Carpenter. Finally, in a fascinating documentary – The Ghosts of M.R. James – Michell Raper examines the author’s life and work, with readings from several of his stories. Running Order: The Mezzotint Casting the Runes The Stalls of Barchester Cathedral A Warning to the Curious Rats Oh, Whistle, and I’ll Come To You, My Lad The Tractate Middoth Lost Hearts The Rose Garden Number 13 Canon Alberic's Scrapbook A School Story The Haunted Doll's House Martin's Close Count Magnus The Haunting of M. R. James Great Lives: M. R. James The Ghosts of M. R. James"

M.R. James (Author), Anton Lesser, Derek Jacobi, Fenella Woolgar, Full Cast, James D'arcy, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Mark Gatiss (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Fenella Woolgar