Audiobooks narrated by Frances Barber

Fifteen years old…brutalised… dumped in a park… throat slashed…. Schoolgirl prostitute Michelle Lucas died in agony and terror, utterly alone. The sight breaks the heart of Sergeant Bev Morriss of West Midlands Police. She thought she was hardened, but gazing at Michelle’s pale, broken body she is consumed by a cold fury. She knows this case is different – this is the one that will push her to the edge. Plunging herself into the seedy heart of Birmingham’s vice-land she struggles to infiltrate the deadly jungle of hookers, evil pimps and violent johns. But no one will co-operate, no one will break the wall of silence. Is it fear or guilt? When a second victim dies, Bev knows time is running out. If she is to win the trust of the working girls - she has to take the biggest, most dangerous, gamble of her life … out on the streets.

Maureen Carter (Author), Frances Barber (Narrator)

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The Voyages of the Princess Matilda

'Tim and I both understood we had done something really stupid. We had underestimated the danger involved in going out to sea. We had no radio, compass, life raft or flares. In other words, we were a couple of idiots.' This is the story of Shane and Timothy Spall and their Dutch barge The Princess Matilda. After a summer on the Thames they head out to sea with only a road atlas and a vast amount of ignorance - and it is absolutely terrifying! On their travels, memories are triggered of childhood trips to the seaside, but also of more recent times. A decade before, Tim had been diagnosed with acute leukaemia and was given only days to live. Shocked at how life can pass you by they decided that when, and if, Tim got better, they would buy a boat. As Tim and Shane explore the coast from the Medway to Cornwall, eventually they start to wonder, could they make it out of England altogether? Could Matilda make it to ... Wales?! Taking over five years, The Voyages of The Princess Matilda is a minor epic,charting a very personal, moving and uplifting story of an everyday couple's adventure around their much loved homeland.

Shane Spall (Author), Frances Barber (Narrator)

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The Taming of the Shrew

Love and wit conquer all in Shakespeare’s sparkling comedy of self-delusion and disguise. Padua holds many suitors for the hand of fair Bianca, but Bianca may not be married until her spinster sister, Kate, is wed. Could any man be rash enough to take on Kate? The witty adventurer Petruchio undertakes the task. While he sets about transforming Kate from foul-tempered termagant to loving wife, young Lucentio and his clever servant, Tranio, plot to win Bianca. Frances Barber and Roger Allam are Kate and Petruchio. Lucentio is played by Alan Cox. “[Shakespeare is] challenging an audience’s expectations of how a woman is supposed to behave. What if, as a human being, she doesn’t want to roll over, as was expected in Shakespeare’s day? I actually think he’s championing the woman's rights.”—Edward Hall, English theater director

E.A. Copen, Pierre Arthur Laure, Robert T. Kiyosaki, Tom Wheelwright, William Shakespeare (Author), A Full Cast, Frances Barber, Roger Allam (Narrator)

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The Secret Grief

A BBC Radio 3 production from the 'Drama on 3' series exploring the idea of a fascism of the mind.Nigel is bored. But then he meets the glamorous Liv and Tony and becomes part of their beautiful world; a beauty that hides a disturbing secretDavid Eldridge's 'The Secret Grief' stars Paul Chequer as Nigel, Frances Barber as Liv, and David Schofield as Tony. Also featured amongst the cast are Struan Rodger, Alex Tregear, Stuart McLoughlin and Nyasha Hatendi.

David Eldridge (Author), David Schofield, Frances Barber, Paul Chequer (Narrator)

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The James Joyce BBC Radio Collection: Ulysses, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man & Dubliners

Three BBC radio productions of major works by James Joyce - plus Gordon Bowker's fascinating biographical account of his life Ulysses In this full-cast dramatisation of Joyce's epic modernist novel, the stories of Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom combine as they meander through Dublin in the course of one day, 16 June 1904. Andrew Scott stars as Stephen, with Henry Goodman as Bloom, Niamh Cusack as Molly Bloom and Stephen Rea as the Narrator. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man An abridged reading of James Joyce's autobiographical masterpiece portraying the adolescence of Stephen Dedalus, who must question the culture and religion of his native land before he can break free to become an artist. Read by Andrew Scott. Dubliners This abridged collection of fifteen naturalistic tales depicts an array of characters from childhood, through adolescence, to maturity. Stories of love, loss, friendship, marriage, politics and family combine to create a unified world and a celebration of a city. Read by Stephen Rea. James Joyce - A Biography Gordon Bowker's comprehensive study explores Joyce's years spent in exile in Europe, and examines how his life shaped his genius. Read by Jim Norton, with Andrew Scott as the voice of Joyce.

Gordon Bowker, James Joyce (Author), , Andrew Scott, Frances Barber, Henry Goodman, Jim Norton, Niamh Cusack, Stephen Rea (Narrator)

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The Hauntening: The Complete Series 1-4: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy

Modern technology is terrifying. The average smartphone carries out 3.36 billion instructions per second. The average person can carry out only one instruction in that time. Stop and think about that for a second. Sorry, that's two instructions; you won't be able to do that. But what if modern technology was... literally terrifying? What if there really was a ghost in the machine? Prepare to travel through the bad gateway as acclaimed actor, writer and comedian Tom Neenan (The Mash Report) finds out what horrors may be lurking in our apps and gadgets. From a dating app with paranormal parameters to a sinister smart fridge, a petrifying Peloton, a nightmarish NFT and a word game that turns n*sty, tech blogger Tom discovers the dark side of our beloved devices - with hair-raising results... This box set includes every series of the humorously horrifying anthology/sitcom - including Series 4, which has never previously been released on audio. Jenny Bede co-stars as Tom's friend Heidi, and special guests include Frances Barber, Nicola Walker, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Andy Nyman, Martin Jarvis, Lewis MacLeod, Joanna Lumley and Peter Davison. The show comes from Pozzitive, proud producers of Cabin Pressure, John Finnemore's Double Acts, Thanks a Lot, Milton Jones!, Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive and Kevin Eldon Will See You Now. Production credits Written by Tom Neenan Produced and directed by David Tyler A Pozzitive production for BBC Radio 4 Cast Tom - Tom Neenan Heidi - Jenny Bede The Cabbie/Reynolds - Roger Morlidge Jane - Kath Hunter Voice of the app - Frances Barber Debbi - Kath Hughes Asag/Dominic/Dean - Ewan Bailey William - Vincent Franklin Amar/The Waiter/'Rency - Naz Osmanoglu Taxi Controller - Georgie Fuller Camilla - Nicola Walker Felixxx - Ivan Gonzalez The Operators - Nina Sosanya, Alison Senior, Lucy Thackeray, Robert Wilfort Tony/The Waiter/Dennis - Dan Tetsell Dr Conroy - Julian Rhind-Tutt Elicia - Georgie Glen DI Gerry - Nicholas Woodeson DC Freck - Ethan Lawrence Olivia - Freya Parker Charlie - Andy Nyman The Advert - Rebecca Gethings Cam - Martin Jarvis June - Phoebe Horn Police Officer - Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong The Deepfakes - Lewis MacLeod Lance - Joseph May Ken - Steve Brody The Archivist - Geoffrey Whitehead The Barman - Morgan Jones With Joanna Lumley and Peter Davison as themselves First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 11-18 October 2017 (Series 1), 17-31 October 2018 (Series 2), 14 October-4 November 2020 (Series 3), 5-26 October 2022 (Series 4) © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Tom Neenan (Author), Andy Nyman, Dan Tetsell, Ewan Bailey, Frances Barber, Full Cast, Geoffrey Whitehead, Jenny Bede, Joanna Lumley, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Martin Jarvis, Nicola Walker, Nina Sosanya, Rebecca Gethings, Tom Neenan (Narrator)

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Stardust: BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Matthew Beard and Sophie Rundle star in a brand new BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of the bestselling novel by Neil Gaiman, narrated by Eleanor Bron. Challenged to retrieve a fallen star, Tristran Thorn leaves the sleepy English village of Wall and crosses into the land of Faerie and the realm of Stormhold. Locating the star, he discovers it is no meteorite, but a young woman, Yvaine. When Yvaine evades him and escapes, Tristran discovers he is not the only one in pursuit of the star: there are dark forces in this magical land, and he must find Yvaine before she falls into their clutches. As he does so, Tristran will uncover the secret to his own identity and a fate beyond his wildest dreams. Directed by Dirk Maggs and Heather Larmour, and featuring over 20 minutes of unbroadcast material, this stunning new dramatisation boasts an extensive cast including Frances Barber, Maggie Steed, Nicholas Boulton, Blake Ritson, Bryan Dick, Charlotte Riley, Aisling Loftus, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Alex Macqueen. There are also cameo appearances by Tori Amos and Neil Gaiman. Duration: 2 hours 30 mins approx.

Neil Gaiman (Author), , Aisling Loftus, Alex Macqueen, Blake Ritson, Bryan Dick, Charlotte Riley, Frances Barber, Full Cast, Maggie Steed, Matthew Beard, Neil Gaiman, Nicholas Boulton, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Sophie Rundle, Tori Amos (Narrator)

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Season's Greetings

Christmas is the season of good cheer and harmony among men, but things are not working out quite that way in the Bunker household. As a motley collection of friends and relatives fill the house with their own wishes, dreams and attitudes, the stage is set for seasonal disharmony and romantic intrigue. It's Christmas Eve and while Belinda is rushing around decorating the tree and seeing to all the guests and their needs, Eddie and Pattie are having a serious bust-up. Added to all of this, Bernard is conducting a chaotic rehearsal of his annual gift for the children - a puppet show of The Three Little Pigs - as his wife, Phyllis gets quietly sloshed in the kitchen on the cooking wine. Then something disastrous occurs...

Alan Ayckbourn (Author), , Bill Nighy, Frances Barber, Geoffrey Palmer, John L. Sessions, John Sessions, Phil Daniels (Narrator)

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Posters of the Moulin Rouge: Eight BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramas based on the characters of Toulouse-

Toulouse-Lautrec's iconic Parisian poster stars come to life in these full-cast dramas, set in 19th-century Montmartre 1889, Paris. When Charles Zidler's extravagant pleasure palace, the Moulin Rouge, opens in bohemian Montmartre, he commissions local artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec to create a series of posters to promote it. The striking lithographs Henri produces will make his name - and launch the careers of the performers he portrayed. This sparkling collection of plays introduces us to eight of those legendary artistes, whose lives were as vivid as Lautrec's paint. It opens with Yvette Guilbert, the story of a singer whose dreams of wealth and fame lead her to a brand new cabaret on Boulevard de Clichy.... In The Boneless Wonder, we meet can-can dancer Valentin Renaudin. Merely a silhouette in Toulouse-Lautrec's poster, what is he in real life? La Goulue tells the tale of his famous partner, Louise Weber, whose soubriquet reflects her love of food and life. And in Jane Avril, we hear about Henri's muse, whose nickname 'Crazy Jane' didn't simply refer to her exuberant dancing. May Belfort explores the Irish singer turned lady of the night, who relied more on her beauty than her voice. In Footitt and Chocolat, a circus double act is in danger of drifting apart; while in Casque d'Or, a group of passionate revolutionaries make a fatal last stand. Finally, Aristide Bruant sees the socialist club owner becoming a fashionable success - against all his intentions. He needs to find a new direction: as does Yvette Guilbert... Created by award-winning writer John Peacock, these dazzling dramas will transport you to Belle Époque Paris, in all its glamour and decadence. The star casts include Julie Covington as Yvette Guilbert, Frances Barber as La Goulue, Bonnie Langford as May Belfort, Bernard Hill as Aristide Bruant and Miranda Richardson as Marie Briand. Written by John Peacock Directed by Jane Morgan Music by Stephen Warbeck Technical presentation: David Greenwood, assisted by Anne Bunting and Colin Guthrie © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

John Peacock (Author), Angela Pleasence, Bernard Hill, Bonnie Langford, Clarence Smith, Dermot Crowley, Frances Barber, Julie Covington, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Thorne (Narrator)

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Paradise Lost: A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

Sir Ian McKellen stars as Milton in this dramatised retelling of John Milton’s epic poem about the fall of Man "devilishly good... I urge you to give it a listen" The Telegraph Milton’s biblical masterpiece, first published in 1667, is one of English literature’s most seminal works. Straddling three worlds – Heaven, Hell and Earth – it tells the gripping story of fallen angel Satan’s rebellion against God, his temptation of Adam and Eve and their subsequent expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Written to ‘justify the ways of God to men’, it aimed to show what caused Mankind's fall and the consequences for the world, both bad and good. By reaching back to the beginning of time, Milton hoped to discover the events that had led to the political and societal upheaval of his own era – as well as using allegory to ask powerful questions about authority, government, tyranny and disobedience. In this brand new dramatisation, Milton himself (Sir Ian McKellen) is the blind narrator grieving the loss of his wife, played by Frances Barber. Also starring Simon Russell Beale as Satan, and adapted by award-winning poet and broadcaster Michael Symmons Roberts, this enthralling drama is a vital piece of storytelling with striking parallels to contemporary events.

John Milton (Author), Ashley Margolis, Conrad Nelson, David Seddon, Emily Pithon, Frances Barber, Ian Mckellen, Jonathan Keeble, Russell Dixon, Simon Russell Beale, Sir Ian McKellen, Various (Narrator)

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Little Lifetimes: Series 1-6: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Where Women Share Their Secrets

A sparkling collection of comic monologues by Jenny Eclair, about women facing pivotal moments in their lives 'Exquisitely crafted' Radio Times In these funny, poignant short stories, voiced by some of Britain's finest actresses, we are introduced to 29 very different women as they open their hearts and share their secrets. Here are tales of love, grief, revenge and adventure, told by a wealth of fascinating characters. There's Bea, a top cook who's about to prepare a very special birthday cake for her husband; Christine, who takes up watercolours and discovers inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places; Patsy, a rock star's wife with a past and Penny, who takes looking after her boss a bit too far. From a grandmother visiting a posh supermarket to buy her grandchildren a meal they won't forget, to a cleaner who discovers some secrets behind the Farrow and Ball doors of the middle-class homes she visits, every one of the women we meet has a memorable, moving and surprising tale to tell... Among the star narrators are Lesley Sharp, Anita Dobson, Imelda Staunton, Josie Lawrence, Frances Barber, Samantha Bond, Doon Mackichan and Anne Reid. Produced by Sally Avens Series 1 Fifteen Minutes to Landing Woman - Lesley Manville Captain James Barrington - Clive Hayward Air Hostess - Jane Slavin Carol Goes Swimming Carol - Lorraine Ashbourne Manager - Jane Slavin A Trolley for a Change Pat - Ruth Sheen Checkout woman - Elaine Claxton Security guard - Clive Hayward Lauren - Jane Slavin George's Cake Bea - Susie Blake The Viewing Reader - Annette Badland Doing the Best for Daniel Reader - Jenny Eclair Series 2 Lorna's Holiday Lorna - Lesley Sharp Christine Paints Christine - Rosie Cavaliero Beverley in Shoes Beverley - Samantha Spiro Points Gail - Sarah Hadland A Slight Alteration Reader - Tessa Peake-Jones Waiting for Billy Patsy - Anita Dobson Series 3 Leo's Passport Penny - Imelda Staunton Caroline - Karen Bartke Hannah's Gone Hannah's Mum - Josie Lawrence Mothers and Daughters Coral - Frances Barber Girl - Karen Bartke Boy - Luke MacGregor Anthea's Round Robin Anthea - Samantha Bond Series 4 The Last Day Miss Cavendish - Vicki Pepperdine The Visit Reader - Doon Mackichan The Nannas Dawn - Tilly Vosburgh A Nice Time with All the Family Julie - Beverley Callard Series 5 A Long Weekend Cathy - Anne Reid The Kitchen Table Reader - Monica Dolan The Book Club Belle - Lucy Robinson Greta Doesn't Want to Wait for Godot Greta - Amelia Bullmore

Jenny éclair (Author), Anita Dobson, Anne Reid, Doon Mackichan, Frances Barber, Imelda Staunton, Jenny éclair, Josie Lawrence, Lesley Sharp, Samantha Bond (Narrator)

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How to Be Good

The abridged, downloadable audiobook edition of How to Be Good, Nick Hornby's No.1 bestseller in the UK and Ireland. Read by the actress Frances Barber. According to her own complex moral calculations, Katie Carr has earned her affair. She's a doctor, after all, and doctors are decent people, and on top of that, her husband David is the self-styled Angriest Man in Holloway. But when David suddenly becomes good - properly, maddeningly, give-away-all-his-money good - Katie's sums no longer add up, and she is forced to ask herself some very hard questions. How to Be Good offers a painfully funny account of modern marriage and parenthood, and asks that most difficult of questions: what does it mean to be good?

Nick Hornby (Author), Frances Barber (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Frances Barber