Audiobooks narrated by Frances Jeater

Robert Browning: The Ring and the Book, The Pied Piper of Hamelin & more: BBC Radio dramatic reimagi

"BBC Radio dramatisations and readings of Browning’s most famous poems, performed by stars including Anton Lesser, Roger Allam and David Tennant, plus two bonus plays Victorian poet Robert Browning was renowned for his evocative dramatic monologues peopled with vivid, morally ambiguous characters. In 1846, he eloped with fellow poet Elizabeth Barrett, and they rapidly became Britain’s most famous literary power couple. This collection brings together four of Browning’s poetic masterpieces, juxtaposed with a play inspired by his work and a drama about Robert and Elizabeth’s romance. The Ring and the Book – In the aftermath of a triple stabbing, Rome is rife with speculation. Accused of murdering his young wife and her parents, Count Guido Franceschini is put on trial, and finds himself desperately fighting for his life. Anton Lesser, Roger Allam and Andrew Sachs star in this thrilling tale of of sex, lies, murder and justice. The Pied Piper of Hamlin – When a town fails to pay the rat-catcher who has lured all the rats away with his magic pipe, the piper takes a terrible revenge. Playing his music once more, he leads all the children from the town. Only one boy remains behind… David Tennant stars as the Narrator, with Bertie Gilbert as the boy. My Last Duchess – Based on Browning’s chilling poem about an aristocrat whose wife died young in suspicious circumstances, this intriguing dramatisation attempts to solve the mystery of what happened to the duchess, and who did the deed. Starring Roger Allam, Emily Mortimer and Tim McInnerny. Andrea del Sarto – Richard Pasco reads Robert Browning's monologue about the 16th-century Florentine artist known as ‘the faultless painter’, whose marriage was the source of deep unhappiness. The Contemplative Life – Brother James's loathing of oafish Brother Lawrence has led him to petty acts of destruction. As a punishment, he is forced to share a cell with him… Alan Rickman and Michael Aldridge star in this comedy inspired by Browning’s poem ‘Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister’. The Barretts of Wimpole Street – Starring Dorothy Tutin and Jeremy Brett, this radio version of Rudolf Besier’s celebrated stage play explores the secret courtship of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning, which took place at No 50 Wimpole Street, her father’s forbidding household. First published 1842 (‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin’, ‘My Last Duchess’), 1855 (‘Andrea del Sarto’), 1868 (‘The Ring and the Book’) Cast and credits Written by Robert Browning The Ring and the Book Cast: Anton Lesser, Roger Allam, Lou Brealey, Dominic Rowan, Andrew Sachs, Frances Jeater, Dan Starkey, Stephen Critchlow, Ben Crowe, Chris Pavlo, Joan Walker, John Rowe, Michael Maloney, Stephen Moore The Pied Piper of Hamelin Cast: David Tennant, Bertie Gilbert With music and songs written and performed by John Harle, lyrics by Joyce Harle, sung by Thomas Platts, head chorister at Canterbury Cathedral with the choir of Wingham School, Kent My Last Duchess Cast: Roger Allam, Emily Mortimer, Tim McInnerny, Robert Hands, John Hartley, Jacob Heringman Andrea del Sarto Read by Richard Pasco The Contemplative Life Cast: Alan Rickman, Michael Aldridge, David Garth, Brian Smith, Colin Starkey, David Sinclair, Trevor Nichols, John Webb The Barretts of Wimpole Street Cast: Dorothy Tutin, Jeremy Brett, Paul Rogers, William Eedle, John Rowe, John Samson, Robin Browne, David Valla, Christopher Good, Kate Binchy, Jane Knowles, Kenneth Fortescue, Helen Worth, Michael Kilgarriff, Rolf Lefebvre, John Ruddock, Sheila Grant © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Robert Browning (Author), Alan Rickman, Andrew Sachs, Anton Lesser, Ben Crowe, Chris Pavlo, Dan Starkey, David Tennant, Emily Mortimer, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Joan Walker, Louise Brealey, Roger Allam, Stephen Critchlow, Tim McInnerny (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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The Jury: A BBC Radio Full-Cast Drama

"Twelve jurors. One verdict. Can the jury decide? When high-profile company director Virginia Hart fights a libel case against journalist Pat Carver, twelve ordinary people find themselves navigating the complex and unfamiliar world of the civil court. A woman’s reputation is on the line, and they alone must decide whether the allegations made against her in the satirical magazine Shady Tales count as freedom of speech, or scurrilous defamation. But it soon becomes clear to the jury members that the trial will have an impact on their own lives. From big-shot banker Tyrone to shy, illiterate Shane; chatty, overly helpful Carol; feisty fashion model Samantha and aspiring businesswoman Folosade, they are each dealing with their own issues – and they all bring their own flaws, fears, values and prejudices to the case. The prosecution has barely made its opening statements before two of the jurors are at loggerheads, and tensions quickly begin to rise within the group. The lies, scandal and intrigue unfolding in the courtroom are mirrored in the jury room, and as the trial moves towards its climax, can the jurors work together to ensure justice prevails? Written by acclaimed actor and dramatist Matthew Solon, whose radio credits include Takeover, The Bid and Five Days in May, this thrilling drama features a star cast including Bill Nighy, Maggie Steed, Patrick Robinson, Gary Olsen, Tracy-Ann Oberman and Bhasker Patel. Production credits Written by Matthew Solon Directed by Andy Jordan and Jocelyn Boxall Cast Virginia Hart – Suzanne Bertish Tyrone Spencer – Patrick Robinson Gilly Baxter – Maggie Steed Megan Evans – Rachel Atkins Pat Carver – Bill Nighy Michael Whitely – Gary Olsen Dermot O'Connor – Denys Hawthorne With Joseph Bennett, Philip Bretherton, Colin Bruce, Harry Ditson, Abi Eniola, Robert Hands, Jenny Howe, Kelly Hunter, Frances Jeater, Jonathan Keeble, Don McCorkindale, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Bhasker Patel, Dominic Power, Christopher Scott, Irene Sutcliffe, Badi Uzzaman, Geoffrey Whitehead First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 14 September-16 October 1998 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Matthew Solon (Author), Bill Nighy, Denys Hawthorne, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Gary Olsen, Maggie Steed, Philip Bretherton, Tracy-Ann Oberman (Narrator)

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The King Must Die: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisation

"An epic eleven-part adaptation of Mary Renault’s ‘Theseus’ novels Widely considered as one of the finest historical novelists of the 20th century, Mary Renault brought the ancient world alive, turning age-old myths of gods and monsters into compelling human stories. In The King Must Die and its sequel, The Bull from the Sea, she retells the legend of Theseus, one of the greatest heroes of Ancient Greece. This enthralling radio adaptation comprises both classic books, charting Theseus’ journey as he leaves the city of his birth and travels through mainland Greece in a quest to discover his true identity and destiny. Brought up in Trolzen, where his grandfather is king, he believes he was fathered by the god Poseidon. But on his 17th birthday, the secret of his parentage is revealed, and his adventures begin. Crowned year-king of Eleusis, he escapes certain death and voyages to Athens to meet his father, King Aegeus, and claim his heritage. Instead, he becomes a slave and bull-dancer in Minoan Crete – and finds himself facing the malignant Minotaurus in the Labyrinth deep beneath the Palace of Knossos. Returning to Greece, Theseus becomes High King of Attica, but the Fates are not done with him yet. Ahead of him lie dangerous escapades, life-changing encounters, a treacherous betrayal and the fulfilment of a tragic prophecy... Gary Bond stars as Theseus, with an ensemble cast including Carole Boyd, Frances Jeater, Petra Markham, David March, Clifford Rose, Maureen O’Brien and Sarah Badel. Text copyright © Mary Renault 1958 (The King Must Die), 1962 (The Bull from the Sea) Production credits Written by Mary Renault Dramatised by Michael Bakewell Directed by David Spenser Music by Christos Pittas Cast Theseus – Gary Bond Pittheus – John Westbrook Aithra/Old priestess – Carole Boyd Theseus (as a boy) – Ian Bura Peiros I/Man/Telemon – John Webb Queen of Eleusis – Frances Jeater Bias/Baron – Steve Hodson Kannadls – Nigel Graham Aegeus/Pholilos – Eric Allan Priestess/Woman/Medea – Jean Trend Simo – Stewart Wright Amyntor – Alex Jennings Pallans/Kentaur – Spencer Banks Kerkyon – David Peart Hypsenor/Page – Richard Bates Xanthos – John Livesey Pylas – Philip Sully Priestess/Nephele – Fiona Walker Antiklaea/Chryse/Girl – Pauline Siddle Menesthes – Stuart Organ Skopas/Sirios – David Banks Lukos – David Gooderson Ariadne – Petra Markham Asterion – David March Phormion – John Bull Hippon/Messenger/Page – Richard Huw Melantho – Jane Knowles Aktor – William Eedle Thebe/Macaria – Sarah Finch Helike – Jill Lidstone Rhene/Girl – Pip Mayo Pylia/Naxian girl/Molpadia/Girl – Moir Leslie The Corinthian/Pyilenor – Clive Panto Thalestris – Elizabeth Lindsay Minos – Clifford Rose Iros/Page/Charioteer – Trevor Brohier Phaedra – Maureen O’Brien Pirithoos – James Kerry/Malcolm Stoddard Hippolyta – Sarah Badel Hippolytos – Susan Sheridan/Christopher Guard Akamas – Piers Maxim With Rosalind Adams, Peter Baldwin, Sean Barrett, James Bryce, Adrian Egan, Vanessa Forsyth, Kerry Francis, Madi Hedd, Richard Hum, Michael Jenner, Esmond Knight, Trevor Martin, David Peart, Margaret Robertson, Howard Samuels, Danny Schiller, Hilda Schroder, Michael Spice, David Timson, Stephen Thorne, Michael Tudor Barnes and Jane Wenham First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 June-14 August 1983 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Mary Renault (Author), Alex Jennings, Carole Boyd, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Gary Bond, Ian Bura (Narrator)

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Know Your Place: Selected episodes from the BBC Radio Comedy

"Eight episodes from the 1980s sitcom about a jobsworth caretaker pursued by an over-amorous cleaner Know Your Place ran for two series and 15 episodes between January 1982 and August 1983. Included here are all eight of the surviving shows, starring Roy Dotrice as curmudgeonly caretaker Ramsay Potts and Patricia Hayes as cheery cleaning lady Elsie Spurgeon. Janitor Ramsay works at Worthing Court, a once-prestigious block of Edwardian flats in Bloomsbury that has seen better days. He takes pride in keeping the place spick and span, but flirty, feisty Elsie is always distracting him from his duties – and getting him into trouble. While he’s a stickler for the rules, she delights in breaking them, and while he respects authority, she refuses to know her place. In these eight episodes, the odd couple join forces to deal with an MP stuck in a lift, and Elsie takes advantage when she’s given a storeroom and borrows a flat. Meanwhile, ‘the remarkable’ Ramsay hears the peal of wedding bells, takes on a dangerous job, is forced to give up cigarettes, has a close call with a local gangster – and saves Elsie from being evicted... Written by Andrew Palmer and Nell Brennan, and produced by Edward Taylor (The Men from the Ministry), this light-hearted sitcom also features a host of guest stars, including Frank Thornton, April Walker, Pat Coombs, Norma Ronald and Bernard Bresslaw. NB: Some of the language and humour on this recording reflects the era in which it was first broadcast, and due to the age of the source material, the sound quality may vary. Production credits Written by Andrew Palmer and Nell Brennan Produced by Edward Taylor Cast Ramsay Potts – Roy Dotrice Elspeth Spurgeon – Patricia Hayes With Frank Thornton, John Graham, April Walker, John Glover, Pat Coombs, Sue Holderness, Norma Ronald, Nell Brennan, Yvonne Manners, Benny Lee, Joe Dunlop, James Taylor, Frances Jeater, Avis Bunnage, John Blythe and Bernard Bresslaw Episode guide 1 Lift Off 2 Not to Be Used for Babies 3 Room to Manoeuvre 4 Marriage of Convenience 5 Jumpers 6 Sisterly Feelings 7 Health Can Damage Your Smoking 8 Out of the Closet © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Andrew Palmer, Nell Brennan (Author), Bernard Bresslaw, Frances Jeater, Frank Thornton, Full Cast, John Graham, Norma Ronald, Pat Coombs, Patricia Hayes, Roy Dotrice (Narrator)

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Are You From the Bugle?: A BBC Radio 4 Satirical Comedy Series

"Hilarious series about life in Butterthwaite's local newspaper office Laugh out loud as you listen to this six-part satirical comedy series about a hapless news reporter trying to make his way in the tight-knit Butterthwaite community – starring Robert Beck and Jeffrey Holland, with guest appearances by Mark Gatiss and Peter Serafinowicz Graham Carpenter has big dreams of being a serious journalist, but he doesn’t quite have the skills to match. Starting a new job as local cub reporter for the Butterthwaite newspaper is Graham’s big chance. With pad and pencil in hand, he’s willing and ready - what could possibly go wrong? Follow Graham’s (mis)adventures as he tries to land the ultimate scoop. In the first week of the job he gets a lucky break and an unexpected story lead when there’s whispers of royalty coming to town, but can he get the front page? Celebrity visits, new museum openings and all manner of local scandal and gossip make for challenging work and Graham becomes increasingly frustrated. It’s a steep learning curve for the roving reporter whose pursuit of an exclusive remains elusive… Cast and credits Written by John Gradwell Produced by Kathy Smith Graham Carpenter - Robert Beck Bert Ball - Jeffrey Holland Brenda Thistlethwaite - Frances Jeater Arnold Beasley - David Ryall Vicky Cox - Sue Devaney Lawrence Stevens - Dean Williamson All other parts played by Rachel Atkins, Mark Gatiss, Peter Serafinowicz, Peter Silverleaf, Dave Lamb, Margaret Stallard and Carolyn Bonnyman First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 22 May - 26 June 1996 ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

John Gradwell (Author), David Ryall, Dean Williamson, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Jeffrey Holland, Mark Gatiss, Rachel Atkins, Robert Beck, Sue Devaney (Narrator)

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Fat Chance: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Series

"Jenny McDade’s heart-warming comedy about a wannabe Blue Peter presenter who joins a slimming group It’s the 1990s and the body positivity movement has yet to be born. Graham Pitscottie dreams of one day becoming a presenter on Blue Peter. However, he is stuck replenishing the pick 'n' mix at Woolworths. By his own admission he is, ‘a bit of a fatso’, and because there are no fat Blue Peter presenters, he joins - at the insistence of his mother Soo - a slimming class run by Wendy Bottomley. This heartwarming vintage sitcom is a joy to listen to. As Graham befriends his fellow slimmers, he learns that everyone has a story to tell. Wendy has not admitted to her husband Clive that she is running the class. Tina enlists his help as an escort, in a bid to make her errant husband jealous. And when bride-to-be Kelly is getting ready for her big day, the club rally round to give her a day she'll never forget - though she may want to… Share the trials and tribulations of a group of unlikely friends, who have each other’s backs through cheating exes, unsupportive husbands, uncertain weddings, Blue Peter aspirations and being accepted for who you are. This full-fat, bittersweet comedy about a group of people fighting the flab stars Janine Duvitski (Waiting for God, One Foot in the Grave and Benidorm) and Michael Troughton (Minder, The New Statesman and Doctor Who). Cast and credits Written by Jenny McDade Produced by Sally Avens Graham Pitscottie - Gareth Corke Wendy Bottomley - Janine Duvitski Clive Bottomley - Michael Troughton Soo Pitscottie - Anne Reid Tina Tattersall - Julia Deakin Kelly Chambers - Tilly Gaunt Lee Dubs - Harry Myers Mrs Enright - Frances Jeater First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 11 February - 11 March 1999 ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Jenny Mcdade (Author), Anne Reid, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Gareth Corke, Harry Myers, Janine Duvitski, Julia Deakin, Michael Troughton, Tilly Gaunt (Narrator)

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The Buckingham Palace Connection and more: Five Full-Cast BBC Radio Vintage Thrillers

"A collection of full-cast dramatisations from the renowned screenwriter and novelist Ted Willis 'There are great actors and intriguing premises in every one of the stories ... If you’d forgotten what an ingenious mind Ted Willis had, and what a gifted writer he was for espionage plots, then this collection is a timely reminder.' Entertainment Focus Ted Willis began his creative life in amateur theatre and journalism before moving into writing for films, TV and radio, and was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's most prolific writer for television. His best-known creation was the hit police procedural Dixon of Dock Green which he based on the stories told to him by a policeman friend. This radio anthology includes five of his best-loved crime tales from the 1960s, '70s and '80s. The Buckingham Palace Connection - Summer, 1976. A question in the House of Lords leads Ted Willis to uncover the extraordinary true story of a 1918 mission to rescue the Romanovs... Maurice Denham, Jeremy Clyde and Miriam Margolyes star in this exciting drama, based on real events and adapted by Ted Willis from his own novel. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3-31 May 1981 The Left-Handed Sleeper - Ted Willis' neighbours have become embroiled in scandal. MP Mark Ritchie has gone on the run, suspected of being a spy, and MI5 are on his trail. Can his wife Christine prove his innocence? Dramatised by the author from his 1975 novel, this gripping espionage thriller stars Ted Willis as the narrator, with Annette Crosbie as Christine. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 14 November-12 December 1982 Death May Surprise Us - Attending a country fair, the Prime Minister and his wife are kidnapped in broad daylight, within yards of a huge crowd. With the country reeling, the hunt is on to find them and bring them home safely... Leslie Sands and Mary Wimbush star in this suspenseful tale, adapted by Ted Willis from his 1974 novel. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 August-30 September 1984 The Blue Lamp - This vintage drama by Ted Willis and Jan Read was based on their original treatment for the 1950 Ealing Studios film that introduced the character of PC George Dixon, who went on to appear in TV's Dixon of Dock Green. Deryck Guyler stars as the veteran London copper who faces up to an armed robber. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24 December 1962 And No Birds Sing - Philip Brooks is quietly reading at home, but a knock on his front door may change his life forever... This intriguing play stars Hugh Burden as Philip Brooks, Mary Miller as Ann Brooks and Adrian Egan as Detective Sergeant Syms. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12 May 1979 Credits Written and dramatised by Ted Willis The Buckingham Palace Connection: Directed by Glyn Dearman The Left-Handed Sleeper: Produced by Christopher Venning Death May Surprise Us: Directed by Graham Gauld The Blue Lamp: Produced by David H. Godfrey; Written by Ted Willis and Jan Read; Adapted for radio by Jan Read And No Birds Sing: Directed by David Johnston With special thanks to Keith Wickham © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Ted Willis (Author), Adrian Egan, Alex Jennings, Annette Crosbie, Christopher Scoular, Deryck Guyler, Elizabeth Proud, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Hugh Burden, Jeremy Clyde, Leslie Sands, Mary Miller, Mary Wimbush, Maurice Denham, Miriam Margolyes, Trevor Martin (Narrator)

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Humour and Madness: Early Restoration Comedies: Nine BBC Radio Full Cast Productions including The R

"A sparkling collection of nine witty full-cast comedies from the early Restoration era Raunchy, risqué and rebellious, early Restoration comedies were a breath of fresh air for 17th century theatregoers. With Charles II restored to the throne in 1660, Oliver Cromwell's ban on stage performances was rescinded, and for the first time, women were invited to tread the boards as actresses. Playwrights developed a new style of social comedy, packed with amorous escapades, bawdy humour, wicked wit and sexual innuendo. This scintillating anthology showcases six leading lights of early Restoration drama, beginning with George Etherege, the creator of the 'comedy of manners': The Man of Mode, an irreverent portrait of the fops and libertines that populated London's beau monde; and She Wou'd If She Cou'd, a racy, fast-paced romp mocking society's double standards for men and women. Among the casts are Derek Jacobi, Anna Massey, Ian Richardson, Prunella Scales and Hattie Jacques. Also poking fun at hypocrisy and immorality was William Wycherley. However, his comedies were considered far more daring - especially The Country Wife, which was judged too obscene to be staged in its original form for over 200 years. Centred around a notorious rake who resorts to deception to pursue a naïve married woman, this effervescent BBC radio dramatisation stars Jonathan Pryce and Maggie Smith. Male playwrights were not the only ones penning scandalous dramas during this period. Aphra Behn, Britain's first professional female writer, was a poet, spy and the most prolific playwright of the 1670s and '80s. Her sex comedy The Rover, featured here, revolves around love, lust, intrigue and mistaken identity, and stars Julia Ford, Suzan Sylvester and Juliet Aubrey. England's first Poet Laureate, John Dryden, dominated Restoration literature to such an extent that it came to be known as the Age of Dryden. His 1677 play All For Love, a powerful reworking of Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, is regarded as his finest work. John Turner and Barbara Jefford star in this heroic tragedy. A rival of Dryden, Edward Ravenscroft was the first British playwright to introduce characters from the 'commedia dell' arte' into his farces. His seminal comedy The London Cuckolds, featuring three ridiculous husbands, three beautiful wives, and one dissolute young cad, was hugely popular, and this BBC adaptation retains all the original's ribald wit. It stars Carleton Hobbs, Norman Shelley and Madi Hedd. Thomas Otway achieved his greatest success in the last five years of his life. Three of his acclaimed works appear here: his 1683 comedy The Soldier's Fortune and its sequel The Atheist, focussing on disbanded army officers looking for sex and money, and his masterpiece Venice Preserved, a dark political thriller about power, revolution, love and betrayal. The ensemble casts feature Dennis Quilley, John Rowe, Michael Turner and Donald Wolfit. Content list The Man of Mode First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 27 Jun 1986 She Wou'd If She Cou'd First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 6 Sep 1968 The Country Wife First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 22 Dec 1985 The Rover First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 22 Jan 1995 All For Love First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 7 Jul 1983 The London Cuckolds First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 30 Dec 1974 The Soldier's Fortune First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 24 May 1981 The Atheist First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 31 May 1981 Venice Preserved First broadcast BBC Third Programme, 10 Aug 1960 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Aphra Behn, Edward Ravenscroft, George Etherege, John Dryden, Thomas Otway, William Wycherley (Author), Anna Massey, Carleton Hobbs, Denys Hawthorne, Derek Jacobi, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Harriet Walters, Jonathan Pryce, Maggie Smith, Prunella Scales (Narrator)

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A Sting in the Tale: Five Eerie Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramas

"Five full-cast BBC Radio Dramas to send a chill up the spine Thrilling, creepy, and utterly unforgettable, these five stories of strange voices, haunting passions, and terrifying nightmares will stay with you forever... In No Conferring, four students from Bracewell College, Cambridge, attempt a Christmas bonding week in order to prepare for their upcoming University Challenge appearance. But the isolated moorland cottage stay soon goes very, very wrong. Written by Jonathan Holloway. Myrtle, Mahonia and Rue finds a young landscape gardener who loves her work, but will do anything to escape the terrible nightmares she suffers from. Her only hope is a drastic course of action... Written by Bryony Glassco. Voices from Another Room sees an artist troubled by the voices he thinks he's hearing - voices discussing his murder. And what is worse: the voices are in the future, and the murder is due to happen at any moment. Written by Philip Martin. In Sally Go Round the Moon, Sally is working hard at her job - perhaps too hard. Is it stress that's making her hear the voice of a child no one else can? Or is she really being haunted? Written by Natalia Power. Ghosting is the tale of a young novelist, who agrees to some ghostwriting work on the memoir of supermodel Vita. Soon he discovers exactly how seductive Vita is - but how much will he risk for his work, and for Vita herself? Written by Gregory Evans. Featuring a star-studded cast including Neil Dudgeon (Midsomer Murders, Life of Riley, Common as Muck), Claire Cage (Casualty, Submarine), Damian Lynch (EastEnders, Tommies, Little Britain), Jaimi Barbakoff (The Archers, Black Mirror, The Power), Lydia Leonard (The Crown, Gentleman Jack, Ten Percent), Rachel Atkins (Absolute Power, Ed Reardon's Week, Mrs Sidhu Investigates), Jimi Mistry (Coronation Street, East is East, The Syndicate), and Honeysuckle Weeks (Foyle's War, Lewis), this is just the collection for those who love the chilling, spine-tingling dramas of The Man in Black, The Price of Fear, and Fear on 4. ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Briony Glassco, Gregory Evans, Jonathan Holloway, Natalia Power, Philip Martin (Author), Chris Moran, Chérie Taylor Battiste, Claire Cage, Damian Lynch, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Gbemisola Ikumelo, Honeysuckle Weeks, Ioan Meredith, Jaimi Barbakoff, Jimi Mistry, Kenny Blyth, Lydia Leonard, Neil Dudgeon, Rachel Atkins (Narrator)

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Goethe: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Six Full-Cast Dramatisations including Faust, The Sorrows of Y

"A collection of seminal dramatised pieces by the great German polymath Johann Wolfgang Goethe was a colossus of German literature and a true Renaissance man. A novelist, dramatist, poet, humanist, scientist and philosopher, he wrote the first international bestseller, The Sorrows of Young Werther, and his epic masterpiece Faust is one of the most famous and celebrated dramas of all time. We open this anthology with a dramatisation of Faust, which tells of a magus with an insatiable thirst for knowledge who makes a pact with the Devil. Featuring atmospheric music performed by the King's College Choir and the BBC Singers, it stars Simon Callow as Faust, with Ronald Pickup as Mephistopheles. It is followed by The Sorrows of Young Werther, Goethe's tale of a passionate young artist at odds with society, who falls hopelessly in love with his friend's fiancée. Dramatised by award-winning playwright Hattie Naylor and introduced by Cambridge University lecturer Dr Charlotte Lee, it stars Joel MacCormack, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Jack Farthing. Originally published in 1795 under the title 'The Green Snake and the Beautiful Lily', A Fairy Tale is a magical, mysterious and strikingly modern story whose images foreshadow the poetry of surrealism. David Davis is the Teller of the Tale, with Rosalind Shanks as The Beautiful Lily and Mary Morris as The Serpent. Next up are a trio of historical tragedies: Egmont, set in 16th century Brussels and with a score specially composed by Ludwig van Beethoven; Iphigenia in Tauris, a reworking of the ancient Greek play by Euripides; and Torquato Tasso, a verse drama about the eponymous 16th century Italian poet and courtier and his descent into madness. All three feature superb ensemble casts including Paul Daneman, John Rye, Maureen O'Brien, Anton Lesser, Michael Pennington and David Suchet. To conclude, four bonus documentaries examine Goethe's life, work and influence. In Search of Faust sees poet and singer Twm Morys exploring why artists have been fascinated by this unlikely hero for the last 500 years; while Spotlight: The Sorrows of Young Werther looks at the tragic protagonist of Goethe's 1774 epistolary novel. In Our Time: Goethe and the Science of Enlightenment finds Melvyn Bragg and guests assessing Goethe's scientific legacy, and in The Forum - Goethe: The story of colour, Bridget Kendal discusses his monumental book The Theory of Colours with art historian Alexandra Loske, writer Victoria Finlay and designer Odette Steele. First published 1774 (The Sorrows of Young Werther), 1779 (Iphigenia in Tauris), 1788 (Egmont), 1790 (Torquato Tasso), 1795 ('The Green Snake and the Beautiful Lily), 1808 (Faust, Part One), 1832 (Faust, Part Two) Faust: Dramatisation for radio (c) Anthony Vivis 1982. All rights reserved. Torquato Tasso: Translation (c) Alan and Sandy Brownjohn 1982, all rights reserved. Production credits Written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Faust The Sorrows of Young Werther A Fairy Tale Egmont Iphigenia in Tauris Torquato Tasso In Search of Faust Presented by Twm Morys Spotlight: The Sorrows of Young Werther In Our Time: Goethe and the Science of the Enlightenment Presented by Melvyn Bragg With Nicholas Boyle and Simon Schaffer The Forum - Goethe: The story of colour Presented by Bridget Kendall With Alexandra Loske, Victoria Finlay and Odette Steele © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Johann Wolfgang Von Goethes (Author), Anton Lesser, Daisy Edgar-Jones, David Suchet, Eileen Aitkin, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Gabriel Woolf, Jack Farthing, Joel Maccormack, Melvyn Bragg, Ronald Pickup, Simon Callow (Narrator)

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Private Eye Billy Rucker: Shut Eye & Hold Back the Night: Two Full-Cast BBC Radio 4 Crime Dramas

"David Morrissey stars as Billy Rucker in these two gritty urban noir thrillers Ex-copper turned private investigator Billy Rucker scours the seamy underbelly of London, hunting for runaways - and murderers. Tough, worldly-wise and street-savvy, he can go where the police can't: and once he's on the trail, he won't stop until he finds the truth... Shut Eye - When an airline pilot is found brutally murdered with a champagne bottle, his brother, Tory MP Sir Peter Morant, asks Billy Rucker to investigate. Although he's already working one assignment - tracking down teenager Dominic Lewis - Rucker agrees to take the case. Delving into Teddy's private life in search of a serial killer, he identifies a high-profile suspect. But when another body is discovered, Billy finds the finger of suspicion pointing at him... Hold Back the Night - High summer, and the city is sweltering. Despite the heat, PI Billy Rucker is out pounding the streets, looking for a missing girl named Lucy Bonham. He suspects that Lucy and her friend Donna were mixed up in something nasty - but he has no idea of the full horrors he is about to uncover. Adapted from Adam Baron's highly acclaimed crime novels, these dark, suspenseful detective dramas star David Morrissey, Danny Webb, Adjoa Andoh, Li Leng Au and Ioan Meredith. Production credits Written by Adam Baron Dramatised by Doug Lucie Produced and directed by Janet Whitaker Starring David Morrissey as Billy Rucker, Danny Webb as DI Gold, Adjoa Andoh/Li Leng Au as Sharon and Ioan Meredith as Inspector Clay Shut Eye Sir Peter - Edward de Souza Alex - Matt Day Rollo - Declan Wilson Mrs Lewes - Rachel Atkins Secretary/Waitress - Gbemisola Ikumelo Charlotte - Caroline Langrishe Graham - Nicholas Woodeson Sal - Frances Jeater Dominic/Boy - Chris Moran Archie/PC - Damian Lynch Man - Harry Myers WPC/Kristen - Cherie Taylor-Battlste First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9-30 March 2004 Hold Back the Night Mrs Bonham - Cheryl Campbell Emma - Rachael Stirling Olly - Harry Myers Sal - Elizabeth Bell Nicky - Nicholas Boulton Sharon - Adjoa Andoh Juliet - Alison Pettitt George - Vincenzo Nicoli Albanian prostitute - Alex Tregear Steve - Martin Hyder Janet/Iris - Susan Jameson Mr Bonham - Hugh Dickson Dr Fursten - Stephen Hogan Lee - Peter Darney First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 22 November-13 December 2005 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Adam Baron (Author), Adjoa Andoh, Danny Webb, David Morrissey, Edward De Souza, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Rachael Stirling (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Frances Jeater