Audiobooks narrated by Francis Matthews

Six Characters in Search of an Author & other plays: Three Full-Cast BBC Radio Productions

"Four plays by the award-winning Italian playwright and innovator Luigi Pirandello Luigi Pirandello was an Italian playwright, novelist, and short-story writer and winner of the 1934 Nobel Prize for Literature. In the first performance of Six Characters in Search of an Author, an enraged Rome theatre audience yelled abuse at the Italian playwright Luigi Pirandello and chased him out of the theatre. Since then, the play has gained iconic status as a piece of theatre which helped move Western culture into modernity. This stunning, full-cast collection of the playwright’s most famous plays performed for radio is not to be missed. Six Characters in Search of an Author - Luigi Pirandello's famous 1921 play about the nature of theatre and the problems of theatricality, in which six characters, whose author has abandoned them mid-process, turn up at a rehearsal and demand to be played by the actors present to resolve their tragedy and become ‘real’. This contrast between art, which is unchanging, and life, which is in constant flux, is classic Pirandello. The Rules of the Game - Set in an Italian town in 1919. Leone and Silia, man and wife, live apart, and Guido is Silia's lover. There is an uncanny lack of jealousy on Leone's part, for he seems a man without any emotional cares whatever - to him it is all a game. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a dangerous game... Henry IV - A madman is shut up in a villa in Italy following an accident at a carnival. Twenty years later his friends come to visit him. Is he still mad, or is he sane? What is madness? What is sanity? This compelling production explores what lies just underneath the skin of ordinary life, starring Martin Jarvis and Andrew Sachs. First Night is an adaptation of Pirandello’s 1900 short story narrated by Mary Wimbush (Poldark, Jeeves and Wooster, The Archers). It tells the story of Marastella, a young Sicilian bride who is unhappily married off to a much older man and explores convention, desire and fate. Rounding off this curated collection we hear a bonus edition of The Forum, presented by Rajan Datar. On the centenary of the infamous premiere of Pirandello’s Six Characters, he asks: But what of the author? He was a complex figure who found inspiration from his wife’s madness as well as the actors he worked with. Datar is joined by celebrated academics and experts in this enigmatic and culture phenomenon. This star-studded collection is perfect for any fans of Pirandello or anyone wanting to dive deeper into a genre defining era of twentieth century theatre and the man behind it. Cast and credits Written by Luigi Pirandello Six Characters in Search of an Author Daughter - Cherie Lunghi Father - Emerald James The Rules of the Game Leone - Robert Rietty Silia - Sarah Badel Guido - Francis Matthews Clara - Wendy Fisher Marquis Miglioriti - James Goode First drunk - Anthony Morse Second drunk - Ken Cumberlidge Third drunk - Haydn Andrews Philip - Brian Hewlett Dr Spiga - Stephen Hattersley Barelli - Eric Stovell Henry IV Henry IV - Alec McCowan Tito Belcredi - George Baker Doctor Genoni - Maurice Denham Matilda Spina - Pauline Letts Landolph - Martin Jarvis Ordulph - Henry Knowles Charles di Nolli - Sean Arnold Frida, his fiancee - Janet Chappell Berthold - David Spenser Harold - Nigel Lambert John - James Thomason The two servants - Harvey Edwards & Andrew Sachs First Night Narrator - Mary Wimbush The Forum Presented by Rajan Datar Readings by Marco Gambino With: Guido Bonsaver, Dr Enza de Francisci, Patricia Gaborik ©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Luigi Pirandello (Author), Brian Hewlett, Charles Grey, Cherie Lunghi, Francis Matthews, Full Cast, James Goode, Ken Cumberlidge, Kevin McNally, Martin Jarvis, Mary Wimbush, Maurice Denham, Pauline Letts, Sarah Badel (Narrator)

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Personal Column: 10 Full-Cast Vintage BBC Radio Dramas

"Who is behind the mysterious advert reading ‘Wife available – what offers?’ What prompted a ‘third girl’ to suddenly pack her bags and leave her flatshare? And when a newly married couple’s honeymoon period comes to an abrupt end, is the wedding dress to blame? Conceived by respected writer Philip Levene, whose writing credits include 19 episodes of ITV’s The Avengers, these ten full-cast dramas read between the lines of newspaper personal ads to tell captivating tales of the human condition – each with an unexpected twist. The stories range from a rookie blackmailer who learns the pitfalls of the business and a husband and wife who get more than they bargain for when they try to sell some old jewellery, to a lonely librarian who hires a personal escort for an important date and a dodgy insurance broker who takes drastic measures to try and avoid exposure. Written by esteemed TV scriptwriters and starring a host of well-known names including Carole Boyd, Bernard Horsfall, Anne Stallybrass, George Cole and Wendy Craig, this entertaining and varied anthology is a treasure trove from the golden age of radio. This series of vintage radio plays was first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme, 20 March – 25 September 1967. Episodes: Findings Keepings by Philip Levene Evening Out by Jill Hyem No Square Deal by Eddie Maguire Third Girl Wanted by Jill Hyem Off to a Good Start by Dawn Pavitt & Terry Wale What Am I Bid? by Eddie Maguire Home and Away by Dawn Pavitt & Terry Wale Time for a Coat by Andrew Sachs This Column Every Friday by Arnold Yarrow The Companion by Philip Levene © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Andrew Sachs, Arnold Yarrow, Dawn Pavitt, Eddie Maguire, Jill Hyem, Philip Levene, Terry Wale (Author), Bernard Horsfall, Brenda Bruce, Charles Leno, Cyril Shaps, Francis Matthews, Full Cast, George Cole, Gerald Flood, Mary Wimbush, Nigel Anthony, Pauline Yates, Wendy Craig (Narrator)

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Jeffrey Archer: Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less & A Matter of Honour: 2 BBC Radio 4 full-cast thrillers

"Two full-cast dramatisations of Jeffrey Archer's thrillers with narration by Jeffrey Archer himself Jeffery Archer is a New York Times bestselling author, published in over 37 languages across 97 countries. Jeffrey Archer's debut novel Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less from 1976 is dramatised here in seven parts by Betty Davis; as well as his later work A Matter of Honour, which was recently rediscovered in the collection of an amateur archivist after the recording was lost on delivery to the BBC archives. The sound quality of A Matter of Honour may be affected as a result. Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less The conned: an Oxford don, a revered society physician, a chic French art dealer, and a charming English lord. They have one thing in common. Overnight, each novice investor lost his life's fortune to one man. The con: Harvey Metcalfe. A brilliant, self-made guru of deceit. A very dangerous individual. And now, a hunted man. With nothing left to lose, four strangers are about to come together - each experts in their own field. Their plan: find Harvey, shadow him, trap him, and destroy him - penny-for-penny. From the luxurious casinos of Monte Carlo to the high-stakes windows at Ascot; from the bustle of Wall Street to fashionable London galleries, their own ingenious game has begun. It's called revenge - and they were taught by a master. Narrated by Jeffrey Archer Harvey Metcalfe - Stratford Johns Stephen Bradley - Paul Darrow Adrian Tryner - Francis Matthews Jean Pierre Lamanns - Edward de Souza Lord James Brigsley - Jeremy Clyde Anne Summerton - Lesley-Anne Down David Stein - Leonard Fenton Jorg Birrer - Sion Probert Miss Melkie - Sonia Fraser Giovanni - Sean Arnold Adapted by Betty Davies Directed by Glyn Dearman First Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 October and November 1980 A Matter of Honour 10th May 1966: The Tsar's Icon is a fake. It is imperative that the original be found - and by 20th June. Finding it will change the course of human history. It seems innocent enough. A disgraced British colonel bequeaths a mysterious letter to his only son. But the moment Adam Scott opens the yellowing envelope, he sets into motion a deadly chain of events that threatens to shake the very foundations of the free world. When at last he comes to understand what he is in possession of, he's even more determined to protect it, for it's more than a matter of life and death - it's a matter of honour. Narrated by Jeffrey Archer Adam Scott - Michael York Alexander Romanov - Simon Ward Lawrence Pemberton - Tom Chadbon Brezhnev - Czeslaw Grocholski Zaborski - John Church Petrova - Jill Lidstone Heidi - Helena Breck Konstantinov - George Roubicek Goering - Garard Green Gerard Scott - Manning Wilson Mrs Scott - Pauline Letts Wainwright - Eric Stovell Other parts played by Sheila Grant, Ronald Herdman, Gordon Reid and Jill Simcox Dramatised by Brian Sibley Directed by Glyn Dearman First Broadcast on BBC Radio 4 November and December 1986 ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Jeffrey Archer (Author), Edward De Souza, Francis Matthews, Full Cast, Jeffrey Archer, Michael York, Stratford Johns (Narrator)

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The Dick Francis BBC Radio Drama Collection: Six full-cast dramatisations

"Fast-paced radio dramatisations of six of Dick Francis' classic racing thrillers, plus bonus documentary Enquiry After riding the favourite into second place, jockey Kelly Hughes loses his licence. But he didn't throw the race, and is determined to find out who framed him... Rat Race A cushy job transporting passengers between racecourses turns dangerous for pilot Matt Shore when his plane explodes and he's embroiled in a deadly plot. Bonecrack Abducted by masked men, Neil Griffon is faced with a deadly ultimatum - obey the instructions of a ruthless crime czar, or risk the destruction of his father's racing stables. Whip Hand Disabled ex-jockey turned investigator Sid Halley is faced with a triple threat when he is asked to guard a horse, probe a suspicious syndicate and find a swindler. Proof When a party to celebrate the success of the racing season ends in tragedy, wine dealer and amateur sleuth Tony Beach investigates. Bolt Asked by a princess to fend off a dangerous cousin who is making threats, Kit Fielding agrees to help. But he also has problems of his own to deal with... Among the casts of these six action-packed adaptations are Bill Nighy, Nigel Havers and Siân Phillips. Also included is a bonus episode of the Radio 4 series Great Lives, presented by Matthew Parris, in which Francis' biographer Graham Lord, chairman of the British Horseracing Board Martin Broughton and racing correspondent Jonathan Powell explore the life and work of the champion thriller writer. Please note that due to the age of some of these recordings, sound quality may vary. © 2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Dick Francis (Author), Bill Nighy, Eric Allan, Francis Matthews, Full Cast, Hywel Bennett, Mick Ford, Nigel Havers, Siân Phillips, Tony Osoba (Narrator)

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Dick George: Private Investigator: Three BBC Radio comedy thrillers

"Francis Matthews stars in this trilogy of crime capers spoofing 1930s Hollywood movies Paul Temple star Francis Matthews gives his best Cary Grant impression as suave PI Dick George in these three comedy adventures, with Margaret Robertson channelling Katherine Hepburn as his glamorous ex-wife Dora, 'Man in Black' Edward de Souza as his valet, Blore, and Ronald Herdman as Pasta the dog. The Case of the Cool Canary - Dick George's leisurely breakfast is disturbed by the arrival of a mysterious, satin-clad beauty, who promptly passes out on his doorstep. Heiress Ruth-Anne Rogers is in trouble - can Dick and Dora protect her from gangsters intent on stealing her fortune? Starring Lisa Jacobs, Nigel Anthony and Harry Towb. The Case of the Substitute Spouse - Married once more, the Georges are spending a weekend in Maine with Dora's old school pal, Connie Morgan. But, arriving at her holiday cottage, they find a sheriff's car parked outside, a body on the rug, and Connie under suspicion of murder. It's up to Dick and Dora to clear her name - and find the killer. Starring Bonnie Hurren, Liza Ross, Bob Sherman and Don Fellows. The Case of the Vanishing Vamp - Dick and Dora are on the brink of divorce - again - and Dick's planning to make film star Loretta Raine the next Mrs George. But his romance with 'The Oops Girl' takes a back seat when he sets out to trace missing ingenue actress Irene Smith. Meanwhile, Dora's playing the leading role in a drama of her own... Starring Liza Ross, Ed Bishop and Nicky Croydon. Cast and credits Written by Susan Maxwell Directed by Glyn Dearman Starring Francis Matthews as Dick George, Margaret Robertson as Dora, Edward de Souza as Blore and Ronald Herdman as Pasta the dog The Case of the Cool Canary Ruth-Ann Rogers/Lucille Lamont - Lisa Jacobs Louie - Nigel Anthony Mugsy Moran - Harry Towb Charlie - Alan Tilvern First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9 September 1986 The Case of the Substitute Spouse Antony Legrange - Liza Ross Barrett Legrange - Blain Fairman Zebediah - Don Fellows Connie Morgan/Operator/Librarian - Bonnie Hurren Sheriff Johnson - Bob Sherman First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16 February 1989 The Case of the Vanishing Vamp Mugsy Moran - Harry Towb Loretta Raine - Liza Ross Harry Loomis - Ed Bishop Jonathan Dane - Peter Whitman Marie Celeste - Nicky Croydon Central Casting - Bonnie Hurren First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16 July 1992 © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Sarah Maxwell (Author), Edward De Souza, Francis Matthews, Full Cast, Margaret Robertson, Ronald Herdman (Narrator)

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Not in Front of the Children: The complete BBC Radio series: Based on the successful TV series

"Wendy Craig stars in the complete Series 1 and 2 of the popular 1960s sitcom, as heard on BBC radio With three young kids and a headstrong husband, frazzled housewife Jennifer Corner has her hands full. Everyday life can be chaotic and full of challenges - but no matter what crises the Corners encounter, Jen keeps the family together. In these 26 episodes, a shaky treehouse gets hubby Henry in trouble with the law, the couple's plans for a week free of the children go awry, and Jen's money-making plans run into red tape - and worse... It's all change for the Corners as son Robin wins a scholarship to boarding school, there's a new baby on the way, and Henry has a job offer - but can they bear to leave London and move to the countryside? This hilarious family comedy ran for four series on BBC TV between 1967 and 1970, winning Wendy Craig a BAFTA Award for Best Actress and paving the way for her sitcom success in And Mother Makes Three and Butterflies. The show was so successful that creator Richard Waring adapted his own scripts for this radio version, now fully restored from the original reel-to-reel tapes. Due to the age of these vintage recordings, the sound quality may vary. Production credits Written and adapted by Richard Waring Produced by Trafford Whitelock Music by Ronnie Hazlehurst First broadcast 30 September-23 December1969, BBC Radio 4 (Series 1), 4 October-27 December 1970, BBC Radio 2 (Series 2) Cast Jennifer Corner - Wendy Craig Henry Corner - Francis Matthews Trudi - Roberta Tovey Robin - Hugo Keith-Johnston Amanda - Jill Riddick Mother - Fanny Rowe Mary - Charlotte Mitchell With Madeleine Howell, Olwen Griffiths, David Tate, Geoffrey Frederick, Elizabeth Morgan, Tenniel Evans, Edward de Souza, Felix Felton, Noel Howlett, Alexander John, Gwenda Wilson, Bunny May, David Dodimead, Jeffrey Segal, Karen Newport, Christopher Reynalds, Helen Lindsay, Anna Dawson, Michael Kilgarriff, Aline Waites, Frederick Treves, Richard Waring, Carole Lorimer, Rosalind Adams, Ross Hutchinson, Barbara Mitchell, Rex Graham, James Thomason, John Gabriel, Kevin Brennan, Paul Whitsun-Jones, Benny Lee, Garard Green, Margot Boyd, Nan Kenway, Norman Mitchell, Jordan Rogers, Madi Hedd, Rosalyn Slater, Nigel Lambert, June Liversidge, Wallas Eaton, Bettina Dickson, Sean Barrett, Eva Haddon and Martin Friend"

Richard Waring (Author), Francis Matthews, Full Cast, Wendy Craig (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Francis Matthews

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