Audiobooks narrated by Griff Rhys Jones

Nikolai Gogol: A BBC Radio Collection: Nine Full-Cast Dramatisations

"A definitive collection of Gogol’s best-known works, adapted for BBC Radio with star casts including Toby Jones, Michael Palin, Mark Heap, Frances Barber and Russell Tovey Ukrainian-born humorist, dramatist and novelist Nikolai Gogol is widely believed to have led the realist revolution in Russian literature. His surreal, absurdist satires liberated comedy from its sentimental traditions and influenced writers both within Russia and worldwide, among them Fyodor Dostoevsky, Franz Kafka and Flannery O’Connor. Generally acknowledged as Gogol’s masterpiece, The Government Inspector caused such uproar when first performed in 1836 that he was driven into exile. With its satirical swipes at political self-serving, sleaze and vice, it remains relevant today, as this dazzling dramatisation, starring Toby Jones, shows. A comic tour de force about human folly and one of the jewels of Russian literature, Dead Souls sees the charming Chichikov (Mark Heap) arriving in a Russian provincial town with the Narrator (Michael Palin) on a mission to buy up dead serfs – but his quest soon arouses suspicion. Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat comprises six comic plays based on some of Gogol’s greatest short fiction and set in 19th-century Russia: ‘The Two Ivans’, ‘The Overcoat,’ ‘Ivan Fyodorovich Shponka and His Aunt’, ‘The Nose’, ‘The Mysterious Portrait’ and ‘The Diary of a Madman’. Griff Rhys Jones and Stephen Moore star in these colourful, inventive tales. Also adapted from a short story, Christmas Eve tells of the magic and mayhem that ensues when the Devil (Nickolas Grace) steals the moon on the night before Christmas. Rounding off this anthology is a bonus documentary, Tim Key and Gogol's Overcoat, in which the acclaimed poet and comedian explores Nikolai Gogol’s classic ‘The Overcoat’, described by Nabokov as ‘the greatest Russian short story ever written’. As he looks into this fantastical fable about a clerk whose desire for a new coat changes his life – and ultimately destroys him – Key spins his own surprising and anarchic tale, with contributions from Russian experts, an East End tailor, Alexei Sayle and John Motson. First published 1831 (Christmas Eve), 1832 (‘Ivan Fyodorovich Shponka and His Aunt’), 1835 (‘The Two Ivans’, ‘The Mysterious Portrait’, ‘The Diary of a Madman’), 1835-1836 (‘The Nose’), 1836 (The Government Inspector), 1842 (Dead Souls, ‘The Overcoat’) © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Nikolai Gogol (Author), Frances Barber, Full Cast, Griff Rhys Jones, Mark Heap, Michael Palin, Patrick Barlow, Russell Tovey, Stephen Moore, Tim Key, Toby Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Look Back at the Future: The BBC Radio 4 Spoof Comedy Series

"Brian Perkins and Kate Robbins ‘remember’ 21st Century years yet to happen in this futuristic 1994 comedy show First broadcast (with the aid of a crystal ball) in summer 1994, the Sony Award-winning show returns for a second series starring the ‘Godfather of Radio 4’, Brian Perkins, and Spitting Image impressionist Kate Robbins. This time, they turn their comic gaze on six roller-coaster years from the 21st Century: 2001, 2005, 2010, 2021, 2025 and 2099. Among the extraordinary events of this turbulent era were the invention of the Telepathone, the first ego transplant, the rise of the Church of the Latter Day Agnostics, and America’s invasion of Narnia. So strap in for a thrilling trip back to the extraordinary, turbulent era when ‘Toddler Power’ ran rampant, the Official Monster Raving Loony Party became the breakthrough third force in British politics – and time ran backwards… Predicted by Spitting Image writers Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair – who also play supporting roles in the sketches – this sharp, satirical show features special guest comedians Jeremy Hardy, John O’ Farrell, Griff Rhys Jones, Tony Hawks, Nigel Planer and Hugh Dennis. Cast and credits Starring Brian Perkins and Kate Robbins Special guests: Jeremy Hardy, John O’Farrell, Griff Rhys Jones, Tony Hawks, Nigel Planer, Hugh Dennis Predicted by Spitting Image writers Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair Produced by Caroline Leddy First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: 2001 9 July 1994 2005 16 July 1994 2010 23 July 1994 2021 30 July 1994 2025 6 August 1994 2099 13 August 1994 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd."

John O'farrell, Mark Burton, Pete Sinclair (Author), Brian Perkins, Griff Rhys Jones, Hugh Dennis, Jeremy Hardy, John O’farrell, Kate Robbins, Mark Burton, Nigel Planer, Pete Sinclair, Tony Hawks, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

Molesworth: A BBC Radio Collection: Down with Skool!, How to be Topp & more

"A collection of BBC readings and dramas celebrating the much-loved schoolboy terror First featured in five books by Geoffrey Willans, with cartoon illustrations by Ronald Searle, Nigel Molesworth is one of the funniest comic creations in literature. A superbly satirical chronicler of 1950s England, he influenced a generation with his anarchic take on life. These wonderfully entertaining recordings show the self-proclaimed 'curse of St Custard's' at his very best. In Down with Skool! & How to Be Topp, based on the first two Molesworth books and read by Griff Rhys Jones, he gives us the lowdown on the Head Beak, masters, bullies and lessons - and offers his inimitable advice for tiny pupils on how to survive the first term. Simon Brett's sequel, Molesworth, finds the onetime 'goriller of 3B' now all grown up. Middle- aged and still surrounded by many of the characters from his youth, he's as keen as ever to share his wisdom. Across four episodes, he presents a guide to the home, the office, the arts and leisure. Willie Rushton stars in this full-cast drama, with a cast including Clive Swift and Penelope Nice. Topping off our collection is The Molesworth Report: How to Be Topp, a celebration and philosophical assessment - ahem! - of Nigel Molesworth by some of his fondest fans. 'I couldn't live with someone who didn't enjoy the Molesworth books', says the poet Wendy Cope. John Walsh, Sir Tim Rice and Russell Davies also pay tribute to the world-weary, ink-spattered schoolboy, whose comic misspellings, mangling of English and Latin and detestation of swots, snekes and oiks gave the world a cache of unforgettable images and catchphrases. Credits Down with Skool! & How to Be Topp Read by Griff Rhys Jones Abridged by Wendy Cope Based on the books by Geoffrey Willans Produced by Susan Roberts First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13-21 August 1991 Molesworth Molesworth - Willie Rushton Grimes - Clive Swift Louise - Penelope Nice Gillibrand/Darryl - Robert Harley Peason/Grabber - Bob Sinfield Fotherington-Thomas - Phil Nice Arabella/Carole/Lucinda/Lady Eiderdown - Chrissy Roberts Written by Simon Brett and based on characters created by Geoffrey Willans and Ronald Searle Music by Oonagh Bernon Produced by Mark Robson First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 March-13 April 1987 The Molesworth Report: How to Be Topp With Wendy Cope, John Walsh, Sir Tim Rice and Russell Davies Produced by Penny Arnold First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13 May 2004 Cover illustration by permission of the Ronald Searle Estate © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Geoffrey Willans, Simon Brett (Author), Clive Swift, Full Cast, Griff Rhys Jones, Penelope Nice, Willie Rushton (Narrator)

Audiobook

Not the Nine O’Clock News: The Collected Comedy Albums

"BBC Audio presents all three original albums from the ground-breaking comedy series that launched the careers of Rowan Atkinson, Mel Smith, Pamela Stephenson and Griff Rhys-Jones. Not the Nine O'Clock News is one of the great classics of British television comedy. The show ran from 1979 to 1982 on BBC2, and was irreverent, outrageous, innovative, and rude. Originally shown as a comedy alternative to the Nine O'Clock News on BBC1, it featured satirical sketches, parody songs and spoofs of TV formats, and quickly became a trailblazing smash hit, running for four series. This collectible compilation includes the three albums that were released during the show's run on TV: Not the Nine O'Clock News, Hedgehog Sandwich and The Memory Kinda Lingers. Among the many much-loved sketches included in this collection are 'The Gorilla Interview', 'Points of View', 'The General Synod's 'Life of Python'', 'Constable Savage', 'University Challenge', 'Hi-Fi Shop', 'Not the Parrot Sketch', 'Open Marriage', 'Question Time', 'Game For a Laugh', 'Two Ninnies Song', 'McEnroe's Breakfast', 'What a Load of Willies!' and 'The Pope's Visit', plus the live Drury Lane Theatre show Not in Front of the Audience. Produced and devised by John Lloyd and Sean Hardie, Not the Nine O'clock News won a Silver Rose at the Montreux festival and a BAFTA for Best light Entertainment programme. Its writing team included such future greats of TV comedy as Richard Curtis, David Renwick, Andrew Marshall, Guy Jenkin, Laurie Rowley, John Lloyd and Andy Hamilton. Warning: contains strong language and adult humour which reflects the era in which it was first broadcast. ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

John Lloyd (Author), Griff Rhys Jones, Mel Smith, Pamela Stephenson, Rowan Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Ash on a Young Man's Sleeve

"Widely acclaimed for its warm humour, lyricism and honesty, as well as its accurate evocation of the thirties, Ash on a Young Man's Sleeve has become a sung-after classic. In this delightful autobiographical novel, Dannie Abse skilfully interweaves public and private themes, setting the fortunes of a Jewish family in Wales against the troubled backcloth of the times - unemployment, the rise of Hitler and Mussolini, and the Spanish Civil War. Narrated by actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones."

Dannie Abse (Author), Griff Rhys Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

Whose Line Is It Anyway?: The complete BBC radio series

"The hit improvisation radio show that spawned the TV phenomenon Regular team captains Stephen Fry and John Sessions are joined by Lenny Henry, Dawn French, Hugh Laurie, Enn Reitel, Jimmy Mulville, Nonny Williams, Griff Rhys Jones, Kate Robbins, John Bird, Rory Bremner and Jon Glover, as they battle their way through a succession of games and romp through a world of literary styles, TV theme tunes, and film genres. Chairman Clive Anderson desperately tries to hold the whole thing together and the guests make it up as they go along in this riot of improvisation. First heard on BBC Radio 4 in January 1988, Whose Line is it Anyway? went on to run for 10 series on Channel 4 and found success in America. Based on comedy suggestions from the studio audience, this is ad-libbed comedy at its best. With Colin Sell at the piano. Devised and compiled by Mark Leveson, with additional material by Martin Booth. Produced by Dan Patterson"

Dan Patterson, Mark Leveson (Author), Clive Anderson, Dawn French, Griff Rhys Jones, Hugh Laurie, John Bird, John L. Sessions, Kate Robbins, Lenny Henry, Rory Bremner, Stephen Fry (Narrator)

Audiobook

What’s the Time, Little Wolf?

"The second, wonderfully anarchic picture book, based on the hugely-successful ‘Little Wolf’ fiction series The Wolf family have got no food, so Little Wolf and Smellybreff are sent to get a piggy for supper. But piggies prove extremely hard to catch and it is getting late… What will the wolf cubs take home to eat?"

Ian Whybrow (Author), Griff Rhys Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

Little Wolf’s Book of Badness

"Letters home from an adventuring wolf cub, read by Griff Rhys Jones Dear Mum and Dad, Please please PLEEEEZ let me come home. I only cleaned my teeth last week for a joke. And brushing my fur, and going to bed early, that was just tricks to trick you! Why must I go to Cunning College to learn Uncle Bigbad’s 9 Rules of Badness? Yours fedupply, Little Wolf Little Wolf’s very first adventurous journey to Cunning College now available once more on tape. A real treat to listen to, with specially composed music and sound effects, this narration by Griff Rhys Jones will be a favourite for the whole family."

Ian Whybrow (Author), Griff Rhys Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

Little Wolf, Forest Detective

"Another Little Wolf story on tape – Arroooooooo!!!! READ BY GRIFF RHYS JONES Little Wolf, his cousin Yeller, baby brother Smellybreff, Stubbs Crow and Normus Bear set up the Yelloweyes Forest Detective Agency . Following the departure of their main teacher and star attraction of Haunted Hall for Small Horrors, Little and chums close the school to become forest detectives. Their specialities are tracking and trailing with Stubbs Crow being the flying squad; Smellbreff specialising in small clues and Normus Bear specialising in large clues. Told in letter form by Little Wolf."

Ian Whybrow (Author), Griff Rhys Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

Not The Nine O'Clock News

"Songs and sketches from the groundbreaking BBC comedy series show starring Rowan Atkinson, Griff Rhys Jones, Mel Smith and Pamela Stephenson. 'Not the Nine O’Clock News' is regarded as one of the great classics of British television humour. Written by some of Britain’s finest comedy writers, including Richard Curtis, Andy Hamilton and Guy Jenkin, the show was innovative, shocking and rude – and extremely funny. Published on CD for the first time, this hilarious compilation includes some of the very best sketches and songs, including ‘(I Like) Trucking’, ‘England My Leotard’, ‘Nice Video (Shame about the Song)’, the ‘Two Ninnies’ song and of course ‘(The Memory) Kinda Lingers’. With its irreverent and outrageous look at everything from TV programmes such as 'Game for a Laugh', 'Question Time' and 'The Two Ronnies' to the Royal Family, pop stars and squashed hedgehogs, this release will appeal to all those who fondly remember the original series, and to anyone else who simply wants to sample some of the sharpest, wittiest comedy around."

Andy Hamilton, Guy Jenkin, Richard Curtis (Author), Griff Rhys Jones, Mel Smith, Pamela Stephenson, Rowan Atkinson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Griff Rhys Jones

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