Audiobooks narrated by Hilda Schroder

The Prince and The Mandrake: Two Full Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations

"The renowned masterpiece from one of the most influential writers in history, Machiavelli The Prince, written during the Italian Renaissance by author Niccolò Machiavelli, is an internationally renowned masterpiece about power, greed and strategy in government. Regarded by some as a manual for would-be tyrants on how they should seize and maintain power and by others as a simple reflection of political reality, listen now to this full-cast dramatisation and make up your own mind. In addition to this stunning, modern dramatisation of the classic novel, this download includes The Mandrake, Machiavelli’s comedy packed with intrigue, infidelity and fools and the documentary Machiavelli – Devil or Democrat from Jonathan Freedland, which re-assesses Machiavelli and explores whether his maligned reputation has overshadowed his other achievements… The Prince is the classic 16th-century treatise on the nature of power and statecraft. In this modern rendition, the author Machiavelli (Ciaran Hinds), often identified as Satan, uses his brilliance and cunning to explain how power can be created and sustained. This brilliant adaptation is performed for the first time as a monologue with dramatised illustrations from a full-cast, including Philip Voss, Stephen Critchlow and Christopher Godwin. The Mandrake is Machiavelli’s best-known comedy, taking place in a square in Florence in 1504. Callimaco, desires to sleep with Lucrezia, the young and beautiful wife of an elderly fool, Nicia. Nicia above all else desires a son and heir. Conspiring with a rascally marriage broker, and a corrupt priest, Callimaco masquerades as a doctor and tricks Nicia into letting his wife become his lover using the power of the mandrake plant. This double edition download comes with the added exclusive content, Machiavelli – Devil or Democrat. A fascinating documentary that explores the life and work of one of the most maligned authors in history. The impact of this writer has been felt across the centuries from the execution of King Charles I to the ‘Founding Fathers’ of the United States and journalist and writer Jonathan Freedland re-assesses the legacy of this incredible thinker and writer. This is a download not to missed, perfect for any fans of classical literature with a twist, packed with compelling intrigue, wit and fascinating revelations. Cast and credits Written by Niccolò Machiavelli The Prince Niccolo - Ciaran Hinds The Prince - Christopher Godwin Louis - Philip Voss Severus - Stephen Critchlow Oliverotti - Scott Handy Giovanni - John Rowe Other parts played by Chris Kelham, Tom George and Gavin Muir Dramatised by Peter Wolf Directed by Cherry Cookson First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21st January 2000 The Mandrake Callimaco - John Rye Siro - Anthony Jackson Messer Nicia - Douglas Wilmer Ligurio - David March Sostrata - Beity Hardy Fra Timoteo - Willoughby Goddard A young widow - Hilda Schroder Lucrezia - Hilary Hardiman Singers Robert Tear, Douglas Wilmer, Willoughby Goddard, John Rye and David March Translated from the Italian by J. R. Hale Produced by Charles Lefeaux Songs by Elizabeth Poston First Broadcast BBC Radio 3, 27th October 1967 Machiavelli – Devil or Democrat Presented by Jonathan Freedland Produced by Rob Shepherd First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18th November 2013 ©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Niccoli Machiavelli (Author), Anthony Jackson, Christopher Godwin, Ciarán Hinds, David March, Douglas Wilmer, Full Cast, Hilda Schroder, John Rowe, John Rye, Philip Voss, Scott Handy, Stephen Critchlow (Narrator)

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The Sand Leopard & Other Vintage Thrillers: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Collection

"Ten full-cast BBC Radio thrillers by Berkely Mather Berkely Mather (real name John Evan Weston-Davies) was a British author who wrote sixteen novels ranging from historical adventures to espionage fiction. A prolific writer for television and radio, he contributed scripts to TV series including Z Cars and The Avengers, and his film credits include Dr. No. Included here are some of his best radio thrillers, beginning with The Sand Leopard, charting the exploits of Geth Straker, captain of the Peregrine. The trouble-hunting mariner is commissioned to sail to the Red Sea in search of sunken Second World War bullion – but are his two new crew members what they seem? Neil McCallum stars as Straker in this action-packed drama. In The Hard Buy, it is the late 1960s, and wealthy young British playboy Brett Beaumont (John Rye) suddenly finds himself discredited and framed. Aboard his luxury yacht, he embarks on a dramatic journey to clear his name. The Meisterspringer, starring Cyril Shaps and Graham Blockey, sees ‘Meisterspringer’ Paul Mettold blackmailed by British agents into arranging the escape from prison of Russian spy James Carter. But the breakout does not go according to plan… The Bounce Back features six plays themed around retribution – Returned Without Thanks, Honesty’s The Best Fiddle, The Stake-Out, Just a Detail, Never Let Your Left Hand Know…, and Quick Returns. Among the casts are Hector Ross, Hilda Schroder, Henry Stamper, Humphrey Morton, Douglas Hankin, Sheila Grant, Alan Dudley and Ronald Herdman. Finally, the 30-minute drama Bird’s Eye View, starring Geoffrey Matthews and Cecile Chevreau, tells the story of an English convict on a French prison island who attempts to escape by boat – but on board, a surprise awaits him… NB: Due to the age of these recordings, the sound quality may vary. Some episodes contain dated attitudes and language First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 31 July-18 September 1961 (The Sand Leopard), 15 October 1962 (Bird’s Eye View), 23 January-13 March 1967 (The Bounce Back), 27 June-22 July 1968 (The Hard Buy), 21 April-26 May 1985 (The Meisterspringer) © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Berkely Mather (Author), Alan Dudley, Cecile Chevreau, Cyril Shaps, Full Cast, Geoffrey Matthews, Graham Blockey, Hector Ross, Hilda Schroder, John Rye, Neil Mccallum (Narrator)

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Death Speaks Another Language: A BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Thriller

"David Valla stars in a gripping story of drugs, deception and betrayal set in 1960s London Transport yourself to London’s swinging sixties and the dark underbelly of the capital city in this immersive thriller that will have you hooked from the start. Find yourself trapped in the brutal world of drug dealers, vice and deception. This is an evocative and gripping listen with a full cast and stunning score. It’s the late 1960s and Nico Gachet is a young French student on the run in England. After making some terrible mistakes he must take drastic measures if he is to save his life and the lives of those he loves. Hoping to make amends for a terrible crime, Nico plans a dangerous liaison in the heart of the city. However, everywhere he turns the fearsome ‘Buller’ looms. Nico’s plans begin to fall apart and he must choose who he can trust. Can the young man pick his allies wisely and are they really who they say they are? Who is the sinister drug dealer Buller? And can Nico save himself and his friends? This atmospheric story is a perfect listen for fans of vintage thrillers such as Edward Boyd, Find the Lady and Paul Temple. Starring David Valla, who is known for his roles as Bill Warren in Crossroads and Eddie Syms in Coronation Street. Written by Peter Ling, the co-creator of Crossroads, whose writing credits include Doctor Who for television and radio adaptations of Sherlock Holmes and Gideon Fell. Cast and credits Written by Peter Ling Produced by Ronald Mason Nico Gachet - David Valla Karen Engstrom - Patricia Gallimore Mrs Benson - Hilda Kriseman Neil Benson - Derek Seaton Andrew Plessey - Geoffrey Wincott Miss Hathaway - Hilda Schroder Garage Mechanic/Ambulance Man - Roger Gale Vince McAfferty - Kerry Francis Coffee House Boss - John Gabriel Landlady - Diana Payan Syd Schumann - Leonard Fenton Indian Doctor/Inspector - Garard Green Ray Lockett - Alaric Cotter Detective - Michael Deacon Stall Keeper - Peter Maycock Suzanne Kaye - Cecile Chevreau Salesman - Ian Thompson Buller - Henry Stamper Receptionist - Frances Jeater Amanda - Margaret Wolfit Night Nurse - Kathleen Helme First Broadcast BBC Radio 2, 7 August 1969 ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Peter Ling (Author), David Valla, Derek Seaton, Full Cast, Geoffrey Wincott, Hilda Schroder, Patricia Gallimore, Roger Gale (Narrator)

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The Pale Horse

"A BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation from the Queen of Crime. Father Gorman is called to a dingy rooming house to see a woman who, before she dies, confesses a bizarre tale to him. Leaving the house he is followed but, in the fog, a fatal blow is struck. Nine names on a piece of paper found in the dead priest's shoe is recovered. The clue leads Mark Easterbrook, a historian, to The Pale Horse Inn, home of three women: a psychic, a medium and a witch. With the help of his friend and esteemed author, Ariadne Oliver, can they unravel the strange occult mysteries and piece together the evidence? Starring Jeremy Clyde as Mark Easterbrook and Stephanie Cole as Ariadne Oliver. Dramatised by Michael Bakewell Directed by Enyd Williams"

Agatha Christie (Author), Federay Holmes, Full Cast, Hilda Schroder, Jeremy Clyde, Jonathan Adams, Mary Wimbush, Stephanie Cole, Stephen Hodson, Terence Alexander (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Hilda Schroder

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