Audiobooks narrated by Jimmy Edwards

The Big Business Lark: The Classic BBC Radio Comedy

"Jimmy Edwards stars in this spin-off from The Navy Lark, chronicling life in and around the higher echelons of British United Plastics Ltd Following in the footsteps of The Navy Lark, The TV Lark and The Embassy Lark, The Big Business Lark aired for 13 episodes over the summer of 1969. Blending satire with farce, it charted the business machinations at a fictional plastics company. Ruling the roost at this chaotic commercial enterprise is managing director and chairman Sir Charles Bonniface, a crafty, cricket-loving tycoon who likes to keep one hand firmly on the tiller and the other on his secretary’s posterior. Waiting in the wings is his son Frank, stoically enduring his father’s bluff and bluster as he bides his time to take over the top job. Ensuring that all runs smoothly is Edith, Sir Charles’ put-upon personal assistant, who bears her boss’s lecherous attentions with equanimity. Together, they endeavour to promote British United Plastics’ sole product – Polystumer, a seemingly indestructible synthetic material with a surprising number of uses, from bathroom fixtures to breakfast cereal toys. In these entertaining episodes, they swing a contract with a camping company to make speedboat shells, land an order to supply the Red Army with tents, attempt to create camel-proof plastic to seal a deal with a Sultan, and make a TV commercial to try and impress a Hollywood film mogul... Starring Jimmy Edwards as Sir Charles, with Frank Thornton as Frank and Gwen Cherrell as Edith, The Big Business Lark also benefits from the considerable talents of Alexander John, Elizabeth Morgan and Nigel Graham, who between them play over 50 larger-than life characters. So mix business with pleasure, and enjoy this lively, laughter-filled Lark! Content warning: the humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and may not reflect current attitudes Production credits Scripted by Lawrie Wyman Produced by Alastair Scott Johnston Starring: Jimmy Edwards, Frank Thornton and Gwen Cherrell With Elizabeth Morgan, Alexander John and Nigel Graham Announcer: Michael de Morgan With thanks to Keith Wickham and The Radio Circle Note: none of the episodes were originally given titles. The ones here are taken from the closing announcements of the episode. Episode guide 1. Leading You Through 2. Cruising on the River 3. Taking You Through 4. Disposing of a Relative 5. Playing Ducks 6. Taking Orders 7. Strike Breaking 8. Dining Out 9. Initiating You Through 10. Searching For Liberty 11. Contracting Out 12. Destructing 13. Advertising First broadcast on BBC Radio 2, 6 July – 28 September 1969 © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Laurie Wyman (Author), Frank Thornton, Full Cast, Gwen Cherrell, Jimmy Edwards (Narrator)

Audiobook

Take It From Here: The Early Years: 43 Episodes from Series 1-8 of the Classic BBC Radio Comedy

"Vintage shenanigans from the much-loved variety show Take It from Here was one of the most influential radio shows of all time, ushering in a new era of comedy and introducing an enduring writing partnership: bright young things Frank Muir and Denis Norden. Their witty, literate scripts ensured 13 series of classic capers between 1948 and 1960, and regularly attracted an audience of over 20 million. Who could forget the barrage of puns, the Take It from Here ‘Oscar’-winning film parodies, Jimmy Edwards’ catchphrases (‘Greetings, gentlefolk!’) – and, of course, the fractious, dysfunctional Glum family, making their debut here in the first episode of Series 7. We also hear the various grumbles and complaints of Wallas Eaton’s curmudgeonly letter-writer, ‘Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells’. Included in this volume are 43 specially selected episodes from the first eight series, including shows recorded at the Royal Naval Barracks in Portsmouth (Series 2, Episode 13) and HMS Indefatigable at Spithead (Series 6, Episode 24), as well as two Christmas editions of the show from 1953 and 1954. Packed with all your favourite songs, sketches and send-ups, this bumper collection stars Jimmy Edwards, Dick Bentley, Joy Nichols, Wallas Eaton and June Whitfield, with appearances from Clarence Wright and Wilfred Babbage in Series 1. Accompanying them for some musical interludes are Alma Cogan and The Keynotes. 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 Starring Jimmy Edwards, Dick Bentley, Wallas Eaton (Series 2 onwards), Joy Nicholls (Series 1-6), June Whitfield (Series 7 onwards), Wilfred Babbage (Series 1), Clarence Wright (Series 1) With contributions from ‘Herbert Mostyn’ (aka Frank Muir and Denis Norden) Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden Produced by Charles Maxwell Music from The Keynotes and the Augmented BBC Revue Orchestra, and Alma Cogan (Series 7 & 8) With thanks to Keith Wickham Episode guide First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme on the following dates: Series 1 (23 March-5 October 1948) Episode 21 & 23 Series 2 (28 December 1948-28 June 1949) Episode 3 & 13 Series 4 (24 October 1950-20 May 1951) Episode 1 & 2 Series 6 (5 January-29 June 1953) Episode 24 Series 7 (12 November 1953-6 May 1954) Episode 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24 Series 8 (9 December 1954-2 June 1955) Episode 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Denis Norden, Frank Muir (Author), Alma Cogan, Dick Bentley, Full Cast, Jimmy Edwards, Joy Nichols, June Whitfield (Narrator)

Audiobook

Take It From Here: The Later Years: 40 Episodes from Series 9-13 of the Classic BBC Radio Comedy

"More timeless comedy from the long-running variety show Take It from Here was one of the most popular radio shows of its day, running for 12 years on the BBC Light Programme between 1948 and 1960. With its literate, pun-filled scripts written by comedy legends Denis Norden and Frank Muir, it was a huge hit with listeners, and over 20 million regularly tuned in to enjoy the madcap adventures of the TIFH team. These 40 specially chosen shows feature Madam Butterfly as you’ve never heard it before, a West End musical spoof, the fall and rise of Punch and Judy – and quickfire quizzing with ‘Double Your Nothing’. Meanwhile in ‘The Glums’, the marathon engagement of the drippy Ron and the doting Eth rumbles on, and down at his local, Mr Glum regales barman Ted with tales of woe and hard-luck stories. Also included are three Christmas episodes from 1955, 1958 and 1959; the 250th show (Series 10, Episode 1); the 10th anniversary episode (Series 11, Episode 12) and the last ever episode (Series 13, Episode 20) – as well as a piece of comedy history: the original version of a sketch made famous by Peter Sellers, 'So Little Time' (Series 12, Episode 15). Jimmy Edwards, June Whitfield, Dick Bentley and Wallas Eaton star in this sparkling selection of shows, with musical accompaniments from Alma Cogan, The Keynotes, Toni Eden and The Polka Dots. 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 Starring Jimmy Edwards, Dick Bentley, June Whitfield and Wallas Eaton With contributions from ‘Herbert Mostyn’ (aka Frank Muir and Denis Norden) Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden (Series 9-12) and Barry Took and Eric Merriman (Series 13) Produced by Charles Maxwell (Series 9-12) and Charles Chilton (Series 13) Music from The Keynotes and the Augmented BBC Revue Orchestra, Alma Cogan (Series 9), Toni Eden (Series 13) and The Polka Dots (Series 13) With thanks to Keith Wickham Episode guide First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme on the following dates: Series 9 (11 October 1955-3 April 1956) Episode 1, 2, 3, 4 ,5, 6 ,7, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 ,17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 24 Series 10 (2 January-15 May 1957) Episode 1, 2 January 1957 Episode 7, 13 February 1957 Episode 8, 20 February 1957 Episode 17, 24 April 1957 Episode 20, 15 May 1957 Series 11 (8 January-21 May 1958) Episode 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20 Series 12 (27 November 1958-12 March 1959) Episode 2, 5, 13, 14, 15 Series 13 (22 October 1959-3 March 1960) Episode 10 & 20 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Barry Took, Denis Norden, Eric Merriman, Frank Muir (Author), Alma Cogan, Dick Bentley, Full Cast, Jimmy Edwards, Joy Nichols, June Whitfield (Narrator)

Audiobook

Whack-O!: Selected Episodes from the Classic BBC Radio Comedy

"Jimmy Edwards stars as the irascible Headmaster in this vintage BBC Radio comedy series set in a boys’ public school Starting life on BBC TV, Whack-O! transferred to radio in 1961 and ran for three series on the Light Programme until 1963. Not all of the radio episodes survive, but many from Series 1 and the entirety of Series 2 were recovered by a BBC archivist from a listener’s tapes in 2012, and have since been broadcast on Radio 4 Extra. Collected here are those rediscovered episodes, featuring scholastic scheming and academic anarchy at Chiselbury School. An old-established seat of learning for the ‘sons of gentlefolk’, Chiselbury is presided over by whack-happy Headmaster Professor James Edwards, who runs rings around his fellow masters and never misses a trick when it comes to exploiting the pupils and their parents. In this catalogue of comic mishaps, the Professor attempts to close down a rival school; hatches a plan to win a cash prize in a popularity contest; goes up before the magistrate accused of excessive use of the cane and endeavours to impress a visiting dignitary from Moscow. And his guile is put to the test when he makes a reckless wager; comes up with a catchy publicity gimmick to attract more pupils and faces a staffing crisis when a teacher has the temerity to leave... Co-starring June Whitfield as Matron and Roddy Maude-Roxby as Aubrey Potter, this farcical, fun-filled sitcom also features special guest appearances from Eamonn Andrews and Vera Lynn. NB: Due to the age and nature of these recordings, the sound quality may vary. Some episodes contain dated attitudes and language Written by Frank Muir and Denis Norden Adapted for radio by David Climie Produced by Edward Taylor Cast The Headmaster – Jimmy Edwards Mr Pettigrew – Arthur Howard Matron/Mildred/Lady Westbury/Edwina – June Whitfield Mr Fowler/Mr Harboard – Laidman Browne School Inspector – David Bird Lumley – Roger Shepherd Aubrey Potter – Roddy Maude-Roxby The French Mistress – Tonia Bern Mr Dinwiddie/Soames/Alfred Tennyson – Frederick Treves Eamonn O’Reilly – Michael Turner/Roy Dotrice/Wallas Eaton Taplow – David Lott The Marchioness/Lady Uppingham – Joan Sanderson Dr Sopwith/Magistrate/Bulenkov/Major Prosser/Len Rumbold/Samuel Tozer – Roy Dotrice Sir Charles – Norman Shelley Antony Dorchester – Harold Berens Ginger Perkins – Sam Kydd Miss Fanshawe/Mrs Mortlake – Joan Young Mr Lumley – Phillip Morant Figgins – Graham Aza Mr Arkwright/Vicar – John Cazabon Marvin – Malcolm Ranson Brigadier Lumley – Austin Trevor Bailey – Harry Locke Inspector Matthews – Fred Yule Mr Barlow/Forth Robinson/Rev Barnwell Munro – John Graham Arnold Halliforth – Edwin Apps Yvette – Prunella Scales Mr Wiltshire – David Graham Terry – John Pike Phipps – John Coxall Music master – Edwin Braden Mrs Baker – Patricia Hayes Mr Morgan/Biggs – Julian Somers Rawlinson – Philip Leavermore With Brian Thomas, John Mitchell, Heather Bennett, Jennie Lathan, Angela Shade, Michael Hammond, Richard McCarthy, Eamonn Andrews, Stuart Anderson, Kenneth Gouge, Vera Lynn, Harry Lewis, Sheila Grant, Diana Olsson, Elizabeth Morgan, Amos the Owl © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd."

Denis Norden, Frank Muir (Author), Arthur Howard, Full Cast, Jimmy Edwards, June Whitfield, Roger Shepherd, Roy Dotrice (Narrator)

Audiobook

Jim the Great: A BBC Radio Comedy

"A historical romp with regal trips to the pub, medieval battle toys, and not-so-arranged marriages In Jim the Great, Jimmy Edwards stars as the titular medieval chieftain who has more on his plate than whatever the huntsman's brought in... From using the Venerable Bede to research the King's (perhaps questionable) ancestry and attempting to build himself an empire as cheaply as possible, to settling a debt with a Viking by way of a duel and accidentally losing his Kingdom before becoming a grumpy galley slave rowing to Rome, King Jim's adventures are history as you've never heard it before. A classic comedy from the writer of Take Me To Your Reader and Drop Me Here, Darling, and with a fantastic cast including June Whitfield, Chris Emmett, David Ryall and Joan Sanderson, this is the perfect listen for a little royal entertainment. Cast Jimmy Edwards - Jim the Great Joan Sanderson - Queen Esmerelda Other roles played by: Julian Orchard John Baddeley Ronald Baddiley David Ryall Jon Glover Chris Emmett Kenneth Connor Fred Harris Alexandra Dane Douglas Blackwell Nicolette McKenzie June Whitfield Production credits Written by Andrew Palmer Produced by Edward Taylor ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Andrew Palmer (Author), Chris Emmett, David Ryall, Full Cast, Jimmy Edwards, Joan Sanderson, June Whitfield (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Glums

Frank Muir (Author), Dick Bently, Jimmy Edwards, June Whitfield (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Jimmy Edwards

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