Audiobooks Narrated by Joan Matheson

Our Family: The Edginton’s Wars: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Drama Trilogy

"Three semi-autobiographical plays by Victor Pemberton telling the story of one family across the 20th century Novelist and playwright Victor Pemberton was best known for scripting Doctor Who and working on Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock. His many plays for BBC Radio included The Slide, Kill the Pharaoh. and this three-part family saga, a love story inspired by the lives of his own parents and starring Nerys Hughes, Nigel Anthony, Sheila Grant and Wendy Richard. The Trains Don’t Stop Here Any More – 1916. When 18-year-old Letty Edginton goes to work in a munitions factory, she meets and falls for Oliver Hobbs, a young man whose leg was severely wounded at the Somme. Despite their different backgrounds and her snobbish mother’s objections, they marry and set up home – but married life proves more challenging than Letty had expected. Don’t Talk to Me About Kids! – It’s 1939, and, like so many other Londoners, Letty and Ollie find themselves living through the horrors of another world war. As German bombs begin to fall on the city, their kids Eddie and Mick are evacuated to the countryside, and their eldest son Ron is called up to fight in the Royal Navy. But Letty is determined that whatever troubles and tragedies lie ahead, her family should survive and be reunited. Down by the Sea – 1963. Letty and Ollie have always dreamed of living by the sea and, having reached their sunset years, they’ve retired to a seaside bungalow bought for them by their children. After a long and happy marriage, they celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary in the company of family and friends, but back at home, they must face the problems of old age alone... Production credits Written by Victor Pemberton Pianist: Mary Nash 1. The Trains Don’t Stop Here Any More Letty Edginton – Nerys Hughes Beatrice, her mother – Sheila Grant William, her father – Malcolm Hayes Oliver Hobbs – Nigel Anthony Violet – Wendy Richard Tom – Derek Seaton Frank O'Malley – Bill Monks Nicky/Bugle Boy – Adam Godley Bill Brooks – Kenneth Shanley Amy Lyall – Eve Karpf Mr Cotton – Eric Allan Mr Pearson/Gateman – Robert Trotter Directed by John Tydeman First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8 July 1978 2. Don’t Talk to Me About Kids! Letty Hobbs – Nerys Hughes Oliver Hobbs – Nigel Anthony Beatrice – Sheila Grant Sam – Philip Sully Violet – Wendy Richard Ron/Malcolm/Train Guard – Jonathan Tafler Florrie – Eva Stuart Colonel Meecham – Laurence Payne Bill Brooks/Warden – Michael Tudor Barnes Tilly Brooks – Emily Richard Mother Superior – Julie Berry Mick – Rickey Coombes Eddie – Nicholas Delve Janey/Doreen – Zelah Clarke Directed by David Spenser First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 14 January 1989 3. Down by the Sea Letty Hobbs – Nerys Hughes Oliver Hobbs – Nigel Anthony Beatrice – Sheila Grant Mick – Spencer Banks Eddie – Sean Barrett Mary – Karen Archer Jonathan – Rory McNicholl Bill Brooks – Michael Tudor Barnes Tilly Brooks/District Nurse – Emily Richard Fred Golding – Norman Bird Gladys Golding/Alice – Joan Matheson Cypriot man/Newsreader – John Baddeley Cypriot woman – Julie Berry Reporter/Charlie – Kim Wall Doctor/Brian – Steven Harrold Guests at the Golden Wedding played by members of the cast Dance band: Les Brown Trio Directed by David Spenser First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 January 1989 © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Victor Pemberton (Author), Adam Godley, Bill Monks, Derek Seaton, Emily Richard, Eric Allan, Full Cast, Joan Matheson, John Baddeley, Julie Berry, Kim Wall, Michael Tudor Barnes, Nerys Hughes, Nigel Anthony, Norman Bird, Sean Barrett, Sheila Grant, Wendy Richard (Narrator)

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Alibi for a Judge & other plays: Eight Full-Cast Vintage BBC Radio Dramatisations

"Eight thrilling tales from the writer of Brothers in Law, featuring courtroom cases, legal wranglings, conspiracy and blackmail Barrister and county court judge, Henry Cecil wrote numerous comic stories set in the legal world, most famously Brothers in Law. Collected here are eight vintage dramas based on his works, beginning with an adaptation of his debut novel, The Painswick Line, a tale of a judge and his somewhat unconventional family starring Cecil Parker and Monica Grey. The Disagreeable Man, starring Norman Shelley and David Spenser, finds a peaceful English village disrupted by the arrival of two newcomers, one of whom is most unpleasant. In Alibi for a Judge, an attractive young woman enlists the co-operation of the elderly judge who had convicted her husband of robbery to prove his innocence. It stars Andrew Cruickshank and Lesley Burford. Next are two very different family dramas. Daughters in Law, starring Cecil Parker and Naunton Wayne, is a lighthearted story about a lawyer-loathing squire who discovers his sons have fallen in love with a judge’s twin daughters, one a barrister and one a solicitor. Fathers in Law, meanwhile, deals with the thorny issue of adoption, as the rights of a childless couple wishing to adopt a baby boy are set against those of his natural father. Alan Barry, John Westbrook and Joan Matheson star in this heartrending drama leavened by touches of humour. Inspired by a real-life case, A Matter of Speculation depicts the 1814 trial of aristocratic naval officer Admiral Lord Cochrane, on a charge of conspiracy to defraud the London Stock Exchange. No Fear or Favour, Henry Cecil’s last radio play, concerns an imprudent judge threatened by an unscrupulous blackmailer, and stars Paul Daneman, Sarah Badel and Peter Sallis. Finally, in The Buttercup Spell, the pollen of the humble yellow flower is found to have unusual and beneficial effects, causing everyone to love their fellow man. Peter Williams stars in this delightful 1975 fantasy. With thanks to Keith Wickham and the Radio Circle NB: These are vintage radio productions and the audio quality reflects the age of the recording Cast and credits Written by Henry Cecil The Painswick Line Starring Kenneth Hyde, Cecil Parker, Monica Grey, Frederick Treves, Alan Haines, Gordon Faith, Ralph Truman, Timothy Harley, Denys Blakelock, Stephen Thorne, Michael Goldie, Beatrlce Kane, George Merritt, John Boxer, Hamlyn Benson. Produced by H. B. Fortuin The Disagreeable Man Starring Norman Shelley, David Spenser, Margaret Wolfit, James Thomason, Humphrey Morton, Ronald Herdman, Alan Dudley, Hilda Kriseman, Noel Hood, Anna North, Duncan McIntyre, Wilfred Babbage, Antony Viccars, Geoffrey Wincott. Adapted by C.E. Webber from an episode in the book Ways and Means by Henry Cecil Produced by Martyn C. Webster. Alibi for a Judge Starring Andrew Cruickshank, Amanda Grinling, Aubrey Woods, Jonathan Scott, Trader Faulkner, Peter Howell, Michael Shannon, Clifford Norgate, Hector Ross, Carole Boyd, Michael Burlington, Anthony Smee. Adapted by Henry Cecil and Felicity Douglas Directed by John Tydeman Daughters in Law Starring Cecil Parker, Antony Viccars, John Pullen, Gudrun Ure, Diana Olsson, William Eedle, Will Leighton, Naunton Wayne, Peter Claughton, Malcolm Hayes, Rolf Lefebvre, Philip Leaver, Haydn Jones, Derek Birch. Produced by H. B. Fortuin Fathers in Law Starring Hector Ross, Alan Barry, John Westbrook, Joan Matheson, George Curzon, Gordon Faith, Patricia Leventon, Michael Gough, Allan McClelland, Nigel Graham, Philip Guard, Monica Grey, Michael McClain, Fraser Kerr, Molly Rankin, Betty Huntley-Wright, Denys Blakelock, Peter Marinker. Produced by H. B. Fortuin A Matter of Speculation Starring Cecil Parker, Noel Howlett, Garard Green, Basil Jones, John Boxer, William Fox, Alan Haines, Stephen Thorne, Hector Ross, Fraser Kerr, Nigel Graham, Eric Anderson, Mary Wimbush, Norman Shelley. Produced by Archie Campbell No Fear or Favour Starring Paul Daneman, Sarah Badel, Peter Sallis, Timothy Bateson, Hector Ross, Peter Williams, Manning Wilson, Michael Shannon, Peter Howell, Antony Higginson, Michael Burlington, Michael Cochrane. Adapted by Henry Cecil Produced by Harry Catlin The Buttercup Spell Starring Peter Williams, Gerald Cross, John Ruddock, Leslie Heritage, John Challis, John Samson, Malcolm Hayes, William Fox, Philip Leaver, Geoffrey Beevers, Edward Kelsey, Lewis Stringer, Peter Bartlett, Peter Marinker, Katherine Parr, Sheila Grant. Produced by Archie Campbell © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Henry Cecil (Author), Alan Barry, Basil Dawson, Cecil Parker, David Spenser, Gerald Cross, Joan Matheson, John Westbrook, Monica Grey, Naunton Wayne, Norman Shelley, Paul Daneman, Peter Howell, Peter Sallis, Peter Williams, Sarah Badel (Narrator)

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Haunted: Tales of the Supernatural: Ten Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations

"Haunting tales from legendary writer Rosemary Timperley Delve into the world of Rosemary Timperley if you dare! In this chilling collection, discover ten chilling full-cast dramatisations of sinister stories and suspenseful tales and immerse yourself in a totally unique listening experience. Recorded with a full musical score, these standalone tales are perfect for fans of the supernatural and will raise goosebumps on even the warmest of days. Listen to ten of Timperley’s most thrilling tales, available to download as a collection for the first time and discover a terrifying and haunting world from a talented writer like no other. Walk on the Water - A young girl finds her whole life blighted by an encounter with a mysterious stranger. Listen to the Silence - Mary must face her fears but can she refuse an offer made by a strange voice claiming to be her grandfather? Channel Crossing - Can a holiday overcome the issues dividing a bickering family? Starring Peter Sallis and Nicholas Lyndhurst. Shadows of the Past - An amnesiac seeks answers in the house where he was traumatised as a child. Mists of Memory - Young cellist Janet meets a confused old man who seems oddly familiar. But what does he mean by 'music is where I live’? Dare Game - A chance meeting of old school friends revives memories of a very dangerous game… Little Girl Lost - Can Mrs. Grove really talk with her husband beyond the grave? Where are you, Juliet? - Rowena moves into a flat haunted by the presence of its previous owner, Juliet. But where is she and what is the mystery surrounding her disappearance? Hanged on Tuesday - Married on a Tuesday? A haunting exploration of the old folklore saying… Christmas Meeting - A woman is alone on Christmas, and it can be the loneliest day in the world. Born in 1920, Rose Timperley authored over 60 novels as well as hundreds of short stories and feature articles for the most popular publications of the day. A writer in tune with her society and its treatment of women, Timperley injects horror into her work in a way that makes her stories as relevant now as when they were written. Her work has been collected in many anthologies, including Roald Dahl's Book of Ghost Stories. Timperley also wrote several acclaimed radio and television scripts with her short story Harry adapted into film several times. Please note: Due to the age of the recordings, the sound quality may vary. ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Credits All pieces written by Rosemary Timperley With thanks to Keith Wickham for sourcing audio files. Walk on the Water First Broadcast on the BBC World Service, Nov 1979 Listen to the Silence First Broadcast on the BBC World Service, Jan 1982 Channel Crossing First Broadcast on the BBC World Service, 5 Jul 1984 Shadows of the Past First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 Feb 1972 Mists of Memory First broadcast on the BBC World Service, Mar 1982 Little Girl Lost First broadcast on the BBC World Service, Oct 1979 Dare Game First broadcast on the BBC Light Programme, Apr 1964 Where are you, Juliet? First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, Oct 1987 Hanged on Tuesday First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 Jan 1971 Christmas Meeting First Broadcast on BBC Home Service Basic, 19 Dec 1963"

Rosemary Timperley (Author), Anna Cooper, Full Cast, Gwen Watford, Helen Worth, Jenny Linden, Joan Matheson, Julie Berry, Mary O'farrell, Peter Sallis, Sheila Grant, Shirley Cooklin, Trader Faulkner (Narrator)

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Noel Streatfeild: Ballet Shoes & more: A BBC Radio 4 Children’s Drama Collection

"Full-cast dramatisations of three of Noel Streatfeild's classic children's books Rising to fame with her 1936 novel Ballet Shoes, Noel Streatfeild soon became one of the most popular authors of her day. She was one of the first winners of the Carnegie Medal and was awarded an OBE in 1983. She died in 1986, but her stories continue to captivate children today. Included here are three of her very best - Ballet Shoes, The Growing Summer and When the Siren Wailed. Ballet Shoes - Adopted by Great Uncle Matthew on his archaeological expeditions, Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil grow up as sisters, and vow to make their name famous. When they enrol at the Children's Academy of Dancing, the Fossil girls share a future of a dazzling life onstage, where their dreams and fears will soon come true.... Rosemary Leach, Alexandra Mathie, Victoria Shalet and Lucy Curtis star in this delightful dramatisation. The Growing Summer - It is 1965, and the young Gareth children's lives are about to change for ever. When their father falls dangerously ill, they are sent to Ireland to stay with their eccentric Great-Aunt Dymphna for the summer. There, in her crumbling mansion on the west coast, they face dangers and adventures they could never have imagined... Starring Ann Rye, Holly Grainger, Will Haigh, Emily Fleeshman and Paul Herriott. When the Siren Wailed - When World War Two breaks out, Laura, Andy and Tim Clark are evacuated to the countryside. Brought up in poverty, they find a happy, comfortable home with the Colonel - but then tragedy occurs, and the children decide to run away back to London. Caught up in an air raid, can they make their way through the blackouts and bombed-out streets to find their mother? Narrated by Wendy Richard, this gripping, moving adventure story stars Norman Bird, John Church, Nicholas Courtney and Keeley Hawes. Text copyright © Noel Streatfield 1936 (Ballet Shoes), 1966 (The Growing Summer), 1974 (When the Siren Wailed) Copyright © Beneficiaries of Noel Streatfeild 1986 Cast and credits Written by Noel Streatfeild Ballet Shoes With Rosemary Leach, John Ringham, Alexandra Mathie, Victoria Shalet, Lucy Curtis, Lia Williams, Charles Edwards, Abigail Thaw, Alison Skilbeck, Olivia Breeze, Max Digby, Jonathan Dryden Taylor and Miriam Berry Adapted by Ellen Dryden Directed by Don Taylor First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27-31 Dec 1999 The Growing Summer With Ann Rye, Holly Grainger, Will Haigh, Emily Fleeshman, Paul Herriott, James Caplin, Catherine Keane, Vincent Patrick Dramatised by Julie Wilkinson Directed by Sue Sutton Mayo First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9 Aug 2000 When the Siren Wailed Narrated by Wendy Richard With Norman Bird, John Church, Nicholas Gatt, David Goudge, Keeley Hawes, Joan Matheson, Marc Murphy, Judy Parkin, Christopher Scott, Joan Walker, Melinda Walker, Howard Ward, Nicholas Courtney, Malcolm Hebden and Eva Stuart Dramatised by Richard Pinner Produced by Mary Kalemkarian Researcher: Lis Roberts First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 Jan-19 Mar 1989 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Noel Streatfeild (Author), Abigail Thaw, Ann Rye, Charles Edwards, Emily Fleeshman, Full Cast, Holliday Grainger, Joan Matheson, Keeley Hawes, Lia Williams, Malcolm Hebden, Nicholas Courtney, Norman Bird, Rosemary Leach, Victoria Shalet, Wendy Richard (Narrator)

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