Audiobooks narrated by John Hurt

Detective Inspector John Appleby: Lament for a Maker & Appleby’s End: Two Full-Cast BBC Radio Classic Crime Dramatisations

"Gripping crime dramas featuring Scotland Yard’s Detective Inspector John Appleby A double bill of Scottish crime writer Michael Innes’ DI John Appleby novels adapted with a full cast. Written during the golden age of detective fiction, these two gems from the archive are a thrilling listen for any fan of quality detective crime drama. In Appleby’s End Appleby of the Yard is played by veteran star of stage and screen, John Hurt (Alien, Harry Potter) – who brings his signature voice to the detective in this stunning production. Inspector Appleby is used to dealing with serious crimes but from the moment he steps on the train to Snarl to investigate a series of bizarre happenings, he's plunged into a world where jokes play too large a part. Travelling with a strange companion and staying in an eccentric country estate, Appleby quickly discovers that the various unusual events, including a prize bull turning into stone, a local boy gone missing and the apparent practice of witchcraft in the area, may all have a more logical explanation. However, when the body of Heyhoe, an old family servant is found buried up to his neck in snow things start to get serious… In Lament for a Maker, a mad laird, an eerie tower, dark deeds, and a devilish plot are brought to life. Something is amiss at a remote castle isolated in the Scottish Highlands. Raving recluse Ranald Guthrie, the much-despised laird of Erchany, has been wandering his halls obsessively reciting an old Scottish poem. But when Guthrie falls to his death from the tower of his castle Appleby is called in to investigate this deadly accident. Immersing himself in the lonesome world in which Guthrie spent his final days, Appleby must separate dreadful truth from chilling legend to determine what really happened on that terrible night. Was Guthrie driven mad enough to take his own life? Or does something darker lurk within this gothic castle? Between 1936 and 1986 Michael Innes (the pseudonym of the Scottish academic and novelist John Innes Mackintosh Stewart) published nearly fifty crime novels and short story collections. They have the same charm, pace and excitement now as they did when they were first published. Cast and credits Written by Michael Innes Appleby’s End Dramatised by Michael Bakewell Directed by Jane Morgan Starring John Hurt, John Le Mesurier, Christopher Benjamin, Joyce Redman, Pippa Guard, Lewis Stringer, Anthony Newlands, Richard Derrington, John Sharp, Christopher Douglas, Jack May, Hugh Dickson, Pauline Letts, David Gooderson, Trevor Baxter, Stephen Garlick, John Livesey First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 10th Apr 1982 Lament for a Maker Dramatised by Kathleen Jamie Directed by Patrick Rayner Starring Michael MacKenzie, John Shedden, David McKail, Anne Lacey, Callum Mill, Ernest Blake, Gerda Stevenson, Martin Black, Edith MacArthur, Benny Young, Victoria Da Vidson, Gwyneth Guthrie, Brown Derby, Robert Paterson First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 31st Dec 1988 ©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Michael Innes (Author), Anne Lacey, Christopher Benjamin, David McKail, John Hurt, John Le Mesurier, John Shedden, Joyce Redman, Michael MacKenzie, Pippa Guard (Narrator)

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Classic Love Stories: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: 12 Full-Cast Dramatisations including Wuthering Heights, now a major film

"Twelve dramatisations of the best love stories ever written, performed by star casts Treat yourself to this stunning collection of classic stories of love, loss, obstacles overcome and desperate attraction. This is a beautiful, moving and at times thrilling listen which takes you on a journey through the greatest tales of romance ever told. These unmissable, dramatised novels feature stellar performances from fantastic casts including Vanessa Kirby, Hiftu Quasem, Kate Philips, Rory Kinnear, Toby Jones, John Hurt and David Tennant. Anna Karenina is Leo Tolstoy's powerful drama of desire, transgression and heartache. Starring Kate Philips (Wolf Hall), Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter) and Rory Kinnear (James Bond films). Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is a fantastic mix of injustice, romance, passion and danger wrapped up in a glorious love story. Starring Amanda Hale (Catastrophe) and Tom Burke (Strike). Gustave Flaubert’s Madame Bovary is a masterpiece of betrayal and wantonness - the first great novel of adultery. Starring Sarah Smart (Wallander), Jude Akuwudike (Gangs of London) and James D’Arcy (Broadchurch) with John Hurt (Harry Potter) as the Narrator. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. In a town full of hatred, where the streets ring with the Capulet-Montague feud and swords are too easily drawn, Romeo and Juliet find each other, fall in love, and never let go. Starring Trystan Gravelle (Mr Selfridge), Vanessa Kirby (Mission Impossible), David Tennant (Broadchurch) and Paul Ready (Motherland). Chéri by Colette is the story of a love affair between a courtesan and a man half her age, set in Paris before the First World War. Starring Frances Barber (Silk) and Joseph Millson (The Last Kingdom) with Lindsay Duncan (Birdman) as the Narrator. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen remains one of the world’s favourite novels, dealing with the timeless issues of love, social class and money with a witty, clever - though flawed - heroine at its heart. Starring Pippa Nixon (Unforgotten), Jamie Parker (The Crown) and Toby Jones (The Detectorists). The Betrothed by Alessandro Manzoni is an icon of Italian literature: the story of two lovers who want nothing more than to marry but are beset by the hazards of war, bread riots and the machinations of a nameless crime lord. Starring Hiftu Quasem (Killing Eve) and Ian Dunnett Jnr (Masters of the Air). The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall, written in 1928, is a pioneering novel about love and attraction between women. Starring Valerie Edmond as the enigmatic Stephen. Wuthering Heights is Emily Brontë's iconic love story. Heathcliff and Cathy's love is the beating heart of the story, set against the backdrop of the bleak Yorkshire moors. Starring Chloe Pirrie (Temple) and Ben Batt (Shameless). North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell explores social conscience, ideological difference and love in a mill town in the 1800s. Starring Emily Mortimer (The Pursuit of Love) and David Threlfall (Shameless). The Age of Innocence is Edith Wharton’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a passionate life-long love affair which breaks all the rules of the restrictive high society of 1870's New York. Starring Susan Lynch (Happy Valley) and Kellie Bright (Eastenders). Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy is a story of the belief in true romance and the power of money and love. Starring Alex Tregear (Silk: The Clerk’s Room), Toby Jones (The Detectorists) and Patrick Kennedy (Boardwalk Empire). This stunning collection is packed with the best romance stories written in the last 500 years – a fully dramatised, unmissable listen featuring some of the biggest names of stage and screen. ©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Alessandro Manzoni, Charlotte Brönte, Colette Avital, Edith Wharton, Elizabeth Gaskell, Emily Brönte, Gustave Flaubert, Jane Austen, Leo Tolstoy, Radclyffe Hall, Thomas Hardy, William Shakespeare (Author), David Tennant, Full Cast, John Hurt, Kate Philips, Rory Kinnear, Toby Jones, Tom Burke, Vanessa Kirby (Narrator)

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Zorba the Greek & The Last Temptation: Two BBC Radio Full-Cast Dramatisations

"Nikos Kazantzakis’ two most popular novels, adapted for BBC Radio Nikos Kazantzakis is widely regarded as the greatest Greek writer and philosopher of the 20th century. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature 14 times, and his works have been translated into over 50 languages. Included here are dramatisations of his two most famous and influential novels, both of which were adapted as hit films and became cultural phenomena. Zorba the Greek – When writer Nikos meets the irrepressible Zorba, his life is transformed. A grizzled, gregarious Greek hero, Zorba embraces every experience and adventure that life has to offer. As he befriends the young, intellectual Nikos, he introduces him to the real meaning of a life well lived… A moving coming-of-age tale and a classic story of heart vs head, this atmospheric adaptation stars Robert Stephens, Michael Maloney and Mary Wimbush. The Last Temptation – Starring John Hurt and Dame Judi Dench, this 1973 archive drama is based on Kazantzakis' controversial 1955 novel, banned by the Vatican but hailed by critics as a masterpiece. A powerful, passionate account of the days preceding Christ’s death, it explores his humanity, his divinity and the roles of Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot in fulfilling his destiny. Zorba the Greek © Nikos Kazantzakis 1952, © Helen Kazantzakis 1958 The Last Temptation © 1961 Helen N Kazantzakis Production credits Written by Nikos Kazantzakis Zorba the Greek Zorba – Robert Stephens Nikos – Michael Maloney Hortense – Mary Wimbush Mavrondoni – Terry Molloy Mimiko – Dominic Taylor Anagnosti/Zacharias – Roger Hume Andonis – Peter Meakin Mad Woman/Mourner – Hedli Niklaus Villa Girl/Girl – Judy Bennett Zacharias – Roger Hume Father Demetrios – Paul Webster Widow – Marian Kemmer Dramatised by Nick McCarty Produced by Phillip Martin First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12-19 December 1993 The Last Temptation Narrator – Gabriel Woolf Rabbi Simeon – John Ruddock Jesus – John Hurt Mary – Diana Bishop Centurion – Vernon Joyner Judas – David Buck Peter – Walter Hall Mary Magdalene – Judi Dench Barabbas – John Rowe Guestmaster – Timothy Bateson Saul – Peter Williams Melchizadek – Rolf Lefebvre Simon of Cyrene/Monk – William Sleigh Abbot – Clive Swift Andrew – Peter Craze Zebedee/Man in the crowd – Brian Haines The Baptist/Man in the crowd – Haydn Jones The Tempter – Heron Carvic Women in the crowd – Julie Hallam & Betty Huntley-Wright Man in the crowd – David Timson Translated and adapted by Andreas Stavrou and Hallam Tennyson Music specially composed by Elizabeth Poston and conducted by Peter Marchbank Additional singers: Veronica Lucas, Colin Appleton, Richard Bourne, Sandra Clark, Hilda Schroder, William Eedle, Fraser Kerr, David Sinclair Produced by Richard Wortley First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16-23 September 1973 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Nikos Kazanthzakis (Author), Clive Swift, David Buck, Full Cast, John Hurt, Judi Dench, Mary Wimbush, Michael Maloney, Robert Stephens (Narrator)

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John Fowles: The Collector, The Magus & The French Lieutenant’s Woman: Three BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations

"Full-cast dramatisations of John Fowles' three best-known novels, with star casts John Fowles won international acclaim for his innovative, allusive novels The Collector, The Magus and The French Lieutenant's Woman. All were critical and commercial successes, translated into several languages and adapted as feature films. This collection brings together the BBC Radio adaptations of these three modern classics, with stellar casts including Judi Dench, Charles Dance and John Hurt. The Collector - When a lonely, obsessional office clerk wins a fortune on the football pools, he turns from collecting butterflies to 'collecting' a beautiful art student... This dark, disturbing dramatisation stars Judi Dench and Nigel Anthony. The Magus - Disillusioned young graduate Nick Urfe accepts a teaching post on an idyllic Greek island. There, he meets the mysterious Maurice Conchis, and becomes embroiled in a world of bizarre encounters and psychological tricks. As reality and illusion intertwine, what strange game is Conchis playing with Nick? Tom Burke, Charles Dance and Hayley Atwell star in this eerie, Lynchian drama. The French Lieutenant's Woman - Lyme Regis, 1867. Gentleman naturalist Charles Smithson is engaged to be married to the respectable Ernestina - but when he falls in love with notorious social outcast Sarah Woodruff, his complacent snobbery is shattered. Narrated by John Hurt, this multi-layered tale of forbidden passions in Victorian Dorset stars Jonathan Firth and Emily Bruni. Text copyright © John Fowles 1963 (The Collector), 1966, 1977 (The Magus), 1969 (The French Lieutenant's Woman) The Collector Miranda - Judi Dench Clegg - Nigel Anthony Other parts played by Douglas Blackwell, Martin Friend, Jane Knowles and John Rowe Adapted by David Parker Produced by Richard Wortley First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 31 July 1972 The Magus Nick - Tom Burke Conchis - Charles Dance Lily - Hayley Atwell Alison - Anna Skellern Margaret - Josie Taylor Mitford - David Seddon Meli - Chris Pavlo Rowena - Lynsey-Anne Moffat Anton - Maarten Dannenberg German Colonel - Bodo Friesecke Greek resistance fighter/Ticket seller - Andreas Karras Lily de Seitas - Beth Goddard Kemp - Rachel Atkins Briggs - Michael Shelford Mrs Marks - Elaine Claxton Benji - Rudi Goodman Adapted by Adrian Hodges Produced and directed by Heather Larmour Harpsichordist: Maggie Cole Recorder player: Martin Feinstein First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 March-3 April 2016 The French Lieutenant's Woman Narrator - John Hurt Charles - Jonathan Firth Sarah - Emily Bruni Ernestina - Kelly Reilly Mrs Tranter - Elizabeth Spriggs Dr Grogan - TP McKenna Mrs Poulteney/Mrs Endicott - Susan Jameson Sam - Nick Sayce Mary - Ella Smith Dairyman/Mr Freeman - Gerard McDermott Mrs Fairley/Mrs Rogers - Colleen Prendergast Ostler/Montague - Wayne Foskett Prostitute - Sophie Roberts Curate - John Cummins Dramatised by Graham White Produced by Peter Kavanagh First broadcast BBC World Service, 23-30 September 2006 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

John Fowles (Author), Charles Dance, Emily Bruni, Full Cast, Hayley Atwell, John Hurt, Jonathan Firth, Judi Dench, Nigel Anthony, Tom Burke (Narrator)

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Madame Bovary: A full-cast BBC Radio dramatisation

"John Hurt stars in this BBC radio dramatisation of Gustave Flaubert’s infamous tale of adultery and tragedy Beautiful Emma meets and marries Doctor Charles Bovary. He's happy for the first time in his life – but Emma is distraught that her marriage lacks the passion and romance of her fantasies. Dazzled by the splendour of a Marquis’ ball, she longs for excitement and soon becomes infatuated with a young solicitor, Léon Dupuis. But when Dupuis moves away, her memories of him lead her to despair – and into the arms of wealthy landowner, Rodolphe Boulanger. As she moves from one illicit liaison to another, Emma’s complicated life begins to unravel. Exhausted from her debts and her affairs, she feels she is left with only one course of action… A French masterpiece of betrayal and wantonness, Flaubert’s notorious novel features Sarah Smart as Emma Bovary, Conrad Nelson as Charles, Jude Akuwudike as Rodolphe and James D’Arcy as Léon. Cast and credits Narrator – John Hurt Charles – Conrad Nelson Emma – Sarah Smart Madame Bovary Snr – Brigit Forsyth Monsieur Rouault/Maître Guillaumin – Russell Dixon Viscomte/Dr Lariviere – Martin Reeve Nastasie/Mère Rollet – Julie McCabe Madame Lefrancois – Siobahn Finneran Monsieur Homais/Priest – David Fleeshman Léon Dupuis – James D’Arcy Monsieur Lheureux – Seamus O’Neill Félicité – Sarah Jayne Hallworth Rodolphe Boulanger – Jude Akuwudike Justin – Sam Curtis Berthe Bovary – Daisy Jones Written by Gustave Flaubert Dramatised by Diana Griffiths from a translation by Margaret Mauldon Pianist: Stephen Reynolds Produced by Pauline Harris First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4-15 September 2006"

Gustave Flaubert (Author), Conrad Nelson, Full Cast, John Hurt, Sarah Smart (Narrator)

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Howards End: A BBC Radio 4 full cast dramatisation

"Spring 1905, England. When Helen Schlegel goes to stay at Howards End - the country home of the Wilcox family, her own life, along with that of her sister Margaret, is changed forever. This is the tale of three families at the beginning of the twentieth century: the rich Wilcoxes, the gentle, idealistic Schlegels and the lower-middle class Basts. Frequently cited as E. M. Forster's finest work, Howards End brilliantly explores class warfare, conflict and the English character. This BBC dramatisation skilfully brings the classic novel to life. Starring John Hurt as the Narrator, Lisa Dillon as Margaret Schlegel, Jill Cardo as Helen Schlegel, Tom Ferguson as Tibby Schlegel, Alexandra Mathie as Aunt Juley, Malcolm Raeburn as Henry Wilcox, Ann Rye as Ruth Wilcox and Joseph Kloska as Charles Wilcox."

E.M. Forster (Author), Alexandra Mathie, Ann Rye, Full Cast, Jill Cardo, John Hurt, Joseph Kloska, Lisa Dillon, Malcom Raeburn, Tom Ferguson (Narrator)

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War and Peace: BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

"Paterson Joseph, John Hurt, Lesley Manville and Harriet Walter are among the stellar cast of this landmark BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of Leo Tolstoy’s epic saga. ‘Tolstoy’s imagined world is recreated on air brilliantly by the extraordinary cast’ The Spectator One of the greatest novels of all time, War and Peace explores historical, social, ethical and religious issues on a scale never before attempted in fiction, and reflects the panorama of life at every level of Russian society during the 19th Century. Adapted for radio by Timberlake Wertenbaker, this riveting, wide-ranging drama follows the fortunes of four Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic War. Told in flashback over ten episodes, it moves from fashionable society soirées in St Petersburg and Moscow to the battlefields of Austerlitz and Borodino, as protagonists Pierre, Natasha, Marya and Nikolai describe to their children the events that shaped their lives and those of every Russian who lived through this turbulent time. First broadcast on New Year's Day 2015, this dynamic full-cast dramatisation features specially composed music by Stephen Warbeck. It stars Paterson Joseph as Pierre, Phoebe Fox as Natasha, Natasha Little as Marya and Sam Reid as Nikolai, part of a stunning cast including Alun Armstrong, Simon Russell Beale and Roger Allam. Duration: 10 hours approx."

Leo Tolstoy (Author), Full Cast, Harriet Walter, John Hurt, Lesley Manville, Paterson Joseph (Narrator)

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The Divine Comedy: Inferno; Purgatorio; Paradiso

"Blake Ritson, David Warner, Hattie Morahan and John Hurt star in this BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of Dante's epic poem. Inferno: Thirty-five year old Dante finds himself in the middle of a dark wood, in extreme personal and spiritual crisis. Hope of rescue appears in the form of the venerable poet Virgil, now a shade himself, who offers to lead Dante on an odyssey through the afterlife, beginning in the terrifying depths of Hell. Purgatorio: Dante is led up Mount Purgatory by his guide. They encounter numerous souls who have embarked on the same difficult journey - one that will eventually lead to their spiritual salvation. Paradiso: Dante's journey comes to a glorious conclusion as he is led by Beatrice, through the spheres of Paradise and into the presence of God himself. As they ascend, they encounter a number of souls who have also achieved blessedness. Many years later, the older Dante reflects on the episodes from his life that have inspired his great poem. ©2014 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2014 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Dante Alighieri, Stephen Wyatt (Author), Blake Ritson, David Warner, Full Cast, Hattie Morahan, John Hurt (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by John Hurt

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