Audiobooks narrated by John Rowe

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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Daughters and Sons: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisation

"A dark domestic comedy by one of English literature’s most distinctive and idiosyncratic authors Life in the Ponsonby household is an emotional battleground, where tyrannical grandmother Sabine and her equally despotic daughter Hetta struggle to control the fate of the family. Caught in the crossfire are Sabine’s son John, a self-absorbed novelist; his five children, Clare, France, Chilton, Victor and Muriel; and Muriel’s beleagured governesses. When John’s daughter, France, completes her first novel, she is persuaded by her father to publish it under a pseudonym to spare him the embarrassment of being overshadowed by his own flesh and blood. This act of selflessness sparks a series of deceptions, misunderstandings and manipulations: culminating in a family crisis which plays out across the dining-room table over the course of one hair-raising and hilarious dinner party... First published in 1937, Ivy Compton-Burnett’s deft dissection of a dysfunctional Victorian family was acclaimed by contemporary critics and admired by Virginia Woolf for its ‘bitter truth and intense originality’. This sublime adaptation, featuring an ensemble cast including Patricia Lawrence and Ann Mitchell, breathes new life into her brilliant, blackly comic tale. Production credits Written by Ivy Compton-Burnett Adapted by John Spurling Directed by Liane Aukin Piano: Martin Goldstein Cast Sabine Ponsonby – Patricia Lawrence Hetta – Ann Mitchell John – John Rowe Clare – Tessa Worsley France – Kathryn Hunter Victor – Simon Hewitt Chilton – Graham Blockey Muriel: – Pamela Moiseiwitsch Miss Bunyan – Merelina Kendall Gertrude – Narissa Knights Charity Marcon – Anne Jameson Stephen – Bernard Brown Alfred – Christopher Good Sir Rowland Seymour – Arnold Diamond Jane – Ellen McIntosh Evelyn – Daniel Webb Edith Hallam – Vivian Pickles Dr Chaucer – Robert Lang Miss Blake – Fidelis Morgan Mr Russell – John Forbes-Robertson First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 10 May-9 June 1985 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Ivy Compton-Burnett (Author), Ann Mitchell, Christopher Good, Full Cast, John Rowe, Patricia Lawrence, Tessa Worsley (Narrator)

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To Serve Them All My Days: A BBC Radio Dramatisation

"A stunning full-cast dramatisation of R.F. Delderfield's classic novel of life between the wars Listen now to this epic story of tragedy, love and betrayal set during the inter-war period as soldier Davy Powlett-Jones, invalided out of the trenches, must face a new start in life… A coal miner's son, Davy has risen from the ranks of the South Wales Borderers and been commissioned as a Second Lieutenant after serving three years in the front-line trenches in the First World War. The story begins in 1918, when injured and shell-shocked Davy leaves the war behind him to face new challenges and begin a new life teaching history at Bamfylde School in North Devon. Over the following decade Davy’s life reflects the turmoil, tragedy and hope of the men and women who fought in the Great War and how they come to terms with peaceful life in Britain which inexorably ruptures as the Second World War looms. In this beautiful full-cast BBC Radio adaptation, the General Strike, socialism, the development of the Labour Party and the formation of the National Government all play out through the story of a humble teacher. To Serve Them All My Days was first published in 1972 and swiftly became a modern classic. The book was adapted into a hugely popular TV show and continues to be loved by fans of J.L. Carr and L.P. Hartley. Listen now to this stunning adaptation that takes a microscope to the lives of ordinary people during extraordinary times and brings to life a bygone era of British existence facing the moral perplexities and harsh economic realities of emerging modern times. Cast and credits Written by R.F. Deldefield Adapted by Shaun McKenna Directed by Marc Beeby Davy Powlett-Jones - Oliver Milburn Algy Herries - John Wood Howarth - John Rowe Carter - Anthony Calf Beth/Grace - Alison Pettit The Guard/Stratton/Gage - Delroy Brown 'Nipper' Shawe/Skidmore/Featherstone - Josh Freeborn 'Chad' Boyer/Dobson/Stoker Monk - Steven Williams Briarley/Lowther - Steven Roberts Julia - Juliet Aubrey Keith/Alderman Blunt/McNaughton - John Cummins Spats/Hislop - Anthony Glennon Brigadier Cooper/Barnaby/Rigby - Gerard McDermott Bristow - Harry Francis Alcock - Clive Merrison Christine - Kate Buffery Ewart - Nick Sayce First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23rd - 27th Jan 2006 ©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

RF Delderfield (Author), Alison Pettitt, Full Cast, John Rowe, John Wood, Oliver Milburn (Narrator)

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Nathaniel Hawthorne: A BBC Radio Collection: Four Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations including The S

"Full-cast adaptations of four works by Nathaniel Hawthorne Nathaniel Hawthorne was born in 1804 in Salem, Massachusetts. A descendant of judge John Hathorne, who oversaw the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, he wrote several works inspired by Puritan New England, with themes of guilt, sin and retribution. This collection contains his classic novel, The Scarlet Letter, as well as Wakefield, Rappaccini's Daughter and The Blithedale Romance. The Scarlet Letter – Hester Prynne, a scarlet letter on her breast and her baby in her arms, stands on the scaffold as the crowd around her cries out for her execution. Her sin of adultery is marked by the 'A' she wears, but who should stand by her side? Deborah Findlay stars in this tale of passion and repression, set in Puritan Boston in the 1640s. Wakefield – A middle-aged man, steeped in routine, decides one day to leave home temporarily. and observe the effect on his wife from a flat opposite. But the longer he stays away, the harder it is to return… David Haig stars in this tale of indecision and isolation. Rappaccini’s Daughter – Student Giovanni rents a room overlooking an exotic garden belonging to botanist and poisons expert Dr Rappaccini. But when he glimpses the doctor’s daughter in the garden, Giovanni becomes dangerously obsessed. Part mystery, part love story and part haunting allegory, this dark romance stars Joseph Cohen Cole and Emerald O’Hanrahan. The Blithedale Romance – A society based on brotherhood, not competition – such are the ideals of the commune Miles Coverdale joins. But as he befriends fellow inhabitants Hollingsworth, Zenobia and Priscilla, his dreams of a rural idyll are soured by rivalry and unrequited love. Jonathan Newth stars in this adaptation of Hawthorne’s 1852 novel, loosely based on his time at the utopian community of Brook Farm. First published 1835 (‘Wakefield’), 1844 (‘Rappaccini’s Daughter’), 1850 (The Scarlet Letter), 1852 (The Blithedale Romance) © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Nathaniel Hawthorne (Author), David Haig, Deborah Findlay, Deborah Makepeace, Emerald O’Hanrahan, Full Cast, James Laurenson, John Rowe, Jonathan Newth, Joseph Cohen-Cole, Michael Maloney, Nigel Anthony, Peter Marinker, Sarah Badel (Narrator)

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2025: A Full-Cast BBC Sci-Fi Thriller

"Mona Hammond and Alphonsia Emmanuel star in this futuristic sci-fi drama, set in a world where artificial intelligence has become a reality It’s 2025, and advances in gene therapy have led to the eradication of many once-common diseases. But the ability to engineer and re-engineer the brain has provoked fear – for it means that a truly artificial consciousness is within reach. The idea that humans may no longer be the only sentient species is so unthinkable that legislation is hastily passed, rigorously controlling genetic experiments. But there are certain people who seek to circumvent the law... People like Beth David, a doctor conducting research into incurable illnesses. Like elderly Olivia, who has lain dreaming in a clinic for seven years – but is now determined to wake up and live. And like her granddaughter, Irena, a TV production assistant, who desperately needs to gain access to the shady world of genetic engineering. Each relies on an AI: Voice Recognition Unit ‘Susie’, a response programme running on software produced by the giant conglomerate Fortunate Fragrance. She seems like the perfect servant – docile, helpful and cooperative. But unbeknown to all three women, she wants more than she has been created to have… Alphonsia Emmanuel, Mona Hammond, Daniela Nardini and Su-Lin Looi star in Mike Walker’s gripping two-part serial. Originally broadcast in 1998, this drama takes a fascinating look at a possible 2025. Production credits Written by Mike Walker Directed by Sally Avens Cast Irena – Alphonsia Emmanuel Olivia – Mona Hammond Dr Beth David – Daniela Nardini Henry Chu/Mr Li – David Yip Anno – Su-Lin Looi Praeger – John Rowe Dr Finzey – Alastair Danson Kate – Rachel Atkins Capstick – Gerard McDermott Terry Gupta/Market stall holder – Ravin J Ganatra First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5-12 January 1998 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Mike Walker (Author), Alastair Danson, Alphonsia Emmanuel, Daniela Nardini, David Yip, Gerard McDermott, John Rowe, Mona Hammond, Rachel Atkins, Ravin J Ganatra, Su-Lin Looi (Narrator)

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Sir Walter Scott: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Five Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations including Wa

"Full-cast BBC adaptations of five of Sir Walter Scott’s ‘Waverley’ novels, plus a play adapted from his journal starring Alec Guinness, and a documentary about Scott and his legacy Poet, novelist, critic and campaigner Walter Scott invented the historical novel and shaped the world’s image of Scotland. His tales of heroism, romance and adventure were hugely successful, outselling Jane Austen and Lord Byron, and are still popular today. Included here are adaptations of five of the best-loved books in his ‘Waverley’ series, as well as two bonus programmes. Waverley – Sent to Scotland with his regiment, young English soldier Edward Waverley becomes embroiled in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. Torn between love and duty, he falls in with Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebel army – and finds himself accused of treason… Richard Greenwood stars in this adaptation of Scott’s groundbreaking debut novel. Rob Roy – Francis Osbaldistone, the son of a rich London merchant, is banished to his family seat in the North. There, he meets the beautiful, high-spirited Diana Vernon and his villainous cousin Rashleigh, and befriends the enigmatic Scot, Robert Campbell – hero, chieftain of the clan MacGregor and wanted outlaw… Starring Liam Brennan, this thrilling drama is set during the Jacobite rising of 1715. The Heart of Midlothian – Edinburgh, 1737, and young Effie Deans is arrested for child murder and sentenced to death. Convinced of her innocence, her sister Jeanie decides to walk to London to plead for her sister’s life. Gerda Stevenson and Irene Allen star in this adaptation of Scott’s gripping novel, widely considered to be the finest of the ‘Waverley’ books. The Bride of Lammermoor – Edgar Ravenswood has sworn vengeance on the Ashton family who have destroyed his honour and ruined his fortune – but Lucy Ashton will come to mean more to him than honour, fortune and life Itself… This tragic tale of a doomed love affair stars David Rintoul and Gerda Stevenson. Woodstock – England, 1651. Charles Stuart’s army has been defeated at Worcester, and he is on the run. Suspecting that he will take refuge at Woodstock Manor, Oliver Cromwell sets a trap for him there – but he has reckoned without the wily King and his loyal Cavalier supporters… John Rowe and Brian Hewlett star in this epic Civil War tale. My Own Right Hand Shall Do It – Suffering a terrible reversal of fortune late in life, Sir Walter Scott determines to recover from financial ruin. Sir Alec Guinness stars in this moving portrait of tragedy and ultimate triumph. The Man Who Made Scotland – James Naughtie makes the case for a reappraisal of Sir Walter Scott, arguing that his branding of Scotland is the mark of a thoroughly modern thinker. NB: Due to the age of the recordings, the sound quality may vary First published 1814 (Waverley), 1817 (Rob Roy), 1818 (The Heart of Midlothian), 1819 (The Bride of Lammermoor), 1826 (Woodstock) © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Walter Scott (Author), Alec Guinness, Brian Hewlett, David Rintoul, Full Cast, George Woolley, Gerda Stevenson, Irene Allan, Jill Meers, John Buick, John Ransome, John Rowe, Liam Brennan, Richard Greenwood, Sean Chapman, Tom George (Narrator)

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Nick Payne: Constellations, Elegy & More: Five BBC Radio Full-Cast Productions

"BBC Radio adaptations of Nick Payne's finest works, brought together on audio for the first time - plus bonus features Nick Payne is a world-renowned playwright and screenwriter. He won the George Devine Award for his first major play If There Is I Haven't Found It Yet, and Constellations won the Evening Standard Award for Best Play. Both were performed on Broadway with Jake Gyllenhaal. This collection contains Constellations and Elegy, his two acclaimed plays exploring science, time and love, with new introductions by Nick Payne himself. Also included are three dramas specially written for BBC Radio. Constellations - Marianne and Roland meet at a party, hit it off, and go for a drink. Or do they? Does their love story unfold, or is it tragically cut short? In a quantum multiverse, even the smallest change can significantly alter the course we take - so there are infinite possibilities for heartbreak or for hope... Starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw and George MacKay. Elegy - Lorna and Carrie met in later life and got married. But now they are facing the possibility of their relationship disintegrating in the most painful way, and Carrie must make a devastating choice between love and survival. Starring Juliet Stevenson, Deborah Findlay and Marilyn Nnadebe. The Day We Caught the Train - David is coming for the day, and Sally has planned everything meticulously. But the weather, a problematic car, a problematic cat and Harold conspire to thwart her plans... Academy Award-winner Olivia Colman stars in this quietly intense play about a woman beset by one problem after another. Being Alone Doesn't Have to Mean Being Lonely - Trying to pinpoint the exact moment he fell in love, David uses 'the machine' to revisit his old memories. But when it malfunctions, it catapults us into the story of a couple attempting to make sense of their relationship. Starring Stuart McLoughlin and Alex Tregear. Happiness - Married couple Karen and Richard attempt to alleviate their respective unhappiness with a variety of far-flung undertakings. But can they find a solution closer to home? Clare Corbett stars as Karen, with Bryan Dick as Richard. Text copyright © Nick Payne 2011 (The Day We Caught the Train, Being Alone Doesn't Have to Mean Being Lonely), 2012 (Constellations), 2014 (Happiness), 2016 (Elegy) Cast and credits Written by Nick Payne Constellations Marianne - Gugu Mbatha-Raw Roland - George MacKay Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 28 March 2021 Elegy Lorna - Juliet Stevenson Carrie - Deborah Findlay Miriam - Marilyn Nnadebe Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 28 March 2021 The Day We Caught the Train Sally - Olivia Colman David - Ralph Ineson Anna - Nishi Malde Harold - John Rowe Helen - Jane Whittenshaw Waiter - Simon Bubb Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko Studio Managers: Caleb Knightley and Keith Graham Edited by: Anne Bunting Production Co-Ordinators: Nicole Fitzpatrick and Matthew Mills First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 July 2011 Being Alone Doesn't Have to Mean Being Lonely Jim - Stuart McLoughlin Sarah - Alex Tregear Directed by James Robinson First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 25 April 2011 Happiness Karen - Clare Corbett Richard - Bryan Dick With Susan Brown, Karl Johnson, Roslyn Hill and Monty d'Inverno Directed and produced by Sasha Yevtushenko First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 21 December 2014 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Nick Payne (Author), Alex Tregear, Bryan Dick, Clare Corbett, Deborah Findlay, Full Cast, George Mackay, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, John Rowe, Juliet Stevenson, Marilyn Nnadebe, Olivia Colman, Ralph Ineson, Simon Bubb (Narrator)

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The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Black Hearts in Battersea & The Story of Is: Three BBC Radio Childre

"BBC Radio full-cast dramatisations of three of the classic novels from Joan Aiken's 'Wolves Chronicles' One of the finest storytellers of her time, Joan Aiken wrote over 100 books for both adults and children. Among her best-known works are the 'Wolves Chronicles', a sequence of novels set in an alternate 19th century England ruled by Stuart kings. Included here are three tales from that magical, wolf-infested world - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Black Hearts in Battersea and The Story of Is. The Wolves of Willoughby Chase - Winter, 1832. The great manor of Willoughby Chase lies blanketed by snow, and predators lurk in the darkness. With the opening of the Channel Tunnel, ravenous wolves have overrun the country, and young Bonnie Green can hear their hideous howling. But she and her cousin Sylvia soon find themselves facing an even greater danger, in the shape of their devious governess, Miss Slighcarp. Aided by their friend Simon, can they foil her evil plan? Black Hearts in Battersea - Determined to become a painter, Simon sets off to London - but no sooner has he arrived than he becomes caught up in a fiendish Hanoverian plot to overthrow the King. Kidnapped and sent away to sea, he faces shipwreck, assassination plots, attacks by wolves and a hair-raising hot air balloon escape. With the help of fellow orphan Sophie, and the resourceful Dido Twite, will he save the day? The Story of Is - Sent by King Richard IV to search for his missing son, Dido Twite's sister Isabett takes the Playland Express to the north of a divided England. There, she finds an underground city where children work as slaves in vast coal mines. This is the domain of Gold Kingy, a man who will stop at nothing in his pursuit of power - but he has reckoned without Is and her newfound friends... These spellbinding adventures feature a star cast, including Gosford Park's Emily Watson, Game of Thrones' Joe Dempsie and legendary actor and comedian Rik Mayall. Text copyright © Joan Aiken 1962 (The Wolves of Willoughby Chase), 1964 (Black Hearts in Battersea), 1992 (Is) Production credits Written by Joan Aiken The Wolves of Willoughby Chase Cast: Jane Lapotaire, Emily Watson, Abigail Docherty, John Rowe, John Turner, Gavin Muir, Kristen Milward, Tom Bevan, Jilly Bond, Eva Stuart, David Antrobus, Ian Masters, Derek Waring, George Parsons, Elaine Claxton, Natasha Pyne, Becky Hindley Dramatised by Eric Pringle Directed by Cherry Cookson First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 December 1994 Black Hearts in Battersea Cast: Joe Dempsie, Nicola Miles-Wildin, Emerald O'Hanrahan, John Rowe, Sheila Reid, Ben Crowe, Annabelle Dowler, Rhys Jennings, Tessa Nicholson, Sam Pamphilon, Nigel Hastings, Bruce Alexander, Joseph Cohen Cole, Piers Wehner, Kate Layden, John Biggins, Ewan Hooper Dramatised by Lin Coghlan. Directed by Marc Beeby First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23-24 December 1999 The Story of Is Cast: John Rowe, Alison Pettitt, Rik Mayall, Freddie Jones With John Hartley, Gordon Reid, Rachel Atkins, Alastair Danson, Robert Harper, Gerard McDermott, Anthony Ofoegbu, Leila Campbell, George Maguire, Jenny Lee, Stephen Thorne, Carolyn Jones, Iwan Thomas, Christopher Scott, Richard Pearce, Tom Bevan, Brian Parr and children from the Italia Conti School Dramatised by Eric Pringle. Directed by David Blount. Music by Neil Brand First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 March-5 April 1998 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Joan Aiken (Author), Alison Pettitt, Emily Watson, Full Cast, Joe Dempsie, John Rowe, Rik Mayall, Sheila Reid (Narrator)

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Thomas Middleton: The Changeling, Women Beware Women & More: 6 BBC Radio 4 full-cast productions

"A superlative collection of Jacobean comedies and tragedies from 'our other Shakespeare', Thomas Middleton One of the most prolific playwrights of the Jacobean era, Thomas Middleton achieved great success with his cynically satirical comedies and bloodthirsty tragedies. Considered the only true rival to Shakespeare, Middleton is widely believed to have collaborated with the Bard on several plays, including Timon of Athens. This dazzling collection comprises dramatisations of his most famous works, including his two masterpieces, The Changeling and Women Beware Women. The Changeling - Betrothed to the nobleman Alonzo de Piracquo, Beatrice-Joanna falls in love with Alsemero and seeks the help of her father's man, De Flores. Anna Madeley and Zubin Varla star in this updated retelling of Thomas Middleton and William Rowley's dark tale of lust, obsession and murder, set in Alicante in the 1920s. Women Beware Women - When Leantio's beautiful wife Bianca catches the eye of the duke, the worldly Livia arranges an assignation, plunging Bianca into the vice and corruption of the court. Penny Downie and Beth Chalmers star in Thomas Middleton's poetic tragedy where women are the worst betrayers. A Chaste Maid in Cheapside - Moll Yellowhammer's parents are determined to marry her to the arrogant Sir Walter Whorehound, but her love for the impoverished Touchwood Junior upends their plans... Set in 17th Century London, Middleton's bawdy black comedy depicts a world of sexual hypocrisy and deceit. Starring Sarah Badel, Dilys Laye, Hugh Paddick and Norman Rodway. A Trick to Catch the Old One - In debt to his greedy uncle Lucre, the spendthrift Witgood devises a cunning scheme to get back his estates and marry his love. Alan Rickman, Maurice Denham and Dilys Laye star in this city comedy about avarice and the power of money. A Mad World, My Masters - Follywit, kept penniless by his rich grandfather, Sir Bounteous Progress, devises an ingenious plot to get his hands on his inheritance - but will he get a taste of his own medicine? Starring Roy Marsden and James Villiers. The Honest Whore - In this two-part comedy by Thomas Middleton and Thomas Dekker, the prostitute Bellafront falls in love with the courtier Hippolito, but his heart belongs to another. Joss Ackland and Madi Hedd star in this irreverent satire of Jacobean society. First published 1604 (The Honest Whore Part 1), 1605 (A Trick to Catch the Old One; A Mad World, My Masters), 1613 (A Chaste Maid in Cheapside), 1621 (Women Beware Women), 1622 (The Changeling), 1630 (The Honest Whore Part 2) Cast and credits Written by Thomas Middleton The Changeling co-written with William Rowley The Honest Whore co-written with Thomas Dekker Contents List The Changeling Women Beware Women A Chaste Maid in Cheapside A Trick to Catch the Old One A Mad World, My Masters The Honest Whore © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Thomas Middleton (Author), Alan Rickman, Anna Madeley, Dilys Laye, Full Cast, John Rowe, Joss Ackland, Madi Hedd, Maurice Denham, Peter Bayliss, Roy Marsden (Narrator)

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The Empire Trilogy: Troubles, The Siege of Krishnapur, The Singapore Grip: 3 BBC Radio 4 productions

"BBC Radio 4 productions of JG Farrell's celebrated historical novels - plus bonus material Acclaimed author JG Farrell came to fame with his Empire Trilogy, exploring the collapse of British colonialism and its repercussions in three different countries. The first book in the series, Troubles, won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize and the Lost Man Booker Prize, while the second, The Siege of Krishnapur, was awarded the Booker Prize for Fiction. Included here are three BBC Radio adaptations of the trilogy, plus an edition of Witness History exploring Farrell's tragic accidental death. Troubles - 1919, and Major Brendan Archer travels to Kilnalough in Ireland to visit his accidental fiancée, Angela. Arriving at her father's once-grand hotel, the Majestic, he finds it a dilapidated wreck, overrun by vegetation and hordes of feral cats. And outside its walls, a violent storm is brewing - one that will sweep him, and the Majestic, away... Jim Norton reads Farrell's tragicomic novel set during Ireland's struggle for independence. The Siege of Krishnapur - It is 1857 and British rule in India is under threat. At first the colonists are confident that their 'superior culture' will prevail, but when the Indian mutineers attack the Residency in Krishnapur, the Collector is unsure whether his defences can hold out... This thrilling adaptation of JG Farrell's masterpiece stars Alex Jennings, Shiv Grewal and Jasmine Hyde. The Singapore Grip - 1937. Young Matthew Webb arrives in Singapore to join the family rubber business, and becomes embroiled in a love triangle with two beautiful women. But as the Japanese invasion grows closer, Matthew's comfortable expat world is about to crumble... Robert Glenister, Jonathan Cake and Samantha Spiro star in this gripping dramatisation of Farrell's satirical tale of the fall of Singapore. Witness History: The Death of JG Farrell - The Booker Prize-winning author drowned off the south-west coast of Ireland in 1979, aged just 44. Vincent Dowd talks to those who knew him, and hears an eyewitness account of his death. Text copyright © JG Farrell 1970 (Troubles), 1973 (The Siege of Krishnapur), 1978 (The Singapore Grip) Cast and credits Written by JG Farrell Troubles Read by Jim Norton Abridged by Doreen Estall. Produced by Heather Larmour First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8-19 November 2010 The Siege of Krishnapur Hopkins, The Collector - Alex Jennings Fluery - Ben Askew Prince Hari - Shiv Grewal Harry Dunstaple - Matt Addis Louise Dunstaple - Jasmine Hyde Dr Dunstaple - Malcolm Tierney Mrs Dunstaple - Caroline Guthrie Willoughby - Sam Dale Miriam - Janice Acquah Dr MacNab - Stephen Hogan The Padre - Philip Fox Cutter - Jonathan Tafler Lieutenant Peterson - Paul Rider Lucy Hughes - Lizzy Watts Dramatised by Shelagh Stephenson. Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 10-17 May 2009 The Singapore Grip JG Farrell - Robert Glenister Matthew - Jonathan Cake Joan - Samantha Spiro Monty/Mr Smith - David Thorpe Vera - Su-Lin Looi Major Archer - John Rowe Walter - Timothy Bateson Jim - Kenny Blyth Air Marshall Brook-Popham - Terence Edmond Brigadier - Karl Johnson Governor - John East Captain Sinclair - Alex Tender Percival - Barry Foster ADC - Thomas Arnold Dramatised by Mike Walker. Directed by Peter Kavanagh. Music: Felix Jay First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 October-12 November 2000 Witness History: The Death of JG Farrell Presented by Vincent Dowd With Lavinia Greacen, Hilary Spurling, Jerry Daly, Pauline Foley First broadcast BBC World Service, 17 October 2017 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

JG Farrell (Author), Alex Jennings, Full Cast, Jim Norton, John Rowe, Robert Glenister, Samantha Spiro (Narrator)

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Fortunes of War: A BBC Radio 4 Full cast dramatisation of the complete Balkan Trilogy

"A sweeping adaptation of Olivia Manning's classic war novels, starring Joanna Lumley and Honeysuckle Weeks 'A rare and many-layered pleasure' Gillian Reynolds, The Telegraph 1939, and naive young newlywed Harriet Pringle arrives in Bucharest with her husband, Guy - just as Europe is about to rip itself apart. She believes she knows everything about the man she has married, but soon realises she knows nothing. Guy is oblivious to her needs and desires, seeming only to care about his job as a university lecturer, his friends, and the beautiful, voluptuous Sophie. Struggling to build a life in a strange city, in the face of imminent invasion, Harriet feels bereft - and increasingly isolated. As the Nazis come ever closer, an act of treachery puts the couple in terrible danger, and with Romania in enemy hands, they are forced to leave the country. Fleeing to Athens, and then Egypt, their marriage comes under increasing strain amidst the chaos and upheaval of war. With the future uncertain, can they find the strength and resilience to face it together? Joanna Lumley stars as the older Harriet, looking back on events many years later, with Honeysuckle Weeks as her younger self. Among the stellar cast are Khalid Abdalla, Alex Wyndham and James Fleet. Production credits Written by Olivia Manning Dramatised by Lin Coghlan and Jonathan Holloway Produced and directed by Marc Beeby and Colin Guthrie Cast Old Harriet - Joanna Lumley Harriet - Honeysuckle Weeks Guy - Khalid Abdalla Clarence - Alex Wyndham Yakimov - James Fleet Inchcape - John Rowe Sophie/Edwina - Joannah Tincey Galpin/Clifford/Newsreader - John Dougall Bella/Mona - Carolyn Pickles Drucker/Desmond - Peter Marinker Sasha - Joseph Arkley Nikko/Toby Lush/Peter - Simon Treves Despina/Phillips - Laura Molyneux Dr Hassolel/Mortimer - Katy Cavanagh Manager/Jackman - Ben Onwukwe Dobson - Sam Dale Dubedat/Aidan/Cpt Hardy - Ben Crowe Professor Pinkrose - Nigel Anthony Charles Warden/Mr Buschman - Alex Lanipekun Angela - Alison Pettitt Bill - Philip Jackson Simon - Sam Pamphilon Arnold/Young Arab - Lloyd Thomas Dr Shafik/Helal - Bijan Daneshmand Marion - Emily Wachter First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 January-2 March 2008 ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Olivia Manning (Author), Alex Wyndham, Full Cast, Honeysuckle Weeks, James Fleet, Joanna Lumley, John Rowe, Khalid Abdalla (Narrator)

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Inspector Purbright: Five BBC Radio 4 full-cast crime dramatisations from The Flaxborough Chronicles

"A collection of cosy crime dramas adapted from Colin Watson's 'Flaxborough Chronicles', set in a small Lincolnshire market town in the 1960s and '70s Inspector Purbright is a thoroughly English policeman: affable, polite, dogged and decent. Created by award-winning crime writer Colin Watson, he appeared in 12 Flaxborough mysteries, four of which were adapted for BBC TV under the title Murder Most English. These five radio dramatisations star Peter Jeffrey, John Pullen and John Rowe as Purbright. Coffin, Scarcely Used - When newspaper proprietor Marcus Gwill is found dead under an electricity pylon, shortly after the death of his neighbour Harold Carobleat, Inspector Purbright investigates. He soon discovers that something very odd is going on in the seemingly respectable town of Flaxborough. Bump in the Night - Tuesday nights in Chalmsbury are becoming quite explosive: first a drinking fountain is blown to bits, then the statue of Alderman Berry is decapitated, and the following week a giant glass eye is shattered. On loan from Flaxborough CID, can Purbright find the mystery bomber? Lonelyheart 4122 - Two middle-aged women have gone missing in Flaxborough, and Purbright's investigations lead him to local marriage bureau Handclasp House. Meanwhile, the resourceful Miss Lucy Teatime has her own interest in the agency... Charity Ends At Home - The kindly detective probes dark deeds in the world of small-time animal charities - and uncovers a trail of murder and sabotage. The Naked Nuns - An intercepted telegram hints that Flaxborough is home to human traffickers - and then a tip-off arrives from America that an assassin is on the way. Soon, Inspector Purbright finds himself picking his way through a case of vice and violence... Content warning: These programmes contain strong language, and some dated attitudes. © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Colin Watson (Author), Full Cast, John Pullen, John Rowe, Peter Jeffrey (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by John Rowe