Audiobooks narrated by John Wood

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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Lest We Forgive

"A late night. An icy road. A car wrapped around a tree. When Detective Liz Moorland stares at the lifeless faces of her ex-colleague’s daughter and son-in-law, she knows it is enough to push Vince Carter over the edge. Vince, a bitter and reclusive retired cop, was once a hero to many. But in his eyes, he has failed those he most loved. Estranged from his daughter before her death, the enormity of his loss is immeasurable. While Liz’s hands are full chasing an escaped criminal, Vince—alongside his fight for custody of Melanie, his eight-year-old granddaughter and sole survivor of the wreck—pieces together a compelling theory that the crash was no accident. Vince’s theory provides Liz with an unexpected connection to her case and simultaneously raises concerns over Melanie’s safety and what she saw that fateful night. Those concerns are justified. One person knows what the little girl saw. The killer. Narrated by Aussie TV icon John Wood."

Phillipa Nefri Clark (Author), John Wood (Narrator)

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Rediscovering America: How the National Holidays Tell an Amazing Story about Who We Are

"The only book ever written in the history genre that succinctly tells the progressive and redemptive course of America as revealed in the stories behind the American holidays. Ever wonder why everyone wants to immigrate to America? Rediscovering America answers that question, and it’s like no other history you have ever read. More than an account of people, dates, and events, this story is about the hidden hand of a purposeful historical development where the main actors are colorful characters, participating in an American drama of little known but remarkable events where overcoming incredible odds of failure is more unbelievable and engaging than fiction. And while each chapter is a stand-alone tale—some quite wild—about what is behind each of the American holidays, the page- and chapterturning appeal of Rediscovering America is in the narratives that link the holiday stories together, revealing an account of progress and redemption in America covering over four hundred years—never before told in a concise and readable book."

Scott S. Powell (Author), John Wood (Narrator)

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Iris Murdoch: The Sea, The Sea, A Severed Head & Something Special: A BBC Radio Collection

"Full-cast dramatisations and a reading of works by Iris Murdoch, plus a bonus interview with the author herself Booker Prize-winning author Iris Murdoch is renowned for her sublime fiction, exploring themes such as art, passion, morality and human freedom. Included in this collection are adaptations of two of her finest novels and a reading of her only published short story, as well as an edition of Writers Revealed in which Murdoch discusses her ideas and beliefs. The Sea, The Sea Charles Arrowby, celebrated actor, writer and director, has retired from his London world and come to the sea to become a hermit and draft his memoirs. But the past will not let him rest… This dramatisation of Murdoch’s most famous novel, which won the Booker Prize in 1978, stars John Wood as Charles and Joyce Redman as Hartley. A Severed Head When Martin Lynch-Gibbon's wife runs off with her analyst and his best friend, Palmer Anderson, the three characters attempt to behave in a civilised manner. But there is the matter of Martin's mistress and Palmer's sister to contend with – and undoubtedly the thin veneer of civilisation will crack… Iris Murdoch’s blackly comic satire on analysis and amorality stars Julian Rhind-Tutt, Victoria Hamilton and Matthew Marsh. Something Special Young Irishwoman Yvonne passionately believes that there is more to life than marriage to Sam, a respectable tailor's apprentice. But a night out in Dublin forces her to confront reality… Read by Catherine Cusack. Writers Revisited: Iris Murdoch Iris Murdoch talks about faith, religion and the creative process in conversation with Rosemary Hartill."

Iris Murdoch (Author), Catherine Cusack, Full Cast, John Wood, Joyce Redman, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Victoria Hamilton (Narrator)

Audiobook

How I Clawed My Way to the Middle

"'Your job is to go out there, grab the audience by the balls, and drag them up on stage with you!' I was flabbergasted. This I understood. A language that I spoke - had spoken most of my life. It was the best acting note I ever got. John Wood grew up in working-class Melbourne; when he failed out of high school, an employment officer told him, 'You have the mind of an artist and the body of a labourer.' And so John continued to pursue his acting dreams in amateur theatre, sustaining himself by working jobs as a bricklayer, a railway clerk and even in the same abattoir as his father. When he won a scholarship to NIDA, in Sydney, it moved John into a new and at times baffling world, full of extraordinary characters. It was the start of a decades-long acting career, most famously on shows such as Rafferty's Rules and Blue Heelers, where his charm made him beloved in households across the country. His popularity was such that he was nominated for a Gold Logie nine times in a row, finally culminating in a win in 2006. How I Clawed My Way to the Middle is a beguiling memoir from one of Australia's most cherished actors on both stage and screen. Full of humility, warmth and humour, it tells of the ephemeral nature of theatre, the luminous personalities John encountered along the way, and the perilous reality of life as a professional actor in Australia."

John Wood (Author), John Wood (Narrator)

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Emigrants, The Ambros Adelwarth

"Inspired by an old photograph album to investigate the life of a lost relative, a man finds himself on a journey that traverses the 20th century, leading him from an American asylum to the shores of the Dead Sea. Adapted by Edward Kemp from W G Sebald's acclaimed novel about the experiences of Jewish emigrants. Starring John Wood, Henry Goodman, Eleanor Bron, Ed Bishop, Margaret Robertson, Andrew Sachs, Cosmo Solomon, Thomas Arnold, Jasmine Hyde and Maximilian Graber. Music by Gary Yershon. Directed by Edward Kemp."

W.G. Sebald (Author), Eleanor Bron, Henry Bron, John Wood (Narrator)

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Frankenstein

"Frankenstein, first published in 1818, is widely recognised as being one of the first 'science fiction' novels. Starring Michael Maloney as Frankenstein and John Wood as the Creature, this spine-tingling dramatisation perfectly conveys the book's pervasive sense of unease and dread. Victor Frankenstein, an ambitious young scientist and seeker after knowledge, considers it the pinnacle of his career when he makes a Creature in his own name. But his triumph soon turns to horror, and he is appalled when the Creature, denied a female counterpart, turns against his creator and commits a terrible crime. In a desperate attempt to destroy his creation, the scientist tracks him from Europe to the desolate North Pole, and in this bleak landscape of ice and fog, prepares to confront his nemesis..."

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (Author), Full Cast, John Wood, Michael Maloney (Narrator)

Audiobook

Richard II

"Shakespeare’s finest verse play is also his first portrait of the psychology of power. The sensitive and poetic Richard II is undoubtedly the rightful king of England but he is unscrupulous and weak. When his cousin Henry Bolingbroke returns from banishment and mounts a challenge to his authority, Richard’s right to the throne proves of little help to him. Richard is forced to abdicate, but as his power is stripped away, he gains dignity and self-awareness, and he meets his death heroically. Meanwhile Bolingbroke’s seizure of the crown has caused resentment among the nobles of England. Rupert Graves is Richard II, and Julian Glover is Bolingbroke. John Wood plays John of Gaunt."

William Shakespeare (Author), John Wood, Julian Glover, Rupert Graves, a full cast (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by John Wood