Audiobooks narrated by Jonathan Coy

Aldous Huxley: A BBC Radio Collection: Including Brave New World, Antic Hay, The Devils & more

BBC Radio adaptations of Aldous Huxley’s finest works – plus a bonus documentary programme Philosopher, pacifist, psychonaut and prophet, Aldous Huxley was one of the 20th century’s pre-eminent intellectuals and writers. The author of over 50 books, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize nine times, and elected Companion of Literature by the Royal Society of Literature in 1962, a year before his death. Known for his mordant satire and visionary ideas, Huxley spanned the period from post-First World War disillusionment to mid-century mysticism, and the works in this collection reflect his literary evolution. Antic Hay, his witty, ironic portrait of the glittering hedonism of 1920s London, is dramatised by award-winning playwright Mike Harris, and stars James Cooney and Emily Pithon. Originally a short story, Huxley’s dark comedy of manners The Gioconda Smile was adapted as a hit West End play in 1948. This BBC Radio dramatisation stars Peter Bowles as the womanizing Henry Hutton, about to marry his second wife but accused of killing his first. Brave New World is Huxley’s classic 1932 tale of a future totalitarian dystopia, where promiscuity is the norm, eugenics a respectable science and the drug Soma is freely available. Adapted for Radio 4, it stars Jonathan Coy, Justin Salinger, Milton Lopes and Anton Lesser. Aldous Huxley’s 1953 novel The Devils of Loudon, an imagined account of a real-life witch trial in 17th-century France, was revamped for the stage as The Devils in 1960. A gripping tale of mass hysteria, religious and sexual obsession and alleged demonic possession, this radio version stars Michael Bryant and Sarah Badel. The Dwarves, a full-cast drama based on Chapter 13 of Crome Yellow, tells the story of Sir Hercules and his wife Filomena, whose country-house haven for dwarves like themselves is unexpectedly threatened. David Learner, Claire Faulconbridge and Garard Green star. Concluding our collection are readings of five of his short stories set in the 1920s and a fascinating biographical documentary. Edward Petherbridge reads ‘Cynthia’, ‘The Bookshop’, ‘Eupompus Gave Splendour to Art by Numbers’, ‘Fard’ and ‘The Portrait’, while the documentary All Those Vile Bodies explores the contradictions of the satirist of the brittle 20s turned prescient critic of 20th-century progress. Valentine Cunningham presents, with contributions from Sybille Bedford, Lord Jenkins, Sir Stephen Spender, Gavin Ewart, Julian Symons and Lewis Wolpert, and archive recordings of Huxley, his brother Julian and contemporaries. First published 1920 (‘Cynthia’, ‘The Bookshop’, ‘Eupompus Gave Splendour to Art by Numbers’), 1921 (‘The Dwarves’), 1923 (Antic Hay), 1924 (‘Fard’, ‘The Portrait’), 1932 (Brave New World), 1948 (The Gioconda Smile), 1960 (The Devils) © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.(P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Aldous Huxley (Author), Anton Lesser, Claire Faulconbridge, David Learner, Edward Petherbridge, Emily Pithon, Full Cast, Garard Green, James Cooney, Jonathan Coy, Justin Salinger, Michael Bryant, Milton Lopes, Peter Bowles, Sarah Badel (Narrator)

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Brave New World: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

A gripping BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Aldous Huxley’s classic dystopian novel It’s 2116, and Bernard Marx and Helmholtz Watson are token rebels in an irretrievably corrupted society where promiscuity is the norm, eugenics a respectable science, and morality turned upside down. There is no poverty, crime or sickness – but no creativity, art or culture either. Human beings are merely docile citizens: divided into castes, brainwashed and controlled by the state and dependent on the drug soma for superficial gratification. Into this sterile society comes an outsider, John – a man born into squalor and suffering, but raised on The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, a book which has shaped his entire life. When he discovers that treasured ideals such as love mean nothing in this ‘brave new world’, where romance is ridiculous, marriage shocking and parenthood shameful, John’s world is shattered – and his reaction will show Bernard and Helmholtz what rebellion really means... Based on Aldous Huxley’s 1932 masterpiece, widely considered one of the greatest novels of all time, this chilling dramatisation set in a futuristic totalitarian society stars Jonathan Coy, Justin Salinger, Milton Lopes and Anton Lesser. Running time: 2 hours

Aldous Huxley (Author), , Anton Lesser, Anton Lesser, Full Cast, Jonathan Coy, Justin Salinger, Pippa Bennett-Warner (Narrator)

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Classic Dystopias: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: The Time Machine, We, The Trial, Brave New World, N

Full-cast dramatisations of six masterpieces from the founding fathers of dystopian fiction Dark and disturbing, provocative and prescient, dystopian literature has long captured our imagination with its nightmarish visions of forbidding future worlds. Included here are six classic novels of time-travel, totalitarianism and terror, written by some of the masters of speculative fiction and adapted for radio with all-star casts. The Time Machine by HG Wells - A Victorian inventor takes a fateful journey into the far future, where mankind has diverged into two species - the Eloi and the Morlocks. Robert Glenister and William Gaunt star in this pioneering science fiction adventure. We by Evgeny Zamyatin - In a post-revolutionary future, OneState is ruled according to the principles of rationality. The penalty for dissent is death. But when engineer D-503 meets the beautiful 1-330, he begins to question everything... Starring Anton Lesser, Don Warrington and Brigit Forsyth. The Trial by Franz Kafka - Josef K is an ordinary man who lives a quiet life. Then, one morning, he is awoken by two men and arrested - but what is his crime? Mike Gwylim stars in this gripping dramatisation by Hanif Kureishi. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - It's 2116 and Helmholtz Watson and Bernard Marx are token rebels in a society where eugenics, promiscuity and happiness are gently enforced. Into this world comes an outsider, John, who will show the duo what rebellion really means... Starring Justin Salinger, John Coy and Milton Lopes. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell - Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth, rewriting history to suit the Party. When he finds love with Julia, he awakens to new possibilities - but free thinking is forbidden, and Big Brother is always watching... Christopher Eccleston and Pippa Nixon star in Orwell's chilling tale. The Chrysalids by John Wyndham - In a post-apocalyptic world devastated by genetic mutation, the God-respecting people of Waknuk regard deviation as the work of the Devil. Young David and his friends can communicate by telepathy: but as Mutants, they must hide their powers or face the consequences of discovery... Starring Matthew Beard, Verity-May Henry and Emma Cunniffe. First published 1899 (The Time Machine), 1921 (We), 1925 (The Trial), 1932 (Brave New World), 1949 (Nineteen Eighty-Four), 1955 (The Chrysalids) (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Aldous Huxley, Franz Kafka, George Orwell, H.G. Wells, John Wyndham, Yevgeni Zamyatin (Author), Anton Lesser, Brigit Forsyth, Christopher Eccleston, Don Warrington, Full Cast, Jonathan Coy, Justin Salinger, Matthew Beard, Mike Gwylim, Pippa Nixon, Robert Glenister, William Gaunt (Narrator)

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Gloomsbury: Series 4: The hit BBC Radio 4 comedy

Miriam Margolyes and Alison Steadman star in the fourth BBC Radio 4 series of Sue Limb's wickedly funny parody of the Bloomsbury Group. '… one of the funniest, slyest, most naughtily inventive and brilliantly performed shows on the air' Gillian Reynolds, The Daily Telegraph This fourth series sees our arty, adulterous Bohemians struggling with the issues of class, money and how to become truly modern. Henry is concerned about Vera's dangerous susceptibility to romance, and her tendency to fascinate several women at once. In addition, he is wrestling with his biography of the king, misses the hurly burly of life at the Foreign Office and is tempted to stand for Parliament as a Labour MP. Meanwhile, Vera tangles with a randy Llewd George, accompanies Ginny to Sandwich where they meet Lytton Scratchy and Dora Barrington, and takes part in an indiscreet radio broadcast and a surprising séance. The friends also embark on a trip to Venice, where they meet Dave Lollipop, his pneumatic German wife Frieda and man-eating American art connoisseur Peggy Googleheim. Duration: 3 hours approx.

Sue Limb (Author), , Alison Steadman, John L. Sessions, John Sessions, Jonathan Coy, Miriam Margolyes, Morwenna Banks, Nigel Planer (Narrator)

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Gloomsbury: Series 5: The hit BBC Radio 4 comedy

The complete fifth series of Sue Limb's satirical send-up of the Bloomsbury Group. In this fifth series, our arty, adulterous Bohemians are creating havoc at home and abroad. Henry is hoping to ignore his fiftieth birthday - but Vera has organised a surprise party. When Venus sneaks in uninvited and makes a nuisance of herself in the bushes, Henry wants to head for the hills. Fortunately, a lecture tour of America beckons... In the USA, Vera meets Dorothy Barker at the Algonquin, while Henry rubs shoulders with Al Padrone en route to Chicago. Meanwhile, a cottage on the Sizzlinghurst estate has become vacant, and everybody wants it. Returning from the States, Henry seeks election as a Labour Party candidate, while Ginny talks socialism with George Gurnard Shaw. Vera decides she wants another child, but Henry whisks her off to Paris for a fling before the war starts. Accompanied by Ginny and Lionel, they are enjoying a last-minute whirlwind of pleasure in the City of Love when Venus arrives with some dreadful news... Miriam Margolyes, Alison Steadman, Nigel Planer, Morwenna Banks, Jonathan Coy and John Sessions star in these six episodes of the superbly funny literary sitcom star in these six episodes of the superbly funny literary sitcom star in these six episodes of the superbly funny literary sitcom. '... one of the funniest, slyest, most naughtily inventive and brilliantly performed shows on the air' Gillian Reynolds, The Daily Telegraph 'A gloriously silly show' The Lady

Sue Limb (Author), , Alison Steadman, John L. Sessions, John Sessions, Jonathan Coy, Miriam Margolyes, Morwenna Banks, Nigel Planer (Narrator)

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Gloomsbury: The complete series 1-5 of the hit BBC Radio 4 comedy

Miriam Margolyes, Alison Steadman and Nigel Planer star in Sue Limb's comedy parodying the arty and adulterous adventures of the Bloomsbury Group. A stellar cast, including Roger Lloyd-Pack, Morwenna Banks, Jonathan Coy and John Sessions, join in this affectionate send-up of the infamous Bloomsbury literary group, who dominated the English cultural scene in the early 20th Century.

Sue Limb (Author), Alison Steadman, John L. Sessions, Jonathan Coy, Miriam Margolyes, Morwenna Banks, Nigel Planer, Roger Lloyd Pack (Narrator)

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High Table, Lower Orders: The Complete Series 1 and 2: The BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

The complete first and second series of Mark Tavener's BBC Radio 4 comedy thriller set in a crisis-ridden Cambridge college When prominent don and celebrity TV historian Peter Devanti dies after dining at High Table, his colleague Gilbert suspects foul play and invites his former student Simon Harrison, a disillusioned health and safety officer, to investigate. Meanwhile, Simon's former girlfriend Zoe, a freelance journalist, arrives to write an article about Devanti's death: reopening old wounds for Simon. After another college member dies, more skullduggery is uncovered, and Simon must find out which of the many suspects is a murderer - while also trying to get back with Zoe and keep his day job... A year later, the college is recovering from the Devanti affair, but struggling for cash and riven by arguments between traditionalists and modernisers. Simon, now bereft of a job, jumps at the chance to become a don - but soon finds himself embarking on another murder investigation after a student is caught cheating and his accuser is found hanged. Can Simon unmask the killer before they strike again? Written by Mark Tavener (In the Red, Absolute Power), this brilliant black comedy stars Geoffrey Palmer as Gilbert, Samuel West as Simon and Sharon Small as Zoe, with Rebecca Front as Patricia, Michelle Fairley as Roisin, Michael Maloney as the Dean and Jonathan Coy as Bernard.

Mark Tavener (Author), Geoffrey Palmer, Jonathan Coy, Michael Maloney, Michelle Fairley, Samuel West, Sharon Small (Narrator)

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The Tunnel - BBC Afternoon Drama

In a dystopian future, a teenage girl and her grandfather find themselves in 'The Jungle', a vast camp near Folkestone, filled with those desperate to get into the Channel Tunnel and escape to France. Once there, they may be able to make their way to new home in the Middle East. But the journey through the tunnel is fraught with danger.

David Lemon (Author), Jonathan Coy (Narrator)

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Turf Wars (Complete, Series 1) (Bbc Radio 4 Comedy)

Four comic dramas about boundaries that are both territorial and personal, as heard on BBC Radio 4.Territory is the theme that unites these four humorous plays - whether that means fighting over an allotment plot, dealing with the sudden partition of a country, guarding the privacy of a garden or battling with the council over school catchment areas.In 'Losing the Plot', shy Edward decides to apply for an allotment plot after an encounter with attractive allotment-holder Amanda. But doing so involves an interview with ferocious site-manager Bernie who runs the allotments with military rigour. Starring James Fleet as Edward, Joanna Monroe as Amanda and Jonathan Coy as Bernie. Written by Nick Warburton and directed by Peter KavanaghIn 'An Incident at the Border', Arthur and Olivia are enjoying the sun in their local park on a beautiful summer's day. Olivia is reading a newspaper article on their country's new-found independence. Arthur, who is apolitical, is just enjoying watching the ducks. Suddenly a soldier arrives, dragging a tape across the ground, marking out the new border. He barges between the two young people. Now one is on one side of the border, and one on the other! How can the lovers be reunited? Starring Joseph Kloska as Arthur, Leah Brotherhead as Olivia and Nigel Planer as Reiver. Written by Kieran Lynn and directed by Peter Kavanagh.In 'How's Your Mother?' Humphrey Partridge is reckoned to be anti-social, indeed stand-offish. But he always has an excuse - namely that he has to look after his ailing elderly mother. No-one has ever met the legendary matriarch. Not even nosy Raj the local postman. But one morning when Humphrey is at work, Raj notices a fire in Humphrey's house, breaks in to put it out and makes an extraordinary discovery. Soon police are digging in Humphrey's garden. But just what is Humphrey's dark secret? Starring Michael Maloney as Humphrey Partridge, Adeel Akhtar as Raj/Sgt Wallis, Sam Dale as Mr Denton/Trevor, Sally Orrock as Mrs Denton and Christine Kavanagh as Mrs Jones. Written by Simon Brett and directed by Peter Kavanagh.In 'The Accidental Head', Beth just wants what's best for her 11 year old son; a solid secondary education at the kind of school that recognises his genius, as well as his aptitude for baroque music. A school like Folgate. But when the family is edged out of Folgate's catchment area, a battle begins Starring Katherine Parkinson as Beth, Darren Boyd as Jake, Emma Fryer as Ruth Willith, Alex Tregear as the journalist, Sally Orrock as Helen and Brian Bowles as Farmer/Hughes. Written by Jeremy Front and directed by James Robinson

Jeremy Front, Kieran Lynn, Nick Warburton, Simon Brett (Author), Adeel Akhtar, Full Cast, James Fleet, Joanna Monro, Jonathan Coy, Joseph Kloska, Katherine Parkinson, Leah Brotherhead, Michael Maloney, Nigel Planer, Sally Orrock, Sam Dale (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Jonathan Coy