Audiobooks narrated by Joss Ackland

Flashman & more: Three Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations

"Full-cast adaptations of two Flashman novels, plus a standalone historical romp, a humorous short story and an interview with George MacDonald Fraser Scottish author George MacDonald Fraser took the loutish bully from Thomas Hughes’ Tom Brown's Schooldays and gave him a new lease of life. Over the course of 12 novels, caddish anti-hero Flashman swashbuckled his way around the British Empire, playing a key role in some of the 19th century’s most significant events. Adapted for BBC Radio, and featuring a stellar cast, this collection includes: Flash for Freedom! – It is 1848 and Flashman is considering a political career. But a disastrous card game with Disraeli plunges him into hair-raising involvement with a murderous sea captain, the transatlantic slave trade, the Underground Railroad and Abraham Lincoln. Flashman at the Charge – Renowned bounder, blackguard, liar, lecher, and self-confessed coward Sir Harry Flashman suffers the ill fortune of being caught up in the Charge of the Light Brigade – and rides with the descendants of Genghis Khan against the might of Imperial Russia, as he attempts to save British India… Good Queen Bess and the Dastardly Don – England, 1599, and at the Spanish Embassy, a devilish plot is brewing. New envoy Don Diego claims to possess a compromising letter written by Queen Elizabeth 50 years ago: and unless it is retrieved, her reputation as the Virgin Queen will be in tatters. Time to call in Mistress Phoebe Fosdyke, Secret Agent… ‘Monsoon Selection Board’ – Corporal David MacNeill recalls his challenging time in 1940s Burma, when he was part of a battalion trying to stop the Japanese army escaping. Hoping to become an officer, he is sent to face the Selection Board – but can he prove his mettle? Bookclub: George MacDonald Fraser – James Naughtie talks to George MacDonald Fraser about his inspiration for the Flashman books, writing a Bond screenplay, and why we can’t resist a rogue. Text copyright © George MacDonald Fraser 1970 (‘Monsoon Selection Board’), 1971 (Flash for Freedom!), 1973 (Flashman at the Charge), 2000 (Good Queen Bess and the Dastardly Don) Cast and credits Written by George MacDonald Fraser Flash for Freedom Featuring Joss Ackland, Rhys Meredith, Nigel Anthony, Christian Rodska, William Hope, Ndidi Del Fatti, Emily Wachter, Jamie Newall, Robert Hastie, Damian Lynch, Stuart Milligan Dramatised by George MacDonald Fraser Directed by Patrick Rayner First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 Mar-3 Apr 2005 Flashman at the Charge Featuring Joss Ackland, Angus Wright, Jayne McKenna, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Nigel Anthony, David Holt, David Bannerman, Peter Kenny Dramatised by George MacDonald Fraser Directed by Patrick Rayner First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13-20 Oct 2002 Good Queen Bess and the Dastardly Don Featuring Vivienne Dixon, Crawford Logan, Katherine Igoe, Mark McDonnell, James Bryce, Julie Austin Written by George MacDonald Fraser Directed by Patrick Rayner First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 May 2000 ‘Monsoon Selection Board’ Read by Tom Fleming Produced by Bruce Young First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 Oct 1990 Bookclub: George MacDonald Fraser Presented by James Naughtie With George MacDonald Fraser Produced by Dymphna Flynn First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 Jan 2006 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

George MacDonald Fraser (Author), Angus Wright, Christian Rodska, Crawford Logan, Full Cast, Jayne McKenna, Joss Ackland, Katherine Igoe, Mark McDonnell, Nigel Anthony, Rhys Meredith, Tom Fleming, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Vivienne Dixon, William Hope (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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Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful: The Complete Series 1-3: A BBC Radio full-cast comedy drama

"Martin Jarvis stars in this BBC radio satire set in the competitive world of advertising Happiness... is a career in advertising. Or is it? Activist turned ad writer Ken Handley isn't so sure. Back in the day, he used to hitch-hike and attend peace protests. Now, he finds himself writing copy for the Conservative Party and extolling the virtues of products he hates - while also coping with a drunken boss, strait-laced colleagues and an overactive mind. Over three series, we follow his exploits and moral dilemmas as he grapples with the challenges of winning accounts, presenting to clients and dealing with the women in his life. A pitch for a motorway services chain drives him round the bend, a seven-foot squirrel nearly sends him nuts, and he faces his own emergency when he's coerced into a Samaritans campaign. On the domestic front, Ken's got a divorce and a new home to contend with - but things start looking up when leggy model April comes on the scene... Written by Guy Jenkin (Drop the Dead Donkey) and Jon Canter (Posh Nosh), this sardonic advertising sitcom stars Martin Jarvis as Ken, with a cast including Imelda Staunton, Lesley Manville, Joss Ackland and Miriam Margolyes. Production credits Script and commercial concepts by Guy Jenkin Commercials by Jon Canter Produced by Geoffrey Perkins (Series 1) and Pete Atkin (Series 2 & 3) First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18 January-22 February 1982 (Series 1), 7 February-13 March 1984 (Series 2), 7 October-11 November 1986 (Series 3) Cast Ken Handley - Martin Jarvis Sarah - Sheila Steafel Sandy - Christopher Godwin Freddie - Lockwood West Hitchhiker - Vincent Brimble Portley - Richard Bebb Runcie - Simon Jones June - Wendy Richard Johnnie - Patrick Barr Murray - Gary Cady The General - Bill Fraser Mr Sandell - John Blythe Barman - Geoffrey McGivern Virgil - Marc Smith Mr Sandell:- John Blythe Cindy- Heather Bell Katie- Miranda Forbes Director- David Gooderson Ravi - Ahmed Khalil Deborah - Rosalind Ayres Ambrose - Paul Jesson Janet/Receptionist/Researcher - Stacey Tendeter Mr Cheater/Mr McCafferty - James Griffiths Angus - Michael Jenner Derek - David Peart Stella - Imelda Staunton Stella's Heavy - Jim Carter Subjects - David Peart & Michael Jenner Leo Gale - Glyn Owen Christina - Jo Manning Wilson Receptionist - Maggie McCarthy George - Peter Tuddenham Corners - Don Henderson Benny - Karl Howman Lesley - Pauline Siddle Andy - Chris Emmett Film director - Scott Cherry Tone - Jeremy Clyde Doregan - Lesley Manville Elvira - Moir Leslie Kip - Joseph Marcell April - Shelley Thompson Hedley - Robert Longden Artiste - David Learner Larry Childs - William Hootkins Loretta-Jane Duff - Toni Coyne Dawn/Masseuse - Sally Watts Sally/Choirboy - Jane Leonard Len - Roger Sloman Val/Veronica - Liz Crowther Alf - Roger Hammond Till lady - Avril Clark Doorman - Richard Durden Barman - James MacPherson Policeman - Graham Blockey With the voices of Joss Ackland, Miriam Margolyes, James Griffiths, John Shrapnel, David Tate, James Griffiths, Sally Grace, Enn Reitel and Anton Rodgers"

Guy Jenkin (Author), Full Cast, Imelda Staunton, Joss Ackland, Lesley Manville, Martin Jarvis, Miriam Margolyes (Narrator)

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Alison and Maud: The Complete Series 1 and 2: The BBC Radio 4 comedy

"Sisters Alison and Maud are joint landladies of the Abbeyfield Guest House, dispensing hospitality to a variety of demanding clients while also looking after their irascible, bedridden father downstairs in the granny flat. Dreamy ornithologist Alison has just moved back from Bloomsbury, while Maud ran a 3000-acre farm in Africa - but neither sibling is really up to the task of managing a B&B, and chaos generally ensues. In these two series, Alison has the hots for their accountant, Bernard - and is the reluctant object of a courtship display from a fellow bird-fancier; Maud comes up trumps in the middle of the night (but what will the guests make of what's in the saucepan?) and handyman Mr Mullet and the Bishop of Norwich get a little too close for comfort over tea. Meanwhile, the landladies' daddy complains about his new orthopaedic mattress, battles with hallucinogenic fungus and chips and prepares for his 85th birthday party - but what form will the celebrations take? Sue Limb's sitcom stars Denise Coffey as Alison and Miriam Margolyes as Maud, with Joss Ackland as Father and Geoffrey Whitehead as Bernard. Written by Sue Limb Produced by Jonathan James-Moore Starring Denise Coffey as Alison and Miriam Margolyes as Maud Cast Father - Joss Ackland Mr Mullett/Brian - Chris Emmett Bernard/Mr Ducket - Geoffrey Whitehead Marina - Phyllida Nash Leslie - Nickolas Grace Mrs Ducket - Judy Flynn The Bishop of Norwich - Nicholas Le Provost Jane - Jane Sellars First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 13 December 2002-17 January 2003 (Series 1), 15 March-19 April 2004 (Series 2)"

Sue Limb (Author), Denise Coffey, Full Cast, Geoffrey Whitehead, Joss Ackland, Miriam Margolyes (Narrator)

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The Sit Crom: The complete BBC Radio 4 comedy series

"Autumn, 1646. The English Civil War is raging, and there’s trouble ahead for Sir John and Lady Anne Firebasket. There’s a Roundhead platoon camping out in the barn, a perplexed priest hiding behind the panelling and, unbeknown to the Firebaskets, their scullery maid Mercy is actually a disguised aristocrat (and Royalist spy) named Melissa Fortescue-Bottomley. While Mercy steels herself to carry out a deadly mission, pious steward Tobias Thynne rails against the Devil’s vegetables and Father Francis takes to the rooftops in a borrowed nightgown for a rendition of ‘Ave Maria’. With the whole household suffering from severe domestic derangement, it’s a bad time for General Cromwell to show up – and then news arrives that the fugitive King Charles has also decided to pay a visit... As confusion reigns, Sir John takes to drink, Lady Anne takes to her bed and the New Model Army take up their muskets. Will Firebasket Hall survive the hostilities? Scripted by Sue Limb (Gloomsbury, The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere), The Sit Crom features a wealth of comedy acting talent including Joss Ackland as Sir John Firebasket, Miriam Margolyes as Mercy and Alun Armstrong as Captain Arise Higgs. Produced by Jonathan James-Moore Music by Colin Sell Cast Sir John Firebasket – Joss Ackland Lady Anne Firebasket – Denise Coffey Tobias Thynne – Clive Merrison Mercy, alias Melissa – Miriam Margoyles Father Francis/Old Thomas – Nickolas Grace Slow Ned/King Charles – Chris Emmett Gazebo Fogg – Jack Klaff Captain Arise Higgs – Alun Armstrong Posthumous – Nicky Henson Lettice – Jane Whittenshaw Counter Tenor – Peter Hayward General Cromwell – Bert Parnaby Colonel Thundery – Peter Howell The New Model Army – The cast First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 6 October-10 November 1990"

Sue Limb (Author), Alun Armstrong, Clive Merrison, Denise Coffey, Full Cast, Joss Ackland, Miriam Margolyes (Narrator)

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Les Miserables: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

"Joss Ackland, Roger Allam and Leslie Phillips star in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel. When poverty drives Jean Valjean to steal a loaf of bread from a baker’s window, it is an action that will haunt him for the rest of his life. A citizen of post-revolutionary France, he is sentenced to nineteen years’ hard labour. On his release, his fortunes change and he becomes a respectable businessman and member of society - and yet his past continues to dog him in the form of the sadistic Inspector Javert, who seems determined to pursue Valjean to the grave. A student uprising is gaining momentum in Paris, and barricades are being built around the city. Valjean’s adopted daughter, Cosette, has fallen in love with the young revolutionary Marius, and the lives of all three are in peril unless they can flee to safety. Some of the most significant moments in 19th Century history form the backdrop for Victor Hugo’s powerful story, in which love and heroism march in the face of poverty and social injustice."

Victor Hugo (Author), Full Cast, Joss Ackland, Roger Allam (Narrator)

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The Screwtape Letters: Letters from a Senior to a Junior Devil

"On its first appearance, The Screwtape Letters was immediately recognized as a milestone in the history of popular theology. Now, in it’s 70th Anniversary Year, and having sold over half a million copies, it is an iconic classic on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil. This profound and striking narrative takes the form of a series of letters from Screwtape, a devil high in the Infernal Civil Service, to his nephew Wormwood, a junior colleague engaged in his first mission on earth trying to secure the damnation of a young man who has just become a Christian. Although the young man initially looks to be a willing victim, he changes his ways and is ‘lost’ to the young devil. Dedicated to Lewis’s friend and colleague J.R.R. Tolkien, The Screwtape Letters is a timeless classic on spiritual warfare and the invisible realities which are part of our religious experience."

C.S. Lewis (Author), Joss Ackland (Narrator)

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The Artist Is Thinking: A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

"An intriguing murder mystery exploring the desire of the artist to remain illusive and anonymous behind work which is heavily codified and seemingly impenetrable. When a brilliant young art historian flies in the face of the received wisdom regarding the work of the reclusive Anderson Perrine, the artist feels a distinct invasion of his privacy. He sets about laying a series of false trails but her pursuit of him is unrelenting and he is obliged to take radically evasive action. Starring Hattie Morahan, Joss Ackland, Miche Doherty, Mark Lawson and Robin Read, with Aine McCartney, BJ Hogg and Mark Lambert. Written by Mark Lawson. Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan and produced in Belfast for Radio 4."

Mark Lawson (Author), Aine Mccartney, Bj Hogg, Hattie Morahan, Joss Ackland, Mark Lambert, Mark Lawson, Miche Doherty, Robin Read (Narrator)

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Christmas Book At Bedtime

"Everyone loves a bedtime story. And here are eight of the best, each with a Christmas theme, written by an array of literature's best-known names: Laurie Lee, Charles Dickens and Hans Christian Andersen are just some of the storytellers included in this collection. Amongst those giving voice to these stories are Patricia Routledge, Joss Ackland, Miriam Margolyes, Dame Judi Dench and Richard Briers. Intriguing, funny, poignant and above all entertaining, these eight Christmas stories are the best of BBC Radio 4's 'Book at Bedtime'."

Various (Author), Joss Ackland, Judi Dench, Miriam Margolyes, Patricia Routledge, Richard Briers, Various (Narrator)

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The Secret Agent

"Its genesis a real attack on the Greenwich Observatory in 1894, Conrad’s novel offers an ironic meditation not only on anarchy and revolution, with all the deception and intrigue they imply, but also on loyalty – to friends and family, to country and ideals. ‘They swarmed numerous like locusts, industrious like ants, thoughtless like a natural force, pushing on blind and orderly and absorbed, impervious to sentiment, to logic – to terror, too, perhaps.’ Considered one of Conrad’s most political works, The Secret Agent is set against the dismal backdrop of a drab and alienating London, and tells the story of the bombing of Greenwich Observatory by a group of anarchists. Shopkeeper, spy and reluctant anarchist Mr Verloc becomes embroiled in this terrorist plot, exploiting his mentally disabled brother-in-law Stevie in the process, leading to tragic circumstances."

Joseph Conrad (Author), Joss Ackland (Narrator)

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Heart of Darkness

"‘The reaches opened before us and closed behind, as if the forest had stepped leisurely across the water to bar the way for our return. We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness.’ At the peak of European Imperialism, steamboat captain Charles Marlow travels deep into the African Congo on his way to relieve the elusive Mr Kurtz, an ivory trader renowned for his fearsome reputation. On his journey into the unknown Marlow takes a terrifying trip into his own subconscious, overwhelmed by his menacing, perilous and horrifying surroundings. The landscape and the people he meets force him to reflect on human nature and society, and in turn Conrad writes revealingly about the dangers of imperialism."

Joseph Conrad (Author), Joss Ackland (Narrator)

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Nostromo

"Nostromo is the only man capable of the decisive action needed to save the silver of the San Tome mine and secure independence for Sulaco, Occidental province of the Latin American state of Costaguana. Is his integrity as unassailable as everyone believes, or will his ideals, like those which have inspired the struggling state itself, buckle under economic and political pressures? Nostromo is an extraordinary illustration of the impact of foreign commercial exploits on a young developing nation, and the problems of reconciling individual identity with a social role. Conrad peoples his imaginary Latin American state with a multi-national cast of fully-rounded characters to achieve striking realism and create a novel that he called ‘my largest canvas’."

Joseph Conrad (Author), Joss Ackland (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Joss Ackland