Audiobooks narrated by Jude Akuwudike

Bernardine Evaristo: A BBC Radio Collection: Including original writing for radio, plus full-cast ad

"Full-cast dramatisations and original plays and stories from the award-winning author. Bernardine Evaristo won the Booker Prize 2019 with her novel, Girl, Woman, Other and the one-off Women's Prize Outstanding Contribution Award in 2025. The author of ten books, her 2013 novel Mr Loverman was adapted into a BBC 1 drama series in 2024, winning two BAFTAS. She has received over 90 awards and honours and is Professor of Creative Writing at Brunel University of London. Featured here are some of her most innovative works, as well as an illuminating documentary about her life and career. The Emperor’s Babe – Set in AD 211, this drama adaptation of Evaristo’s 2001 verse novel, follows Zuleika, of Nubian heritage, who grows up wild and adventurous in Roman London and has a dangerous affair with the Roman emperor, Septimius Severus. Hello Mum – Fourteen-year-old Jerome grows up on a rough housing estate and makes a mistake that has disastrous consequences. Now he needs his mother to understand why - and what the world looks like through his eyes. A powerfully moving tale adapted from Evaristo’s 2010 novella. Madam Bitterfly and the Stockwell Diva - Feisty South Londoner, Charmayne, is determined to make it big in Hollywood – no matter what it takes…A wickedly comical take on the hierarchy of colour, told in verse. Medea – Mapping the Edge – Three writers: Amanda Dalton, Alison Fell and Evaristo, wrote three versions of the Medea myth featuring characters from Greece, Yemen and Yorkshire, which were integrated into a stunning and unique single drama. Originally staged as a promenade theatre production by Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, with WilsonWilson Company. Dalton adapted it for radio. On Top of the World – A woman's feelings of alienation and isolation lead her to the frozen landscape of the beautiful Arctic. London Choral Celestial Jazz – Bernardine Evaristo reads her own experimental verse short story, inspired by Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood, and featuring four very different Black women who navigate the high-octane, adrenaline-charged streets of contemporary London. Profile: Bernardine Evaristo – Bernardine Evaristo is the subject of this radio documentary about her life. Original Text copyright © Bernardine Evaristo 2001 (The Emperor’s Babe), 2003 (Madam Bitterfly and the Stockwell Diva), 2005 (On Top of the World), 2010 (Hello Mum), 2014 (London Choral Celestial Jazz), 2003 (Medea – Mapping the Edge) text copyright © Amanda Dalton, Alison Fell and Bernardine Evaristo. Content Warning: contains strong language and deals with themes of racism Cast and credits Written by Bernardine Evaristo The Emperor’s Babe Zuleika – Michelle Asante Felix – Paul Chahidi Alba – Alex Tregear Valeria – Hannah Wood Tranio – Rick Warden Severus – Terence Anderson Adapted by Jonathan Holloway Hello Mum Kimisi – Nadine Marshall Keith – Jude Akuwudike Dexter – Alex Lanipekun Madam Bitterfly and the Stockwell Diva Charmayne – Petra Letang Sonia – Sharon Duncan-Brewster Hortense – Dona Croll Rhona – Stephanie Turner Keisha – Clare Perkins Principal – Martin Hyder Medea – Mapping the Edge Mildred – June Broughton Young Mildred – Tassia Messimeris Jamal – Sushil Chudasama Gerald – Martin Pirongs Nadia – Sara Powell Jason – Danny Seward Maddy – Lexi Strauss Texan – Deka Walmsley Narrator – David Fleeshman On Top of the World Read by Adjoa Andoh London Choral Celestial Jazz Read by Bernardine Evaristo Profile: Bernardine Evaristo Presented by Mark Coles About Bernardine Evaristo © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Bernadine Evaristo (Author), Adjoa Andoh, Bernardine Evaristo, Full Cast, Jude Akuwudike, June Broughton, Lexi Strauss, Michelle Asante, Paul Chahidi, Petra Letan, Rick Warden, Sara Powell, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Tassia Messimeris (Narrator)

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Sophocles’ Greek Tragedies: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Oedipus, Antigone, Electra and more

"A collection of full-cast dramatisations of Sophocles’ finest Greek tragedies One of the three great tragic playwrights of ancient Greece, Sophocles wrote over 120 plays during his 60-year career, though only seven survive today. The most famous of these are the Theban Plays, all three of which are included in this collection alongside adaptations of Electra and Philoctetes, brought to life by celebrated writers, poets, and playwrights. The Thebans – Translated and dramatised by acclaimed playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker, this epic cycle follows the fortunes of Oedipus and his daughter Antigone, in three thrilling dramas of bloody acts, family feuds, justice, power and fate. Oedipus Tyrannos sees the King of Thebes setting out to discover the murderer of the former King, Laius – but his investigations lead him to a devastating conclusion. In Oedipus at Kolonus, the blind, elderly Oedipus, exiled from Thebes, arrives at his journey’s end in Kolonus to face his fate. Will he finally be absolved by the gods and find redemption? And in Antigone, King Kreon, the new ruler of Thebes, threatens death to anyone who buries the body of Antigone’s traitorous brother. But for Antigone, her family’s honour means more than life itself... The Cure at Troy – Adapted by Nobel Prize–winning poet Seamus Heaney, this powerful version of Sophocles’ Philoctetes tells the story of the wounded hero, abandoned for ten years on an uninhabited island. Embittered and conflicted, Philoctetes is forced to choose between his need for vengeance and acceptance of his destiny. Electra – Grief-stricken after the murder of her father Agamemnon, Electra is consumed by a desire for revenge. When her brother, Orestes, returns, Electra's fury explodes without mercy, leading to a bloody and terrifying conclusion. This classic tale of power and revenge was adapted by award-winning playwright Frank McGuinness, and features music by PJ Harvey. With star casts including Fiona Shaw, Kenneth Cranham, Brendan Gleeson, Jude Akuwudike, Kristin Scott Thomas, Stephen Rea and Diana Quick, these gripping dramas share Sophocles’ complex tales of love, honour and betrayal for a modern-day audience, enabling us to see these ancient Greek tragedies through fresh eyes. Cast and Credits The Thebans John Lynch, Fiona Shaw, Michael Feast, Kenneth Cranham, Nadine Marshall, Vinette Robinson, Jude Akuwudike, William Ash, Adrian Bower, Russell Dixon, Brigit Forsyth, Deborah McAndrew, James Nickerson, Sarah Parks, Stuart Richman, and Declan Wilson Translated and adapted by Timberlake Wertenbaker Produced and directed by Nadia Molinari Singer/Oboist: Belinda Sykes Percussionist: Martin Allen First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 10 Dec 2006 The Cure at Troy Stephen Rea, Brendan Gleeson, Ian McElhinney, Anna Healy, Lalor Roddy, John Hewitt Adapted by Seamus Heaney Directed by Pam Brighton Music: Donal Lunny First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 1 Sep 1991 Electra Peter Wight, Jack Lowden, Kristin Scott Thomas, Julia Dearden, Golda Rosheuvel, Thalissa Teixeia, Liz White, Diana Quick, Tyrone Huggins Adapted by Frank McGuinness Directed by Ian Rickson Produced by Nadia Molinari Co-produced by The Old Vic and Sonia Friedman Productions Music composed by PJ Harvey First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 8 Mar 2015 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Sophocles (Author), Brendan Gleeson, Diana Quick, Fiona Shaw, Full Cast, Jack Lowden, John Lynch, Jude Akuwudike, Kenneth Cranham, Kristin Scott-Thomas, Michael Feast, Nadine Marshall, Russell Dixon, Stephen Rea, Vinette Robinson, William Ash (Narrator)

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Rex Obano: Five BBC Radio Full-Cast Dramas: Lover’s Rock, The Moors of England and more

"A selection of contemporary dramas from leading Black playwright Rex Obano - plus bonus programme Rex Obano has written for the stage, television, radio and film. His plays have twice been shortlisted for the Alfred Fagon Award and he received the Roland Rees Bursary in 2018. He is part of the writing team for the BBC Radio series Faith, Hope and Glory and his TV credits include Shakespeare & Hathaway. Included here are five of his acclaimed dramas, as well as a fascinating discussion programme, Black Tudors. Lover's Rock - 1981. Politicised by the legacy of the New Cross Fire, in which 13 people died, young Black pacifist Ben turns to activism. Alongside Monroe, an aspiring producer of 'Lover's Rock' reggae, he finds himself at the sharp end of the Brixton Riots... Kobna Holdbrook-Smith stars as Ben, with Tobi Bakare as Monroe. City College - When a university professor of Black history makes a controversial statement suggesting slavery never happened, a maelstrom ensues. Threatened with reprisals, he is forced to confront his hidden past. Rex Obano's compelling drama about free speech stars Cyril Nri and Pippa Nixon. As Innocent As You Can Get - Nathaniel and Tunde depend on each other - one guilty outside prison the other innocent within, one a prison psychologist, the other a prisoner convicted under 'joint enterprise'. Freddie Fox and Paapa Essiedu star in this powerful urban drama, told in iambic pentameter rhyming couplets. Burned to Nothing - Matthew has returned to his birthplace in Nigeria, to find his missing teenage son. But the police are also searching for Keith, who has become caught up in the politics of a turbulent land - a land he has fallen in love with. This gripping thriller stars Lucian Msamati, Jude Akuwudike, Lorraine Burroughs and David Ajala. The Moors of England - It is the 16th Century, and Sir Robert Cecil is writing a proclamation to expel 'blackamoors' from England. So Cecil's servant Fortunatus, a Black Muslim refugee, takes drastic action to change the course of history... Ray Fearon and John Heffernan star in this captivating drama about ambition and anarchy, introduced by historian and author Miranda Kaufmann. Black Tudors - Rex Obano and Miranda Kaufmann discuss the history behind The Moors of England, exploring the genesis of the play and the real-life experiences of Black migrants in Elizabethan England. Cast and credits Written by Rex Obano Lover's Rock Directed by David Hunter. First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 11 November 2012 City College Directed by Femi Elufowoju, jr. Rex Obano would like to dedicate City College to the actor Seun Shote, who died in 2021. First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 10 October 2021 As Innocent As You Can Get Directed by David Hunter. First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 7 February 2016 Burned to Nothing Directed by Femi Elufowoju, jr. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 January 2011 The Moors of England Directed by David Hunter. First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 4 November 2018 Black Tudors With Rex Obano and Dr Miranda Kaufmann First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 4 November 2018 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Rex Obano (Author), Cyril Nri, Freddie Fox, Full Cast, John Heffernan, Jude Akuwudike, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Lucian Msamati, Paapa Essiedu, Pippa Nixon, Ray Fearon, Tobi Bakare (Narrator)

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The Duchess of Malfi & The White Devil: 2 BBC Radio 4 full-cast productions

"A BBC radio full-cast drama collection of John Webster's twin masterpieces, plus two documentaries examining their importance and enduring popularity One of the great Jacobean playwrights and a contemporary of William Shakespeare, John Webster is best known for his classic revenge tragedies based on real events in Renaissance Italy, The Duchess of Malfi and The White Devil. Both are included here, along with two insightful programmes putting the plays in their historical context, and probing the life of their mysterious author - a shadowy character about whom very little is known. The Duchess of Malfi - When the young, widowed Duchess dares to defy her brothers and marry again, the corrupt duo begin a chilling campaign to destroy her... Intercut with the music of Jimi Hendrix and Laura Marling, this visceral production moves from gentle romanticism to darkest cruelty. Introduced by Professor Emma Smith from Hertford College, Oxford, and starring Pippa Nixon as the Duchess of Malfi. The White Devil - Set in a murky 1950s underworld of shifting alliances, betrayals and sudden violence, this radical reinterpretation of Webster's bloodthirsty tragedy tells the story of Brachiano, who falls violently in love with the married Vittoria Corombona. Desperate to possess her, he arranges the murder of her husband and his wife - but in doing so, he makes a deadly enemy... Shaun Dingwall stars as Brachiano, with Anna Maxwell Martin as Vittoria. Role Play - Michael Billington talks to acclaimed actresses Eleanor Bron and Juliet Stevenson about The Duchess of Malfi and its relevance today, and discuss their experiences playing the lead role. The Skull Beneath the Skin - Elizabethan scholar and biographer Muriel Bradbrook delves into Webster's life and plays, exploring how his childhood and family background informed his writing. Cast and credits Written by John Webster The Duchess of Malfi The Duchess of Malfi - Pippa Nixon Bosola - Shaun Dooley Antonio - Sandy Grierson Ferdinand - Alexander Cobb Cardinal - Jonathan Keeble Delio/Pilgrim - Kevin Harvey Cariola/Julia - Jenny Platt Silvio/Pilgrim - Rupert Hill Doctor - Lloyd Hutchinson Abridged and adapted by Pauline Harris and Emma Smith Directed by Pauline Harris Original songs arranged and composed by Jules Maxwell and sung by Shaun Dooley and Jules Maxwell Introduction by Professor Emma Smith from Hertford College, Oxford First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 11 July 2021 The White Devil Flamineo - Patrick Kennedy Vittoria - Anna Maxwell Martin Brachiano - Shaun Dingwall Francisco - Peter Wight Monticelso - Sean Baker Ludovico - Harry Myers Isabella - Christine Kavanagh Gasparo - David Seddon Camillo - Sam Dale Cornelia - Frances de la Tour Marcello - Michael Shelford Giovanni - Lloyd Thomas Hortensio - Tony Bell Zanche - Pippa Bennett Warner Dr Julio - Jude Akuwudike Adapted and directed by Marc Beeby First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 15 August 2010 Role Play Presented by Michael Billington With Eleanor Bron and Juliet Stevenson Produced by Fiona McLean First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 16 July 1997 The Skull Beneath the Skin Presented by Muriel Bradbrook First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 29 October 1980 ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

John Webster (Author), Anna Maxwell-Martin, Frances De La Tour, Full Cast, Jude Akuwudike, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Pippa Nixon, Shaun Dingwall, Shaun Dooley (Narrator)

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Noughts & Crosses: A BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation

"A thrilling adaptation of Malorie Blackman's bestselling novel about young love in a dystopian world Callum and Sephy have known each other since they were babies. His Mum used to work for hers as housekeeper, and they played together and became best friends. Then Callum's mother lost her job, and they had to start meeting in secret. Because Callum is a Nought - a second class citizen - and Sephy a Cross, one of the elite. And Noughts and Crosses can't mix... In this segregated society, Noughts are nonentities - discriminated against, denigrated, denied decent education. But now Callum's passed the entrance exams and been allowed into Sephy's posh school. Surely this is his first step to a better life, one where he and Sephy can be together? Only it doesn't work out that way. Instead of acceptance, the couple face opposition, intimidation and violence. They know they're made for each other - but the world keeps tearing them apart. And soon bigger things will prevail. Like the bombing... Malorie Blackman's groundbreaking book has won a host of awards and become a modern classic, with themes of racism and prejudice that still resonate today. This powerful, hard-hitting dramatisation was written by award-winning playwright Janice Okoh, and stars Zawe Ashton as Sephy, with Rikki Lawton as Callum. Also included is a bonus episode of Word of Mouth, in which Malorie Blackman talks to Michael Rosen about her lifelong love of reading, the writing that has shaped her, and how she's used language in her own influential work. Cast Sephy - Zawe Ashton Callum - Rikki Lawton Meggie/Jasmine - Adjoa Andoh Ryan/Andrew Dorn - Carl Prekopp Jude - Alex Lanipekun Lynette/Sarah - Tracy Wiles Kamal - Jude Akuwudike Kelani Adams - Nikki Amuka Bird Mr Pingule - Israel Oyelumade Mr Stoll/Judge - Richard Pepple Soanes/Sgt Collins - Gerard McDermott Shania - Victoria Inez Hardy Adapted by Janice Okoh Director/Producer Marion Nancarrow First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 25 February 2012 (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Malorie Blackman (Author), Adjoa Andoh, Alex Lanipekun, Carl Prekopp, Full Cast, Jude Akuwudike, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Rikki Lawton, Tracy Wiles, Zawe Ashton (Narrator)

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My Haunted Expression: A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

"An offbeat 21st Century urban love story starring Rosie Cavaliero and John Dougall, originally broadcast as BBC Radio 4's 'Afternoon Play' on 12 January 2011. It's a difficult time for Sue, her mother has just died and the kids have moved out. She has a vision of leaving their tough housing estate behind and starting a new life by the sea but husband Finn earns little and won't borrow... Finn is a rock in this sensitive tale of love, loyalty and dreams. 'My Haunted Expression' stars Rosie Cavaliero as Sue and John Dougall as Finn. Also featured amongst the cast are Sally Orrock, Tony Bell, Daniel Cooper, Deeivya Meir and Jude Akuwudike. Written by Helen Clohessy and directed by David Hunter."

Helen Clohessy (Author), Daniel Cooper, Deeivya Meir, John Dougall, Jude Akuwudike, Sally Orrock, Tony Bell (Narrator)

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Can You Tell Me The Name Of The Prime Minister?: A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

"A BBC Radio 4 science-fiction mystery by Martin Jameson, originally broadcast as the ‘Afternoon Play’ on 14 May 2010. A week after the election, Liz de Souza, a psychiatrist, examines a patient at a secure government research facility who's convinced that Tony Blair is still Prime Minister. Starring Amita Dhiri as Liz de Souza and Suzanna Hamilton as Sarah de Souza. Also included in the cast are Jude Akuwudike, Tony Bell, David Seddon and Christine Kavanagh. Directed by Jeremy Mortimer."

Martin Jameson (Author), Amita Dhiri, Christine Kavanagh, David Seddon, Jude Akuwudike, Suzanna Hamilton, Tony Bell (Narrator)

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The Big Sleep

"Fast-talking, trouble-seeking private eye Philip Marlowe is a different kind of detective: a moral man in an amoral world. California in the ’40s and ’50s is as beautiful as a ripe fruit and rotten to the core, and Marlowe must struggle to retain his integrity amidst the corruption he encounters daily. The Big Sleep finds the world-weary, wisecracking investigator consulted by a wealthy family man with two big problems: his children. Carmen Sternwood has got herself mixed up with a blackmailer, while Vivian has managed to mislay her husband, ex-bootlegger Rusty Regan. Old, ailing General Sternwood hires Marlowe to take care of things - but it’s not too long before the bodies start piling up, and Marlowe finds himself knee-deep in trouble... Starring Toby Stephens, this landmark dramatisation retains all the suspense and excitement of Chandler’s complex and compelling novel."

Raymond Chandler (Author), Barbara Barnes, Henry Devas, Ian Batchelor, Jude Akuwudike, Kelly Burke, Leah Brotherhood, Madeline Potter, Sam Dale, Sean Baker, Toby Stephens (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Jude Akuwudike