Audiobooks narrated by Judi Dench

Zorba the Greek & The Last Temptation: Two BBC Radio Full-Cast Dramatisations

"Nikos Kazantzakis’ two most popular novels, adapted for BBC Radio Nikos Kazantzakis is widely regarded as the greatest Greek writer and philosopher of the 20th century. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature 14 times, and his works have been translated into over 50 languages. Included here are dramatisations of his two most famous and influential novels, both of which were adapted as hit films and became cultural phenomena. Zorba the Greek – When writer Nikos meets the irrepressible Zorba, his life is transformed. A grizzled, gregarious Greek hero, Zorba embraces every experience and adventure that life has to offer. As he befriends the young, intellectual Nikos, he introduces him to the real meaning of a life well lived… A moving coming-of-age tale and a classic story of heart vs head, this atmospheric adaptation stars Robert Stephens, Michael Maloney and Mary Wimbush. The Last Temptation – Starring John Hurt and Dame Judi Dench, this 1973 archive drama is based on Kazantzakis' controversial 1955 novel, banned by the Vatican but hailed by critics as a masterpiece. A powerful, passionate account of the days preceding Christ’s death, it explores his humanity, his divinity and the roles of Mary Magdalene and Judas Iscariot in fulfilling his destiny. Zorba the Greek © Nikos Kazantzakis 1952, © Helen Kazantzakis 1958 The Last Temptation © 1961 Helen N Kazantzakis Production credits Written by Nikos Kazantzakis Zorba the Greek Zorba – Robert Stephens Nikos – Michael Maloney Hortense – Mary Wimbush Mavrondoni – Terry Molloy Mimiko – Dominic Taylor Anagnosti/Zacharias – Roger Hume Andonis – Peter Meakin Mad Woman/Mourner – Hedli Niklaus Villa Girl/Girl – Judy Bennett Zacharias – Roger Hume Father Demetrios – Paul Webster Widow – Marian Kemmer Dramatised by Nick McCarty Produced by Phillip Martin First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12-19 December 1993 The Last Temptation Narrator – Gabriel Woolf Rabbi Simeon – John Ruddock Jesus – John Hurt Mary – Diana Bishop Centurion – Vernon Joyner Judas – David Buck Peter – Walter Hall Mary Magdalene – Judi Dench Barabbas – John Rowe Guestmaster – Timothy Bateson Saul – Peter Williams Melchizadek – Rolf Lefebvre Simon of Cyrene/Monk – William Sleigh Abbot – Clive Swift Andrew – Peter Craze Zebedee/Man in the crowd – Brian Haines The Baptist/Man in the crowd – Haydn Jones The Tempter – Heron Carvic Women in the crowd – Julie Hallam & Betty Huntley-Wright Man in the crowd – David Timson Translated and adapted by Andreas Stavrou and Hallam Tennyson Music specially composed by Elizabeth Poston and conducted by Peter Marchbank Additional singers: Veronica Lucas, Colin Appleton, Richard Bourne, Sandra Clark, Hilda Schroder, William Eedle, Fraser Kerr, David Sinclair Produced by Richard Wortley First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16-23 September 1973 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Nikos Kazanthzakis (Author), Clive Swift, David Buck, Full Cast, John Hurt, Judi Dench, Mary Wimbush, Michael Maloney, Robert Stephens (Narrator)

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Amadeus, Equus & more: Four Full-Cast BBC Radio Productions

"Peter Shaffer’s three most renowned plays, plus a radio monologue performed by Dame Judi Dench Sir Peter Shaffer was one of the most distinguished and successful British playwrights of his generation. He won the Tony Award for both Amadeus and Equus, and the film adaptation of Amadeus garnered eight Oscars. In 1997, he was awarded an OBE, and he was knighted in the 2001 New Year honours list. This collection contains his best-known plays and a monologue specially written for radio, first broadcast in 1989. Amadeus – Antonio Salieri is 18th-century Vienna’s favourite composer – until a brilliant young upstart, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, appears on the scene and takes his crown. Consumed by jealousy, Salieri plots his rival’s downfall… Directed by Sir Peter Hall, this sensational drama is performed by the cast of the original National Theatre production, including Paul Scofield, Simon Callow and Felicity Kendal. Equus – When psychiatrist Martin Dysart is asked by the local magistrate to treat a disturbed 17-year-old boy who has blinded six horses, he soon finds himself in the midst of a nightmare. Starring Peter Barkworth and Ian Sharrock. The Royal Hunt of the Sun – In 1532, Francisco Pizarro and his 167 soldiers captured the last Inca Emperor, Atahuallpa. This gripping drama, starring Gerald Murphy and Norman Rodway, tells the story of the conquest of Peru, and the power struggle and fatal friendship between the Spanish conquistador and the Sun-God King. ‘Whom Do I Have the Honour of Addressing?’ – Alone in her Clapham flat, Angela Parsons dictates a potentially explosive memoir onto her cassette recorder. It is an account of her life, death and a shocking scandal involving Hollywood’s most beloved film star… With Dame Judi Dench as Angela Parsons. Text copyright © Peter Shaffer 1964 (The Royal Hunt of the Sun), 1973 (Equus), 1979 (Amadeus), 1989 (‘Whom Do I Have the Honour of Addressing?’) Cast and credits Written by Peter Shaffer Amadeus Antonio Salieri – Paul Scofield Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Simon Callow Constanze Mozart – Felicity Kendal Joseph II – John Normington Gottfried, Baron van Sweiten – Nicholas Selby Count Franz Orsini Rosenberg – Willoughby Goddard Johann Kilian von Strack – Basil Henson Venticelli – Donald Gee/Dermot Crowley Citizens of Vienna – Nigel Bellairs, Susan Gilmore, Peggy Marshall, Robin Meredith, Anne Sedgwick, William Sleigh, Glenn Williams Equus Martin Dysart – Peter Barkworth Alan Strang – Ian Sharrock Heather Salomon – Jennifer Piercey Frank Strang – Malcolm Hayes Dora Strang – Jane Wenham Jill Mason – Jenny Twigge Harry Dalton – Ronald Herdman Young Horseman – Philip Sully Nurse – Jan Carey Other voices – Richard Gibson, Nigel Greaves, David Parfitt, Jonathan Scott The Royal Hunt of the Sun King Atahualpa – Gerald Murphy Pizarro – Norman Rodway Old Martin – Bob Peck Hernando de Soto – Edward de Souza Diego de Trujillo – Gordon Reid Young Martin – Matthew Sim Pedro de Candia – Keith Drinkel Fray Vincente de Valverde – Nigel Anthony Felipillo – David Holt Domingo – Nicholas Mercie Challcuchima – John Fleming Miguel Estete – Martyn Reid Salinas – Peter Gunn Rodas – John Webb Other parts played by members of the cast ‘Whom Do I Have the Honour of Addressing?’ Angela Parsons – Dame Judi Dench © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Peter Shaffer (Author), Bob Peck, Felicity Kendal, Full Cast, Gerald Murphy, Judi Dench, Norman Rodway, Paul Scofield, Peter Wynn Barkworth, Simon Callow (Narrator)

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The Graham Greene BBC Radio Drama Collection: The Early Years: Eight full-cast productions including

"Alan Bennett, Claire Skinner, Charles Dance and Judi Dench are among the star casts of these superlative BBC Radio productions Graham Greene was the 20th century’s master of plot, an expert chronicler of Catholic guilt, Cold War intrigue, conflict and crime. A prolific polymath, his work incorporated serious novels, thrillers, short stories, screenplays, stage plays and more. This wide-ranging box set includes the finest examples of his early work, written between 1932 and 1948, and contains over 15 hours of unmissable drama. It includes captivating adaptations of his classic novels Stamboul Train, Brighton Rock, The Confidential Agent, The Power and the Glory, The Ministry of Fear and The Heart of the Matter, performed by an array of A-list actors including Joseph Millson, Claire Skinner, Kenneth Cranham, Stephen Rea, Charles Dance, Harriet Walter and Tom Hollander. Also featured are Greene’s only original radio play, The Great Jowett, starring Alan Bennett as the titular Oxford don, and an adaptation of his BAFTA-nominated screenplay The Fallen Idol, starring acclaimed classical actor Richard Pasco and a young Judi Dench. Concluding this definitive collection are two bonus pieces. Great Lives: Graham Greene sees war reporter Tim Butcher and presenter Matthew Parris exploring the strange world of Graham Greene, and in a fascinating 1971 interview from Radio 4’s Now Read On, the author himself discusses his novels with Magnus Magnusson – and reveals which book he considers to be his best... Contents Stamboul Train Brighton Rock The Great Jowett The Confidential Agent The Power and the Glory The Ministry of Fear The Heart of the Matter The Fallen Idol Great Lives: Graham Greene Now Read On Text copyright © 1932 (Stamboul Train), 1938 (Brighton Rock), 1939 (The Great Jowett, The Confidential Agent), 1940 (The Power and the Glory), 1943 (The Ministry of Fear), 1948 (The Heart of the Matter, The Fallen Idol) With thanks to Keith Wickham of the Radio Circle for supplying several of the audio recordings. © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Graham Greene (Author), Alan Bennett, Charles Dance, Claire Skinner, Full Cast, Harriet Walter, Joseph Millson, Judi Dench, Kenneth Cranham, Richard Pasco, Stephen Rea, Tom Hollander (Narrator)

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The Susan Hill BBC Radio Drama Collection: 14 Full-Cast Dramas

"An extensive collection of full-cast dramatisations and long-lost original radio plays by Dame Susan Hill Award-winning author Dame Susan Hill is best known for her hit ghost story The Woman in Black and her popular ‘Simon Serailler’ detective series, but she has also written extensively for radio. This audio anthology includes full-cast adaptations of two of her early novels, plus an additional 12 BBC Radio plays, many of them available for the very first time since their original broadcasts. Gentlemen and Ladies tells of the friendship and loneliness of a family living in a small Midland village, while Strange Meeting explores the relationship between two young subalterns in the First World War. These moving dramatisations star Patricia Hayes, Stephanie Cole, Martin Jarvis and David Timson. Themes of interdependence and isolation run through all Hill’s radio plays, which she describes as dealing with ‘human beings in confrontation’. In Taking Leave, a nephew visits the family he barely knows; in Lizard in the Grass, an orphan living in a clifftop convent is persecuted by one of the nuns, in The Cold Country, tempers fray when four explorers become snowbound in Antarctica and in Consider the Lilies, an ageing bachelor who sees angels finds himself drawn to a dying girl. Richard Hurndall, Helen Worth, Terry Scully, John Rollason and Tony Britton are among the star casts. A Window on the World focuses on students Nell (Patricia Gallimore) and Jess (Julie Hallam), who are mere observers of life – until one of them acts to alter the situation. Strip Jack Naked finds sick recluse James (Ian Richardson) shaken out of his austere existence by a visit from his estranged wife, but in The Sound that Time Makes, wife and mother Fay (Patricia Gallimore) is obsessively haunted by her schooldays. And with her wedding approaching, Helena (Carole Hayman) struggles to let go of her childhood in Here Comes the Bride. Chances features two interlinked monologues, read by Dames Judi Dench and Peggy Ashcroft, in which an Irish maid at a seaside hotel ponders her life, and a guest remembers better days and higher standards. A dying Frenchwoman summons her estranged daughter in Out in the Cold, starring Pauline Letts and Fiona Walker. Finally, Winter and Autumn focus on two couples, one elderly and resident in an old folks’ home, the other middle-aged and attempting to escape the past by moving house. Doreen Mantle, Cyril Luckham, June Brown and Bernard Hepton star as the spouses searching for meaning and connection. Copyright © Susan Hill 1968 (Gentlemen and Ladies), 1971 (Strange Meeting, Taking Leave, Lizard in the Grass), 1972 (The Cold Country), 1973 (Consider the Lilies), 1975 (A Window on the World, Strip Jack Naked), 1980 (The Sound that Time Makes, Here Comes the Bride), 1981 (Chances), 1982 (Out in the Cold), 1985 (Winter), 1986 (Autumn) Contents: Gentlemen and Ladies Strange Meeting Taking Leave Lizard in the Grass The Cold Country Consider the Lilies A Window on the World Strip Jack Naked The Sound that Time Makes Here Comes the Bride Chances Out in the Cold Winter Autumn Copyright © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Susan Hill (Author), David Timson, Full Cast, Ian Richardson, Judi Dench, June Brown, Martin Jarvis, Patricia Gallimore, Patricia Hayes, Peggy Ashcroft, Sian Philips, Stephanie Cole (Narrator)

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Sir Lenny Henry’s Journey to Othello: A BBC Radio Collection

"Three BBC Radio programmes charting Sir Lenny Henry’s transformation from comic actor to tragic hero – including the complete full-cast production of Shakespeare’s Othello Lenny Henry used to hate Shakespeare. For over 35 years he avoided anything to do with the Bard – until, in 2006, he decided to find out just what the rest of the world saw in him. In this enthralling collection, we hear how Lenny’s late-flowering passion for the legendary playwright’s works set him on the path that led to his sell-out stage debut as Othello. Bringing together this behind-the-scenes journey with the final result, this collection culminates in Lenny’s standout performance in a dynamic full-cast radio production of Othello. Lenny and Will sees him going ‘in search of the magic of Shakespeare in performance’, starting at the recreated Globe Theatre. Talking to leading actors and directors including Adrian Lester, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Peter Hall, Trevor Nunn, Dominic Dromgoole and Patsy Rodenburg, he wonders why we put Shakespeare on a pedestal, and confesses to a newfound enthusiasm for his classic dramas. And, after reciting Othello’s last speech to Northern Broadside’s Barrie Rutter, he begins to wonder if he could take on the role for real... Lenny Henry Plays Othello takes up the story where Lenny and Will left off, continuing Lenny’s personal odyssey. Having been offered the chance of a lifetime by Barrie Rutter, he sets out on a long road of preparation. Listening to his audio diary, we hear his hopes and fears – and eavesdrop on everything from coaching sessions to boot fittings. From first rehearsals to curtain up, we follow his remarkable metamorphosis into Shakespeare’s betrayed Moorish general. Finally, in Lenny Henry in Othello, we hear Lenny’s acclaimed performance as the noble African commander whose mind is poisoned by the hate-filled Iago: a stunning achievement that won him the Evening Standard’s Outstanding Newcomer Award. Featuring the cast of the acclaimed West End production and with original music from Conrad Nelson, who also plays Iago, this mesmerising tale of love, jealousy, racism and desire will grip you from start to tragic finish. Cast and credits Lenny and Will Presented by Lenny Henry Produced by Simon Elmes With Adrian Lester, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Peter Hall, Trevor Nunn, Barrie Rutter, Dominic Dromgoole and Patsy Rodenburg First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 25 Mar 2006 and 23 Dec 2006 Lenny Henry Plays Othello Produced by Simon Elmes First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 Feb 2009 Lenny Henry in Othello Iago – Conrad Nelson Roderigo – Matt Connor Brabantio – Geoff Leesley Othello – Lenny Henry Cassio – Richard Standing Duke/Gratiano – David Beckford Senator/Lodovico – Simon Holland Roberts Desdemona – Jessica Harris Montano – Andy Cryer Emilia – Sara Poyzer Herald/Gentleman – Chris Pearse Bianca – Victoria Gee Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Barrie Rutter Produced by David Hunter Music arranged by Conrad Nelson and performed by the cast Original stage production created by Northern Broadsides and West Yorkshire Playhouse and staged in London by Sonia Friedman Productions First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 Feb 2010 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Lenny Henry, William Shakespeare (Author), Adrian Lester, Barry Rutter, Conrad Nelson, Dominic Dromgoole, Full Cast, Judi Dench, Lenny Henry, Lolita Chakrabarti, Patsy Rodenburg, Peter Hall, Trevor Nunn (Narrator)

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Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays The Rent

"Brought to you by Penguin. Discover the work of the greatest writer in the English language as you've never encountered it before by pre-ordering internationally renowned actor Dame Judi Dench's SHAKESPEARE: The Man Who Pays The Rent - a witty, insightful journey through the plays and tales of our beloved Shakespeare 'A MAGICAL LOVE LETTER TO SHAKESPEARE' Sir Kenneth Branagh Read by Barbara Flynn (Open All Hours, The Durrels) and the book’s co-author Brendan O’Hea. Also featuring a warm and witty exclusive bonus conversation between Dame Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea about the making of the book. Taking a curtain call with a live snake in her wig... Cavorting naked through the Warwickshire countryside painted green... Acting opposite a child with a pumpkin on his head... These are just a few of the things Dame Judi Dench has done in the name of Shakespeare. For the very first time, Judi opens up about every Shakespearean role she has played throughout her seven-decade career, from Lady Macbeth and Titania to Ophelia and Cleopatra. In a series of intimate conversations with actor & director Brendan O'Hea, she guides us through Shakespeare's plays with incisive clarity, revealing the secrets of her rehearsal process and inviting us to share in her triumphs, disasters, and backstage shenanigans. Interspersed with vignettes on audiences, critics, company spirit and rehearsal room etiquette, she serves up priceless revelations on everything from the craft of speaking in verse to her personal interpretations of some of Shakespeare's most famous scenes, all brightened by her mischievous sense of humour, striking level of honesty and a peppering of hilarious anecdotes, many of which have remained under lock and key until now. Instructive and witty, provocative and inspiring, this is ultimately Judi's love letter to Shakespeare, or rather, The Man Who Pays The Rent. ©2023 Judi Dench (P)2023 Penguin Audio"

Judi Dench (Author), Barbara Flynn, Brendan O’hea, Judi Dench (Narrator)

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Sherlock Holmes: The Complete BBC Collection: 60 Full-Cast Dramatisations

"Fully-dramatised adaptations of all 60 Sherlock Holmes stories, brought to life with a full cast of actors, sound effects and music 'A remarkable undertaking... applauding them, and particularly Clive Merrison's Holmes, made my hands sore' The Times Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his dear friend Dr Watson are among the most enduringly popular fictional characters ever created. Their adventures have been dramatised countless times on radio, TV and film, but until BBC Radio 4 took on the challenge in 1989, no-one had ever attempted to adapt all sixty stories. Beginning with A Study in Scarlet and concluding with The Hound of the Baskervilles, their epic project took over 8 years to complete - and this landmark collection contains the extraordinary result of their labours. Here is the world's first ever fully-dramatised Sherlock Holmes canon: 56 short stories and 4 novels, all made by the same team of directors, producers, dramatists and leading actors, and packed with the high production qualities of a film or TV drama that set it apart. Starring one of radio's great double acts, Clive Merrison and Michael Williams, as Holmes and Watson, and with guest stars including Brian Blessed, Judi Dench, Maurice Denham, Andrew Sachs, Peter Davison, Robert Glenister and Harriet Walter, this definitive collection contains over 48 hours of enthralling listening. Also included is a bonus interview with Adrian Conan Doyle about his father, Sir Arthur, and some fascinating behind-the-scenes revelations from the series' head writer, Bert Coules, about the making of the radio adaptations. Cast Sherlock Holmes - Clive Merrison Dr John Watson - Michael Williams Mrs Hudson - Anna Cropper/Mary Allen/Joan Matheson/Judi Dench/ Inspector Gregson - John Moffatt Inspector Lestrade - Donald Gee/Stephen Thorne Mary Morstan/Mary Watson - Moir Leslie/Elizabeth Mansfield/Hannah Gordon Irene Adler - Sarah Badel Inspector Jones - Nigel Carrington Colonel Moran - Fraser Kerr/Frederick Treves Mycroft Holmes - John Hartley Professor Moriarty - Michael Pennington Production credits Written by Arthur Conan Doyle Dramatised by Bert Coules with David Ashton, Michael Bakewell, Roger Danes, Robert Forrest, Denys Hawthorne, Gerry Jones, Peter Ling, Vincent McInerney and Peter Mackie Produced and directed by Ian Cotterell, David Johnston, Patrick Rayner and Enyd Williams Musicians: Alexander Balanescu, Leonard Friedman, Richard Friedman, Michael Haslam, Ian Humphries and Abigail Young Contents A Study in Scarlet The Sign of the Four The Hound of the Baskervilles The Valley of Fear The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes A Scandal in Bohemia The Red-Headed League A Case of Identity The Boscombe Valley Mystery The Five Orange Pips The Man with the Twisted Lip The Blue Carbuncle The Speckled Band The Engineer's Thumb The Noble Bachelor The Beryl Coronet The Copper Beeches The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Silver Blaze The Yellow Face The Stockbroker's Clerk The Gloria Scott The Musgrave Ritual The Reigate Squires The Crooked Man The Resident Patient The Greek Interpreter The Naval Treaty The Final Problem The Return of Sherlock Holmes The Empty House The Norwood Builder The Dancing Men The Solitary Cyclist The Priory School Black Peter Charles Augustus Milverton The Six Napoleons The Three Students The Golden Pince-Nez The Missing Three-Quarter The Abbey Grange The Second Stain His Last Bow Wisteria Lodge The Cardboard Box The Red Circle The Bruce-Partington Plans The Dying Detective The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax The Devil's Foot His Last Bow The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes The Illustrious Client The Blanched Soldier The Mazarin Stone The Three Gables The Sussex Vampire The Three Garridebs The Problem of Thor Bridge The Creeping Man The Lion's Mane The Veiled Lodger Shoscombe Old Place The Retired Colourman First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 between November 1989 and March 1995 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Bert Coules, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Author), Andrew Sachs, Brian Blessed, Clive Merrison, Full Cast, Harriet Walters, Judi Dench, Michael Williams, Robert Glenister (Narrator)

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Anton Chekhov: 6 Full-Cast BBC Radio Productions: The Seagull, The Cherry Orchard, Uncle Vanya, Wild

"BBC radio productions of some of Anton Chekhov's finest plays A master of Russian realism, Anton Chekhov is renowned for his meticulously observed plays and short stories exploring the human condition, in all its joys and sorrows. Included here are six of his best-known dramas, as well as Michael Frayn's adaptation of Wild Honey, drawn from an early, untitled Chekhov play; and one documentary exploring Chekhov's life and work. Wild Honey - The acclaimed radio version of Michael Frayn's adaptation and Olivier Award-winning comedy, in which village teacher Platonov's youthful ambitions are rekindled when the seductive Sofya arrives. Ian McKellen stars as Platonov The Seagull - Recorded on location in Russia, this much-praised version of Chekhov's classic set on a lakeside dacha features a star cast including Diana Quick, Alex Jennings, Robert Glenister and Helena Bonham-Carter. Ivanov - 19th Century landowner Ivanov is in debt and depressed - can the love of a beautiful young woman rejuvenate him? Alec McCowan, Maurice Denham, Maxine Audley and Judi Dench star in this vintage production, adapted by John Gielgud. The Cherry Orchard- Returning home from Paris, Madame Ranyevskaya and her daughter Anya discover that the family estate must be sold to cover their debts. Can they save their beloved cherry orchard? Starring Sinéad Cusack, Anna Massey, Patricia Routledge and Andrew Sachs. Three Sisters - Stuck in provincial Russia, Olga, Masha and Irina dream of one day returning to Moscow. But life keeps getting in the way... Hattie Morahan, Scarlett Alice Johnson and Flora Spencer-Longhurst star in Chekhov's poignant meditation on love and longing. Uncle Vanya - Life on a rural Russian estate is thrown into turmoil by the visit of the ailing Professor Serebryakov and his beautiful young wife Yelena. Anton Lesser stars as Serebryakov, with Lyndsey Marshal as Yelena and Neil Dudgeon as Vanya. Great Lives - Matthew Parris, William Boyd and Chekhov biographer Donald Rayfield consider the Russian writer's claim to greatness. First published 1887 (Ivanov), 1895 (The Seagull), 1898 (Uncle Vanya), 1900 (Three Sisters), 1904 (The Cherry Orchard), 1984 (Wild Honey) Wild Honey © Michael Frayn 1984, 1985, 2016 Michael Frayn has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as author of this work All rights reserved Cast and credits Written by Anton Chekhov Wild Honey translated and adapted by Michael Frayn Cherry Orchard - Translated by Richard Cottrell Uncle Vanya - Adapted by Christopher Hampton Contents list Wild Honey The Seagull Ivanov The Cherry Orchard Three Sisters Uncle Vanya Great Lives: Anton Chekhov ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Anton Chekhov (Author), Alex Jennings, Anton Lesser, Full Cast, Hattie Morahan, Helena Bonham-Carter, Ian Mckellen, Judi Dench, Maurice Denham, Robert Glenister, Sinead Cusack (Narrator)

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The George Bernard Shaw: A BBC Radio Drama Collection

"15 of the finest works by the world-renowned playwright, as heard on BBC radio George Bernard Shaw - or Bernard Shaw, as he preferred to be known - was one of Ireland's foremost dramatists and thinkers. His plays range from contemporary satires to historical allegories, and are infused with ideas, insight, wit and wisdom. Included here are some of his best works, adapted for radio and brought together in reverse chronological order in one statement collection. We begin with his prophetic political comedy The Apple Cart, set in the future and pitting the fictional King Magnus against his Prime Minister. Next is his masterpiece Saint Joan, dramatising the trials of Joan of Arc, for which he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925. Heartbreak House lampoons England's ruling elite before World War I, as they sail heedlessly towards catastrophe; Pygmalion explores feminism and the class system through Cockney flowergirl Eliza Doolittle and irascible phonetics professor Henry Higgins; and in Androcles and the Lion, Shaw transforms Aesop's fable to impart his thoughts on human frailty, religion and martyrdom. The Dark Lady of the Sonnets imagines a meeting between William Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth I, while alternate history Press Cuttings sets the suffragettes against crotchety war veteran General Mitchener. Here, too, are the controversial The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet, banned in England for contravening blasphemy laws; the classic comedy Major Barbara, a tale of romance, rich privilege and a battle of wills; and the humorous philosophical drama based on the Don Juan theme, Man and Superman, directed for Radio 3 by theatrical icon Sir Peter Hall. Also featured are early works Caesar and Cleopatra, a dramatised account of the relationship between the Roman dictator and the Egyptian queen; The Devil's Disciple, set against the backdrop of the American War of Independence; The Man of Destiny, in which Napoleon enters into a battle of wits with a beautiful stranger; and Candida, about a vicar's wife whose life is turned upside down by a young poet. Finally, Shaw's acclaimed 'problem play', Mrs Warren's Profession, probes issues of Victorian prostitution and double standards. And in a bonus documentary, devotees of the great author discuss his life, work and legacy. Among the array of stars in these coruscating dramas are Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, Prunella Scales, Anton Lesser, Juliet Stevenson, Paul Merton, Ron Cook, Victoria Hamilton, Nicholas Le Prevost, David Suchet, Eleanor Bron, David Troughton, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Alistair McGowan, Al Murray, Morgana Robinson, Robert Bathurst, Leslie French, Marius Goring, Arthur Lowe, Denys Hawthorne, Rebecca Front, Alan Badel, Gregory Peck, Paul Ritter, Hannah Gordon, Edward Petherbridge and Maggie Steed. NB: This collection contains language that reflects the attitudes of the era in which the plays were written. Production credits Written by George Bernard Shaw First published 1893 (Mrs Warren's Profession), 1894 (Candida), 1895 (The Man of Destiny), 1896 (The Devil's Disciple), 1898 (Caesar and Cleopatra), 1902 (Man and Superman), 1905 (Major Barbara), 1909 (The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet, Press Cuttings), 1910 (The Dark Lady of the Sonnets), 1912 (Androcles and the Lion, Pygmalion), 1919 (Heartbreak House), 1923 (Saint Joan), 1928 (The Apple Cart), 2007 (Great Lives) Contents The Apple Cart Saint Joan Heartbreak House Pygmalion Androcles and the Lion The Dark Lady of the Sonnets Press Cuttings The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet Major Barbara Man and Superman Caesar and Cleopatra The Devil's Disciple The Man of Destiny Candida Mrs Warren's Profession Great Lives: George Bernard Shaw ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

George Bernard Shaw (Author), Anton Lesser, David Suchet, Full Cast, Judi Dench, Juliet Stevenson, Prunella Scales, Ralph Fiennes, Rebecca Front, Ron Cook, Various (Narrator)

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John Fowles: The Collector, The Magus & The French Lieutenant’s Woman: Three BBC Radio 4 full-cast d

"Full-cast dramatisations of John Fowles' three best-known novels, with star casts John Fowles won international acclaim for his innovative, allusive novels The Collector, The Magus and The French Lieutenant's Woman. All were critical and commercial successes, translated into several languages and adapted as feature films. This collection brings together the BBC Radio adaptations of these three modern classics, with stellar casts including Judi Dench, Charles Dance and John Hurt. The Collector - When a lonely, obsessional office clerk wins a fortune on the football pools, he turns from collecting butterflies to 'collecting' a beautiful art student... This dark, disturbing dramatisation stars Judi Dench and Nigel Anthony. The Magus - Disillusioned young graduate Nick Urfe accepts a teaching post on an idyllic Greek island. There, he meets the mysterious Maurice Conchis, and becomes embroiled in a world of bizarre encounters and psychological tricks. As reality and illusion intertwine, what strange game is Conchis playing with Nick? Tom Burke, Charles Dance and Hayley Atwell star in this eerie, Lynchian drama. The French Lieutenant's Woman - Lyme Regis, 1867. Gentleman naturalist Charles Smithson is engaged to be married to the respectable Ernestina - but when he falls in love with notorious social outcast Sarah Woodruff, his complacent snobbery is shattered. Narrated by John Hurt, this multi-layered tale of forbidden passions in Victorian Dorset stars Jonathan Firth and Emily Bruni. Text copyright © John Fowles 1963 (The Collector), 1966, 1977 (The Magus), 1969 (The French Lieutenant's Woman) The Collector Miranda - Judi Dench Clegg - Nigel Anthony Other parts played by Douglas Blackwell, Martin Friend, Jane Knowles and John Rowe Adapted by David Parker Produced by Richard Wortley First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 31 July 1972 The Magus Nick - Tom Burke Conchis - Charles Dance Lily - Hayley Atwell Alison - Anna Skellern Margaret - Josie Taylor Mitford - David Seddon Meli - Chris Pavlo Rowena - Lynsey-Anne Moffat Anton - Maarten Dannenberg German Colonel - Bodo Friesecke Greek resistance fighter/Ticket seller - Andreas Karras Lily de Seitas - Beth Goddard Kemp - Rachel Atkins Briggs - Michael Shelford Mrs Marks - Elaine Claxton Benji - Rudi Goodman Adapted by Adrian Hodges Produced and directed by Heather Larmour Harpsichordist: Maggie Cole Recorder player: Martin Feinstein First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 March-3 April 2016 The French Lieutenant's Woman Narrator - John Hurt Charles - Jonathan Firth Sarah - Emily Bruni Ernestina - Kelly Reilly Mrs Tranter - Elizabeth Spriggs Dr Grogan - TP McKenna Mrs Poulteney/Mrs Endicott - Susan Jameson Sam - Nick Sayce Mary - Ella Smith Dairyman/Mr Freeman - Gerard McDermott Mrs Fairley/Mrs Rogers - Colleen Prendergast Ostler/Montague - Wayne Foskett Prostitute - Sophie Roberts Curate - John Cummins Dramatised by Graham White Produced by Peter Kavanagh First broadcast BBC World Service, 23-30 September 2006 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

John Fowles (Author), Charles Dance, Emily Bruni, Full Cast, Hayley Atwell, John Hurt, Jonathan Firth, Judi Dench, Nigel Anthony, Tom Burke (Narrator)

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David Hare: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: 8 full-cast productions including Plenty, Skylight, Amy’s

"Eight incisive dramas by the internationally-renowned playwright - plus bonus interview Writer and director David Hare is one of England's leading political dramatists, celebrated for his many award-winning plays analysing the morality of contemporary Britain. This collection comprises some of his most acclaimed pieces, as well as a fascinating radio interview with Hare himself. It opens with his two acknowledged masterpieces: Plenty and Amy's View. These mesmerising dramas, both spanning several decades, present vivid portraits of strong women diminished by circumstance, metaphorically evoking the changing values and collapsing ideals of the postwar period. These are followed by Knuckle, a fast-paced parody of the American hardboiled thriller set in the Home Counties; and Pravda, co-written with Howard Brenton, a satirical comedy about a monstrous media tycoon. Also included are The Bay at Nice, set in 1950s Russia and exploring the nature of art and freedom; Skylight, about the reunion between a Thatcherite entrepreneur and his onetime mistress; Racing Demon, the first in a trilogy of plays about British institutions, focusing on the Church of England in crisis; and the play in which Hare made his acting debut: the powerful monologue Via Dolorosa, a meditation on his extraordinary 1997 trip to Israel and Palestine. Among the stellar cast: Jane Lapotalre, Zoë Wanamaker, Judi Dench, Samantha Bond, Anthony Hopkins, Bill Nighy, Robert Glenister, Stephen Tompkinson, Ronald Pickup, Geoffrey Palmer, Stella Gonet & Paul McGann. In an interview for the World Service arts programme Meridian, David Hare talks about why he enjoys writing good parts for women, what he believes plays can achieve that other media cannot, and the capacity of art to change society. Production credits Written by David Hare. Pravda written by David Hare and Howard Brenton. Text copyright © David Hare 1974 (Knuckle), 1978 (Plenty), 1986 (The Bay at Nice), 1990 (Racing Demon), 1995 (Skylight), 1997 (Amy's View), 1998 (Via Dolorosa). Pravda text copyright © David Hare and Howard Brenton 1985. All rights reserved. Special thanks to The British Library and Keith Wickham for sourcing audio files. Content list 1. Plenty 2. Amy's View 3. Knuckle 4. Pravda 5. The Bay at Nice 6. Skylight 7. Racing Demon 8. Via Dolorosa Bonus interview Meridian: David Hare First broadcast BBC World Service, 21 October 1991 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

David Hare (Author), Anthony Hopkins, Bill Nighy, Full Cast, Geoffrey Palmer, Judi Dench, Ronald Pickup, Samantha Bond, Stephen Tompkinson, Zoë Wanamaker (Narrator)

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The Matter of the North: How the north of England shaped modern Britain

"Melvyn Bragg explores the pivotal role of England's north in defining modern Britain, and its enduring effect on every part of the globe 'It's impossible not to admire the thrust and sweep of this series' The Telegraph In this captivating 10-part series, Melvyn Bragg brings all his enthusiasm, experience and expertise to a subject that has enthralled him his entire life: the importance of the North in shaping the United Kingdom. Joined by special guests including Dame Judi Dench, Sir Michael Parkinson, Joan Bakewell, David Hockney, Maxine Peake, Simon Armitage and Sir Geoffrey Boycott, he charts the ebb and flow of Northern power and influence, examining how one smallish geographical region came to have such an enormous effect on our culture worldwide: from science and philosophy to music and sport. Beginning his story from the top of Hadrian's Wall, Bragg looks at the fall of Rome and the rise of Northumbria, and considers the glorious Northumbrian Renaissance - and the mark left on the North by invading Vikings and Normans. He looks at the turbulent years of rebellion that swept the area and the idea of 'northern speech', and tells of his love for the Northern landscape that inspired Wordsworth, Coleridge, the Brontës and Turner. Bragg also celebrates the North as the heartland of the Industrial Revolution, and sings the praises of Manchester, the first city of that revolution. He explains how many radical movements had their genesis in the North: from Chartism and the suffragettes to the birth of the Labour Party. Bringing us right up to date, he looks at some great 20th Century cultural icons, such as the Beatles and Coronation Street. Finally, he reflects on 'Northern power', asking what being and sounding Northern means and questioning what the future holds for the North in the wake of the EU referendum. Also included In Our Time: Hadrian's Wall, in which Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss this famous archaeological monument, and the two-part series North and South: Across the Great Divide, which finds Ian Marchant travelling along England's North/South divide to ask what it really means - and see if it is shifting. Production credits Presented by Melvyn Bragg. Produced by Faith Lawrence With guests including: Simon Armitage, Syima Aslam, Prof Simon Bainbridge, Dame Joan Bakewell, Maria Balshaw, Prof Hannah Barker, Dr Sarah Bastow, Chris Bonington, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Claire Breay, Prof Michelle Brown, Revd Canon Rosalind Brown, Prof Sally Bushell, Prof Robert Colls, Julian Cooper, Ed Cox, Prof Katy Cubitt, Judith Cummins MP, Dame Judi Dench, Prof Richard Gameson, Toby Gordon, Lee Hall, Prof Ian Haynes, Susan Harrison, Prof Nick Higham, David Hockney, Prof Richard Horrocks, Howard Hull, Prof Judith Jesch, Dr Chris Jones, Dr Katy Layton-Jones, Dr Jill Liddington, Bill Lloyd, Natalie McCaul, Jimmy McGovern, Ian McMillan, Dr Katrina Navickas, Sir Michael Parkinson, Maxine Peake, Dr Robert Poole, Irna Qureshi, Canon Apiarist Adrian Rhodes, Lee Rigg, Jonnie Robinson, Prof Dave Russell, Jonathan Schofield, Rommi Smith, Prof Keith Stringer, Dr James Sumner, Dr Matthew Townend, Jenny Uglow, Matthew Watson, Prof Andy Wood First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 29 August-9 September 2016 In Our Time: Hadrian's Wall Presented by Melvyn Bragg Produced by Victoria Brignell With Greg Woolf, David Breeze and Lindsay Allason-Jones. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12 July 2012 North and South: Across the Great Divide Presented by Ian Marchant Produced by Mary Ward-Lowery With Sir Michael Darrington, Prof Danny Dorling, Rachel North, Dominic Watt, Prof David Morley, John Langton. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21-28 March 2012 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Melvyn Bragg (Author), Full Cast, Joan Bakewell, Judi Dench, Maxine Peake, Melvyn Bragg, Simon Armitage (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Judi Dench

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