Audiobooks narrated by Kate Binchy

The Playboy of the Western World & The Well of Saints: Two Full-Cast BBC Radio Drama Productions

"Two of J M Synge’s remarkable plays and an exploration of the man, his work and his life on the Aran Islands J M Synge was one of the giants of Irish theatre, and a leading dramatist of the Irish Literary Renaissance. Together with W B Yeats and others, he co-founded Dublin’s famous Abbey Theatre in 1904, and was a director there until his death in 1909. He is best known for his comic masterpiece The Playboy of the Western World, which appears here alongside his dark comedy The Well of the Saints and the illuminating documentary Synge Song. The Playboy of the Western World – When handsome adventurer Christy Mahon walks into a pub in County Mayo, claiming to have killed his violent father, landlord’s daughter Pegeen is smitten. She’s not the only villager to be beguiled by his bravery and his tall tales, and Christy soon achieves the status of local hero – until another stranger arrives in town… Aisling O’Sullivan and Finbar Lynch star in this classic play, which caused riots during its opening run at the Abbey Theatre in 1907. The Well of the Saints – Set in a lonely, mountainous district of Ireland, this blackly comic play tells the story of Martin and Mary Doul, old, blind beggars who have been tricked by the local villagers into believing they are beautiful. A wandering saint restores their sight with water from a holy well, but this miracle cure brings more problems than it solves, as their eyes are opened to their own ugliness and the harsh realities of life. Starring Cyril Cusack and Marie Kean, this 1971 radio production was broadcast to mark the 100th anniversary of Synge's birth. Synge Song – Before he was a playwright, Synge was a talented composer, and a sense of music informs everything he wrote for the stage. Visiting the Aran Islands, where Synge spent several summers, musician and writer Ann Mann looks at the sights and sounds that inspired him, talking to Aran Islanders and Synge scholars about the source of his unique language – his ‘Synge song.’ Interspersed with their insights are extracts from his compositions for violin and piano, and readings from his work by Kate Binchy and Jim Norton. First published 1905 (The Well of the Saints), 1907 (The Playboy of the Western World) Cast and credits Written by J M Synge The Playboy of the Western World Pegeen Mike – Aisling O’Sullivan Christy Mahon – Finbar Lynch Sean Kheough – Lloyd Hutchinson Widow Quin – Dillie Keane Old Mahon – Michael Elphick Michael James – John Rowe Philly Cullan – David Bannerman Jimmy Farrell – Anthony Ofoegbu Sarah Tansey – Anne-Marie Duff Susan Braidy – Janet Maw Honor Blake – Tracy Ann Oberman Adapted for radio and produced by Peter Kavanagh First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6 October 1997 The Well of the Saints Martin Doul – Cyril Cusack Mary Doul – Marie Kean Timmy – Kevin Flood Molly Byrne – Kate Binchy Bride – Rosalind Shanks Mat Simon – Alan Barry The Saint – Martin Dempsey Reader – Denys Hawthorne Produced by John Scotney First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13 September 1971 Synge Song Presented by Ann Mann Music performed by Krysia Ostostowicz and Timothy Carey Readings by Kate Binchy and Jim Norton Produced by Piers Plowright First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 January 1994 © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

J.M Synge (Author), Aisling O'Sullivan, Alan Barry, Cyril Cusack, Dillie Keane, Finbar Lynch, Full Cast, Kate Binchy, Kevin Flood, Marie Kean, Martin Dempsey, Michael Elphick, Rosalind Shanks (Narrator)

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Maeve Binchy: A BBC Radio Collection: 11 Full-Cast Dramatisations and 13 Readings

"A BBC Radio collection of dramatisations and readings of Maeve Binchy’s sparkling stories Irish writer Maeve Binchy was one the best-loved and most successful authors of her time. Her bestselling books sold over 40 million copies worldwide, and were translated into 37 languages. This comprehensive anthology of her finest fiction, as heard on BBC Radio, demonstrates all the warmth, wit and compassion that made her so popular. It opens with Firefly Summer, her moving, humorous novel about a sleepy Irish town facing monumental change. No Nightingales, No Snakes comprises five short plays: ‘The Night the People Came Over for Something That Was No Trouble’, ‘The Stepson’, ‘Decisions at Sea’, ‘The Answer Machine’ and ‘By the Time We Get to Clifden’. Following these are five short stories exclusively created for BBC Radio – ‘The Garden Party’, ‘Home Coming’, ‘Telling Stories’ ‘Needy’, and ‘The Interview’. First published in the short story collections Central Line and Victoria Line, London Transports features four full-cast dramas set on London’s Tube: ‘Brixton’, ‘Green Park’, ‘Holland Park’ and ‘Lancaster Gate’. Full of wry humour, irony and empathy. Concluding this compilation is a dramatisation of ‘Taxi Men Are Invisible’, and readings of eight more short stories. Specially commissioned for Radio 4, ‘The Special Sale’, ‘The Sensible Celebration’, ‘Love in the Afternoon’, ’The White Trolley’ and its counterpart story ‘The Feast of Stephen’ . ‘Euston’, a seasonal tale taken from Victoria Line followed by ‘Dolly’s Mother’ and ‘Christmas Present’ – both originally written for radio. Text copyright © Maeve Binchy 1978 (Central Line), 1980 (Victoria Line), 1987 (Firefly Summer), 1989 (‘Dolly’s Mother’), 1990 (‘The Sensible Celebration’), 1992 (‘Telling Stories’, ‘The Interview’), 1995 (‘The Garden Party’, ‘Christmas Present’), 1997 (‘Needy’, ‘Euston’), 1998 (‘The White Trolley’, ‘The Feast of Stephen’), 1999 (‘Taxi Men are Invisible’), 2000 (‘The Special Sale’), 2001 (‘Home Coming’), 2007 (No Nightingales, No Snakes), 2008 (‘Love in the Afternoon’) Cast and credits Written by Maeve Binchy Firefly Summer - Drama No Nightingales, No Snakes - 5 Dramas The Garden Party The Homecoming Telling Stories Needy The Interview London Transports - 4 Dramas Brixton Green Park Holland Park Lancaster Gate Taxi Men Are Invisible - Drama The Sensible Celebration Love in the Afternoon Euston Dolly’s Mother The Special Sale The White Trolley The Feast of Stephen Christmas Present Copyright © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Maeve Binchy (Author), Adjoa Andoh, Anna Healy, David Soul, Dervla Kirwan, Frances Tomelty, Full Cast, Hannah Gordon, Jane Gurnett, Jenny Agutter, Kate Binchy, Mark Drewry, Niamh Cusack, Patricia Hodge, Sean Campion, Stella McCusker (Narrator)

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Occupation: Spy: Eight Full-Cast BBC Radio Spy Thrillers

"A collection of full-cast dramatisations and original radio plays from master storyteller Ted Allbeury – plus bonus programmes Described by Len Deighton as ‘a classic writer of espionage fiction’, Ted Allbeury based his many acclaimed spy novels on his own real-life experiences. In World War II, he served as an intelligence officer with Special Operations Executive, and subsequently ran agents across the border between East and West Germany during the Cold War. He began writing in his fifties, and went on to pen over 40 bestselling books, five of which are dramatised here alongside three plays specially written for BBC Radio and two bonus documentaries. The Lonely Margins tells the story of James Harmer, parachuted into France in 1944 on a secret mission. Christian Rodska and Kim Thomson star in this tense tale of danger and deceit. Inspired by actual events, The Other Side of Silence sees MI6 agent John Powell tasked with finding out why notorious traitor Kim Philby wants to return to England from Russia. James Bolam stars as Powell, with Nigel Hawthorne as Philby. In Long Ago and Far Away, starring David McAlister and Kate Binchy, two ex-SOE operatives find the past returning to haunt them when a voice on the radio brings back memories best left dormant. In Pay Any Price, a Presidential assassination sparks trouble for the CIA and SIS, as they deal with the consequences of a sinister programme known as MKUltra… Starring Barry Foster, Robert Beatty, Susannah Fellows and Michael J. Shannon. The Way We Live finds Andrew Collins discovering the unexpected repercussions of being ‘positively vetted’ by the Security Service, starring John Forbes-Robertson. Time Spent in Reconnaissance sees Peter Harvey finding out how an old military adage applies to his professional and private lives. This thrilling radio play stars Michael Cochrane. No Place to Hide centres around John Rennie (James Kerry), a secret agent whose loyalty is tested when he is ordered to do something he considers abhorrent. Meanwhile, in Deep Purple, starring Michael Melia, Louise Germain and Steve Hodson, the fates of a Secret Intelligence Service officer, a Russian defector and a prostitute are inextricably linked. We conclude with the fascinating two-parter Occupation: Spy, in which Ted Allbeury gives us his unique perspective on the shadowy world of spies and spying. NB: The language in these programmes reflects the era in which they were first broadcast Due to the age of these archive recordings, the sound quality may vary Text copyright © Ted Allbeury 1981 (The Lonely Margins, The Other Side of Silence), 1982 (Long Ago and Far Away), 1983 (Pay Any Price, The Way We Live, Time Spent in Reconnaissance), 1984 (No Place to Hide), 1989 (Deep Purple) 'If you like spy stories rooted in the Second World War madness and Cold War paranoia, and appreciate quality radio drama, then ‘Occupation: Spy' will continue to delight for almost eighteen hours' - Greg Jameson © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Ted Allbeury (Author), Barry Foster, Christian Rodska, David Mcalister, Full Cast, James Bolam, James Kerry, John Forbes-Robertson, Kate Binchy, Kim Thomson, Louise Germain, Margaret Robertson, Michael Cochrane, Michael J. Shannon, Michael Melia, Nigel Hawthorne, Robert Beatty, Steve Hodson, Susannah Fellows (Narrator)

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Somerville and Ross: The Real Charlotte, The Silver Fox & The Experiences of an Irish RM: Three Full

"BBC productions of the best-known works of Somerville and Ross, plus a docudrama about their remarkable literary partnership Edith Œnone Somerville and 'Martin Ross' (the pen name of Violet Florence Martin) were cousins, born into the Irish landed gentry in the mid-19th century. They began writing books together as a joke, but quickly developed into serious artists, producing several works now recognised as classics such as The Real Charlotte and Some Experiences of an Irish RM. This collection includes both those titles, alongside The Silver Fox, described as their ‘miniature masterpiece’, and a fascinating biographical drama telling the story of their writing partnership. The Real Charlotte – Reluctantly obliged to look after her penniless young cousin, respectable spinster Charlotte Mullen decides to marry her off to a rich man as soon as possible. But Francie is both beautiful and wilful, and Charlotte soon finds her carefully laid plans going terribly awry… Sorcha Cusack, Elaine Symons and Lorcan Cranitch star in this satire of genteel 19th-century Irish society. The Silver Fox – Captain French, recently returned from India, has reopened his ancestral pile in west Cork. But his restless new wife and a strangely elusive silver fox hint at troubled times ahead. John Dougall and Gillian Kearney star in this dark, politically astute tale of hunting, friendship, love and the national battle for freedom. The Experiences of an Irish RM – When the affable, if somewhat dim, ex-British Army officer Major Sinclair Yeates is appointed Resident Magistrate in west Cork, he finds himself among a people who seem dedicated to thwarting him. As the years go by, he gradually becomes accustomed to their eccentricities – with the notable exception of his nemesis, Flurry Knox... Alex Jennings stars in this adaptation of Somerville and Ross’s comic novels set in rural Ireland. Somerville and Ross – Written and narrated by Denys Hawthorne, this captivating tale explores the lives and fiction of the remarkable literary duo, whose works chronicled the twilight world of the Anglo-Irish ascendancy – a world of hunting, tennis parties, amateur theatricals and decaying country houses. Eithne Dunne stars as Somerville, with Kate Binchy as Ross. First published 1894 (The Real Charlotte), 1897 (The Silver Fox), 1899 (Some Experiences of an Irish RM) © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Edith Somerville, Martin Ross (Author), Alex Jennings, Doreen Keogh, Eithne Dunne, Full Cast, Gillian Kearney, John Dougall, Kate Binchy, Lorcan Cranitch, Sorcha Cusack (Narrator)

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Visiting Julia: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama

"Can Roger keep his home and life together while his wife is in hospital? Roger is a writer of children's books, and all he wants is a quiet life. But when his wife, Julia, has to stay in hospital, Roger has to deal with his own complications: his difficult mother-in-law, her companion, Otto, and pressures from the publisher about the work he may or may not be about to hand in. It should be easy enough for a grown man to cope at home alone, but no one wants to make it simple for him, whether it's battles to get into Julia's visiting hours or temptations Roger never expected to face at his age... Written by Peter Tinniswood, who created plays for the National Theatre and the Bristol Old Vic, and whose radio work includes Tales from the Backbench, Tales from the Brigadier, Uncle Mort Adventures and Winston, this beautiful series touches on love, ambition, marriage and families, and stars Keith Barron (Where the Heart Is, Coronation Street) and Liz Goulding (I Didn't Know You Cared, Winston), and is perfect for fans of Conversations from a Long Marriage. Cast and credits Roger - Keith Barron Julia - Liz Goulding Ma-in-'ell - Shirley Dixon Taxi Driver - Stephen Thome Matron - Kate Binchy Otto - Nigel Anthony Helena / Receptionist / Doctor - Frances Jeater Written by Peter Tinniswood Produced by John Tydeman Originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4: 4 February - 11 March 1998 ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Peter Tinniswood (Author), Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Kate Binchy, Keith Barron, Liz Goulding, Nigel Anthony, Shirley Dixon, Stephen Thorne (Narrator)

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Only The Good Die Young: A BBC Radio 4 Thriller

"A tense six-part techno-thriller, set during the era of George Bush and Boris Yeltsin Mike Fisher has everything to live for: a stunning model girlfriend, who has just accepted his proposal, and a successful career as a computer programmer. So why would he suddenly resign, dress up in women's underwear and crash his car into a tree? And if he wanted to kill himself, why do it on his wedding day? His death is ruled as suicide, but his fiancée Kim Drake is sure there's more to it than meets the eye. Determined to find out what really happened, she retraces Mike's footsteps across Europe, where she learns he'd been keeping crucial secrets relating to his highly sensitive job at Peregrine Communications Systems and his involvement with certain disaffected members of the European intelligence community. Aided by ex-Stasi agent Otto, rock producer Charles Causley and Mike's brother, disabled cyperpunk genius Todd Fisher, she travels across Germany, Denmark and France in search of answers. But Kim's every move is being watched by the sinister Mr Stone, and her dogged investigations are putting her in terrible danger... First broadcast in 1992, this hard-hitting, electrifying drama was created by award-winning writer and actor Shaun Prendergast, who plays Otto. It stars Siriol Jenkins as Kim, Kenneth Cranham as Stone, Neil Roberts as Mike, Okon Jones as Charles and Jack Klaff as Todd. Production credits Written by Shaun Prendergast Produced and directed by Adrian Bean Technical presentation by Wilfredo Acosta, Michael Atherton and Ian Pratt Cast Kim Drake - Siriol Jenkins Mike Fisher - Neil Roberts Anne/Optician's receptionist/Jean/Clearwater - Kate Binchy Frank/Otto/Burns - Shaun Prendergast Miss Gee - Ann Davies Stone - Kenneth Cranham Todd - Jack Klaff DI Dear - Eric Alan DS Love - Jonathan Tafler John Maschler - Terence Edmond Emma/Nurse Lewis - Caroline Strong Mary/WPC - Nicola Boyce Charles - Okon Jones Wilson - Peter Gunn Doris Meyer/Computer/Hotel receptionist - Joanna Wake Helga/Prostitute - Melanie Hudson DI Dear - Eric Allen DS Love/Victor - Jonathan Tafler Seeta Kumar - Mamta Kaash Welkin/Journalist - William Roberts Jill Noone - Alice Arnold Nelson - Kenneth McClellan Doctor - Teresa Streatfield First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 23 April-28 May 1992 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Shaun Prendergast (Author), Full Cast, Kate Binchy, Kenneth Cranham, Neil Roberts, Okon Jones, Shaun Prendergast, Siriol Jenkins (Narrator)

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The Homecoming & Other Stories

"Maeve Binchy is one of Britain’s most popular storytellers, and these four tales demonstrate the warmth and compassion that have made her many novels bestsellers. In 'Homecoming', read by Sean Campion, the Brennans run Quentin’s restaurant in Dublin for the owner, who lives abroad. But what will happen when he suddenly pays a visit? 'Telling Stories', read by Joanna Myers, sees Irene’s fiancé turning up the night before the wedding with a face as white as the dress that is to be worn the next day. Then trouble starts... In 'Needy', read by Patricia Hodge, Heather is painfully aware that Valentine’s Day declarations of love should be viewed with suspicion, even if the sender is the one she loves. And in 'The Interview', read by Kate Binchy, Bessie is deaf and needs a place in a special school. But will she pass the interview? Finely crafted and full of wit and charm, these are stories that no fan of Maeve Binchy will want to be without."

Maeve Binchy (Author), Joanna Myers, Kate Binchy, Patricia Hodge, Sean Campion (Narrator)

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Aches & Pains

"Get the feel-better factor from Maeve Binchy as she teams up with artist Wendy Shea to bring us ACHES & PAINS. This gem of a book includes: Five things you can say to annoy the patient in the next bed How to put on elastic stockings Six ways to make non-alcoholic drinks bearable How to be the perfect hospital visitor Unusual but essential things for your medicine cupboard Filled with fun, warmth and wisdom, for which Maeve Binchy is famous, ACHES & PAINS is the perfect alternative to a Get Well card. Read by Kate Binchy (p) 2002 Orion Publishing Group"

Maeve Binchy (Author), Kate Binchy (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Kate Binchy