Audiobooks narrated by Kenneth Cranham

The Graham Greene BBC Radio Drama Collection: The Early Years: Eight full-cast productions including Stamboul Train, Brighton Rock & The Power and the Glory

"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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Joe Orton: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Three Full-Cast Productions & Joe Orton’s Diaries

"Selected plays by the great playwright Joe Orton, plus bonus material Joe Orton was among the towering geniuses of 1960s theatre. His life was tragically cut short in 1967, but he left behind him a handful of shocking and scabrous black comedies that will live on in the public imagination for years to come. Orton’s career was kickstarted by the BBC. John Tydeman who is widely considered to have found him when working at the BBC as an trainee. He came across an early version of The Ruffian on the Stair called The Boy Hairdresser and persuaded his seniors to let him meet him and discuss the play, there began a friendship that shaped Orton’s life. Tydeman recommended a top literary agent and the rest is history. Featured here are two of his lesser-known works, The Erpingham Camp and The Ruffian on the Stair, collected together as a double bill. The former, loosely based on Euripides’ tragedy The Bacchae, is an anarchic, subversive farce set in a holiday camp, where a group of campers decide to revolt against the dictatorial owner. It stars an ensemble cast, including Robert Daws and Jonjo O’Neill. In the latter, Orton’s breakthrough hit, an ex-boxer (Gerard Horan) and an ex-prostitute (Sophie Thompson) have their lives disrupted by a stranger (Jack Rowan). Recorded live at the BBC’s radio theatre in 2017 to mark the 50th anniversary of Orton's death, the plays are accompanied by an interview with Orton's friend, Kenneth Cranham, who discusses the Joe Orton he knew. Also featured are the darkly comic Funeral Games, starring Phil Daniels, Martin Jarvis, Tony Rohr and Liza Sadovy, which takes a sideswipe at religious hypocrisy and is considered the linking work between his two key plays, Loot and What the Butler Saw. Plus, John Sessions reads extracts from Joe Orton’s posthumously published journals in The Orton Diaries; Ned Sherrin hears from Kenneth Williams about his experiences directing Loot in Kenneth Williams on Joe Orton, and Samira Akhmed talks to guests including Orton’s sister Leonie and Sheila Hancock about the playwright’s life and legacy in Front Row: Joe Orton. Production credits Text copyright © Joe Orton 1964 (The Ruffian on the Stair), 1966 (The Erpingham Camp), 1968 (Funeral Games), 1986 (The Orton Diaries) All rights reserved The Erpingham Camp Erpingham – Robert Daws Riley – Jonjo O'Neill Lou – Kerry Gooderson Ted – Samuel James Kenny – Charlie Clements Eileen – Sarah Ridgeway W.E. Harrison – Tom Forrister Jessie Mason – Sanchia McCormack Padre – Simon Ludders Accordion Player – Colin Guthrie The Ruffian on the Stair Mike – Gerard Horan Joyce – Sophie Thompson Wilson – Jack Rowan Produced by Mary Peate Kenneth Cranham interview by Matthew Sweet First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 2 July 2017 Funeral Games Caulfield – Phil Daniels Pringle – Martin Jarvis McCorquodale – Tony Rohr Tessa – Liza Sadovy Policeman – Ben Crowe Produced and directed by Peter Kavanagh First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 11 July 2008 Joe Orton: The Orton Diaries Diary selections read by John Sessions Produced by Ned Chaillet First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 March 1994 Kenneth Williams on Joe Orton With Kenneth Williams and Ned Sherrin Produced by Ian Gardhouse First broadcast BBC Radio 4, September 1980 Front Row: Joe Orton Presented by Samira Ahmed Produced by Ekene Akalawu With Leonie Orton, Emma Parker, Sally Norman, Jenna Forbes, John Lahr, Sheila Hancock, Nikolai Foster First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 11 August 2017 © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Joe Orton (Author), Ben Crowe, Clive Francis, Full Cast, Gerard Horan, Jack Rowan, Kenneth Cranham, Kenneth Williams, Liza Sadovy, Martin Jarvis, Phil Daniels, Robert Daws, Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Spending My Inheritance: A BBC Radio Comedy Drama

"Kris Marshall stars as a broke forty-something, watching his newly retired parents spend their hard-earned cash… What are cash-strapped 40-somethings like Harry (played by Kris Marshall) supposed to do when they see their cash-rich, equity-released parents spending all their inheritance? It doesn’t help that Harry’s rich brother seems to upstage him at every turn as he tries to make ends meet and support his family. As their father's 65th birthday approaches, and the money starts disappearing, Harry decides to see if he can ‘help’ them to change course… Chortle out loud at this utterly relatable family comedy as Harry’s parents discover a love of online shopping - with all their spending on exercise machines and looking after themselves, his parents seem in better shape than he is! When Harry tries to steer his parents towards charity work instead of spending money, the consequences are farcical. Harry tries to find out if his mum and dad have made a will, tries to avoid a holiday he knows he has to go on and when a water pipe bursts it means Harry and his wife need a place to stay for the night… This laugh out loud series features Kris Marshall (My Family, Love Actually, Death in Paradise) as Harry and also stars Antonia Thomas (Misfits, The Good Doctor, Lovesick). Writer Clive Coleman is an English barrister turned journalist, who worked as the BBC News Legal Correspondent. He’s won the BBC Radio Light Entertainment Contract Writers Award for his screenwriting and wrote the BBC Radio sitcom Chambers, that became a hit TV series. He’s also worked with Alastair McGowan, Dawn French and Richard Bean on show such as Weekending, The News Huddlines, Spitting Image and Dead Ringers. Cast and credits Directed by Sam Hoyle Written by Clive Coleman Harry - Kris Marshall Jo - Raquel Cassidy Brian - Kenneth Cranham Liz - Judy Parfitt Jess - Antonia Thomas Amanda/Assistant - Manjeet Mann Boguslaw/PAul - Stephen Critchlow Pizza Boy/Doctor - Inam Mirza Richard - Chris Pavlo David - Dan Starkey Stuart - Malcolm Tierney Mike - Robert Lonsdale Jan/Fran - Jill Cardo Nick - Jonathan Tafler Ed/Simon - Gunnar Cauthery Radio Correspondent - Clive Coleman First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 17 Nov - 22 Dec 2008 ©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Clive Coleman (Author), Full Cast, Judy Parfitt, Kenneth Cranham, Kris Marshall, Raquel Cassidy (Narrator)

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The Surreal and Supernatural Stories of Walter de la Mare: A BBC Radio Collection

"Full-cast dramatisations and readings of classic tales by Walter de la Mare – plus bonus material. An award-wining poet, short story writer and novelist, Walter de la Mare is probably best known for his works for children and his perennially popular poem ‘The Listeners’. His ghost stories were much admired by H. P. Lovecraft and inspired subsequent authors of supernatural horror such as Robert Aickman and Ramsey Campbell. In 1921, his novel Memoirs of a Midget won the James Tait Black Prize for Fiction, and this haunting, surrealistic tale is the opening tale in our anthology. It tells the extraordinary life story of the diminutive Miss M, who struggles to find her place in Victorian society. Torn between her obsessive suitor Mr Anon and the cruel, beautiful Fanny Bowater, she seeks freedom in the dangerous world of the circus… Emma Fielding stars as Miss M, with Robert Glenister, Sylvestra Le Touzel and Anna Massey. Based on de la Mare’s 1923 short story and starring Samuel West and Margaret Robertson, ‘Seaton’s Aunt’ sees Rupert Withers recalling the sinister relative of a boyhood friend – a woman he met just three times, but who left an indelible impression. Ghost Stories of Walter de la Mare contains four more uncanny tales – ‘All Hallows’ (read by Richard E. Grant), ‘Crewe’ (read by Kenneth Cranham), ‘A Recluse’ (read by Anthony Head) and ‘The Almond Tree’ (read by Julian Wadham). It is followed by a dramatisation of ‘The Trumpet’, starring Garard Green, in which a rector’s son meets his best friend in church one moonlit night for a dare that ends in disaster. Also included are two bonus programmes celebrating the poetry of Walter de la Mare. In Adventures in Poetry: The Listeners, Peggy Reynolds introduces a reading of the much-loved poem, and explores its background, effect and lasting appeal with guests Russell Hoban, Sean Street and de la Mare’s grandson Giles. And in Three Score and Ten, Ian Macmillan presents an archive recording from Christmas Day 1953 of Walter de la Mare reading his poems ‘England’ and ‘The Little Salamander’. Credits Written by Walter de la Mare First published 1921 (Memoirs of a Midget), 1923 (‘Seaton’s Aunt’, ‘The Almond Tree’), 1926 (‘All Hallows’), 1930 (‘Crewe’, ‘A Recluse’), 1936 (‘The Trumpet’) Memoirs of a Midget First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 March-2 April 1993 Please note that the language used reflects the era in which the original novel was written. ‘Seaton’s Aunt’ First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 December 1995 Ghost Stories of Walter de la Mare First broadcast BBC Radio 7, 24-28 December 2010 The Trumpet First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 April 1986 Adventures in Poetry: The Listeners First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 November 2008 Three Score and Ten First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 12 October 2016 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Walter De La Mare (Author), Andrew Wincott, Anthony Head, Emma Fielding, Full Cast, Garard Green, Jonathan Keeble, Julian Wadham, Kenneth Cranham, Margaret Robertson, Richard E. Grant, Samuel West, Walter De La Mare (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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The Christopher Marlowe BBC Radio Drama Collection: Seven full-cast productions including Doctor Faustus, Tamburlaine & The Jew of Malta

"The complete dramatic works of Christopher Marlowe, plus a brand new docudrama about his death Christopher Marlowe was the most celebrated writer of his generation, surpassing even William Shakespeare during his lifetime. A playwright, poet, hellraiser, rebel and spy, he lived fast and died young, stabbed to death in a Deptford lodging house aged only 29. This definitive collection comprises all six of his groundbreaking plays, as well as a riveting documentary drama examining the mysterious circumstances around Marlowe's killing. Dido, Queen of Carthage - Inspired by Virgil's Aenid, Marlowe's first play tells the tragic tale of the doomed love affair between the Carthaginian queen and the Trojan hero Aeneas. Starring Sally Dexter and Timothy Walker. Tamburlaine - Said to have changed the course of British theatre through its pioneering use of blank verse, this classic drama about the rise to tyrannical power of a Scythian shepherd stars Con O'Neill, Oliver Ford Davies and Kenneth Cranham. The Jew of Malta - When Barabas the Jew has his assets stripped by Christians, he wreaks a terrible revenge... Ian MacDiarmid stars in this savage 'comic' tragedy of intrigue, murder and love. Doctor Faustus - A German scholar sells his soul to the Devil in return for 24 years of knowledge and power on Earth. Starring Paterson Joseph, Ray Fearon and Toby Jones. Edward the Second - Obsessed with his lover, Gaveston, a weak monarch pays the ultimate price for choosing passion over political responsibility. Toby Jones stars as the titular king. The Massacre at Paris - Marlowe's final play, based on the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre of the Huguenots in Paris in 1572, is a shocking portrayal of the grisly consequences of political and religious strife. Starring John Webb, Timothy Walker and Jeremy Blake. The Reckoning - Adapted from Charles Nicholl's award-winning investigative biography, this gripping true crime drama explores the events behind the murder of Christopher Marlowe, revealing an extraordinary story of espionage, treason and betrayal. © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Christopher Marlowe (Author), Conn O'neill, Full Cast, Ian Macdiarmid, John Webb, Kenneth Cranham, Paterson Joseph, Sally Dexter, Timothy Walker, Toby Jones (Narrator)

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Hopes and Desires: Seven BBC full-cast romantic comedies

"Seven BBC full-cast romantic comedies about love, longing and life-changing moments Written by a host of top radio writers and starring some of Britain's finest actors, these sparkling, beautifully crafted comedy dramas are centred around people with unconscious yearnings. From the serial seducer to the lonely mother's boy, each is looking for love - but will they find it? Vongole by Michael Butt: Oxford professor Tristram Swann's favourite pastime is wooing his female students with Petrarch and pasta. But what is he really after? Starring Bill Nighy. The Non-Entity by Marcy Kahan: Once a successful Soviet hack, Dimitri hasn't sold a story since the fall of Communism. So why has a British publisher flown out to Moscow to see him? Starring Kenneth Cranham, Eleanor Bron and Sylvestre Le Touzel. Toad Squad by Nick Warburton: Bitter at being retired prematurely, Reg embarks on a mission to protect the humble toad. Starring Philip Jackson and Amanda Root. The Anniversary Waltz by Jeremy Front: Deli owners Max and Shirley spend their days sniping at one another - but a sudden epiphany makes them realise things have got to change... Starring Prunella Scales, Roger Allam and Rebecca Front. Catching Heathcliff by Nick Warburton: Lindsey dreams of someone brooding and passionate - and then Morton walks into her book group... Starring Philip Jackson and Amanda Root. Battersea Triangle by Michael Butt: Passive Dougie is trapped in a relationship with his domineering boss, Angela. When he meets the docile India, his problems seem to be over - but are they just beginning? Starring Mark Benton, Christine Kavanagh and Indira Varma. The Dangers of Self-Hypnosis by Gary Ogin: Having had no luck with speed-dating, Maurice turns to a self-hypnosis CD to find romance. Exploring his subconscious, he finds the beautiful Rachel... Starring Richard Coyle, Prunella Scales and Sophie Winkleman. Produced and directed by Peter Kavanagh Vongole Tristram - Bill Nighy Minnie - Emma Callander Helen - Miranda Colchester Freddie - Stephen Critchlow Mamma/Judy - Carolyn Jones Written by Michael Butt The Non-Entity Dmitri - Kenneth Cranham Annoushka - Eleanor Bron Claire - Sylvestra Le Touzel Robert - Stephen Critchlow Written by Marcy Kahan Toad Squad Reg - Philip Jackson Bel - Amanda Root Mr Topping - Jonathan Coy Written by Nick Warburton The Anniversary Waltz Shirley - Prunella Scales Max - Roger Allam Roszinka - Rebecca Front Girl - Rosie Fellner Marcy - Liza Sadovy Toastmaster/Old man - Bruce Purchase Written by Jeremy Front Catching Heathcliff Graham - Philip Jackson Lindsey - Amanda Root Heathcliff/Morton - Mark Straker Postman - Nick Warburton Written by Nick Warburton Battersea Triangle Dougie - Mark Benton India - Indira Varma Angela - Christine Kavanagh Fiona - Emily Rose Smith Written by Michael Butt The Dangers of Self-Hypnosis Maurice - Richard Coyle Mother - Prunella Scales Rachel - Sophie Winkleman Abigail - Christine Kavanagh Hypnotist/Judge - Sam Dale Daniel - Mark Straker Written by Gary Ogin © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Gary Ogin, Jeremy Front, Marcy Kahan, Michael Butt, Nick Warburton (Author), Bill Nighy, Eleanor Bron, Full Cast, Indira Varma, Kenneth Cranham, Philip Jackson, Prunella Scales, Rebecca Front, Richard Coyle, Roger Allam (Narrator)

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The Chief Inspector Dover Mysteries: Six BBC Radio 4 full-cast crime dramas

"Six entertaining thrillers featuring slovenly sleuth Chief Inspector Dover, Scotland Yard's most unwanted man Cantankerous and dishevelled, Chief Inspector Dover is no-one's idea of a model detective - but he does have an uncanny knack for solving crimes. In these radio dramas, set in the 1960s and '70s, he and his long-suffering Sergeant, Charlie McGregor, investigate sinister cases of kidnap and murder. The first four are adapted from Joyce Porter's novels, while the latter two are original stories based on her characters. Dover Goes to Pott - The irascible Chief Inspector travels to the Yorkshire town of Pott Winckle to look into the murder of leading businessman Daniel Wibbley's daughter. Dover and the Claret Tappers - When Dover is kidnapped, only to be released 36 hours later, he finds himself leading the hunt for a criminal gang. Can he catch them before they strike again? Dover Beats the Band - A body is found at Didcaster dump, naked, burned and strangled. Dover follows the trail to Rankin's Holiday Ranch and an eccentric group of stamp collectors - but was the dead man really an innocent philatelist? Dover and the Unkindest Cut of All - Dover's annual seaside break becomes a busman's holiday after his wife witnesses a policeman throwing himself off a cliff. Was it suicide, and is it linked to the recent murder of a local gangster? Dover and the Sleeping Beauty - Isabel Slatcher has been in an irreversible coma for eight months after being shot outside her local church. Now she has been smothered to death. Are the shooter and the killer the same person, and if so, why did they wait till now to complete their evil deed? Dover and the Smoking Gun - McGregor takes compassionate leave to return to Glasgow for an old flame's funeral. But was Fiona Gordon's death accidental, or foul play? Dover heads north to find out... Kenneth Cranham stars as Chief Inspector Dover and Stuart McQuarrie as Sergeant McGregor, with casts including Carolyn Pickles, Crawford Logan, Shaun Prendergast and Frances Grey. Produced and directed by David Ian Neville © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Joyce Porter, Paul Mendelson (Author), Full Cast, Kenneth Cranham, Stuart Mcquarrie (Narrator)

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The Elizabeth Gaskell Collection: A BBC Drama collection including North and South, Wives and Daughters & more

"A collection of BBC Radio dramatisations of Elizabeth Gaskell's well loved novels - plus bonus material Elizabeth Gaskell was one of Victorian England's pre-eminent female novelists. Admired by Charles Dickens, who described her as his 'dear Scheherazade', she mingled storytelling and social realism to superb effect in her highly acclaimed fiction. This comprehensive collection comprises dramas and readings of her finest works and some lesser-known pieces. Among the adaptations are her final, unfinished novel Wives and Daughters, her debut novel Mary Barton and her only historical novel, Sylvia's Lovers; as well as the 1851 novella Mr Harrison's Confession (a prequel to Cranford), and her great novel of industrialisation, female independence and identity, North and South. All feature star casts including Emerald O'Hanrahan, Sue Johnston, Jodie Comer, Emily Mortimer, Rod Hudd, David Threlfall, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Also included are readings of Mrs Gaskell's chilling supernatural tale 'The Old Nurse's Story', her much-loved novel of life in a small town and its female inhabitants, Cranford, and her festive short story 'Christmas Storms and Sunshine'. Based on true events, Stephen Wakelam's detective drama Death at the Bed End, starring Kenneth Cranham, explores the controversy surrounding Elizabeth Gaskell's biography of Charlotte Brontë and the libel threat that followed its publication also included is Mrs Gaskell: Portrait of a Victorian Novelist by Barry Campbell, which is inspired by the author's letters. And in Great Lives: Elizabeth Gaskell, historian Amanda Vickery and biographer Jenny Uglow discuss Mrs Gaskell's life, work and achievements with presenter Francine Stock. Credits Written by Elizabeth Gaskell Written by Stephen Wakelam Mary Barton Dramatised by Lavinia Murray. Produced and directed by Claire Grove and Tracey Neale First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 September-9 November 2001 Mr Harrison's Confessions Adapted for radio by Jeremy Front. Produced and directed by Sally Avens. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 June 1988 The Old Nurse's Story Produced by Kay Patrick. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24-25 May 1984 North and South Dramatised by Charlotte Keatley. Directed by Michael Fox. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 June 1997 Sylvia's Lovers Dramatised by Ellen Dryden. Produced and directed by Pauline Harris. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6-13 March 2016 Wives and Daughters Dramatised by Theresa Heskins. Produced and directed by Peter Leslie Wild First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 November-10 December 2010 Cranford Produced by Julian Wilkinson. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 November 2019 Christmas Storms and Sunshine Produced by Simon Richardson. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 December 2018 Death at the Bed End Written by Stephen Wakelam. Directed by Janet Whitaker. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4 December 2004 Mrs Gaskell: Portrait of a Victorian Novelist Written by Barry Campbell based on 'Elizabeth Gaskell: A Biography' by Winifred Gérin. Permission granted by Oxford Publishing Ltd (Academic), Oxford University Press (via PLSclear).Produced by James Runcie. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 August 1983 Great Lives: Mrs Gaskell Presented by Francine Stock, Amanda Vickery and Jenny Uglow. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 May 2005 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Amanda Vickery, Barry Campbell, Elizabeth Gaskell, Jenny Uglow, Steve Wakelam (Author), David Threlfall, Emily Mortimer, Full Cast, Jodie Comer, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Kenneth Cranham, Paul Copley, Rebecca Front, Sue Johnston (Narrator)

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His Dark Materials: The Complete BBC Radio Collection: Full-cast dramatisations of Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass

"All three BBC radio dramatisations of the bestselling fantasy trilogy - plus bonus material A breathtaking epic spanning multiple worlds, His Dark Materials follows the adventures of Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, two children catapulted into a life-or-death struggle to save the future of the Cosmos. In Northern Lights, 11-year-old Lyra discovers dark forces at work involving kidnapped children and a mysterious substance called 'Dust'. With her shape-shifting daemon, Pantalaimon, she leaves her Oxford college home and embarks on a dangerous journey to the frozen North, aided by armoured bears, Gyptians and a witch-queen... The Subtle Knife sees 12-year-old Will finding an opening into the haunted world of Cittàgazze, where daemon-destroying Spectres roam. There he meets Lyra, and together they acquire the most powerful weapon in all the universes - an object many would kill to possess. In The Amber Spyglass, a colossal war is brewing in Heaven, and Lyra and Will have been separated. They must find each other and journey onward - even into the World of the Dead... These thrilling dramatisations feature an all-star cast, including Lulu Popplewell, Terence Stamp, Bill Paterson, Kenneth Cranham and Adrian Scarborough. Also included is a bonus documentary, World Book Club, in which Philip Pullman answers readers' questions about Northern Lights."

Philip Pullman (Author), Adrian Scarborough, Bill Paterson, Full Cast, Kenneth Cranham, Terence Stamp (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 Interrogation: The Complete Series 6-8: A BBC Radio crime series

"Kenneth Cranham and Alex Lanipekun star in these eleven gritty contemporary crime dramas Idiosyncratic detective duo Max Matthews and Sean Armitage are back for three more series, in which they expertly extract confessions from their suspects during the course of one interview. Their relationship has evolved since they were first paired up, back when Armitage was a rookie constable, but their interrogation technique is as incisive as ever. These eleven compelling dramas all shine the spotlight on a different suspect, each with their own tale to tell - and their own selective version of events. We hear from a wealth of diverse characters including Ross, a young prisoner accused of attacking a fellow inmate; Jack, a respectable writer who has been charged with shoplifting; Dan, whose wife is in hospital after a suicide attempt; and Nadine, a fellow police officer who Sean has known since childhood. As Matthews and Armitage subject them to a grilling, the truth is revealed, in all its messiness and moral complexity. Created by multi-award-winning playwright Roy Williams, The Interrogation's naturalistic dialogue and virtuoso real-time scenes make it a police procedural like no other, and one that grips from start to finish. Cast and credits DCI Max Matthews - Kenneth Cranham DS Sean Armitage - Alex Lanipekun Harry - Rupert Holliday Evans Ross - Billy Seymour Julie - Georgie Glen Jack - Michael Shaeffer PC Kerry - Kerry Gooderson Heather - Jo Martin Clare - Claire Rushbrook Dan - Navin Chowdhry Nadine - Bianca Stephens Evie - Marcia Warren Ronald - Sean Baker PC Jones - Helen Clapp Billy - Daniel Kendrick Officer/Nathan- Joseph Ayre Trevor - David Hounslow Carly - Lizzy Watts Written by Roy Williams Directed by Mary Peate Produced by Jessica Dromgoole Music composed by David Pickvance First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2018 (Series 6), July/August 2019 (Series 7) and September/October (Series 8) Episode guide Series 6 1. Ross 2. Jack 3. Heather Series 7 1. Dan 2. Nadine 3. Evie 4. Billy 5. Carly Series 8 1. Sandra 2. Stephen 3. Tanya and Natalie"

Roy Williams (Author), Alex Lanipekun, Full Cast, Kenneth Cranham (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Kenneth Cranham

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