Audiobooks narrated by Kenneth Cranham

Venetia Aldridge QC is a distinguished criminal lawyer. When she secures the acquittal of a young man, Garry Ashe, from the charge of murdering his aunt, a series of bizarre events is set in train, starting with her own murder. Adam Dalgliesh, the poet and Scotland Yard commander, takes charge of the case. As he investigates, he finds that she had many enemies in both her professional and private life. Her married lover wanted to leave her, her daughter hated her and her fellow barristers were determined that she should not be the next Head of Chambers. Even the office cleaner had a grudge against her. But step by step, the suspects are narrowed down, and the cunning plot that lies behind Venetia's death is brought to light. This release includes a 30-minute 'Front Row Special' interview with P.D. James, who talks to Mark Lawson about her writing career and the inspiration for her work.

P.D. James (Author), Geraldine James, Kenneth Cranham, Michael Maloney, Philip Franks (Narrator)

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BBC Radio Shakespeare: A Collection of Six Tragedies

Six full-cast BBC Radio productions of Shakespeare's classic tragedies Treachery, betrayal and fatal power struggles are among the themes of these six iconic productions of Shakespeare's timeless tragedies. Featuring all-star casts, they are introduced by Sir Richard Eyre. Hamlet Shakespeare's powerfully poetic tragedy of murder, madness and revenge stars Michael Sheen as the Prince of Denmark, with Kenneth Cranham as Claudius and Juliet Stevenson as Gertrude. Macbeth In this notorious 'Scottish play', a lust for power and the prophecy of three witches transform a brave nobleman into a traitor and murderous tyrant. Ken Stott stars as Macbeth and Phyllis Logan as Lady Macbeth. King Lear The tragic consequences of evil triumphing over truth, and of the vanity of old age, are set in motion when Lear banishes his favourite daughter, Cordelia, from court. Starring Corin Redgrave as King Lear, with David Troughton, Geraldine James and Robert Glenister. Othello Evil cunning perverts a once noble mind, as heroic general Othello is destroyed by both his own jealousy and the machinations of the devious Iago. Ray Fearon stars as Othello, with James Frain as Iago. Romeo and Juliet An updated version of Shakespeare's tragedy of feuding families and doomed love, set in modern Verona and starring Douglas Henshall as Romeo and Sophie Dahl as Juliet. Cymbeline When Cymbeline discovers his daughter Imogen's secret marriage to Posthumus, he banishes her husband. But Posthumus's boasts of his wife's chastity provoke lachimo to attempt her seduction. Bill Wallis stars as Cymbeline.

William Shakespeare (Author), Bill Wallis, Corin Redgrave, Full Cast, Geraldine James, Juliet Stevenson, Ken Stott, Kenneth Cranham, Michael Sheen, Siân Phillips, Sophie Dahl (Narrator)

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Demon Brother: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast thriller

When Jasper finds his father dead, a dark mystery begins to unfold. His dad kept a secret: Jasper has a twin brother, Eddie, whom he's never met. This new discovery offers a temptation - what if they swapped lives? As Jasper escapes the confines of his faltering marriage and attempts to track down his father's killer, he soon discovers that with his new found freedom comes the threat of extreme danger. And Eddie finds that life in his brother's shoes is something he may not be willing to give up. A dark thriller in two parts that reflect each other: The first tells Jasper's story. The second tells Eddie's. Shaun Dingwall (New Tricks, Young Victoria, Doctor Who) stars opposite himself as the two brothers, Jasper and Eddie. Valene Kane (The Fall) makes her radio debut as Jasper's wife Caitlin. With supporting performances from Vera Filatova (Peep Show) and Kenneth Cranham (Made in Dagenham, Layer Cake, Shine on Harvey Moon). Jasper/Eddie - Shaun Dingwall Caitlin - Valene Kane Ricky Paggett - Kenneth Cranham Nancy - Vera Filatova Terry - Simon Ludders Doctor/Policeman/Prison Warder/Waiter - John Norton Directed by James Robinson

Matthew Broughton (Author), Kenneth Cranham, Shaun Dingwall, Valene Kane (Narrator)

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His Dark Materials: The Complete BBC Radio Collection: Full-cast dramatisations of Northern Lights,

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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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, Indira Varma, Kenneth Cranham, Philip Jackson, Prunella Scales, Rebecca Front, Richard Coyle, Roger Allam (Narrator)

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Last Days of Grace: A BBC Radio 4 drama

A cricketing legend faces his final innings in this moving BBC radio drama starring Kenneth Cranham and Benedict Cumberbatch Easter Monday, 1908, and there's snow on the ground as ageing icon W.G. Grace arrives at the Oval to contemplate another day in his lifelong cricketing obsession. He can't face the thought of sitting in the clubhouse and meeting the same old people - so instead, he trudges out in the cold to the groundsman's hut, where he encounters a young stranger. Their talk turns, naturally, to cricket, and the two men recall the highlights of Grace's long career: his debut for the All-England team in 1866, when he made 100 runs on the first day, and his first Test Match at the Oval in 1880 where he scored 152 against Australia, becoming England's first centurion. But those triumphs occurred decades ago, and Grace no longer dominates the world of cricket as he once did. At nearly 60, he knows in his heart that it's time to retire, but he cannot bear the idea of giving up the game he loves. Can the stranger persuade him to bow out with dignity? Written by Nick Warburton, who won the 2007 Peter Tinniswood Award for Best New Play on Radio, this poignant, bittersweet drama stars Kenneth Cranham as Grace, with Benedict Cumberbatch as the young man and Christopher Martin-Jenkins as the Voice of Cricket. Produced by Steven Canny Cast W.G. Grace - Kenneth Cranham GF - Benedict Cumberbatch Voice of Cricket - Christopher Martin-Jenkins First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 24 September 2008

Nick Warburton (Author), Benedict Cumberbatch, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, Kenneth Cranham (Narrator)

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Little Dorrit

The youngest child of debtor William Dorrit, Amy is born in Marshalsea prison. She and her father are befriended by Arthur Clennam, whose mother employs 'little Dorrit' as a seamstress. The fortunes of the Dorrits undergo an extreme change when Williams inherits a fortune, and the family move to Italy. Back in England, Arthur Clennam finds himself the victim of a massive fraud and ends up in Marshalsea. There he is found by Little Dorrit, whose fortune has had no effect on her generosity and humility. Arthur realises that she loves him, but it is not until the Dorrit fortune is lost that the two of them can be united at last. Peopled with Dickens' usual host of memorable characters, this mix of satire and genuine sentiment has made this one of his best-loved works. Hailed by George Bernard Shaw as Dickens's 'masterpiece among masterpieces' for its social indictment and sense of humanity, Little Dorrit is both an examination of Victorian England and a surprising love story. This thrilling adaptation recreates the author's mid-19th Century London, in particular the East London area of Marshalsea. Drawing upon his own father's imprisonment in Marshalsea Debtors' Prison, Dickens placed the institution firmly in the heart of the novel when telling the story of Amy Dorrit.

Charles Dickens (Author), Full Cast, Ian Mckellen, Kenneth Cranham, Margaret Tyzack, Sophie Thompson (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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Stalingrad: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

A two-part radio dramatisation of Vasily Grossman's dark, honest account of the battle of Stalingrad; a prequel to Life and Fate – plus Stalingrad: Destiny of a Novel Epic BBC serial Life and Fate stunned radio audiences in 2011, garnering rave reviews for its powerful depiction of a family torn apart by war in Soviet Russia. Now, with this astonishing prequel published in its first ever English translation by Richard and Elizabeth Chandler, we are transported back to the very beginning of Vasily Grossman’s panoramic tale, as the ‘harsh whirlwind’ of war approaches the city of Stalingrad. As Stalingrad opens, we are introduced to the many lives of the Shaposhnikov family and their partners. Atomic scientist Viktor Shtrum struggles with his work for the State and with his own conscience, while his family live, love and work (despite swirling rumours) to run the city’s power stations, factories and hospitals. Meanwhile, at the Front, we meet old-school Bolshevik Commissar Nikolai Krymov in the thick of the Russian army’s pell-mell retreat before Operation Barbarossa, and follow the 'unknown' soldiers giving their lives to hold the line at the Volga. This vivid, gripping drama features many of the same acclaimed cast as Life and Fate, including Kenneth Branagh as Viktor Shtrum and Greta Scacchi as Lyuda Shaposhnikova. Accompanying this stellar dramatisation is Stalingrad: Destiny Of A Novel; featuring extracts from Grossman's private journal, translated here for the first time, and chronicling Stalingrad’s tortuous gestation and long, tormented passage to print. Written and presented by author and historian Catherine Merridale, with readings by Anton Lesser, this five-part series reveals the dramatic backstory behind the classic novel and explores the beginnings of Grossman’s own journey towards Soviet heresy. Written by Vasily Grossman Translated by Robert and Elizabeth Chandler Dramatised by Mike Walker (Part One) and Jonathan Myerson (Part Two) Part One produced and directed by Jonquil Panting Part Two produced by James Robinson and directed by Jonathan Myerson Series Producer: Alison Hindell Original music composed by John Hardy, with Rob Whitehead, and performed by Oliver Wilson-Dixon, Tom Jackson, Stacey Blythe and Max Pownall First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 November-1 December 2019

Vasily Grossman (Author), Ann Mitchell, Greta Scacchi, Kenneth Branagh, Kenneth Cranham, Mark Bonnar (Narrator)

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The A-Z Of Dr Johnson: Boswell's Life Of Johnson

Dramatisation by Robin Brooks of James Boswell's biography of Samuel Johnson, to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Johnson's birth. Episode 1: Young Boswell comes to London to seek out his hero. He wants to write a biography of the great man 'in scenes', with Johnson's conversation cast as dialogue. Nothing quite like this has ever been attempted before.Episode 2: Boswell visits Johnson only intermittently, but relies on him more and more. Johnson meets Hester Thrale, who becomes his devoted friend and confidante, and the most important person in his life. Starring Kenneth Cranham and full cast. Directed by Claire Grove.

James Boswell (Author), Full Cast, Kenneth Cranham (Narrator)

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The Barchester Chronicles: The Complete

One of the most respected, successful chroniclers of nineteenth-century life, Anthony Trollope is still widely-read and much-loved today, and The Barchester Chronicles - witty moral comedies with a wonderful range of characters - are among his most popular tales. The first in the series, The Warden, finds Rev. Harding forced to question the moral basis of the life he is leading; and in the sequel, Barchester Towers, the Reverend is now plain Mr Harding, bound up in a tale of intrigue, hypocrisy and ambition that will delight the listener. Dr Thorne is a gripping drama of wealth and wedlock; while Framley Parsonage tells the story of a naive, ambitious young clergyman whose unwise associations bring him to the brink of ruin. The Small House at Allington explores the power of devotion, in the form of Lily Dale’s love for self-seeking Adolphus Crosbie. Finally, The Last Chronicle of Barset sees the most popular characters from Trollope’s earlier novels, including the Proudies, Lily, Mr Harding and Archdeacon Grantly, reunited in a moving tale of honesty triumphing over hypocrisy. Nearly twenty hours of ironic, witty and wonderfully written drama is contained in this box set. With a star cast including Brenda Blethyn, Eleanor Bron, Kenneth Cranham, Anna Massey, Leo McKern, Simon Russell Beale and Amanda Root, it is guaranteed to appeal to all fans of Trollope’s comic masterpieces.

Anthony Trollope (Author), Alex Jennings, Amanda Root, Anna Massey, Brenda Blethyn, David Haig, Eleanor Bron, Emma Fielding, Full Cast, Kenneth Cranham, Leo Mckern, Rosemary Leach, Simon Russell Beale (Narrator)

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The Charles Dickens BBC Radio Drama Collection: 15 BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations

Riveting radio dramatisations of Charles Dickens' fifteen full-length novels.Charles Dickens is one of the most renowned authors of all time, and this digital volume of the dramatised canon of his work includes fifteen of his most popular novels.This collection includes the episodic adventure Nicholas Nickleby, comic tale The Pickwick Papers, poignant melodrama The Old Curiosity Shop, the much-loved Oliver Twist. Plus, the gripping historical novel Barnaby Rudge, picaresque comedy Martin Chuzzlewit and bittersweet tale of family relationships Dombey and Son. Also included is the epic masterpiece David Copperfield, described by Dickens as his ‘favourite child'; suspenseful mystery Bleak House; Dickens' most openly political novel, Hard Times and Little Dorrit, a sweeping tale of imprisonment, poverty and riches. Plus A Tale of Two Cities, set during the French Revolution; coming-of-age novel Great Expectations; sweeping satire of wealth and corruption Our Mutual Friend and Dickens' final, unfinished story The Mystery of Edwin Drood.With their compelling plots, larger-than-life characters and vivid descriptions of Victorian life, Dickens' stories have captivated generations of readers. These radio adaptations bring out all the hope and happiness, pathos and tragedy, satire and social realism of his seven classic masterpieces.Among the star cast are Anna Massey, Alex Jennings, Phil Daniels, Julia McKenzie, Tim McInnerny, Robert Glenister, Robert Lindsay, Honeysuckle Weeks, Kenneth Cranham, Sir Ian McKellen, Alison Steadman, Geraldine McEwan, Andrew Scott and Ian Holm, these radio adaptations bring Dickens' imaginative world to colourful, captivating life.

Charles Dickens (Author), , Alex Jennings, Alison Steadman, Andrew Scott, Anna Massey, Geraldine Mcewan, Ian Holm, Ian Mckellen, Indira Varma, Julia Mckenzie, Kenneth Cranham, Phil Daniels, Robert Glenister, Robert Lindsay, Tim Mcinnerny (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Kenneth Cranham