Audiobooks narrated by Kenneth Cranham

The Charles Dickens BBC Radio Drama Collection: The Later Years: Eight BBC Radio full-cast dramatisa

Enthralling radio dramatisations of eight of Charles Dickens' much-loved novels.Charles Dickens is one of the most renowned authors of all time, and this second digital volume of the dramatised canon of his work includes eight of his classic novels.This collection includes 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. Also included are 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 a star cast including 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), , Alison Steadman, Andrew Scott, Geraldine McEwan, Geraldine Mcewan, Ian Holm, Ian Mckellen, Indira Varma, Kenneth Cranham, Robert Lindsay (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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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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The His Dark Materials Part 1: Northern Lights

The award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy is a breathtaking epic adventure spanning a multitude of worlds. Northern Lights, the opening instalment, sees Lyra and her shape-changing daemon embark on a dangerous quest. In Oxford, Lyra learns that children are being kidnapped by the mysterious Gobblers. When her friend Roger vanishes she determines to find him, and is given a powerful alethiometer which can reveal the truth in all things. After discovering that the adults around her are not what they seem, Lyra and Pantalaimon join forces with a band of Gyptians. Travelling north they encounter witch-queens and armoured bears, before being captured and taken to Bolvangar – where children are being used in terrible and secret experiments... Gripping, full of suspense and often funny, this BBC Radio 4 dramatisation has an all-star cast including Terence Stamp, Emma Fielding, Bill Paterson, Kenneth Cranham, and Ray Fearon.

Philip Pullman (Author), Bill Paterson, Emma Fielding, Kenneth Cranham, Ray Fearon, Terence Stamp (Narrator)

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Tracks: Series 1 and 2: Two BBC Radio 4 full-cast thrillers

A major conspiracy thriller about life, death and the human brain, starring Romola Garai.When Dr Helen Ash witnesses the brutal and disturbing crash of the plane that is carrying her father, the incident sets her on an investigation into a dark conspiracy. Florian Chauvin was flying to Wales to tell his daughter something important, but his plane fell out of the sky. In the aftermath of the crash, Helen discovers that one of the passengers doesn't seem to have a heart.What was Florian coming to tell Helen? Who was he travelling with? And why did his plane crash?The first series of Tracks became the most successful drama series launched by Radio 4 in 2016. Tracks: StrataA prequel to the first series, Series 2 is set 36 years before the events that rocked the life of Helen Ash. It explores the roots of a conspiracy that is set to envelop the world.Snowdonia, 1980. It’s the dawn of a new decade and the future is coming. But in the wilds of Snowdonia, the ancient history of the landscape is hard to escape.Rachel Turner is looking for fossils with her four year-old son, Joe. But when a freak earthquake shakes the land beneath their feet, Joe vanishes. With the help of two locals, Rachel embarks on a desperate search to find her son. But as darkness descends, the secrets hidden in the ancient forests of the mountain are uncovered.

Matthew Broughton (Author), , Fiona O'shaughnessy, Fiona O’shaughnessy, Jonathan Forbes, Kai Owen, Kenneth Cranham, Robert Pugh, Romola Garai, Susan Jameson (Narrator)

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The Hamlet (BBC Radio Shakespeare)

Michael Sheen stars as Hamlet, with Kenneth Cranham as Claudius, Juliet Stevenson as Gertrude and Ellie Beaven as Ophelia in the best-known and most powerful tragedy of modern times. BBC Radio has a unique heritage when it comes to Shakespeare. Since 1923, when the newly formed company broadcast its first full-length play, generations of actors and producers have honed and perfected the craft of making Shakespeare to be heard. In the acclaimed BBC Radio Shakespeare series, each play is introduced by Richard Eyre, former Director of the Royal National Theatre. Revitalised, original and comprehensive, this is Shakespeare for the new millennium.

William Shakespeare (Author), Ellie Beaven, Full Cast, Juliet Stevenson, Kenneth Cranham, Michael Sheen (Narrator)

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A Certain Justice

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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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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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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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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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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The Interrogation: The Complete Series 1-5

Kenneth Cranham and Alex Lanipekun star in these fifteen hard-hitting crime dramas Chalk and cheese coppers Max Matthews and Sean Armitage are from different generations and different worlds, but together they make a remarkable team. In this powerful, unconventional police procedural, we join the detective duo in the interview room, as they practise their unique style of interrogation in a bid to extract a confession. These fifteen dramas all focus on a different suspect, each with their own story and version of events. Among the varied characters we hear from are Rod, a Premier League footballer accused of rape; Jermaine, a ruthless gang leader; Marc, an ex-policeman suspected of domestic violence; and Beverley, who has come into the station to report her elderly father as missing. As the details of their crimes are revealed, we get under their skin, and come to understand what motivated them to do what they did. Compelling and compassionate, these dramas probe some of today's most troubling moral issues, inviting us to face hard truths, but holding out the possibility of redemption. With razor-sharp dialogue and characters that feel entirely authentic, they'll linger in your mind long after you've finished listening. Series 1 1. Rod 2. Jermaine 3. Sarah Series 2 1. Marc 2. Grace 3. Simon Series 3 1. Colin 2. Jonny 3. Kellie Series 4 1. Tom 2. Riz 3. PC Joanne Laverty Series 5 1. Beverley 2. Micky 3. Neil Cast and credits DS/DI/DCI Max Matthews...Kenneth Cranham DC/DS Sean Armitage...Alex Lanipekun Rod Tyler...Joe Sims Helen Cottol...Katie Angelou Mother...Tracy Wiles Jermaine...Anthony Welsh Sarah...Claire Louise Cordwell Danny...Carl Prekopp Marc Johnson...Ben Crowe Lisa Johnson...Philippa Stanton Operator...Hannah Wood Grace Buffong...Noma Dumezweni Stephen Buffong...Jerome Holder Simone Parker...Amaka Okafor Simon Barnes...Sam Swann Jason...Michael Shelford Damien...Will Howard Wendy Harris...Joanna Brookes Mr Renshaw/Football fan...Nicholas Murchie Colin Hamilton...Michael Bertenshaw Gemma...Amy Metcalf Jonny Foster...Gawn Grainger Nancy...Dinah Stabb Kellie...Cush Jumbo Alan Parke...Clive Hayward Tom...Luke Norris Debbie Ross...Susan Brown Riz....Nabil Elouahabi Tara...Joanna Horton Derek...Chris Pavlo Reporter...Stephen Critchlow Jordan...Gershwyn Eustache Jr Joanne...Sally Orrock Beverley...Adjoa Andoh Marcel...Jason Maza Micky...Danny Webb Neil...Joseph Millson Sally...Catriona McFarlane Sarge...Karen Bartke Football fan...Finlay Robertson Written by Roy Williams Produced and directed by Jessica Dromgoole (Series 1 and 2) and Mary Peate (Series 3-5) Music composed by David Pickvance

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

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Audiobooks Narrated by Kenneth Cranham