Audiobooks narrated by Kenneth Horne

Jerome K Jerome: A BBC Radio Collection: Three Men in a Boat & more

"BBC adaptations of the 19th-century humourist’s best-loved tales, plus Judith French’s sly comedy based on Jerome’s experiences as a would-be actor Jerome K Jerome is best known for his comedy classic Three Men in a Boat and its sequel Three Men on the Bummel. Both hilarious tales are included here, alongside two spooky short stories, extracts from Jerome’s humorous essays and theatrical memoir, and a comic drama about his acting career. Three Men in a Boat – This 1962 musical adaptation of Jerome’s comic masterpiece about three friends who journey down the River Thames stars Leslie Phillips as George, Kenneth Horne as Harris and Hubert Gregg as ‘J’. Three Men on the Bummel – After their adventures afloat, the intrepid trio take to two wheels, deciding to embark on a cycling tour of Germany. Adapted and performed by Jeremy Nicholas. The Dancing Partner – When a group of young women bemoan a lack of dance partners, toymaker Papa Geibel gets creative… James Hayter, Rolf Lefebvre and Sheila Grant star in this dramatisation of Jerome’s spine-chilling story. . After Supper Ghost Stories – Christmas Eve 1891, and in Laburnum Grove, Tooting, Uncle John’s whisky-punch and Aunt Maria’s lobsters aren’t the only frights on the menu. Starring Dinsdale Lansden, Geoffrey Matthews and Linda Polan. Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow – In these five sparkling essays, read by Hugh Laurie and abridged by Neville Teller, our hapless narrator offers us his entertaining observations on the topics of being idle, cats and dogs, love and romance, eating and drinking, and babies. On Stage – Adapted and read by Stephen Surrey, these witty, whimsical extracts find the author looking back on his time treading the boards, recalling his performances and his fellow thespians. One Man on a Stage – Judith French’s scintillating play imagines Jerome’s life as a jobbing actor, working alongside the enthusiastic no-hopers of the provincial Victorian stage. Starring Joseph Millson. First published 1885 (On the Stage – and Off), 1886 (Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow), 1889 (Three Men in a Boat), 1891 (‘After Supper Ghost Stories’), 1893 (‘The Dancing Partner’), 1900 (Three Men on the Bummel), (One Man on a Stage) text copyright © Judith French 2007 Cast and credits Written by Jerome K Jerome Three Men in a Boat Three Men on the Bummel The Dancing Partner After Supper Ghost Stories Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow On Stage One Man on a Stage © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Jerome K. Jerome (Author), Dinsdale Landen, Full Cast, Hubert Gregg, Hugh Laurie, Jeremy Nicholas, Joseph Millson, Kenneth Horne, Leslie Philips (Narrator)

Audiobook

Calling All Forces: The vintage BBC variety show

"A bumper collection of classic selected episodes and extracts from vintage variety show Calling All Forces Broadcasting on the BBC Light Programme from December 1950 until July 1952, 'Calling All Forces' was the biggest show of its day, attracting the biggest names of the time. Written by a young Bob Monkhouse and Denis Goodwin, it became a showcase for aspiring young comedians including Peter Sellers, Tony Hancock, Jimmy Edwards, Cyril Fletcher, Benny Hill, Kenneth Horne, Bill Kerr and Bob Monkhouse himself. Brilliantly hosted by comedian Ted Ray, the show features a mix of stand up comedy, music and sketches guest-starring well-known TV and film actors of the day. Peter Sellers tries out some early Goons characters, Tony Hancock steps in to co-host with Charlie Chester in the days before Hancock's Half Hour, and Bob Monkhouse steps on stage to perform some of his own material at the age of just 23. Sit back and enjoy musical hits from The Stargazers, songs performed by the 'Forces Sweetheart' Carole Carr, and amazing feats of recollection from 'The Memory Man' Leslie Welch as he answers sports questions sent in by British Forces stationed overseas. This rare collection offers a slice of post-war history, a window into pop culture in the British military forces of the time, and a fascinating look back at the early careers of our comedy greats. This uproarious compilation also includes two bonus episodes of Fletcher's Fare, plus two episodes of The Forces Show - the successor to Calling All Forces, also written by Bob Monkhouse and Denis Goodwin. Written by Bob Monkhouse and Denis Goodwin Linking material written by Martin Gibbons and read by Roy McMillan With thanks to the Estate of Bob Monkhouse, to the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society, and to Kaleidoscope for providing these audio recordings. Please note: due to the age of these recordings, the sound quality may vary. The humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and may not reflect current attitudes. © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Bob Monkhouse, Denis Goodwin (Author), Bob Monkhouse, Cyril Fletcher, Full Cast, Kenneth Horne, Leslie Welch, Peter Sellers, Ted Ray, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken: The Collected Series 5-7: The BBC Radio classic comedy series

"The complete Series 5-7 of the legendary BBC radio comedy One of the funniest and most popular series on radio between 1958 and 1964, Beyond Our Ken delighted audiences nationwide throughout its seven series and 123 episodes. Packed with sketches, songs, catchphrases and innuendo, it mixes silliness, satire and sophistication to superb effect, and continues to make us laugh today. Kenneth Horne - 'who prefers to remain anonymous' - is our unflappable host in these 46 episodes, presiding over an array of fabulous characters such as camp duo Charles and Rodney, celebrity chef Fanny Haddock and countryman Arthur Fallowfield (for whom the answer always lies in the soil, regardless of the question). Regular documentary spoof 'Hornerama' returns, with a look at topics including the arts, the countryside, travel and television; and Kenneth Horne's weeks become increasingly extraordinary and eventful. Plus, the team tackle the Siege of Troy, present a new interpretation of 'Horne In Wonderland' (or 'Beyond Our Looking Glass'), offer their take on Caesar and Cleopatra's story and revel in a Regency romp through Beau Brummel's Brighton. Accompanying them for some musical interludes are Jill Day, Edwin Braden, the Fraser Hayes Four, Eileen Gourlay and the BBC Variety Orchestra. Written by Eric Merriman, these wonderful, whimsical shows star Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee. Episode guide First broadcast on BBC Light Programme on the following dates: Series 5 - 12 October 1961-22 February 1962 Series 6 - 27 December 1962-21 March 1963 Series 7 - 24 November 1963-16 February 1964 These episodes have been restored to their fullest versions using both Home (BBC Light Programme) and Overseas (BBC Transcription Service) recordings. Whilst every attempt has been made to clean up and remaster these recordings using the latest technology, the sound quality may at times reflect the age and off-air nature of certain source material. Episodes restored and remastered by Ted Kendall and Keith Wickham. (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Eric Merriman (Author), Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee, Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken: The Collected Series 1-4: The BBC Radio classic comedy series

"All 60 surviving episodes from the first four series of the fabulous forerunner to Round the Horne - plus bonus programme Forty Laughing Years An irresistible mix of of sketches, songs, puns and double entendres, Beyond Our Ken kept the nation laughing over seven series and 123 episodes between 1958 and 1964. With its witty wordplay, zany humour and comic catchphrases, it remains every bit as hilarious and entertaining today. Featuring larger-than-life characters like Rodney and Charles, roving reporter Cecil Snaith and doddery duo Ambrose and Felicity - not to mention avuncular host Kenneth Horne himself - this 'sort of radio show' is full of classic comedy moments. All your favourites are here in these 60 episodes, including spoof documentary series 'Hornerama', with its regular investigations into 'topics of immediate interest' such as showbusiness, shipping, photography, food, the City - and many more. There's also a wealth of surprising, surreal incidents from Kenneth Horne's week, the latest film releases in 'Picture Go Round', and a unique take on Any Questions, with panellists Hankie Flowered, Ricky Livid, Fanny Haddock and Arthur Fallowfield. Musical interludes are provided by a host of top artistes, among them Pat Lancaster, Janet Waters, The Malcolm Mitchell Trio, The Fraser Hayes Four and the BBC Variety Orchestra. Scripted by Eric Merriman and Barry Took, these much-loved shows star Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee. Episode guide First broadcast on BBC Light Programme on the following dates: Series 1 - 1 July-12 November 1958 Series 2 - 26 March-21 December 1959 Series 3 - 5 April-15 July 1960 Series 4 - 20 October 1960-2 March 1961 Bonus programme: Forty Laughing Years, 12 November 1962 The following episodes are missing from the BBC archives and therefore not included in this release: Series 1: Episodes 6, 10-13, 17, 21 and 22 Series 2: Episodes 1, 4, 7, 9, 15, 16 and 19 Series 4: Episode 12 Episodes restored and remastered by Ted Kendall. (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Barry Took, Eric Merriman (Author), Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee, Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Round the Horne: A Compendium: A collection of rare material from the classic BBC Radio comedy

"A fascinating and hilarious collection of archive rarities - plus two restored episodes - from the much loved BBC radio comedy series Starring Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Bill Pertwee, Round the Horne breathed daring new life over the BBC radio airwaves from 1965 to 1968, a madcap mix of daring double entendres, captivating characters and bawdy badinage. In this exhaustive collection of rare material, two complete episodes - Series 1, Episode 5 and Series 1, Episode 15 - are presented complete and remastered, alongside a cornucopia of previously unpublished segments from the series' original run. In addition there's a host of rarities from the BBC Sound Archive and other sources, including the cast's appearance on Sounds Familiar and Kenneth Horne's autobiographical turn on The Time of My Life, both from 1968. These are followed by A Tribute to Kenneth Horne from 1969, Round and Round the Horne from 1977, and Horne of Plenty from 2004. There's also a selection of rarely heard interviews with cast and writers, two sketches in celebration of Much Binding in the Marsh, and more. Content warning: the humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and may not reflect current attitudes. ©2017 BBC Worldwide Ltd. (P)2017 BBC Worldwide Ltd."

Barry Took, Marty Feldman (Author), Full Cast, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Round the Horne: The Complete Julian & Sandy: Sketches from the classic BBC Radio comedy

"Kenneth Williams and Hugh Paddick are the notorious resting thespians in this hilarious collection of sketches from Round the Horne. 'Oh, hello. I'm Julian, and this is my friend Sandy...' Through four series of Round the Horne, Julian and Sandy graced each episode with an encounter with 'that nice Mr Horne'. Each week they'd be up to new tricks, from filmmaking (Bona Prods) to a travel agency ('something exciting in a cheap package') and a 'bijou restaurantette' (La Casserole de Bona Gourmet). In these 48 lally-trembling scenarios, Jools and Sand cater for the intimate at 'omey in Bona Caterers, shake hands with a prospective member in Keep Britain Bona, set themselves up as Bona Tax Consultants and teach the world to talk proper in Bona School of Languages. Plus, they reveal to Mr Horne just what Julian received on his last birthday... This fantabulosa selection of Julian and Sandy sketches is brimming with sparkling repartee, gloriously camp humour and outrageous innuendo. So don't be strange - come on in, rest your lallies and let your riah down with two of the best pros in the business. Content warning: the humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and may not reflect current attitudes. ©2016 BBC Worldwide Ltd. (P)2016 BBC Worldwide Ltd."

Barry Took, Marty Feldman (Author), Hugh Paddick, Johnnie Mortimer, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Round the Horne: The Complete Series Four: 17 episodes of the groundbreaking BBC radio comedy

"Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden and Hugh Paddick star in 17 episodes of the anarchic 1960s radio comedy, including the 1967 Christmas special. Round the Horne arrived on BBC radio in 1965, bringing laughter to Sunday lunchtimes throughout the land. Over the course of sixteen weekly episodes it carved a niche in the history of broadcast comedy, a sketch show which prodded the boundaries of propriety and innuendo. At its heart was the suave and upstanding Kenneth Horne, around which revolved the multiple naughty personas of Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick and Bill Pertwee. Among the parade of regular characters were Julian and Sandy, the camp couple of resting thespians happy to turn their hands to anything, Rambling Syd Rumbo the musical cordwangler, Fiona and Charles the passionate duo, and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock - the world's dirtiest man. Meanwhile regular film parodies, spoof sagas and musical interludes peppered the mix. In addition to the 16 episodes of Series Four, this edition also includes the 1967 Christmas special episode Cinderfella and The Bona History of Julian and Sandy, in which Maureen Lipman takes a vada at Round the Horne's most flamboyant omipalonies. Content warning: the humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and may not reflect current attitudes. ©2016 BBC Worldwide Limited (P)2016 BBC Worldwide Limited"

Barry Took (Author), Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Round the Horne: The Complete Series Three: 16 episodes of the groundbreaking BBC Radio comedy

"Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden and Hugh Paddick star in 20 episodes of the anarchic 1960s radio comedy. Round the Horne arrived on BBC radio in 1965, bringing laughter to Sunday lunchtimes throughout the land. It carved a niche in the history of broadcast comedy, a sketch show which prodded the boundaries of propriety and innuendo. At its heart was the suave and upstanding Kenneth Horne, around which revolved the multiple naughty personas of Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick and Bill Pertwee. Among the parade of regular characters were Julian and Sandy, the camp couple of resting thespians happy to turn their hands to anything, Rambling Syd Rumbo the musical cordwangler, Fiona and Charles the passionate duo, and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock the world's dirtiest man. Meanwhile regular film parodies, spoof sagas and musical interludes peppered the mix. Round the Horne earned its place in the annals of comedy history, and is fondly remembered today as a groundbreaking series that influenced many more to come. Content warning: the humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and may not reflect current attitudes. ©2015 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)2015 BBC Worldwide Ltd"

Barry Took, Marty Feldman (Author), Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Round the Horne: The Complete Series Two: 15 episodes of the groundbreaking BBC radio comedy

"Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden and Hugh Paddick star in 15 episodes of the anarchic 1960s radio comedy. Round the Horne arrived on BBC radio in 1965, bringing laughter to Sunday lunchtimes throughout the land. Over the course of sixteen weekly episodes it carved a niche in the history of broadcast comedy, a sketch show which prodded the boundaries of propriety and innuendo. At its heart was the suave and upstanding Kenneth Horne, around which revolved the multiple naughty personas of Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick and Bill Pertwee. Among the parade of regular characters were ulian and Sandy, the camp couple of resting thespians happy to turn their hands to anything; Rambling Syd Rumbo, the musical cordwangler; Fiona and Charles, the passionate duo; and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock, the world's dirtiest man. Meanwhile regular film parodies, spoof sagas and musical interludes peppered the mix. Round the Horne earned its place in the annals of comedy history, and is fondly remembered today as a groundbreaking series that influenced many more to come. Here the entire second series can be enjoyed once again, plus the 1966 Christmas episode, 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame' and a special Transcription Services episode 'The Man With The Golden Thunderball'. Content warning: the humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and may not reflect current attitudes. ©2015 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)2015 BBC Worldwide Ltd"

Barry Took, Marty Feldman (Author), Full Cast, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Round the Horne: The Complete Series One: 16 episodes of the groundbreaking BBC Radio comedy

"Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden and Hugh Paddick star in 16 episodes of the anarchic 1960s radio comedy. Round the Horne arrived on BBC radio in 1965, bringing laughter to Sunday lunchtimes throughout the land. Over the course of sixteen weekly episodes it carved a niche in the history of broadcast comedy, a sketch show which prodded the boundaries of propriety and innuendo. At its heart was the suave and upstanding Kenneth Horne, around which revolved the multiple naughty personas of Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick and Bill Pertwee. Among the parade of regular characters were Julian and Sandy, the camp couple of resting thespians happy to turn their hands to anything, Rambling Syd Rumbo the musical cordwangler, Fiona and Charles the passionate duo, and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock the world's dirtiest man. Meanwhile regular film parodies, spoof sagas and musical interludes peppered the mix. Round the Horne earned its place in the annals of comedy history, and is fondly remembered today as a groundbreaking series that influenced many more to come. Here the entire first series can be enjoyed once again. Content warning: the humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and may not reflect current attitudes. ©2014 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)2014 BBC Worldwide Ltd"

Barry Took, Marty Feldman (Author), Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee, Douglas Smith, Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Bona World Of Julian & Sandy

Barry Took (Author), Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Round the Horne: Movie Spoofs: Classics from the BBC Radio comedy

"As one of the most consistently funny radio series of the 1960s, Round The Horne was always a favourite among listeners to the BBC Light Programme's comedy hour on Sundays. With its colourfully bizarre collection of characters and memorable catchphrases, its brilliantly inventive and sometimes outrageous scripts, Round The Horne was a unique chapter in the history of radio comedy. Listen to Round the Horne's homage to the cinema. Starring Kenneth Horne and a galaxy of Hornographic celebrities impersonated by Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, and Betty Marsden. You'll listen many, many times to these all-time screen classics: Around the World in Ten Minutes, Apache Story, Knights Of Camelot, Journey to Uranus, and many more. Content warning: the humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast and may not reflect current attitudes. ©1995, 2001 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)1995, 2001 BBC Worldwide Ltd"

Barry Took, Marty Feldman (Author), Betty Marsden, Full Cast, Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Kenneth Horne