Audiobooks narrated by Kenneth Williams

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)

Audiobook

Just a Classic Minute: A Heritage Collection

"24 more archive editions of the much-loved BBC Radio 4 panel game chaired by Nicholas Parsons This new collection of previously unpublished editions, first broadcast between 1979 and 2009, comes brimming with Just a Minute’s unique blend of wit, wordplay and one-upmanship beloved by listeners all around the world. Hilarity is guaranteed whenever the intrepid players attempt to speak without hesitation, repetition or deviation from the given subject, all whilst under the scrutiny of their fellow players and the stopwatch. Nicholas Parsons is once more in the chair to introduce proceedings and adjudicate on challenges. Long-time players Kenneth Williams, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo and Paul Merton compete alongside guests including Joan Bakewell, Wendy Richard, Richard Stilgoe, Tim Rice, Tony Hawks, Graham Norton, Neil Mullarkey, Greg Proops, Blythe Duff, Maria McErlane, Stephen Frost, Stephen Fry, Jenny Eclair, Sue Perkins, Ross Noble, Fred MacAulay, Nick Revell, Gyles Brandreth, Charles Collingwood, Liza Tarbuck, Kit Hesketh-Harvey, Chris Neill, Alun Cochrane, Chris Addison, Julian Clary, Ian McMillan, Shappi Khorsandi, the sadly missed Janey Godley and Richard Herring. Please note: Contains mild innuendo. The humour in these programmes sometimes reflects the era in which they were first broadcast. Due to the archive nature of some of the episodes, sound quality may vary. Cast and credits Devised by Ian Messiter Chaired by Nicholas Parsons Episode selection by Michael Stevens Music: The Minute Waltz (Waltz in D Flat Major, Op. 64) by Chopin All episodes first broadcast on BBC Radio 4: Episode Guide 1 6 February 1979 Feat. Joan Bakewell, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams 2 12 January 1991 Feat. Peter Jones, Tim Rice, Wendy Richard, Richard Stilgoe 3 2 March 1996 Feat. Tony Hawks, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo, Graham Norton 4 15 February 1997 Feat. Peter Jones, Paul Merton, Neil Mullarkey, Derek Nimmo 5 31 January 1998 Feat. Paul Merton, Derek Nimmo, Graham Norton, Greg Proops 6 6 July 1998 Feat. Blythe Duff, Tony Hawks, Paul Merton, Derek Nimmo 7 13 July 1998 Feat. Stephen Frost,Peter Jones, Maria McErlane, Paul Merton 8 17 January 2000 Feat. Peter Jones, Stephen Fry, Maria McErlane, Paul Merton 9 26 February 2001 Feat. Jenny Eclair, Tony Hawks, Graham Norton, Tim Rice 10 16 July 2001 Feat. Tony Hawks, Ross Noble, Sue Perkins, Tim Rice 11 2 February 2004 Feat. Gyles Brandreth, Fred MacAulay, Maria McErlane, Nick Revell 12 9 February 2004 Feat. Charles Collingwood, Kit Hesketh-Harvey, Paul Merton, Liza Tarbuck 13 2 January 2006 Feat. Gyles Brandreth, Paul Merton, Graham Norton, Sue Perkins 14 6 February 2006 Feat. Gyles Brandreth, Paul Merton, Graham Norton, Sue Perkins 15 6 March 2006 Feat. Kit Hesketh-Harvey, Paul Merton, Chris Neill, Liza Tarbuck 16 22 January 2007 Feat. Alun Cochrane, Paul Merton, Chris Neill, Tim Rice 17 29 January 2007 Feat. Tony Hawks, Paul Merton, Neil Mullarkey, Sue Perkins 18 5 March 2007 Feat. Tony Hawks, Paul Merton, Neil Mullarkey, Sue Perkins 19 13 August 2007 Feat. Alun Cochrane, Paul Merton, Chris Neill, Tim Rice 20 1 September 2008 Feat. Chris Addison, Julian Clary, Paul Merton, Sue Perkins 21 22 September 2008 Feat. Tony Hawks, Shappi Khorsandi, Ian McMillan, Paul Merton 22 17 August 2009 Feat. Gyles Brandreth, Kit Hesketh-Harvey, Shappi Khorsandi, Paul Merton 23 31 August 2009 Feat. Janey Godley, Richard Herring, Paul Merton, Sue Perkins 24 7 September 2009 Feat. Charles Collingwood, Jenny Eclair, Stephen Fry, Paul Merton ©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

TBD (Author), Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams, Nicholas Parsons, Paul Merton, Peter Jones, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

Just a Classic Minute: Gems from the Archive

"24 archive editions of the much-loved BBC Radio 4 panel game chaired by Nicholas Parsons Like a treasured piece of furniture, Just a Minute has graced the living rooms and kitchens of radio listeners for more than 50 years. Comfortable, relaxing and easy to sink into, it has long been the seat of sparkling comedy, infectious laughter and intelligent humour. We invite you once again to enjoy the fine patina of another top-drawer collection of classic episodes. In these 24 previously unpublished editions, first broadcast between 1978 and 2009, the redoubtable players attempt to speak without hesitation, repetition or deviation from the given subject. Nicholas Parsons is in the chair, to introduce proceedings and adjudicate on challenges. Seasoned players Kenneth Williams, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo and Paul Merton compete alongside guests including Bernard Cribbins, Sheila Hancock, Barry Cryer, Alfred Marks, Stanley Unwin, Richard Murdoch, Wendy Richard, Richard Morton, Tony Hawks, Graham Norton, Fred MacAulay, Greg Proops, Blythe Duff, Tim Rice, Jenny Eclair, Julian Clary, Kit Hesketh-Harvey, Linda Smith, Sue Perkins, Ross Noble, Charles Collingwood, Maureen Lipman, Pam Ayres, Dara O’Briain, Gyles Brandreth, Shappi Khorsandi and Ian McMillan. NB: Contains mild innuendo. The humour in these programmes sometimes reflects the era in which they were first broadcast. Due to the archive nature of some of the episodes, the sound quality may vary. Cast and credits Devised by Ian Messiter Chaired by Nicholas Parsons Episode selection by Michael Stevens Music: The Minute Waltz (Waltz in D Flat Major, Op. 64) by Chopin First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: Episode Guide 1 21 February 1978 Featuring Bernard Cribbins, Sheila Hancock, Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams 2 25 December 1979 Featuring Peter Jones, Lance Percival, Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams 3 11 August 1984 Featuring Barry Cryer, Peter Jones, Tim Rice, Kenneth Williams 4 16 May 1987 Featuring Peter Jones, Derek NImmo, Tim Rice, Kenneth Williams 5 30 May 1987 Featuring Peter Jones, Alfred Marks, Tim Rice, Kenneth Williams 6 2 May 1989 Featuring Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo, Tim Rice, Stanley Unwin 7 30 May 1989 Featuring Peter Jones, Paul Merton, Richard Murdoch, Derek Nimmo 8 24 March 1990 Featuring Peter Jones, Paul Merton, Richard Murdoch, Wendy Richard 9 30 January 1993 Featuring Peter Jones, Paul Merton, Richard Morton, Derek Nimmo 10 3 February 1996 Featuring Tony Hawks, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo, Graham Norton 11 17 February 1996 Featuring Tony Hawks, Peter Jones, Fred MacAulay, Derek Nimmo 12 11 January 1997 Featuring Peter Jones, Paul Merton, Neil Mullarkey, Derek Nimmo 13 3 January 1998 Featuring Paul Merton, Derek Nimmo, Graham Norton, Greg Proops 14 10 August 1998 Featuring Blythe Duff, Tony Hawks, Paul Merton, Derek Nimmo 15 1 February 1999 Featuring Jenny Eclair, Steve Frost, Peter Jones, Tim Rice 16 5 February 2001 Featuring Julian Clary, Kit Hesketh-Harvey, Paul Merton, Linda Smith 17 6 August 2001 Featuring Tony Hawks, Ross Noble, Sue Perkins, Tim Rice 18 14 August 2006 Featuring Charles Collingwood, Tony Hawks, Paul Merton, Sue Perkins 19 16 July 2007 Featuring Pam Ayres, Maureen Lipman, Paul Merton, Dara O’Briain 20 17 September 2007 Featuring Gyles Brandreth, Julian Clary, Jenny Eclair, Paul Merton 21 14 January 2008 Featuring Gyles Brandreth, Janey Godley, Tony Hawks, Kit Hesketh-Harvey 22 11 August 2008 Featuring Tony Hawks, Shappi Khorsandi, Ian McMillan, Paul Merton 23 29 December 2008 Featuring Charles Collingwood, Shappi Khorsandi, Paul Merton, Graham Norton 24 21 September 2009 Featuring Pam Ayres, Tony Hawks, Sue Perkins, Tim Rice"

Tbd (Author), Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams, Nicholas Parsons, Paul Merton, Peter Jones, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

Stop Messing About!: The Complete BBC Radio Series

"Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, and Joan Sims go beyond Round the Horne in this fabulous vintage comedy show A sparkling sequel to the legendary Round the Horne, Stop Messing About! continued the comedy tradition, reuniting Kenneth Williams with both his former foil Hugh Paddick and his Carry On co-star Joan Sims. Included here are all 26 episodes of the all-nude radio show, complete with favourites such as ‘Crackerjackanory with Mother’, ‘Feeble Fables’, ‘Clarence J Mousepartner’s Problem Corner’ and movie spoofs including 2002: A Space Oddity; The Dirty Half-Dozen and A Fistful of Denaro. Join the Earl of Shotterley for a tour of his ancestral home, Talpurgis Hall; peek into the past with ‘Vada-ing Back’; thumb through the pages of Douglas Smith’s incredible Pull-Out Supplement; thrill to the shocking exposés of regular documentary feature ‘The Smith Report’ and prepare to be impressed by the Kenneth Williams Exhibition (all his bits and pieces are on display). Wandering pop group Peter, Paul & Mrs Nosepoultice share some traditional folk harmonies; a bijou male-voice choir present their bona repertoire, star-crossed pensioners Meg and Tone tell their soul-searing story; and we meet the Homey Secretary and his friend Black Rod – whose performances on the floor of the House leave a lot to be desired... With music by the Max Harris Group and announcements from Douglas ‘Hot Lips’ Smith, this classic comedy series is packed with quick-witted quips, double entendres, saucy songs and outrageously funny sketches. NB: The humour in this programme reflects the era in which it was first broadcast Production credits Starring Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick and Joan Sims Written by Johnnie Mortimer, Brian Cooke, Myles Rudge, David Cumming and Derek Collyer, Announcer: Douglas Smith With music by The Max Harris Group Produced by John Simmonds First broadcast on BBC Radio 2, 6 April-29 June 1969 (Series 1), 19 April-12 July 1970 (Series 2) © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Brian Cooke, David Cumming, Derek Collyer, Johnnie Mortimer, Myles Rudge (Author), Hugh Paddick, Joan Sims, Kenneth Williams, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Betty Witherspoon Show: Classic BBC Radio Comedy

"The complete series of the vintage BBC Radio variety show Radio legends Kenneth Williams (Beyond Our Ken, Hancock’s Half Hour) and Ted Ray (Ray’s a Laugh) join forces for this quickfire mix of characters, songs and sketches, first broadcast on Radio 2 in 1974. Accompanied by Quote… Unquote’s Nigel Rees and veteran actress/comedian Miriam Margolyes, they cross their comedy swords and trade playful repartee. In these ten episodes, recorded in front of a live audience at the Paris Theatre, Ted Ray demonstrates his virtuosity on the violin; documentary feature ‘Witherspoon’s World’ explores topics including medicine, the arts, Europe and the younger generation; and Inspector Spewles of Scotland Yard’s Intelligence Unit gets flirty, sweetie, with a public information bulletin that’s full of honeyed words. Plus, the ‘Theatre of the Air’ troupe make merry at the court of Henry VIII, take a rollicking trip through Rasputin’s Russia and give us their comic take on classic literature: from A Tale of Two Cities to Wuthering Heights, Anthony and Cleopatra and Romeo and Juliet. There’s also a host of groan-inducing gags and humorous tunes, including ‘The Type of Horrible Cockney Song that Killed the Music Hall’ and ‘Why Don’t They Write Songs About Runcorn?’ None of the shows were kept by the BBC archive, but thanks to the ‘Treasure Hunt’ campaign, they were all recovered, and are collected here for you to enjoy once more. Happy days! NB: Contains dated humour and language that reflect the era in which these programmes were recorded, which some listeners may find offensive. Due to the age and off-air nature of the recordings, the quality may vary. Production credits Starring Ted Ray and Kenneth Williams With Miriam Margolyes and Nigel Rees Written by Michael Wale and Joe Steeples With additional material by Derek Farmer, Ray Lowrie, Fred Metcalfe, David Renwick, Keith Williams, Chris Miller, Peter Spence, Chris Allen, David McKellar, Tom Magee Englefield, David Nobbs and Peter Vincent Music by Neil Innes Produced by Simon Brett First broadcast on BBC Radio 2, 20 April-22 June 1974 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Joe Steeples, Michael Wale (Author), Kenneth Williams, Miriam Margolyes, Nigel Rees, Ted Ray (Narrator)

Audiobook

Just a Minute: The Very Best of Vintage: A Timeless Collection of Classic Episodes

"A bumper collection of vintage episodes of the award-winning panel game Just a Minute is BBC Radio 4's longest-running panel show, and a national treasure. Since 1967, it has welcomed an array of stellar guest players to demonstrate their verbal dexterity, wicked wit and brilliant banter, as they attempt to speak for 60 seconds on a given subject without hesitation, repetition or deviation. This extensive, wide-ranging box set brings together 32 of the finest episodes from the programme's history, including 24 taken from the previously published releases Another Classic Collection; A Further Classic Collection; The Golden Collection; Through the Years and A Vintage Collection; as well as 6 shows from The Classic Collection that have never before been available to download. Spanning over four decades, from 1973 to 2005, they chart the evolution of the nation's best-loved radio comedy, showcasing some of the best and funniest panellists including Sheila Hancock, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo, Tim Rice, Paul Merton, Tony Hawks, Wendy Richard, Jenny Eclair, Graham Norton and Sue Perkins - and, on one notable occasion, Nicholas Parsons. Packed with fast-paced, irreverent fun and ferocious competition, this fabulous collection features more than 14 hours of non-stop laughter, as these talented talkers battle it out in a bid to secure that most elusive of prizes - a perfect, uninterrupted minute. NB: Contains mild innuendo. The humour in these programmes sometimes reflects the era in which they were first broadcast. Due to the archive nature of some of the episodes, the sound quality may vary. Cast and credits Devised by Ian Messiter Produced by Simon Brett, John Lloyd, John Browell, David Hatch, Pete Atkin, Edward Taylor, Anne Jobson, Sarah Smith, Chris Neill and Claire Jones Featuring Sheila Hancock, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams, William Rushton, Nicholas Parsons, Magnus Pike, Ray Alan, Tim Rice, Brian Johnston, John Junkin, Gyles Brandreth, Martin Jarvis, Barry Cryer, Ian Hislop, Paul Merton, Richard Murdoch, Wendy Richard, Richard Stilgoe, Tony Hawks, Jeremy Hardy, Jenny Eclair, Kit Hesketh-Harvey, Lee Simpson, Graham Norton, Linda Smith, Steve Frost, Stephen Frost, Sue Perkins, Ross Noble, Fred MacAulay, Maria McErlane and Nick Revell Chairman: Nicholas Parsons and (on 12 January 1977) Ian Messiter First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: 6 August 1973, 23 December 1975, 15 December 1976, 12 January 1977, 16 March 1977, 20 April 1977, 20 February 1979, 15 January 1980, 12 February 1980, 20 February 1982, 29 October 1983, 28 July 1984, 3 April 1985, 18 January 1986, 18 April 1987, 4 April 1989, 28 April 1990, 23 February 1991, 7 January 1995, 28 January 1995, 11 February 1995, 18 February 1995, 18 January 1999, 1 February 1999, 19 July 1999, 2 August 1999, 25 February 2002, 4 March 2002, 26 January 2004, 31 January 2005, 21 February 2005 and 7 March 2005. © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd."

Tbd (Author), Barry Cryer, Derek Nimmo, Graham Norton, Gyles Brandreth, Ian Hislop, Ian Messiter, Jenny Eclair, Kenneth Williams, Martin Jarvis, Nicholas Parsons, Paul Merton, Sheila Hancock, Sue Perkins, Tim Rice, Tony Hawks, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock’s Half Hour: The Marriage Bureau: A lost episode of the classic radio comedy & more

"The first ever publication of a long-lost episode of Hancock's Half Hour, featuring Peter Sellers - plus bonus material Legendary sitcom Hancock's Half Hour ran for 102 episodes on BBC Radio between 1954 and 1959. Over 20 shows were subsequently lost - but now one of the funniest and most sought-after, 'The Marriage Bureau', has been rediscovered. The penultimate episode of Series 1, it features a unique appearance from Peter Sellers, standing in for Kenneth Williams. Available for the first time since its original broadcast in 1955, it sees Hancock looking for a job - and a wife... Alongside it is a fascinating documentary, Raiders of the Lost Archive, in which Keith Wickham - the Indiana Jones of archiving - and fellow treasure-hunters discuss the thrilling, complex work of locating and restoring missing radio classics. Plus, there's a surviving extract from the lost Hancock's Half Hour episode, 'The New Year Resolutions', and a previously unreleased documentary, H-H-H-Happy Birthday Hancock, in which Andrew Sachs presents an affectionate tribute to The Lad Himself with contributions from Denis Norden, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson, John Freeman and Sid James. Credits Hancock's Half Hour written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson Produced by Dennis Main Wilson Thanks to Tessa Le Bars, Martin Gibbons, Keith Wickham, Richard Harrison, the Radio Circle and the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society. 'The Marriage Bureau' Starring Tony Hancock, Bill Kerr, Moira Lister, Sidney James and Peter Sellers Announcer: Adrian Waller Theme and incidental music composed by Wally Stott. Recorded by the BBC Revue Orchestra conducted by Harry Rabinowitz Sound restoration by Keith Wickham First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 8 February 1955 Raiders of the Lost Archive Presented by Keith Wickham Written and edited by Keith Wickham and James Peak With special thanks to the Radio Circle, Richard Harrison, Roger Bickerton, Mark Ayres, Steve Arnold, Tom Hercock, Hannah Ratford and all at BBC Archives in Caversham Produced by James Peak An Essential Radio production for BBC Radio 4 First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13 October 2022 Extract from 'The New Year Resolutions' Starring Tony Hancock, Bill Kerr, Sidney James and Kenneth Williams Sound restoration by Jon Street First broadcast BBC Light Programme, 4 January 1956 NB: Due to the age and off-air nature of this recording, the sound quality may vary H-H-H Happy Birthday Hancock Presented by Andrew Sachs With contributions from Denis Norden, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson, John Freeman and Sid James, and excerpts from Hancock's Half Hour Produced by Richard Edis First broadcast BBC Radio 2, 11 May 1999 ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), Andrew Sachs, Bill Kerr, Full Cast, Kenneth Williams, Moira Lister, Peter Sellers, Sidney James, Tony Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hancock’s Half Hour: Selected TV Soundtracks & more: A BBC Classic Comedy Collection

"Over 30 brilliant BBC recordings, including TV shows, radio highlights and a wealth of previously unreleased material Tony Hancock was one of Britain's best-loved and most influential postwar comedians. Collected here are some of the very best radio and TV episodes from Hancock's Half Hour, plus celebrations, compilations, interviews, original dramas and documentaries - many of which have never before been available on audio. There's the debut show from the radio series, The First Night Party, introduced by writers Ray Galton and Alan Simpson; and the last ever BBC television show, The Succession - Son and Heir. Also included are four new-to-audio TV episodes - The Oak Tree, The Train Journey, The Tycoon and The Lift - as well as many other television favourites: The Flight of the Red Shadow, The Wrong Man, The Economy Drive, Lord Byron Lived Here, The Cold, The Emigrant, The Baby Sitters, The Poison Pen Letters, The Bedsitter, The Bowmans, The Radio Ham and The Blood Donor. Two programmes introduced by Galton and Simpson, The Best of Hancock's Half Hour (Radio) and The Best of Hancock's Half Hour (TV) showcase the show's finest moments, and more classic clips can be found in Unique Hancock, an extended version of the vintage 1973 vinyl LP complete with commentary and linking narration. And in Steve Punt's Hancock Cuttings, included here for the first time on audio, the comedian and Tony Hancock fan presents a host of oddities and rarities featuring the lad himself. The life and wonderful work of Hancock, his writers, and fellow radio actor Kenneth Williams are commemorated in three never-before-released documentaries - The New Elizabethans: Tony Hancock, Celebration: Galton & Simpson and Great Lives: Kenneth Williams. Also making their audio debut are two poignant radio dramas, Hancock's Last Half Hour (starring Richard Briers as Hancock) and Hancock's Ashes (starring Ewan Bailey as Willie Rushton). Finally, we go behind-the scenes with Galton and Simpson in a trio of insightful interviews - a fascinating 30-minute discussion, specially recorded for BBC Audio in 2003, and the radio programmes In Conversation with Galton and Simpson and The Complete and Utter History of Hancock's Half Hour, in which the duo chat to Paul Jackson and Paul Merton respectively. Please note: due to the age of these recordings, the sound quality may vary. Production credits Hancock's Half Hour written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson Produced by Dennis Main Wilson (radio) and Duncan Wood (TV) Theme and incidental music composed by, and orchestra conducted by, Wally Stott Collection compiled by Martin Gibbons With thanks to the Tony Hancock Appreciation Society Contents The First Night Party The Best of Hancock's Half Hour (Radio) The Best of Hancock's Half Hour (TV) The Succession: Son and Heir The Flight of the Red Shadow The Wrong Man The Oak Tree The Economy Drive Lord Byron Lived Here The Train Journey The Tycoon The Cold The Emigrant The Baby Sitters The Poison Pen Letters The Bedsitter The Bowmans The Radio Ham The Lift The Blood Donor Celebration: Galton and Simpson Unique Hancock Hancock's Last Half Hour In Conversation with... Galton and Simpson Interview with Galton and Simpson The Complete and Utter History of Hancock's Half Hour The New Elizabethans: Tony Hancock Steve Punt's Hancock Cuttings Hancock's Ashes Great Lives: Kenneth Williams © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), Bill Kerr, Full Cast, June Whitfield, Kenneth Williams, Moira Lister, Paul Merton, Richard Briers, Sid James, Steve Punt, 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

Hancock's Half Hour Collectibles: Volume 3

"A fascinating collection of rare and remastered radio & TV material starring Tony Hancock This third treasury of rare archive material presents another four newly restored radio episodes of Hancock’s Half Hour: ‘The 13th of the Series’ (1957), ‘The Male Suffragettes’ (1958), ‘The Sleepless Night’ (1958) and ‘The Last Bus Home’ (1959). Starring once again alongside Tony Hancock are Sid James, Bill Kerr, Hattie Jacques and Kenneth Williams. Three further editions of the radio hit Calling All Forces, from 1952, feature Hancock as co-compere with Charlie Chester, with a bill featuring Robb Wilton and many other light entertainment stars of the day. Hancock’s Other Half’s Hour, from 1997, sets Tony’s widow Freddie Hancock centre stage, from where she invites many of his former colleagues to reminisce about the man. Among them are Harry Secombe, Peter Goodwright, Liz Fraser, Bill Kerr, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson, Stirling Moss, Sylvia Sims, Larry Gelbart, Patricia Hayes, Jim Dale, Bill Cotton Jnr and Frank Thornton. The lad speaks for 'imself in two rarely heard Tony Hancock interviews, first broadcast on Open House (1964) and Late Night Line-Up (1965). Elsewhere Robert Cushman and Denis Norden survey Hancock’s life and career in Turns of the Century (1995) and Stone Me, What a Life! (2004) respectively. A bonus PDF booklet looks at each item in the context of Hancock’s broadcasting career, with insights into how many of these lost or rare items were discovered. Marking the legacy of one of our greatest comedy entertainers, this collection is a must for fans of Tony Hancock and Hancock's Half Hour."

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), Full Cast, Kenneth Williams, Sid James, Tony Hancock (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)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Kenneth Williams

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