Audiobooks narrated by Kenneth Williams

Beyond Our Ken Series 3: The classic BBC radio comedy

Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and others star in the complete third series of the madcap forerunner to Round the HorneA hectic mix of sketches and songs, Beyond Our Ken kept millions of listeners in stitches between 1958 and 1964. These fourteen fantastic episodes, published for the first time on audio, were first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1960. In these uproarious half hours, you can enjoy a series of plays to remember; hear all about Kenneth Horne's adventures in Switzerland, Macau and the North West Frontier; check out the latest film releases in Picture Go Round and learn about the worlds of photography, hobbies, food, the City and more in documentary feature Hornerama. In addition, Russian comrades Rodney and Charles launch their rocket, Felicity and Ambrose enjoy some home movies, Cecil Snaith goes on a polar expedition and there's a special edition of The Archers, American-style. So join Kenneth Horne and friends for more witty wordplay, larger-than-life characters, comic catchphrases and sublimely silly humour from the hugely popular 'sort of radio show'. Written by Eric Merriman, with musical accompaniments provided by Pat Lancaster, the Fraser Hayes Four, Edwin Braden and the BBC Variety Orchestra. Duration: 7 hours approx

Eric Merriman (Author), Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken The Collector's Edition: Series 2

Kenneth Horne is joined by Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee and Pat Lancaster in the second series of the classic weekly show, which lit up the airwaves between 1958 and 1964. The forerunner to Round the Horne, Beyond Our Ken is a madcap mix of sketches and music. Seven series were broadcast between 1958 and 1962, written principally by Eric Merriman - Barry Took joined him as co-writer for the first two series. With musical entertainment from Pat Lancaster and The Malcolm Mitchell Trio, join genial host Kenneth Horne and his ensemble in this fantastic funny show.

Barry Took, Eric Merriman (Author), Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Pat Lancaster, Ron Moody (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken: Complete Series 4

All nineteen surviving episodes from the fourth series of Beyond Our Ken, plus bonus programme Forty Laughing Years A superb melange of sketches and songs, liberally sprinkled with puns and double entendres, Beyond Our Ken made millions of listeners laugh out loud between 1958 and 1964. These nineteen fantastic episodes, published for the first time on audio, were initially broadcast on the BBC Light Programme between 1960 and 1961. Featuring favourite characters including Charles and Rodney, Ambrose and Felicity and Cecil Snaith, not to mention Kenneth Horne himself, these classic shows are full of fun and laughter. Musical interludes are provided by Janet Waters, the Hornets and the BBC Variety Orchestra, conducted by Paul Fenoulhet. The episodes include Suddenly Last Summer, Spring in Park Lane, The Gentleman's Agreement, Three Coins in a Fountain, The Man with the Golden Arm, House of Wax, Desire Under the Elms, Brief Encounter, The Thirty-Nine Steps, Gale Warning (followed by Scrooge), Room at the Top, The Horse Soldiers, All Quiet on the Western Front, The Charge of the Light Brigade, A Hatful of Rain, Twelve O'Clock High, Tea and Sympathy, Some Come Running and Tunes of Glory. Also included is the 1962 tribute programme Forty Laughing Years, hosted by Kenneth Horne. (NB: This volume contains the nineteen surviving episodes from Series 4, plus bonus programme Forty Laughing Years. No recording of Episode 12, Thames Suicide Attempt, is now known to exist, and this episode cannot therefore be included.)

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

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken: Series 2: Classic BBC Radio comedy

Kenneth Horne is joined by Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee and Pat Lancaster in the second series of the classic weekly radio show. Between 1958 and 1964, 'Beyond Our Ken' was one of radio's most popular comedy shows, with a regular audience of ten million listeners. A hilarious mix of sketches and music, packed with witty wordplay, comic catchphrases and larger-than-life characters, this fabulous forerunner to 'Round the Horne' remains just as funny today.In these fourteen episodes, written by Eric Merriman and Barry Took, listen to some extraordinary incidents from Kenneth Horne's week and enjoy special 'Hornerama' investigations into the worlds of showbusiness, communications, the film industry, shipping and many more. Say hello to Rodney and Charles, follow roving reporter Cecil Snaith to the depths of the Red Sea and join Felicity and Ambrose as they are shipwrecked on a desert island.Plus, there's a spoof 'Any Questions?' featuring Hankie Flowered, Ricky Livid, Fanny Haddock and Arthur Fallowfield, and musical interludes from The Fraser Hayes Four and Pat Lancaster – so join urbane host Kenneth Horne and friends for more fun, puns, merriment and madcap humour from the much-loved comedy show. Duration: 7 hours approx.

Eric Merriman (Author), Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams (Narrator)

Audiobook

Beyond Our Ken: Series One

Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and Ron Moody star in the surviving 13 episodes from the very first series of the classic weekly show, the forerunner to Round the Horne. Between 1958 and 1964, Beyond Our Ken lit up the airwaves. A madcap mix of sketches and songs, it remains as funny today as when it was first broadcast. Full of witty wordplay, larger-than-life characters, comic catchphrases and sublimely silly humour, the show introduced regulars such as Rodney and Charles, countryman Arthur Fallowfield and roving reporter Cecil Snaith. Enjoy regular documentary feature 'Hornerama', plan a break with 'Kenneth Horne's Holiday Bureau', listen to Parisian caberet artist Maurice Chandelier, and meet Felicity and Ambrose - the happiest couple in Great Britain. With episodes written by Eric Merriman and Barry Took, and musical interludes from The Malcolm Mitchell Trio and The Fraser Hayes Four, join avuncular host Kenneth Horne and friends in this hilarious precursor to Round the Horne. Duration: 6 hours 30 mins approx.

Barry Took, Eric Merriman (Author), Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Ron Moody (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

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)

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Hancock's Half Hour Volume 3: The Americans Hit Town / The Unexploded Bomb

Tony Hancock, Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Hattie Jacques and Bill Kerr star in two classic episodes written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson, which showcase the master of misery at his best. The Americans Hit Town: When the US Air Force sets up a base in Cheam, Hancock joins the rush to rent them rooms at exorbitant prices. But the sudden appearance of a Council Inspector forces them to masquerade as Yanks. The Unexploded Bomb: An unexploded bomb is discovered in Hancock's cellar - to the delight of Sid, who wants the site for a used car lot.

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

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Hancock's Half Hour: The 'Lost' Episodes: The New Secretary / The Blackboard Jungle

The two episodes in this release were long thought to be missing from the BBC archive - but now they can be enjoyed in all their hilarious glory. The Blackboard Jungle sees Hancock playing a young English master, attempting to tame a class of unruly pupils. Can he win their respect - or will he be distracted by an attractive female teacher? In The New Secretary, Hancock decides his life is in a mess, so Sid suggests he get a secretary to organise him: ideally a blonde, Anita Ekberg lookalike. But they are both very surprised by who turns up... The master of misery is supported by a star cast including Sid James, Bill Kerr, Kenneth Williams and Hattie Jacques. Also included are the bonus recordings: In Conversation With... Galton and Simpson from 2001, and Six Characters in Search of an Answer: Tony Hancock from 2003, which explores the character of Hancock in detail.

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

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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)

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Just a Minute: A Classic Quartet: 4 classic episodes of the Radio 4 comedy panel game

Four classic episodes of the popular BBC Radio 4 panel game. 5 January 1977/8 January 1980/11 March 1980/23 June 1988 Nicholas Parsons chairs four archive episodes of the evergreen BBC Radio 4 comedy panel game, featuring the four original regular players of the game: Clement Freud, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo and Kenneth Williams. These specially selected episodes, all published for the first time, see the formidable foursome squaring up to eachother in a battle of wits – and wit. As they endeavour to prevent each other from talking for the full minute, topics introduced – and swiftly dismissed – include Bath Night, Donald Duck, Getting in a Frenzy, Gooey Buns, My Accolade, The MostPleasing City I Have Visited, Getting Uptight and Poppadoms. Camaraderie, competition and brilliant banter are the order of the day, as these sparkling raconteurs come out with some of their best andfunniest lines and demonstrate their quick thinking and wonderful way with words. Full of comic gems and irreverent fun, these four classic shows are a delight to listen to.Duration: 2 hours approx.

Kenneth Williams (Author), , Full Cast, Kenneth Williams, Nicholas Parsons (Narrator)

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Just a Minute: A Vintage Collection: 12 classic episodes of the much-loved BBC Radio comedy game

Twelve archive editions of the the much-loved BBC Radio 4 panel game chaired by Nicholas Parsons Having matured like a fine wine for over 50 years, Just a Minute continues to improve with age. A full-bodied, cheeky little number, it's both sparkling and robust, and ideal for almost every occasion. A few bottles of the finest have been brought up from the cellar for this vintage collection. In these twelve humorous, enlightening and previously unpublished editions - harvested from between 1972 and 2004 - players once again attempt to speak without hesitation, repetition or deviation from the given subject. Challenges fly thick and fast under the unflappable adjudication of Nicholas Parsons. Seasoned players Kenneth Williams, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo, Clement Freudand Paul Merton compete alongside guests including Tim Rice, Sheila Hancock, Michael Palin, Jenny Eclair, Tony Hawks, Ross Noble, Ray Alan, Rob Buckman, Barry Cryer, Wendy Richard, Jeremy Hardy, Richard Stilgoe, Steve Frost, Graham Norton, Liza Tarbuck, Kit Hesketh-Harvey and Julian Clary. Which players will be allowed time to breathe uninterrupted, as they demonstrate they have the nose for a corking finish? Find out as we play Just a Minute! Please note: Contains mild innuendo. The humour in these programmes sometimes reflects the era in which they were first broadcast. Episode Guide 26 September 1972 Featuring Clement Freud, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams 10 February 1976 Featuring Clement Freud, Peter Jones, Michael Palin, Kenneth Williams 20 February 1979 Featuring Ray Alan, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams 22 January 1980 Featuring Rob Buckman, Clement Freud, Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams 3 April 1985 Featuring Barry Cryer, Peter Jones, Tim Rice, Kenneth Williams 23 February 1991 Featuring Peter Jones, Tim Rice, Wendy Richard, Richard Stilgoe 11 February 1995 Featuring Jeremy Hardy, Tony Hawks, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo 1 February 1999 Featuring Jenny Eclair, Steve Frost, Peter Jones, Tim Rice 11 March 2002 Featuring Clement Freud, Sheila Hancock, Paul Merton, Graham Norton 7 July 2003 Featuring Clement Freud, Sheila Hancock, Kit Hesketh-Harvey, Paul Merton 18 August 2003 Featuring Jenny Eclair, Clement Freud, Tony Hawks, Ross Noble 16 August 2004 Featuring Julian Clary, Clement Freud, Paul Merton, Liza Tarbuck

BBC Audio, Bbc Audio (Author), Full Cast, Jeremy Hardy, Kenneth Williams, Michael Palin, Nicholas Parsons, Paul Merton, Ross Noble, Sheila Hancock (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Kenneth Williams