Audiobooks narrated by Margaret Cabourn-Smith

The Secret World: Inside the Private Lives of the Famous: A BBC Radio Comedy

All four series of the BBC Radio 4 comedy impressions show following the imagined private lives of the rich and powerful The Secret World is an impressions show with a difference – it shines a light on the imaginary alternative lives of famous folk. Each episode takes place over one day, with stories unfolding and overlapping from morning to night. In these 22 episodes, we hear about the bizarre habits of celebrities from Lady Gaga to Keith Harris and Orville. Al Pacino reveals his alternative life as a balloon twister, Barack Obama becomes a Pearly King; Professor Brian Cox finds himself stalked by various women, including the Queen; and the Archbishop of Canterbury tries Tweeting for the first time – with disastrous results. We also find out what Sean Connery, Griff Rhys Jones, Pam Ayres, Kirsty Young and Peter Sallis have in common (they all enjoy nothing more than meeting up for a spot of bare-knuckle fighting), discover Princess Anne’s secret passion for trainspotting, and learn about Russell Crowe’s strange fixation with sprouts. And there are sinister revelations about Alan Titchmarsh’s dark side when his career is threatened... Winner of the Gold Award for Best Comedy at the 2014 Radio Academy Awards, this richly imaginative satirical comedy stars Dead Ringers alumni Jon Culshaw, Lewis MacLeod, Duncan Wisbey and Debra Stephenson, as well as acclaimed comedy performers Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Julian Dutton, Sarah Hadland and Jess Robinson. We also peer into the lives of Al Pacino, Miranda Hart, Prince Charles, Lady Gaga and the Queen, to name a few. The cast are: Jon Culshaw, Lewis MacLeod, Duncan Wisbey, Margaret Cabourn Smith, Julian Dutton, Sarah Hadland, Jess Robinson and Debrea Stephenson

Bill Dare (Author), Duncan Wisbey, Jon Culshaw, Lewis Macleod, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Sarah Hadland (Narrator)

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The Penny Dreadfuls: Volume 3: Le Carré on Spying; Don Quixote; Hadrian's Beard

In these riotous revisionist plays, The Penny Dreadfuls present alternative takes on three icons, ably assisted by guests including Miles Jupp, Mark Heap, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Amanda Abbington and Sylvester McCoy. In The Penny Dreadful's Present: Le Carré on Spying, we follow David Cornwell's (Le Carré's real name) desperate efforts to uncover the latest mole in the secret service. John F Kennedy's official visit to Berlin looms and the pressure is on to get to the truth. In The Penny Dreadful's Present: Don Quixote, Cervantes' mighty tome has been condensed into an hour's entertainment. Join peasant Sancho and the man who thinks he's a Knight, locked in a quest to save those who don't want saving and unravel enchantments which may or may not only exist in their minds. The Penny Dreadful's Present: Hadrian's Beard will broadcast later on this year. Emperor Hadrian's instinct is to protect himself and Rome with a wall, but will the locals fall into line? Produced by Julia McKenzie

David Reed (Author), Amanda Abbington, David Reed, Humphrey Ker, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Mark Heap, Miles Jupp, Sylvester Mccoy, Thom Tuck (Narrator)

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The Penny Dreadfuls: Volume 2: Macbeth Rebothered; The Odyssey; The Curse of the Beagle

Comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls recount the story of the much-maligned Macbeth, revisit Odysseus’ epic journey and reveal the truth behind Darwin’s famous voyage The Penny Dreadfuls – Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck – are a comedy trio who specialise in retelling historical events in their own, inimitable way. In these riotous revisionist plays, they present alternative takes on three famous tales, ably assisted by guests including Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Lolly Adefope, Robert Webb and Susan Calman. Macbeth Rebothered: It’s the Scottish Play, but not as we know it: The Penny Dreadfuls present a rebooted version of the classic story that paints the noble King in a very different light. Starring Greg McHugh as Macbeth and Susan Calman as the Narrator. The Odyssey: The Penny Dreadfuls take on Homer's tale of Odyseuss's epic journey home from the Trojan Wars and the incredible monsters and enchantress he encounters en route. Starring Robert Webb as Odysseus. The Curse of the Beagle: In 1831, a 22-year-old Charles Darwin set sail on HMS Beagle for a five-year voyage that changed the course of his life. He later published his stories of the trip, but in this reimagining The Penny Dreadfuls uncover the untold story that Darwin kept to himself. Produced by Julia McKenzie.

David Reed (Author), , Greg McHugh, Greg Mchugh, Lolly Adefope, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Robert Webb, Susan Calman (Narrator)

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The Penny Dreadfuls: Volume 1: Guy Fawkes; Revolution; Hereward the Wake

The Penny Dreadfuls examine the life of Guy Fawkes, undertake a satirical version of the French Revolution and turn their comic eye towards Hereward the Wake The Penny Dreadfuls Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck are a comedy trio who specialise in retelling historical events in their own, inimitable way. In these riotous revisionist plays, they present alternative takes on three famous tales, ably assisted by guests including Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Marek Larwood, Justin Edwards, Miles Jupp, Richard E Grant, and Sally Hawkins. Guy Fawkes: What exactly are we supposed to remember on the 5th of November? The Penny Dreadfuls take a fresh look at the build-up to and aftermath of the Gunpowder Plot. Starring Kevin Eldon as Guy. Revolution: The Penny Dreadfuls tell the epic story of the French Revolution including the execution of the King and the slaughter of thousands at the guillotine in just one hour, with jokes. Starring Richard E Grant as Robespierre and Sally Hawkins as Marie-Therese. Hereward the Wake: Why has this Englishman, responsible for leading the fight against the occupation of William The Conqueror, been forgotten? The Penny Dreadfuls explain how the story didn't end when they ran out of embroidery cotton on the Bayeux Tapestry... Produced by Julia McKenzie.

David Reed, Humphrey Ker, Thom Tuck (Author), , Andrew Pugsley, Justin Edwards, Kevin Eldon, Marek Larwood, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Miles Jupp, Richard E Grant, Richard E. Grant, Sally Hawkins, Various Narrators (Narrator)

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The Missing Hancocks: The Complete BBC Radio Series: New recordings of classic ‘lost’ scripts

Kevin McNally and Andy Secombe star in new recordings of original Hancock's Half Hour scripts by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. Between 1954 and 1959, BBC Radio recorded 102 episodes of the hugely popular comedy classic, Hancock's Half Hour. The first modern sitcom, Hancock's Half Hour made stars of Tony Hancock, Sid James and Kenneth Williams, and launched Ray Galton and Alan Simpson as one of the most successful comedy-writing partnerships in history. Sadly, 22 episodes of the show went missing from the BBC archives, and have not been heard since their original transmission nearly 60 years ago - until Radio 4 lovingly recreated them over four highly-acclaimed series between 2014 and 2020. In a special treat for Hancock fans, Series 4 also premiered one episode - The Counterfeiter - that was never recorded by the original team. Complete with the classic score performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra, these hilarious episodes were recorded at the BBC Radio Theatre in front of a live audience. Kevin McNally stars as The Lad Himself, with Andy Secombe playing the role of his father Harry and a stellar cast including Simon Greenall, Kevin Eldon, Robin Sebastian, Margaret Cabourn-Smith and Susy Kane. Also featured is a bonus Director's Commentary for The Matador, in which Andy Hamilton chats to Kevin McNally and co-producer Neil Pearson about the joys, and challenges, of recreating a 1950s sitcom. In addition, we hear Kevin McNally and Robin Sebastian's riotous performance of 'The Test Pilot' sketch at the 2018 RAF centenary gala at the Royal Albert Hall, and the interview they gave afterwards. The episodes included in this collection are: The Matador The Newspaper The Hancock Festival The Breakfast Cereal The New Neighbour How Hancock Won the War The Red Planet The Marriage Bureau A Visit to Russia The Trial of Father Christmas A Holiday in France The Crown Jewels The Racehorse A Visit to Swansea The Three Sons The Winter Holiday Department Store Santa The Diamond Ring Prime Minister Hancock Christmas at Aldershot The Counterfeiter The Christmas Eve Party The New Year Resolutions Written by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson Produced by Ed Morrish, Neil Pearson, Paul Sheehan and Hayley Sterling Music composed by Wally Stott, and performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by Levon Parikian Thanks to Tessa Le Bars A BBC Studios Production Originally broadcast on the BBC Light Programme between 1954 and 1959 Recreated for broadcast by BBC Radio Comedy for BBC Radio 4, 31 October-28 November 2014 (Series 1), 23 November-21 December 2015 (Series 2), 14 March-11 April 2017 (Series 3), 6 December 2018-31 December 2020 (Series 4) Cast Tony Hancock - Kevin McNally Bill Kerr - Kevin Eldon Sid James - Simon Greenall Kenneth Williams - Robin Sebastian Andree Melly - Susy Kane Moira Lister - Margaret Cabourn-Smith Harry Secombe - Andy Secombe Director's Commentary Featuring Andy Hamilton, Kevin McNally and Neil Pearson 'The Test Pilot' sketch Performed by Kevin McNally and Tim Sebastian as part of the RAF 100 Gala, first broadcast BBC Radio 2, 6 April 2018 and presented by Ken Bruce

Alan Simpson, Ray Galton (Author), Andy Secombe, Kevin Eldon, Kevin Mcnally, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Robin Sebastian, Simon Greenall, Susy Kane (Narrator)

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The Brig Society: Complete Series 4: The BBC Radio 4 series

Extra! Extra! - Brigstocke Starts Own Newspaper Shock! Comedian Marcus Brigstocke presents a two-part special focussing on the great British press. In the first episode he plunges head first into the contents of the great British newspaper and comes up smelling of Daily Mail. Plus he reveals the headline of the year that you'll never get to read... In the second episode there's sex, scandal and saucy secrets on offer as Marcus examines how the great British press combine the difficult jobs of both selling newspapers and ruining peoples' lives... Joining him are regular guest stars William Andrews ("Sorry I've Got No Head") , Margaret Cabourn-Smith ("Miranda") and Colin Hoult (from Ricky Gervaise's "Derek"). Written by Marcus Brigstocke, Jeremy Salsby, Toby Davies, Nick Doody, Dan Tetsell & Steve Punt. This complete fourth series of the multi-award-winning show comes from the people who brought you Cabin Pressure and Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive. Duration: 1 hour approx.

Jeremy Salsby, Marcus Brigstocke, Toby Davies (Author), Colin Hoult, Marcus Brigstocke, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, William Andrews (Narrator)

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The Brig Society: Complete Series 3: The BBC Radio 4 sitcom

In the complete third series of the multi-award-winning show, from the makers of "Cabin Pressure" and "Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive", Marcus Brigstocke examines different facets of life by being put in charge of them. Each week he starts out by thinking “Well, it can't be that difficult, surely?” and ends up with “Oh - turns out it's utterly difficult and complicated. Who knew...?”. Joining him are regular guest stars William Andrews (“Sorry I've Got No Head”) and Margaret Cabourn-Smith (“Miranda”) as well as special guests Justin Edwards and Colin Hoult as they tackle the ills of British society, from the House Of Lords and internet trolling all the way up to the big issues like why a paisley hanky is good for hiding disreputable stains, and how to use toothpaste to fool your landlord. Written by Marcus Brigstocke, Jeremy Salsby, Toby Davies, Nick Doody, Dan Tetsell & Steve Punt. In the first episode, Marcus decides to take his local football team all the way to the top of the Premier League. He finds out about the pure, noble and honest game of football - and also FIFA. Plus he'll be tackling some of the sport's biggest problems, like racism and homophobia - and also FIFA. In Show 2 -“Being A Woman” - Marcus has decided to cross the Gender Gap and become a woman. Expect a clear-eyed assessment of sexism and a doubling of the bathroom candle budget. Ahem. In Show 3, Marcus coughs politely, dons a crumpled linen suit and fibs for Britain as he tries his hand at becoming a diplomat. On the way, he'll look at the history and origins of diplomacy, the training required, and the fact that approximately 60% of the modern British diplomat's work is spent apologizing for Jeremy Clarkson. In the nicely-furnished, affordable Show 4 with very attractive views, Marcus decides to solve the housing crisis. He'll also be building a basement under the studio and knocking down a party wall he shares with The Archers. Good Lord - is exactly what Marcus has become in Show 5 in order to peer under the ermine and see if we really do need that second chamber... Along the way he'll be looking at the history and function of the House of Lords, getting himself a Coat Of Arms, and having a good old rummage in the Woolsack. Please turn your radio over and start listening as, in the final show, Marcus has thirty minutes to retake his GCSEs. During the show he will be sitting a genuine GCSE exam set by the Producer in an attempt to get the bottom of Grade Inflation and also the class.

Dan Tetsell, Jeremy Salsby, Marcus Brigstocke, Nick Doody, Steve Punt, Toby Davies (Author), Marcus Brigstocke, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Various Narrators, William Andrews (Narrator)

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The Brig Society: Complete Series 2: Six episodes of the BBC Radio 4 comedy show

**Shortlisted for the BBC Audio Drama Award 2015 for Best Scripted Comedy (Studio Audience)**In the complete second hit series from the people who brought you "Cabin Pressure" and "Giles Wemmbley Hogg Goes Off", stand-up comedian Marcus Brigstocke has been put in charge of a thing! Each week, Marcus finds he’s volunteered to be in charge of a big old thing - the European Union, Social Media, the banking system, the farming industry - and each week he starts out by thinking “Well, it can’t be that difficult, surely?” and ends up with “Oh - turns out it’s utterly difficult and complicated. Who knew...?”. Join him and regular guest stars Rufus Jones (“Hunderby”, “Holy Flying Circus”), William Andrews (“Sorry I’ve Got No Head”) and Margaret Cabourn-Smith (“Miranda”) as they tackle the ills of British society, from legalization of drug and bailing out banks all the way up to the big issues – like why isn’t Lambing Live on all the year round and what colour robe to wear in his new religion. Written by Marcus Brigstocke, Jeremy Salsby, Toby Davies, Nick Doody, Dan Tetsell & Steve Punt.In the first episode, Marcus has got himself elected as a Member of the European Parliament. So it’s off to Brussels to meet Europe’s finest parliamentary minds and also UKIP. Along the way, he’ll be examining the history of the EU, its legislative structure, the democratic burden that must be shouldered to promulgate a more humane society and why so many UKIP members wear yellow trousers.Show Two, and Marcus has decided to create his own Social Media site. Please RT. Please Follow. Please Like. Please give all your details to Google and the National Security Agency. And in Show Three, Marcus has Broken Bad and become a drug dealer. He’ll also go on a long personal journey, and along the way he’ll examine the complex interrelationship between legalization, culture, hypocrisy and cheese.Show Four, and it’s both ooh-er and ooh-ar as Marcus has grasped the bull by the horns and become a farmer. After all, what could go wrong? As he himself puts it- “Dairy, livestock, cattle - it’s all grist to my mill.”In the fifth show, glory be, Marcus Brigstocke has decided to form his own religion, based on peace, lovingkindness and probably war. And in the final show of this series, we would like to inform you that Marcus Brigstocke has decided to open a bank. That’ll be £25 please. If you would like to call our customer helpline... that will be another £25

Dan Tetsell, Jeremy Salsby, Marcus Brigstocke, Nick Doody, Steve Punt, Toby Davies (Author), , Marcus Brigstocke, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Rufus Jones, William Andrews (Narrator)

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John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme: Series 9: The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

The complete ninth series of BBC Radio 4's award-winning sketch show 'One of our best sketch writers' Observer John Finnemore returns with his multi-award-winning sketch show, but this series is very different to the previous eight. There are still sketches and songs, and it's still written and performed by him and his usual fantastic ensemble cast - but with no live studio audience, John has taken the opportunity to try something new. Each episode in this series of Souvenir Programme consists of scenes from one person's life, played in reverse order. There's no narrative as such - it's still a sketch show - but as we follow the characters back in time, from lockdown Zoom calls to childhood birthdays and funerals, the individual sketches link up to form an overall picture, portraying the sprawling history of an entire multi-generational family. And, as if that wasn't enough, there are also some terrific tall tales, a paean of praise, and a truly unforgettable earworm... Clever, complex, hilarious and poignant, these Souvenir Programmes with a twist star Lawry Lewin as Russ, Margaret Cabourn-Smith as Deborah, Simon Kane as Jerry, Carrie Quinlan as Vanessa and John Finnemore as Newt. Cast and credits Written and performed by John Finnemore Ensemble cast: Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin, Carrie Quinlan Original music composed by Susannah Pearse and Sally Stares, and arranged by Susannah Pearse and Tim Sutton Recorded and edited by Rich Evans at Syncbox Post Production coordinator: Beverly Tagg Producer: Ed Morrish A BBC Studios production © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

John Finnemore (Author), Carrie Quinlan, John Finnemore, Lawry Lewin, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane (Narrator)

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John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: Series 8: The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

John Finnemore presents the eighth series of his multi-award-winning Souvenir Programme 'The best sketch show in years, on television or radio' Radio Times John Finnemore, creator and star of Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore's Double Acts, is back with Series 8 of his highly acclaimed radio sketch show, winner of the Academy Silver Award, a Broadcasting Press Guild award and two BBC Audio Drama awards. In these six episodes, John cooks a particularly good lasagne, Noah gets some bad news about the ark, we hear a legendary swansong, and there's some helpful guidance on the etiquette of 'Thank Yous' - as well as a look into the devastating consequences of World Peace. Plus, there's some merry names, some handy mnemonics, an epiphany and a show that will make you feel like a princess - whether you want it to or not. And, well... since you ask him whether he believes in ghosts... Hailed by The Daily Telegraph as 'funny enough to make even the surliest cat laugh', John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme also features his regular ensemble cast of Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan.

John Finnemore (Author), , Carrie Quinlan, John Finnemore, Lawry Lewin, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane (Narrator)

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John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: Series 6: The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

Six more episodes of BBC Radio 4's multi-award-winning sketch show, written by and starring John Finnemore. 'The best sketch show in years, on television or radio' Radio Times. John Finnemore, writer and star of Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore's Double Acts, returns for a sixth series of his hugely acclaimed Souvenir Programme, which won him Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the 2016 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards. Expect sketches! Expect songs! They're what made up the previous five series, so it seems a pretty safe bet that that's what will be in this series as well. And, well, since you ask him for some tall tales... Kicking off with a seasonal special, this series takes in TV adverts, woodland talent contests, a song about the best day of the Christmas season and what is almost certainly the greatest story a Finnemore has ever told. Described by The Daily Telegraph as 'funny enough to make even the surliest cat laugh', John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme also features Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin, Carrie Quinlan and, at the piano, Susannah Pearse. Duration: 2 hours 50 mins approx.

John Finnemore (Author), , John Finnemore, Margaret Cabourn-Smith (Narrator)

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John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: Series 2: The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

**WINNER of the BBC Audio Drama Award 2015 for Best Scripted Comedy (Studio Audience)** In these six episodes, which make up the complete second series, you'll hear some moth-based lunacy, an awkward celestial relationship, a heartwarming tale of the days before health and safety, a sketch about messengers, a sketch about alchemy and a sketch about the word sketch. Plus, how The Archers sounds to people who don't listen to The Archers and the world's oldest hymn - as well as many other sketches featuring acute observations and wonderful wordplay. John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme is written by and stars John Finnemore (The Now Show, Miranda, That Mitchell and Webb Look). It also features Carrie Quinlan (The News Quiz, The Late Edition), Lawry Lewin (The Life & Times of Vivienne Vyle, Horrible Histories), Simon Kane (Six Impossible Things) and Margaret Cabourn-Smith (Lab Rats, A Very British Cult).

John Finnemore (Author), Carrie Quinlan, John Finnemore, Lawry Lewin, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Margaret Cabourn-Smith