Audiobooks narrated by Mark Straker

Lucinda Brayford: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Drama

"The classic tale of an Australian girl who marries into the English aristocracy at a time of great change to the traditional order November 1910, and seventeen-year-old Lucinda is looking forward to being making her debut in Melbourne society. Beautiful and wealthy, she is set to make a brilliant match – and when she meets dashing army officer Hugo Brayford, the younger brother of an English viscount, it seems she has succeeded in landing her prize. Bowled over by his charm and aristocratic lineage, impressionable Lucinda quickly forgets her first love, Tony Duff, and accepts Hugo’s proposal of marriage. Leaving Australia, she prepares to start a new life in England – but all is not as she had anticipated. Hugo is frequently away, runs up debts that Lucinda must settle, and even the birth of his son, Stephen, cannot keep him by his wife’s side. And when he is injured fighting in the Great War, Lucinda finds herself faced with a terrible dilemma. Torn between society’s expectations and her heart’s desires, can she find the happiness she craves? Inspired by his own upper-class ancestors and his experiences during World War I, Martin Boyd’s seminal tale of family, class, marriage and money spans 30 years, from the last days of the Edwardian era to the Second World War. At once a romance and a chronicle of a world in flux, it charts one woman’s life and loves against the backdrop of societal transformation. Juliet Aubrey stars in this captivating adaptation, with a stellar cast including Eleanor Bron, James Laurenson, Penelope Wilton and Paul Rhys. Production credits Written by Martin Boyd Dramatised by Elspeth Sands Directed by Janet Whitaker Cast Lucinda – Juliet Aubrey Hugo – Jonathan Firth Julie – Angela Pleasence Fred – James Laurensen Lydia – Abigail McKern Lady Wendale – Eleanor Bron Marian – Penelope Wilton Tony Duff – Matt Day Paul Brayford – Paul Rhys Susannah Brayford – Pamela Wise Arthur – Michael Cochrane Pat Lanfranc – Mark Straker Watteau – Miranda Barber Canon Chapman – David Timson Bill Vane – Nicholas Boulton Mrs Greene-James – Joanna McCallum Mrs. Galway – Ndidi Del Fatti Driver – Jason Chan Lord Fitzauncell – Stephen Hogan Stephen – Robert Hastie Muriel – Helen Longworth Heather – Alex Tregear Bill as a child/Stephen as a child – Pax Baldwin Commanding Officer – Hugh Dickson First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2-16 January 2005 © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Martin Boyd (Author), Alex Tregear, Angela Pleasence, Eleanor Bron, Full Cast, Helen Longworth, Jason Chan, Joanna McCallum, Jonathan Firth, Juliet Aubrey, Mark Straker, Michael Cochrane, Paul Rhys, Penelope Wilton (Narrator)

Audiobook

Peter Lovesey: A BBC Radio Crime Collection: Three Full-Cast Dramatisations

"Three full-cast dramas by popular crime writer Peter Lovesey, plus a selection of short stories recorded for radio Peter Lovesey is well known for his murder mysteries featuring Victorian policeman Sergeant Cribb, Bath detective Peter Diamond and Bertie, Prince of Wales. He has won numerous awards, including the Crime Writers’ Association Silver Dagger, Gold Dagger and Diamond Dagger for Lifetime Achievement. Collected here are adaptations of three of his historical whodunnits, alongside four short stories with a twist in the tale. Keystone – 1916. Arriving in Hollywood looking for a job, British actor Warwick Easton is hired to play a Keystone Cop. But no sooner has filming begun than comedy turns to tragedy… Set among the real stars of the silver screen in the heyday of silent movies, this diverting thriller stars Mark Straker and Jennifer Ehle. Rough Cider – Evacuated to a Somerset farm, nine-year-old Theo is unwittingly involved in a terrible murder. Twenty years later, he is forced to return and relive his childhood memories. Did he contribute to a miscarriage of justice? Rob Edwards stars in this gripping drama set in the 1960s. Bertie and the Crime of Passion – Paris, 1891, and the Prince of Wales turns royal sleuth to investigate a fatal shooting at the fashionable night club Moulin Rouge – aided and abetted by France’s most famous and glamorous actress, Sarah Bernhardt. Starring Robert Lang as Bertie and Jane Lapotaire as Sarah. Vandals – Miss Parmenter takes an instant dislike to the young man on her doorstep. In his leather jacket and jeans, he looks no better than a vandal. But she has been waiting a long time for this opportunity, and she is not going to let it slip away. Read by Auriol Smith. Curl Up and Dye – A captive client finds himself at the mercy of a talkative barber with a hair-raising story to tell. Read by John Baddeley. The Stalker – Months after his resignation from the police, the senior detective in the Sharon Eakins murder investigation sets down the extraordinary truth about the case. Read by James Bryce. Murdering Max – Peter Lovesey is proud to have written the world’s first, and only, ‘youdunnit’. So when he discovers that a rival writer has come up with the same idea, he sets about getting rid of him… Read by James Bryce. Text copyright © Peter Lovesey 1983 (Keystone), 1986 (Rough Cider), 1993 (Bertie and the Crime of Passion, ‘Vandals’), 1996 (‘Curl Up and Dye’), 2002 (‘The Stalker’, ‘Murdering Max’) All rights reserved Cast and credits Written by Peter Lovesey Keystone Cast: Mark Straker, Jennifer Ehle, Roger Gartland, Kerry Shale, Lorelei King, Don Fellows, Ann Windsor, John Church, Gordon Reid Rough Cider Cast: Rob Edwards, Briony Glassco, Neville Jason, Tina Gray, Oona Beeson, Peter Whitman, David Jarvis, Malcolm Ward, Frances Jeater, Don McCorkindale, Lyndam Gregory, Gavin Muir, William Wortley Bertie and the Crime of Passion Cast: Robert Lang, Jane Lapotaire, Olivier Pierre, David Timson, Andrew Branch, Roger May, Paul Jenkins, Tracy Wiles, Geoffrey Whitehead, John Hartley, Zulema Dene, Linda Regan, Tessa Worsley, Diana Payan, Stephen Critchlow, Daniel Philpott ‘Vandals’ Read by Auriol Smith ‘Curl Up and Dye’ Read by John Baddeley. ‘The Stalker’ Read by James Bryce ‘Murdering Max’ Read by James Bryce © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Peter Lovesey (Author), Auriol Smith, Briony Glassco, Full Cast, James Bryce, Jane Lapotaire, Jennifer Ehle, John Baddeley, Mark Straker, Rob Edwards, Robert Lang (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Whole New Ball Game: The Complete Series 1 and 2: A BBC Radio 4 Dark Comedy

"A hilarious dark comedy about a football-crazy priest, starring BAFTA winner Brenda Blethyn The late Gregory Patterson was a stalwart of the Roman Catholic Parishioners. With his passing, how will Mrs Patterson cope with her headstrong daughter, Barbara? And can young Robert step into his father’s shoes and face up to new responsibilities? The man with the answers would appear to be football-crazy priest Father Benedict who tries to help the grief stricken family as best he can… The priest decides that holding a Golden Oldie night in honour of the late faithful parishioner would be a good first step. But is it really the right occasion for a eulogy from his only son, Robert? Not when Barbara is determined to ruin the evening… As the Patterson family spiral out of control, with Barbara succumbing to temptation in the shape of biker Andy, Robert attending a rival school and a bereft Mrs Patterson hoping a small dog will fill the hole in her heart left by her husband’s death, Father Benedict has more pressing concerns - the Frewitt Cup final is weeks away and the team must win at all cost. This charming and darkly funny comedy about faith, families and football will have you cheering in delight from the pews to the terraces. Starring Desmond Barrit as Father Benedict and BAFTA winner Brenda Blethyn (best known for her starring role in Vera) as Mrs Patterson. Cast and credits Written by Martin Davies Produced by Lissa Evans (series 1) & Richard Wilson (series 2) Father Benedict - Desmond Barrit Mrs Patterson - Brenda Blethyn Robert Patterson – Paul Parris / Richard Pearce Barbara Patterson - Charlotte Coleman / Melanie Hudson Guy Entwhistle - Martino Lazzeri / Henry Woolley Andy - Mark Straker Janet - Claire Skinner / Nicola Buckingham Mr Plant/Father Hugh - Gordon Reid / Geoff McGivern Mrs Plant - Jane Dolamore Manageress/Lady at Counter - Jill Meers First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3 Feb - 10 Mar 1993 (series 1), 26 May - 30 Jun 1994 (series 2) ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Martin Davies (Author), Brenda Blethyn, Charlotte Coleman, Claire Skinner, Desmond Barrit, Full Cast, Mark Straker, Martino Lazzeri, Paul Parris, Richard Pearce (Narrator)

Audiobook

Bangers and Mash: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Series

"All six episodes of the BBC radio sitcom about a former nun who takes a job with a chaotic catering company Looking for a sign from God, nun Martina leaves her convent and becomes a temporary chef – only to walk straight into a catering crisis of epic proportions. Valentine’s Viennese Patisserie supplies classy Austrian snacks for corporate events, but now their pastry cook has left, no-one knows how to make any of the delicacies they’re offering. And that’s not their only problem – they’re also being chased by clients, up to their necks in bills and cancellations, and stuck with a clapped-out delivery van that keeps breaking down. When owner Kingsley does a runner, owing £2500, it seems like the last straw. Left in the lurch, his brother Jimmy has just six weeks to get the money together. Then Martina has a brainwave: why not rename the company Bangers and Mash, and serve up sausages and pies instead of patisserie? Helped by kitchen assistant Juan Jose, she and Jimmy are soon producing food that wows even the pickiest customers – but just as they’re turning things around, the toffee tin containing half the company’s profits goes missing. With only three days to go till they have to pay up, it’ll take a miracle to save their bacon… Scripted by award-winning dramatist Katie Hims (Home Front, 24 Kildare Road), this flavourful comedy drama stars Catherine Harvey as Martina, with Mark Straker as Kingsley, Gerard McDermott as Jimmy and Roger May as Juan Jose. Production credits Written by Katie Hims Directed by Catherine Horn Cast Martina – Catherine Harvey Kingsley – Mark Straker Jimmy – Gerard McDermott Juan Jose – Roger May Mrs Olney – Marlene Sidaway Carol – Jane Whittenshaw Health Inspector – Anthony Zaki First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 11 Jan-15 Feb 1999 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Katie Hims (Author), Catherine Harvey, Full Cast, Gerard Mcdermott, Mark Straker, Marlene Sidaway, Roger May (Narrator)

Audiobook

Crown Papers: The sequel to BBC Radio 4 Regal Drama Crown House

"The dramatic sequel to Crown House It's 1933 and we are back at Crown House where the Minster family are gathering to enjoy the Easter holiday. However, Crown House isn't the idyll it first appears, and a brutal murder disrupts the genial gathering. There's a secret that's been buried for years and the Honourable Mrs Jenny Gaunt is determined to uncover the truth but is she prepared to lose everything she holds dear in the process? Meanwhile, Lady Caroline, who has recently begun a new relationship, is ready to face the consequences of her past actions. Still close with the House of Windsor, Lord and Lady Minster and their family must embark on a new decade, one of change and upheaval. Set across the backdrop of the 1930s and encompassing everything from the silver jubilee of George V to the rise in popularity of Oswald Mosley, this compelling and dramatic sequel builds on the Crown House story. Tradition and continuities are brought into conflict with a changing world as the Minsters must find their place between a bygone era and a fast-paced future. Follow the highs and lows of the Minster family through changing times, scandal, and tragedy, where past and present collide in this thoughtful and compelling drama of a family like no other. Based on the popular Crown House novels by Peter Ling, this six-part drama is written by Juliet Ace (The Archers, Young Victoria) and Peter Ling (The Avengers, Doctor Who). Dinah Sheridan, best know for her roles in Genevieve and The Railway Children, reprises her role as Lady Minster and Geoffrey Whitehead stars as Lord Minster. ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Cast and credits Written by Juliet Ace and Peter Ling Directed by Tracey Neale Lady Minster - Dinah Sheridan William, Lord Minster - Geoffrey Whitehead Beatrice, Dowager Countess - Margaret Rawungs Richard, Viscount Ebony - Michael Cochrane Polly, Viscountess Ebony - Melinda Walker The Hon Nicholas Gaunt - Mark Straker The Hon Mrs Jenny Gaunt - Helena Breck Lady Caroline Gaunt - Deborah Makepeace The Hon Martin Gaunt - Richard Pearce Sir Charles Bowyer - Brett Usher Lady Gina Bowyer - Shelley Thompson Scott Hanson - Colin McFarlane Speaker in meeting - Alan Barker Paul Weyman - Philip Sully Muriel Beasley - Joanna Myers American Matron - Jan Whittenshaw American Nurse - Adjoa Andoh Mr Darrell - Nigel Carrington Lady Cloudesley/A stranger - Susan Sheridan First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, September 1991"

Juliet Ace, Peter Ling (Author), Brett Usher, Colin Mcfarlane, Deborah Makepeace, Dinah Sheridan, Full Cast, Geoffrey Whitehead, Helena Breck, Margaret Rawlings, Mark Straker, Melinda Walker, Phillip Sully, Shelley Thompson, Susan Sheridan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Mark Straker

Join Our Community