Audiobooks Narrated by Maureen Beattie

The Betrothed: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisation

"A full-cast dramatisation of Italy’s iconic novel The Betrothed is a sweeping epic, packed with the passion of Les Misérables, the power of War and Peace and the action of Ivanhoe. Set in 17th century Italy, this is the ultimate story of love, faith, justice and power. Engaged couple, Renzo and Lucia must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to be together. Lombardy, their region of northern Italy, is under Spanish occupation, and when the Spaniard Don Rodrigo blocks their union, in an attempt to have Lucia for himself, the couple are forced to resist his plots. Their love is thwarted at every turn by the hazards of war, bread riots and the machinations of a nameless crime lord. This gripping listen chronicles their unforgettable romance through tyranny, war, famine and plague. Renzo and Lucia are tested again and again, but can their union endure? Performed by a full cast, this stunning saga is masterfully brought to life and available to download for the first time as a complete listen. First published in 1827 as I Promessi Sposi, this icon of Italian literature as well as the country’s most popular novel, has never been out of print. Groundbreaking in its day, and hugely influential to succeeding generations, Alessandro Manzoni’s masterpiece has long been considered one of Italy’s national treasures. It is so integral to contemporary Italian culture every schoolchild reads it to this day. If you liked Les Misérables, War and Peace or Ivanhoe, then you will love The Betrothed. This is a must listen for any fan of classical literature. The Betrothed is a story that has, thought the centuries, been celebrated by writers, artists and composers such as Verdi, Primo Levi, Natalia Ginzburg, Umberto Eco and Pope Francis. A bona fide canonical classic hiding in plain sight - The Wall Street Journal Cast and credits Written by Alessandro Manzoni Adapted by Eileen Horne Directed by Gaynor Macfarlane Lucia - Hiftu Quasem Renzo - Ian Dunnett Jnr Father Abbondio - Paul Higgins Gabriel/Servant Boy - Joel Maccormack Griso/Officer - Owen Whitelaw Nibbio/Ambrogio - Tunji Kasim Agnese - Maureen Beattie Brother Cristoforo - Ewan Bailey Nameless /Old Friar - Jonathan Forbes Rodrigo/Boss/Boatman/Traveller - Sandy Grierson Gertrude/Gilda - Chloe Pirrie First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5th - 12th November 2023 ©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Alessandro Manzoni (Author), Chloe Pirrie, Ewan Bailey, Full Cast, Hiftu Quasem, Ian Dunnett Jnr, Joel MacCormack, Jonathan Forbes, Maureen Beattie, Owen Whitelaw, Paul Higgins, Sandy Grierson, Tunji Kasim (Narrator)

Audiobook

Play Sample Listen For Free

First World Problems: A BBC Radio full-cast dystopian thriller

"It started with a bit of politics in the news. Nothing out of the ordinary. But then the Scottish border closed. Manchester was besieged by rival forces. The bombs started to fall. The Fletcher family doesn't have time for politics; they are just trying to love and look after each other. But as the UK dissolves into conflict, they find themselves in danger. Not just from dodgy neighbours with brand new machine guns, but from inside their own family. What would happen if the UK broke apart? One family faces Britain's next civil war. Produced and directed by Jonquil Panting."

Martin Jameson (Author), Elinor Coleman, Elizabeth Counsell, Full Cast, Jeremy Swift, Lauren Cornelius, Maureen Beattie, Ryan Whittle, Sam Barnard (Narrator)

Audiobook

Play Sample Listen For Free

Macbeth

"Sinister supernatural forces are at work in this fast-paced tragedy of guilt and retribution, in which the power of human beings to control their own destiny is called into question. The brave warrior Macbeth allows himself to be persuaded by Lady Macbeth, his wife, to slay good King Duncan and seize the throne of Scotland for himself. Macbeth achieves his ambition, but one murder proves not to be enough as he desperately attempts to eliminate all who might threaten his ill-gotten power. Descending into paranoia, Macbeth achieves his ambition but ravages his soul. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are played by Hugh Ross and Harriet Walter."

William Shakespeare (Author), David Tennant, Denys Hawthorne, Gary Bakewell, Gavin Muir, Harriet Walter, Margaret Robertson, Mark Bonnar, Maureen Beattie, Peter England, Sean Baker, Shirley Dixon, a full cast (Narrator)

Audiobook

Play Sample Listen For Free