Audiobooks Narrated by Melinda Walker

Ben Travers: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Six Full-Cast Comedy Productions including A Cuckoo in the Nest, Rookery Nook & other farces

"Six classic farces from the renowned comedy writer, with casts including Judi Dench, Michael Williams, Joan Hickson, Alex Jennings and Penelope Wilton In the 1920s and ’30s, Ben Travers proved himself a master of comic confusion with his hugely successful Aldwych farces. Featuring battle-axe mothers-in-law, beleaguered wives, henpecked husbands and a host of humorous misunderstandings, they wowed West End audiences and were frequently adapted for film and TV. Four of the funniest are included here – A Cuckoo in the Nest, Rookery Nook, Plunder and Turkey Time – along with the award-winning radio productions of The Dippers and Mischief. The Dippers – How does a meek, middle-aged solicitor end up demonstrating a new dance at a prestigious ball? And what will his wife do when she catches him in the bedroom of a lovely young dancer? Michael Williams and Judi Dench star in this sparkling drama, winner of the 1989 Sony Award for Best Dramatisation. A Cuckoo in the Nest – Mrs Stokes, landlady of the Stag and Hunt, will brook no hanky-panky with unmarrieds – but with only one room available, she unknowingly forces an innocent couple into a bed of shameful sin. Starring Joan Hickson, Ian Lavender and Phoebe Nicholls. Rookery Nook – Newlywed Gerald Popkiss motors to Chumpton for his honeymoon – but with his wife called away to nurse her mother, he finds himself alone in Rookery Nook. That is, until a pretty, pyjama-clad girl suddenly turns up in the middle of the night… Ian Lavender, Brett Usher and Anne Jameson star in Travers’ most famous farce. Mischief – When stodgy middle-aged banker Reggy marries Elly, a bright young thing half his age, the scene is set for mischief, misadventures, mistaken identities and marital mayhem. Starring Freddie Jones, Melinda Walker and Penelope Wilton, this effervescent comedy won the 1987 Sony Award for Best Drama. Plunder – Gentleman burglar Freddy Malone boasts that he lives by plunder. But blunder is more to the point, as his old schoolfriend D’Arcy Tuck discovers after he collaborates in a jewel theft that goes horribly wrong. Starring Gillian Lewis, Henry McGee, Alan Curtis and Richard Scott. Turkey Time – It’s Christmas Eve, and the Stoatts have invited family and friends to stay at Cobblers for the holidays. But the festivities turn farcical with the arrival of a stranded showgirl and her furious landlady… Alex Jennings, Elizabeth Spriggs and Teresa Gallagher star in this cheery, Christmassy romp. NB: Please note that Plunder is a vintage production from 1965, which is reflected in the sound quality. © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Ben Travers (Author), Alan Curtis, Alex Jennings, Brett Usher, Desmond Barrit, Elizabeth Spriggs, Freddie Jones, Full Cast, Gillian Lewis, Henry McGee, Ian Lavender, Joan Hickson, Judi Dench, Melinda Walker, Michael Williams, Penelope Wilton (Narrator)

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The Inter-City Contract & more: Seven Full-Cast BBC Radio Crime Dramas

"A collection of seven ingenious full-cast thrillers and crime dramas by Rod Beacham Actor, dramatist and founding member of Laurence Olivier’s National Theatre, Rod Beacham wrote over 15 plays for BBC Radio. This collection comprises seven crime dramas first broadcast on Radio 4’s ‘Saturday Night Theatre’ strand between 1980 and 1987, ranging in tone from tense whodunnits to light-hearted comedy thrillers. The Inter-City Contract – A chess-playing Hungarian, a concert harpist and a septuagenarian lady mountaineer are just some of the passengers on the overnight express to Edinburgh. Lurking amongst them is a hired assassin and his intended victim… Michael Maloney, Melinda Walker and Steve Hodson star in this gripping mystery set on a sleeper train. The Gortys Triangle – Crete is the setting for this suspenseful drama, which revolves around a young man’s death by drowning. Attempting to uncover the truth, his archaeologist cousin navigates the world of the super-rich and meets the mysterious Candy, who appears to be the key to it all. Starring Patrick Mower and David March. Thanks for Looking After Jeannie – When Dicky Doyle drops dead in Wormwood Scrubs, he takes the hiding place of some stolen jewels to his grave. Or does he? Criminal mastermind Jack Prince thinks otherwise – and this spells trouble... Peter Vaughan stars in this entertaining comedy thriller. Prince of Thieves – This sequel to the previous play finds arch-villain Jack Prince planning a gold bullion heist. But it’s not until he meets nutty computer expert Mad Doc Pargeter that he sees a way to break through the vault’s electronic doors… Starring Peter Vaughan, Bryan Pringle and June Tobin. Go Down in Darkness– Susan Penreith walked out of university in her second year, and has since vanished. She was always convinced that something terrible would happen to her when she was 25 – but what was she so afraid of, and why is her ex-boyfriend Matt suddenly having terrifying dreams about her? Steve Hodson, Frances Jeater and Glynis Brooks star in this eerie thriller. Disconnection – Peter Taylor has worked hard all his life for achievement and success, and now it finally seems within his grasp. Only then he makes a phone call – and the voice on the other end fills him with apprehension and terror… Starring David Daker. The Hubris File – Senior civil servant Pargeter is missing, and the only clues to the mystery lie in his diary. It reveals that he was under increasing strain – and that he was on the trail of a traitor within the ranks of the Intelligence Department. Could this double agent be responsible for his disappearance? Geoffrey Collins stars in this absorbing tale. © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Rod Beacham (Author), Alan Thompson, Bryan Pringle, David Daker, David March, Frances Jeater, Full cast, Geoffrey Collins, Glynis Brooks, Melinda Walker, Michael Maloney, Peter Vaughan, Robin Summers, Steve Hodson, Trevor Nichols (Narrator)

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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)

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Detective Inspector Crust: Three Full-Cast BBC Radio Crime Dramas

"A trilogy of thrillers set in Liverpool, featuring the formidable Detective Inspector Crust Veteran scriptwriter Vincent McInerney draws on his lifelong knowledge of Liverpool and his background in the Merchant Marine in these engaging thrillers, in which the gruff, indomitable John Crust and his sidekick Minty probe the circumstances surrounding a missing husband, a stolen sculpture and a hidden treasure. O’Rourke’s First Case – Made redundant at 40, John O’Rourke gets a grant from the Enterprise Allowance Board and sets up as a private detective. Hired by Mrs Rate to trace her absent spouse, he’s soon caught up in a dangerous scheme involving modern art, drug money and shoot-outs on container ships. Fortunately, Inspector Crust is also investigating, and monitoring the rookie PI’s progress. Can the redoubtable copper ensure that O’Rourke’s first case isn’t also his last? The Finger of Suspicion – With the university rag day parade in full swing, Inspector Crust is keeping his beady eye on the floats making their way through the city centre. So when a helicopter suddenly appears, and hoists the Epstein statue off Lewis’s department store, Crust assumes it’s an elaborate student prank. But when the police receive a ransom note, together with one of the statue’s fingers, he starts to have second thoughts. The Bell – Following the death of shipowner Oliver Bright, his granddaughter Elizabeth prepares to sell his house and possessions at auction. Rumour has it that among his worldly goods is a rare artefact saved during the sinking of the Titanic – and psychotic criminal Tarrant will stop at nothing to lay his hands on it. But Inspector Crust is also on the trail of the missing relic, and is determined to find it first... Cast and credits Written by Vincent McInerny Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin Starring James Ellis as Inspector Crust and Bill Monks as Minty O’Rourke’s First Case John O'Rourke – Ken Cumberlidge Mr O'Rourke – Richard Tate Chris – Maureen O’Brien Curly – Dominic Rickhards Mrs Rate – June Barrie Ronnie Rate – Eric Allan Bogger – David Goudge Captain/Adrian Mince – Christian Rodska Charlie – Jonathan Nibbs Barman/Compere – Ian Targett Scratcher – David Learner Operator – Maryon Ellor ‘Just Another Night’ written and sung by Vincent McInerney Musicians: Steve Wright (guitar), Dave Dover (bass) and Steve Bartley (percussion) First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 January 1990 The Finger of Suspicion Guy – Richard Pearce Colonel Rivers – David Bannerman Malcolm – Kim Wall James – Brendan Charleson Mr Patch – Peter Copley Julia – Carolyn Backhouse Billy/Eddie – Christian Rodska Mrs Rivers – Peggy Ann Wood Arthur Frank – Richard Tate Mandy – Cheryl Maiker First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 February 1992 The Bell Elizabeth – Teresa Gallagher Tarrant – Eric Allan Father Kennedy – Peter Caffrey Mrs Moran – June Barrie Dicky Bird – William Eedle Eileen – Sue Jenkins Alf Gringod – Gerry Hinks Mitzi Müller – Melinda Walker Gottfried Müller – William Eedle Jim Rawson – Sion Probert George – Derek Hicks First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 14 August 1993 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Vincent Mcinerney (Author), Bill Monks, Eric Allan, Full Cast, James Ellis, June Barrie, Ken Cumberlidge, Melinda Walker, Richard Pearce (Narrator)

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