Audiobooks narrated by Miriam Margolyes

Can I Speak to Josephine Please? Audiobook

Theirs was an unlikely life together. Sheila gave birth to Josephine on 11th May 1993 and for twenty-three years they co-existed in a loving mother-daughter relationship, but one with a difference. Josephine suffered catastrophic brain injury at birth, never spoke to Sheila, rarely smiled and was barely able to see the faces of the people who loved her. Without a how-to guide, people around Josephine strove to make her life better through years of multiple medical procedures, tortuous therapies and uncomfortable equipment. But this isn't a misery memoir; it's the story of a person who touched the lives of so many people - a bright and beautiful young lady who could work the room despite her enormous limitations. She brought out the best in people. Expect to cry, expect to laugh, but don't expect to be indifferent to this story.

Sheila Brill (Author), Miriam Margolyes, Sheila Brill (Narrator)

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The Betty Witherspoon Show: Classic BBC Radio Comedy

The complete series of the vintage BBC Radio variety show Radio legends Kenneth Williams (Beyond Our Ken, Hancock’s Half Hour) and Ted Ray (Ray’s a Laugh) join forces for this quickfire mix of characters, songs and sketches, first broadcast on Radio 2 in 1974. Accompanied by Quote… Unquote’s Nigel Rees and veteran actress/comedian Miriam Margolyes, they cross their comedy swords and trade playful repartee. In these ten episodes, recorded in front of a live audience at the Paris Theatre, Ted Ray demonstrates his virtuosity on the violin; documentary feature ‘Witherspoon’s World’ explores topics including medicine, the arts, Europe and the younger generation; and Inspector Spewles of Scotland Yard’s Intelligence Unit gets flirty, sweetie, with a public information bulletin that’s full of honeyed words. Plus, the ‘Theatre of the Air’ troupe make merry at the court of Henry VIII, take a rollicking trip through Rasputin’s Russia and give us their comic take on classic literature: from A Tale of Two Cities to Wuthering Heights, Anthony and Cleopatra and Romeo and Juliet. There’s also a host of groan-inducing gags and humorous tunes, including ‘The Type of Horrible Cockney Song that Killed the Music Hall’ and ‘Why Don’t They Write Songs About Runcorn?’ None of the shows were kept by the BBC archive, but thanks to the ‘Treasure Hunt’ campaign, they were all recovered, and are collected here for you to enjoy once more. Happy days! NB: Contains dated humour and language that reflect the era in which these programmes were recorded, which some listeners may find offensive. Due to the age and off-air nature of the recordings, the quality may vary. Production credits Starring Ted Ray and Kenneth Williams With Miriam Margolyes and Nigel Rees Written by Michael Wale and Joe Steeples With additional material by Derek Farmer, Ray Lowrie, Fred Metcalfe, David Renwick, Keith Williams, Chris Miller, Peter Spence, Chris Allen, David McKellar, Tom Magee Englefield, David Nobbs and Peter Vincent Music by Neil Innes Produced by Simon Brett First broadcast on BBC Radio 2, 20 April-22 June 1974 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Joe Steeples, Michael Wale (Author), Kenneth Williams, Miriam Margolyes, Nigel Rees, Ted Ray (Narrator)

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The Guy de Maupassant BBC Radio Drama Collection: Full-cast dramatisations of Un Vie, Bel Ami & more

BBC Radio adaptations of selected novels and short stories by the great 19th century French writer - plus bonus programmes Guy de Maupassant is renowned as one of the fathers of the modern short story. A protégé of Flaubert, he was celebrated for his naturalistic fiction, and wrote over 300 short stories, six novels, three travel books and one volume of verse in his short but highly productive lifetime. He died in an asylum aged just 43. This collection brings together dramatisations of some of his finest works. Adapted by Sony Award-winning dramatist Frances Byrnes, Bel Ami chronicles the corrupt rise of charming, ruthless journalist Georges Duroy (Jonathan Slinger). It is followed by Maupassant's most famous short story, 'The Dumpling', a satirical tale of a group of coach travellers fleeing occupied Rouen during the Franco-Prussian war. Dramatised for the first time on radio, it stars Miriam Margolyes. Set in Le Havre, Pierre et Jean centres around the jealousy that springs up between two brothers when a family secret is uncovered. Benedict Sandiford stars as Pierre, with Tim Treloar as Jean. Maupassant's tragicomic debut novel, Une Vie, starring Aimee Ffion Edwards, tells the story of Jeanne, a naive convent-educated aristocrat who dreams of romance, but finds marriage and adulthood treacherous and rotten. The haunting wintry tale 'The Inn' is next, in which young mountain guide Ulrich (Robin Laing) finds himself in sole charge of a remote Alpine hotel. A hidden past is also at the heart of 'Mademoiselle Pearl', a poignant love story starring Claire Neilson and Frank Middlemass. Alongside it is 'The Hand', the macabre supernatural tale of an English aristocrat, his gruesome trophy and his vengeful nemesis. Denis Quilley stars as Sir John Rowell. Also featured are two bonus dramas and a documentary about the great author. Confessions of a Hedonist is a phantasmagorical journey through five of Maupassant's most personal stories: 'A Strange Night Out', 'Mouche', 'Laid To Rest', 'Cockcrow' and 'Le Horla'. Adapted and translated by Simon Scardifield, it stars Elliot Cowan and Holli Dempsey. How an Umbrella Changed Everything, written by Shirley Cooklin and based on an idea by Maupassant, tells of a childless couple whose obsessive frugality has fateful repercussions. Nigel Lambert and Sheila Grant star as Charles and Clothilde Oreille. Finally, Meridian: Guy de Maupassant - Master of the Short Story explores Maupassant's life, work and lasting legacy. First published 1880 ('The Dumpling'), 1883 (Une Vie, 'The Hand'), 1885 (Bel-Ami), 1886 ('The Inn', 'Mademoiselle Pearl'), 1887 (Pierre et Jean, 'Le Horla'), c1890 ('Mouche', 'A Queer Night in Paris', 'Laid to Rest', 'Cockcrow') Production credits Written by Guy de Maupassant Contents: Bel Ami The Dumpling Pierre and Jean Une Vie The Inn Mademoiselle Pearl The Hand Maupassant's Confessions of a Hedonist How an Umbrella Changed Everything Meridian: Guy de Maupassant - Master of the Short Story © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Guy De Maupassant (Author), Adam Nagaitis, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Denis Quilley, Elliot Cowan, Frank Middlemass, Full Cast, Holli Dempsey, Miriam Margolyes, Robin Laing (Narrator)

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Clayton Grange: Series 1&2: A BBC Radio 4 comedy

Anthony Head stars in the BBC Radio sitcom about a team of brilliantly stupid scientists who are as bad at life as they are at science Hidden in the midst of a remote Surrey village (at the top of the hill, opposite Budgens) is top-secret scientific research institute Clayton Grange. There, a team of bumbling boffins, led by the keen but hopeless Professor Linden Saunders, try to fulfil their government brief to solve the global fuel crisis, cheer people up and make war just a bit more gentle. Sadly, they're as rubbish at science as they are at life - but they're not going to let mere incompetence stop them from pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. In these two series, they try to make the nation happier (with the help of a relentlessly cheerful robot named Bunty); endeavour to bring a man back from the dead; launch their revolutionary spray-on clothes and take advantage of 'bring your child to work day' to do some controversial genetic manipulation. But there's trouble in store when a local MP comes to visit; an embarrassing virus escapes from the lab; and the team tries to impress a visiting Nobel Prize judge with their self-replicating killer robo-ants... Scripted by Neil Warhurst with additional material by Paul Barnhill, this sparkling comedy stars Anthony Head as Saunders, with a full cast including Neil Warhurst, Paul Barnhill, Stephanie Racine, Don Gilet and Miriam Margolyes. Production credits Written by Neil Warhurst with extra material by Paul Barnhill Produced and directed by Marion Nancarrow and Sally Avens Cast Professor Saunders - Anthony Head Geoff Prowse - Neil Warhurst Roger Bucks - Paul Barnhill Alice Jameson - Stephanie Racine Helen/Bunty/Lionel/Verenovsky/Quiz master - Don Gilet Alan Dobson - Paul Stonehouse Silas - Joe Sims Gwynnie - Heather Craney Giles Bentley - David Cann Danny - Wilf Scolding Kurt/Announcer - Clive Hayward Aunt Felicity - Miriam Margolyes Simon Prowse - Albie Warhurst Izzy - Cassie Layton Anders Bjornstad - Simon Kunz First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 25 September-16 October 2012 (Series 1), 10 June-1 July 2014 (Series 2) 'Brilliantly funny' The Observer © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Neil Warhurst, Paul Barnhill (Author), Anthony Head, Cassie Layton, Clive Hayward, Don Gilet, Full Cast, Miriam Margolyes, Neil Warhurst, Paul Barnhill, Stephanie Racine (Narrator)

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Barbara Pym: A BBC Radio drama collection: Some Tame Gazelle, No Fond Return of Love, Crampton Hodne

Dramatisations and a reading of selected novels by Barbara Pym - plus bonus material Barbara Pym is one of the 20th Century's wittiest, and most underrated, novelists. Her perceptive comedies of manners, centred around the domestic lives and loves of unassuming middle-class Englishwomen, won her many devoted readers and saw her hailed as a modern-day Jane Austen. Yet she spent 15 years out of print in the 1960s and '70s, until Philip Larkin championed her work in the Times Literary Supplement. Her seventh novel was subsequently shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and writers from Jilly Cooper to Alexander McCall Smith continue to laud her talent today. Included in this collection are the BBC Radio dramatisations of some of her most beloved books, including her debut Some Tame Gazelle; her second novel Crampton Hodnet, published posthumously in 1985; and its sequel Jane and Prudence. Alongside them are her fifth and sixth novels, A Glass of Blessings and No Fond Return of Love; and a comic spy thriller, So Very Secret. Adapted by actress and writer Elizabeth Proud, they feature stellar casts including Miriam Margolyes, Hannah Gordon, Samantha Bond, Rebecca Front, Joanna David, Penny Downie and Amanda Root. Her best-known novel, Excellent Women, about a clergyman's daughter whose life is disturbed by anthropologists and a handsome naval officer, is read by One Foot in the Grave star Annette Crosbie. It is followed by a bonus biographical drama, The Resurrection of Miss Pym, starring Penelope Wilton and Bill Wallis and telling the story of Barbara Pym's warm friendship with Philip Larkin, her years in the publishing wilderness, and her eventual triumphant rediscovery. And in the fascinating radio talk Finding a Voice, we hear from the author in her own words as she analyses her inspiration, influences, literary style and why she kept on writing 'even in the face of discouragement'. Cast and credits Written by Barbara Pym Copyright © Barbara Pym 1950 (Some Tame Gazelle), 1953 (Jane and Prudence), 1958 (A Glass of Blessings), 1961 (No Fond Return of Love), 1987 (So Very Secret) Crampton Hodnet copyright © Barbara Pym, Hilary Walton 1985, Hazel Holt 2004 With thanks to the British Library for the sourcing of Crampton Hodnet Contents Some Tame Gazelle Crampton Hodnet Jane and Prudence A Glass of Blessings No Fond Return of Love So Very Secret Excellent Women The Resurrection of Miss Pym Finding a Voice ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

BBC Radio (Author), Amanda Root, Annette Crosbie, Hannah Gordon, Miriam Margolyes, Penelope Wilton, Penny Downie, Rebecca Front, Samantha Bond (Narrator)

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The Man Born To Be King: A BBC Radio 4 drama collection

Dorothy L. Sayers' classic play cycle based on the life and times of Jesus Dorothy L. Sayers was best known for her mystery novels featuring aristocratic amateur sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey. But she was also a poet, playwright and committed Christian, and in The Man Born to Be King she combined art and evangelism to powerful effect, making the story of Christ accessible, relevant and every bit as thrilling as her detective fiction. Written specially for the BBC Radio, the play cycle caused huge controversy for its depiction of Christ as a character, and its use of contemporary speech instead of Biblical language. However it proved extremely popular with listeners, who wrote in to thank Sayers for making Jesus real to them and reigniting their interest in his remarkable story. Based on the four Gospels, it includes one story of the Nativity, six plays about Jesus' life and ministry, and five Passion Plays telling of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Jesus' arrest and trial before Pontius Pilate, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. Backed up with a sweeping musical score, these immersive dramas surprise and shock us anew and provide fresh, illuminating insight into 'the greatest story ever told'. The plays included are Kings in Judea, The King's Herald, A Certain Nobleman, The Heirs to the Kingdom, The Bread of Heaven, The Feast of Tabernacles, The Light and The Life, Royal Progress, The King's Supper, The Princes of This World, King of Sorrows and The King Comes to His Own. Cast and credits Written by Dorothy L Sayers Adapted by/Producer: Raymond Raikes The Evangelist (John Bar-Zebedee): Gabriel Woolf Jesus: John Westbrook Joseph/ Jacob Ben-Issachar: Norman Shelley Simon Bar-Jonah (Simon Peter): Stephen Jack Judas Iscariot: Alan Wheatley Matthew: Nigel Stock Herod The Great: Robert Eddison Nicodemus: John Wyse Ephraim: Denys Blakelock Shadrach: Malcolm Hayes Rabbit Solomon: John Gabriel Phoebe: Caroline Monkhouse Flavius: Trader Faulkner Calpurnia: Penelope Lee Mary Virgin: June Tobin Mary Magdalen: Mary Wimbush Martha: Marjorie Westbury Lazarus: Richard Hurndall Benjamin Ben-Hadad: Ralph Truman Joseph, kinsman to Jesus: Haydn Jones Simeon, kinsman to Jesus: Wilfrid Carter Baruch the Zealot: Francis de Wolff Baruch's Wife: Vivienne Chatterton Gestas: John Laurie Dysmas: Russell Napier Simon of Cyrene: Rodney Dias Proclus, a Roman Centurion: Trevor Martin Roman soldier: Bruce Beeby Roman soldier: Harvey Hall Joseph of Arimathea: Howieson Culff Calaphas, High Priest of Israel: Heron Carvic Salome, mother to James and John: Henzie Raeburn Mary Cleophas: Molly Rankin Balthazar, King of Ethiopia: Paul Danqdah Melchior/ A Zealot: Michael Kilgarriff Casper: James Dale Philip: Rolf Lefebvre Thomas Didymus/ Father: Philip Leaver Mother: Wynne Clark Miriam, child: Elizabeth Proud Isaac, child/a slave boy: Daniel Rose Hannah: Hester Paton-Brown James Bar-Zebedee: John Glen Andrew Bar-Jonah: John Boxer Hezekiah, secretary/ Roman Soldier: John Baker Annas, father-in-law to Caiaphas: Edward Atienza Pontius Pilate, Governor of Judaea: Alec Clunes Claudia Procula: Mary Law Captain Elihu: Keith Alexander Eunice, a Syro-Phoenician: Elizabeth Morgan Cleophas: Harry Hutchinson Portress at the High Priest's House: Miriam Margolyes Zillah, her daughter: Jo Manning-Wilson Issacher, servant: Hugh Dickson Susannah, mother to the Bride groom: Betty Baskcomb Rebecca, friend to Susannah: Gladys Spencer/ Janet Burnell Other cast: Ian Frost, Janette Richer, Nan Marriott-Watson, Janette Richer, Peter Marinker, Raf de la Torre, James Thomason, John Forrest, Michael Goldie First broadcast BBC Home Service 19th, 26th Jan, 2nd, 9th , 16th, 23rd Feb, 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 28th, 30th March 1975 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Dorothy L. Sayers (Author), Full Cast, Gabriel Woolf, John Laurie, John Westbrook, Mary Wimbush, Miriam Margolyes, Norman Shelley (Narrator)

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Einstein the Penguin

'An outstanding debut. Funny and surprising' The Times Best Books for Children 2021 ‘This debut novel is a delight . . . A joy to read aloud’ Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week Perfect for all readers from 7 to 70, Einstein the Penguin introduces an unforgettable new character in a future-classic and fantastically funny debut for all the family to enjoy. Get ready to welcome the most extraordinary penguin into your own home… When the Stewarts spend a sunny, frosty December day at London Zoo, they’re enchanted by one small penguin. At the delight of young Imogen and Arthur, Mrs Stewart insists the penguin “must come and stay with them whenever he likes.” But not one Stewart expects the penguin to turn up at their door that evening, rucksack labelled “Einstein” on his back… The family’s new feathered friend helps Arthur to come out of his shell and makes massive demands on Imogen’s amateur sleuthing. But together they must find out why Einstein came to them and they must keep away from the mysterious white-coat man. And Einstein can’t stay forever, can he…? From stunning new writing talent Iona Rangeley, this is a book that will be treasured for years to come.

Iona Rangeley (Author), Miriam Margolyes (Narrator)

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Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful: The Complete Series 1-3: A BBC Radio full-cast comedy drama

Martin Jarvis stars in this BBC radio satire set in the competitive world of advertising Happiness... is a career in advertising. Or is it? Activist turned ad writer Ken Handley isn't so sure. Back in the day, he used to hitch-hike and attend peace protests. Now, he finds himself writing copy for the Conservative Party and extolling the virtues of products he hates - while also coping with a drunken boss, strait-laced colleagues and an overactive mind. Over three series, we follow his exploits and moral dilemmas as he grapples with the challenges of winning accounts, presenting to clients and dealing with the women in his life. A pitch for a motorway services chain drives him round the bend, a seven-foot squirrel nearly sends him nuts, and he faces his own emergency when he's coerced into a Samaritans campaign. On the domestic front, Ken's got a divorce and a new home to contend with - but things start looking up when leggy model April comes on the scene... Written by Guy Jenkin (Drop the Dead Donkey) and Jon Canter (Posh Nosh), this sardonic advertising sitcom stars Martin Jarvis as Ken, with a cast including Imelda Staunton, Lesley Manville, Joss Ackland and Miriam Margolyes. Production credits Script and commercial concepts by Guy Jenkin Commercials by Jon Canter Produced by Geoffrey Perkins (Series 1) and Pete Atkin (Series 2 & 3) First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18 January-22 February 1982 (Series 1), 7 February-13 March 1984 (Series 2), 7 October-11 November 1986 (Series 3) Cast Ken Handley - Martin Jarvis Sarah - Sheila Steafel Sandy - Christopher Godwin Freddie - Lockwood West Hitchhiker - Vincent Brimble Portley - Richard Bebb Runcie - Simon Jones June - Wendy Richard Johnnie - Patrick Barr Murray - Gary Cady The General - Bill Fraser Mr Sandell - John Blythe Barman - Geoffrey McGivern Virgil - Marc Smith Mr Sandell:- John Blythe Cindy- Heather Bell Katie- Miranda Forbes Director- David Gooderson Ravi - Ahmed Khalil Deborah - Rosalind Ayres Ambrose - Paul Jesson Janet/Receptionist/Researcher - Stacey Tendeter Mr Cheater/Mr McCafferty - James Griffiths Angus - Michael Jenner Derek - David Peart Stella - Imelda Staunton Stella's Heavy - Jim Carter Subjects - David Peart & Michael Jenner Leo Gale - Glyn Owen Christina - Jo Manning Wilson Receptionist - Maggie McCarthy George - Peter Tuddenham Corners - Don Henderson Benny - Karl Howman Lesley - Pauline Siddle Andy - Chris Emmett Film director - Scott Cherry Tone - Jeremy Clyde Doregan - Lesley Manville Elvira - Moir Leslie Kip - Joseph Marcell April - Shelley Thompson Hedley - Robert Longden Artiste - David Learner Larry Childs - William Hootkins Loretta-Jane Duff - Toni Coyne Dawn/Masseuse - Sally Watts Sally/Choirboy - Jane Leonard Len - Roger Sloman Val/Veronica - Liz Crowther Alf - Roger Hammond Till lady - Avril Clark Doorman - Richard Durden Barman - James MacPherson Policeman - Graham Blockey With the voices of Joss Ackland, Miriam Margolyes, James Griffiths, John Shrapnel, David Tate, James Griffiths, Sally Grace, Enn Reitel and Anton Rodgers

Guy Jenkin (Author), Full Cast, Imelda Staunton, Joss Ackland, Lesley Manville, Martin Jarvis, Miriam Margolyes (Narrator)

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Alison and Maud: The Complete Series 1 and 2: The BBC Radio 4 comedy

Sisters Alison and Maud are joint landladies of the Abbeyfield Guest House, dispensing hospitality to a variety of demanding clients while also looking after their irascible, bedridden father downstairs in the granny flat. Dreamy ornithologist Alison has just moved back from Bloomsbury, while Maud ran a 3000-acre farm in Africa - but neither sibling is really up to the task of managing a B&B, and chaos generally ensues. In these two series, Alison has the hots for their accountant, Bernard - and is the reluctant object of a courtship display from a fellow bird-fancier; Maud comes up trumps in the middle of the night (but what will the guests make of what's in the saucepan?) and handyman Mr Mullet and the Bishop of Norwich get a little too close for comfort over tea. Meanwhile, the landladies' daddy complains about his new orthopaedic mattress, battles with hallucinogenic fungus and chips and prepares for his 85th birthday party - but what form will the celebrations take? Sue Limb's sitcom stars Denise Coffey as Alison and Miriam Margolyes as Maud, with Joss Ackland as Father and Geoffrey Whitehead as Bernard. Written by Sue Limb Produced by Jonathan James-Moore Starring Denise Coffey as Alison and Miriam Margolyes as Maud Cast Father - Joss Ackland Mr Mullett/Brian - Chris Emmett Bernard/Mr Ducket - Geoffrey Whitehead Marina - Phyllida Nash Leslie - Nickolas Grace Mrs Ducket - Judy Flynn The Bishop of Norwich - Nicholas Le Provost Jane - Jane Sellars First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 13 December 2002-17 January 2003 (Series 1), 15 March-19 April 2004 (Series 2)

Sue Limb (Author), Denise Coffey, Geoffrey Whitehead, Joss Ackland, Miriam Margolyes (Narrator)

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The Sit Crom: The complete BBC Radio 4 comedy series

Autumn, 1646. The English Civil War is raging, and there’s trouble ahead for Sir John and Lady Anne Firebasket. There’s a Roundhead platoon camping out in the barn, a perplexed priest hiding behind the panelling and, unbeknown to the Firebaskets, their scullery maid Mercy is actually a disguised aristocrat (and Royalist spy) named Melissa Fortescue-Bottomley. While Mercy steels herself to carry out a deadly mission, pious steward Tobias Thynne rails against the Devil’s vegetables and Father Francis takes to the rooftops in a borrowed nightgown for a rendition of ‘Ave Maria’. With the whole household suffering from severe domestic derangement, it’s a bad time for General Cromwell to show up – and then news arrives that the fugitive King Charles has also decided to pay a visit... As confusion reigns, Sir John takes to drink, Lady Anne takes to her bed and the New Model Army take up their muskets. Will Firebasket Hall survive the hostilities? Scripted by Sue Limb (Gloomsbury, The Wordsmiths at Gorsemere), The Sit Crom features a wealth of comedy acting talent including Joss Ackland as Sir John Firebasket, Miriam Margolyes as Mercy and Alun Armstrong as Captain Arise Higgs. Produced by Jonathan James-Moore Music by Colin Sell Cast Sir John Firebasket – Joss Ackland Lady Anne Firebasket – Denise Coffey Tobias Thynne – Clive Merrison Mercy, alias Melissa – Miriam Margoyles Father Francis/Old Thomas – Nickolas Grace Slow Ned/King Charles – Chris Emmett Gazebo Fogg – Jack Klaff Captain Arise Higgs – Alun Armstrong Posthumous – Nicky Henson Lettice – Jane Whittenshaw Counter Tenor – Peter Hayward General Cromwell – Bert Parnaby Colonel Thundery – Peter Howell The New Model Army – The cast First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 6 October-10 November 1990

Sue Limb (Author), Alun Armstrong, Clive Merrison, Denise Coffey, Joss Ackland, Miriam Margolyes (Narrator)

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BBC Radio Shakespeare: A Collection of Eight Comedies

Eight full-cast BBC Radio productions of Shakespeare's best-loved comedies Full of merriment, mayhem, mischief and mistaken identity, here are eight iconic radio productions of Shakespeare's most magical comedies, featuring star casts and introduced by Sir Richard Eyre. Much Ado About Nothing Shakespeare's delightful comedy sparkles with the verbal sparring of our two reluctant lovers in a world where nothing is quite what it seems. David Tennant and Samantha Spiro star as Benedick and Beatrice. As You Like It The Forest of Arden resonates with declarations of love in this joyous pastoral comedy, starring Helena Bonham Carter as Rosalind, David Morrissey as Orlando and Natasha Little as Celia. A Midsummer Night's Dream In this delightful comic fantasy, four young lovers and a troupe of actors have a bewitching encounter with Fairyland. Starring David Threlfall as Theseus/Oberon, Sylvestra Le Touzel as Titania/Hippolyta and Amanda Root as Hermia. The Merchant of Venice Shakespeare's thrilling courtroom drama explores the eternal themes of love and hate, mercy and justice. Starring Warren Mitchell as Shylock, with Martin Jarvis as Antonio, Juliet Aubrey as Portia and Samuel West as Bassanio. Twelfth Night On the night when all the world is turned on its head, girls become boys and women lust after women, in this most optimistic of Shakespeare's comedies. Michael Maloney stars as Orsino and Anne-Marie Duff as Viola. The Tempest A ship at sea and an enchanted island are the settings for this allegorical tale of betrayal, sorcery, revenge and reconciliation. Starring Philip Madoc as Prospero and Nina Wadia as Ariel. The Taming of the Shrew Farce, disguise, elaborate role-playing and acerbic exchanges of wit combine to make up an extraordinary love story that still sparks controversy 400 years after it was written. Gerard McSorley stars as Petruchio and Ruth Mitchell as Katherina. All's Well That Ends Well This intriguing play tells of the questionable course of action a young woman takes to win the hand of the man she loves. Emma Fielding stars as Helena, with Siân Phillips, Miriam Margolyes, Richard Griffiths and Simon Russell Beale.

William Shakespeare (Author), Anne-Marie Duff, David Tennant, Full Cast, Helena Bonham-Carter, Martin Jarvis, Miriam Margolyes, Siân Phillips (Narrator)

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Letters of Note: Love

In this moving collection, Shaun Usher gathers together some of the most powerful letters about love ever written. Whether inspired by love’s first blush or the recriminations at its ending, the regrets of unrequited feelings and the joys of passions known, Letters of Note: Love is essential listening for anyone with a heart. A star-studded cast of readers brings the letters to life, with contributions from Sanjeev Bhaskar, Louise Brealey, Simon Callow, Crystal Clarke, Benedict Cumberbatch, Danny Huston, Toby Jones, Jude Law, Natascha McElhone, Stephen Mangan, Miriam Margolyes, Clarke Peters, Juliet Stevenson, Mark Strong and Meera Syal. The collection features letters by Simone de Beauvoir, Vladimir Nabokov, Zora Neale Hurston, Nelson Mandela, Maud Gonne, Johnny Cash and many more. Letters of Note: Love also includes audio exclusive bonus content drawn from recordings made at performances of Letters Live, the live events series produced by Canongate in partnership with SunnyMarch and Shaun Usher. Hear Benedict Cumberbatch and Louise Brealey read Chris Barker’s letter to Bessie Moore at the Royal Albert Hall, Tom Hiddleston reading Gerald Durrell’s letter to his wife at the Freemasons’ Hall and Nick Cave perform his song, Love Letter, at the Union Chapel. A donation will be made to The National Literacy Trust – one of the regular partner charities for Letters Live – for each audiobook sold.

Shaun Usher (Author), Adrian Edmondson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Clarke Peters, Crystal Clarke, Danny Huston, Jude Law, Juliet Stevenson, Louise Brealey, Mark Strong, Meera Syal, Miriam Margolyes, Natascha Mcelhone, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Simon Callow, Stephen Mangan, Toby Jones (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Miriam Margolyes