Audiobooks narrated by Neil Pearson

Decameron: A BBC Radio drama adaptation of the Renaissance classic

Terry Jones introduces ten choice Florentine Fancies dramatisations, adapted from Giovanni Boccaccio's classic human comedy by the BBC Monty Python star and medieval historian Terry Jones presents ten BBC Radio dramatisations of tales from Giovanni Boccaccio's humane and comic masterpiece. Composed in the early 1350s, in the wake of the Black Death, The Decameron comprises 100 short stories from all over the world, reset by Boccaccio among the flourishing merchant classes of Renaissance Italy. Their universal themes - love, sex, religion, fate, morality - resonate with us to this day, and their witty, satirical, bawdy voice sounds utterly modern. Beautifully realised in vivid, vernacular prose, they have become a bedrock of our storytelling tradition, mined ever since by authors from Chaucer to Shakespeare, Keats, Molière and Thomas Mann. The scene is the onset of the Black Death, Italy and a group of seven young women and three young men escape to the countryside, to shelter in a secluded villa just outside Florence in order to escape the Plague, there they tell each other tales from all over the world. These ten radio retellings are performed by a stellar cast, including John Finnemore, Ingrid Oliver, Geoffrey Streatfeild, Lydia Leonard, Tim McInnerny, Samuel Barnett, Neil Pearson, Louise Brealey, and Tameka Empson. Cast and credits Saint Ciappelletto Ciappelletto - Colin McFarlane Musciatto - Sam Dale Holy Friar - Michael Bertenshaw The Burgundians - Monty d'Inverno & Paul Heath Doctor - Ian Conningham Federigo and His Falcon Federigo degli Alberighi - John Finnemore Monna - Ingrid Oliver Elena - Carrie Quinlan Beppo - Shaun Mason Niccolo - Adam Thomas Wright How Elena Blew Hot and Cold Elena - Lydia Leonard Violante - Elaine Claxton Rinieri - Cyril Nri Pyrrhus - Paul Heath How to Get It Off Your Chest Zeppa - Ian Conningham Mrs Zeppa - Hannah Genesius Spinelloccio - Shaun Mason Mrs Spinelloccio - Bettrys Jones Narrator - Jude Akuwudike Kind Hearts and Bayonets Mithridanes - Samuel Barnett Nathan - Sam Dale Beggarmaid - Bettrys Jones The Sweetest Young Man in Perugia Pietro - Tim McInnerny Madam - Hannah Genesius Pandara - Jane Slavin Masetto - Monty d'Inverno Ercolano - David Acton The Wager Musciatto - Michael Bertenshaw Ambrogiuolo - Geoffrey Streatfield Bernabo - Paul Ritter Zinevra - Louise Brealey Sultan - Jude Akuwudike Captain - Shaun Mason A Job for the Boys Masetto - Neil Pearson Sister Donna - Tameka Empson Sister Lisa - Rhiannon Neads Hildegard - Jane Slavin Nuto - Sam Dale Steward - Michael Bertenshaw Love Lies Sleeping Silvestra - Laura Molyneux Beppo - Rudi Dharmalingam Giovanni - Joseph Drake Mother - Jane Slavin Rinaldo - David Acton A Quiet Night in Naples Andreuccio - Gunnar Cauthery Filomena - Roslyn Hill Scarabone - Shaun Mason Neighbour - David Acton Ludo - Paul Heath Bruno - Ian Conningham Sister Lisa - Elaine Claxton Sister Donna - Hannah Genesius First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 1-12 December 2014 Written by Giovanni Boccaccio Adapted by Robin Brooks Music arranged and performed by Robert Hollingworth and Paula Chateauneuf Translations by Silvia Reseghetti Script consultant: Guyda Armstrong Produced and directed by Jonquil Panting © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Giovanni Boccaccio (Author), Colin Mcfarlane, Full Cast, John Finnemore, Louise Brealey, Neil Pearson, Paul Ritter, Samuel Barnett, Tameka Empson, Terry Jones, Tim Mcinnerny (Narrator)

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Vent: A Comedy on Life-Support: The Complete BBC Radio Comedy Series 1-3

All three series of the BBC Radio 4 sitcom, plus the hour-long special Locked In ‘Bold, beautiful, daring radio’ The Telegraph Vent charts coma patient Ben’s journey from the depths of unconsciousness, where he travels through the distinctly odd landscape of his own mind, to recovery and his attempts to readjust to the real world. In Series 1 and 2, as his mum and wife Mary sit round his bedside and wonder how to wake him up, Ben’s mind is busy elsewhere. In his imagination, he lives with his 2-year-old daughter Blitz (now miraculously grown up), encounters celebrities such as Sue Lawley, Elvis Presley and Tom Paulin, relives memories from his past and gets into a compromising situation with a fellow inmate at a strangely familiar Torquay hotel. Meanwhile, an imaginary sitcom written by him, about coma patients in a hospital, plays in the background. Locked In, first broadcast as a Friday Play in 2009, sees Ben free of his coma, but suffering from locked-in syndrome. Unable to engage with the world around him, he takes refuge once more in the safety of his unconscious – while the hospital debate whether to send him to a rehab unit or a care home. Series 3 finds Ben taking the ambulance home to begin life in a wheelchair. But life outside hospital is a little fraught. Fortunately, he can still escape into his fantasy world, where he meets Buzz Aldrin, invents a panel game and gets some relationship advice from Lord Byron. Based on writer Nigel Smith’s own experience of being hospitalised with a brain lesion, this moving, darkly funny sitcom stars Neil Pearson as Ben, with Fiona Allen as Mary, Josie Lawrence as Mum and Leslie Ash as Blitz. Guest stars include David Mitchell, Robert Webb and Jeremy Paxman.

Nigel Smith (Author), Fiona Allen, Josie Lawrence, Leslie Ash, Neil Pearson (Narrator)

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Trevor's World of Sport: The Complete Series 1-3

Neil Pearson stars in Andy Hamilton's BBC Radio 4 comedy series about a sports agent with a conscience One of the main movers and shakers at TS Sports Stars agency, Trevor Heslop is honest, decent and sensitive. Unfortunately, he works in a world of cut-throats and corruption, with nightmare clients and a rapacious partner with the morals of a barracuda. Add to that his dysfunctional family - estranged wife Meryl and teenage son Toby - and it's a miracle he manages to stay afloat in the shark tank that is his life. In these eighteen episodes, he grapples with a Buddhist (and a specially trained bear), tackles a footballer who's just issued his seventeenth public apology, ends up in court as a witness while trying hard not to lie and proposes taking on the firm's first Muslim client - but do his colleagues think this is a good idea? As he copes with the ultimate client from hell, Ralph, struggles to keep his dignity and his staff, and tries to save his reputation from being destroyed by a ruthless tennis star, can Trevor retain his decency in an increasingly indecent world? Written by Andy Hamilton, whose radio credits include the Sony Award-winning Old Harry's Game, this funny, fast-moving comedy stars Neil Pearson as Trevor, Paul Reynolds as Sammy and Michael Fenton Stevens as Ralph, with guest appearances from Kevin R. McNally, Doon Mackichan and Kayvan Novak.

Andy Hamilton (Author), Claire Skinner, Neil Pearson, Paul Reynolds (Narrator)

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Brian Gulliver's Travels: The Complete Series 1-2

The complete BBC Radio 4 satirical comedy series about a seasoned presenter of travel documentaries, Brian Gulliver, who finds himself in a hospital's secure unit after claiming to have experienced a succession of bizarre adventures. In series 1 we hear about Brian's travels in Gelbetia, a country run by doctors; Juradia, where every other person is a lawyer; Osminia, a land where marriage is outlawed; Sham, a country where alternative therapies abound; Erosia, which has a very different view of sexual politics; and Jampoa, where fame definitely equals fortune. In series 2 we hear about Brian's travels in Chamanoa, where genetics is pitted against education; Lessington, where ignorance reigns; Gravinia and Plumpf, a land where the military are revered above everything; Anidara, where he finds himself put out to stud; Hermicia, where charity is strangely in abundance; and Kognitia, where selective memory is taken to a new extreme Starring Neil Pearson as Brian Gulliver, the cast also includes Duncan Wisby, Vicki Pepperdine, Lisa Dillon, Colin Hoult, Toby Longworth, Adrian Scarborough, Dan Tetsell, Barunka O'Shaughnessy, Debra Stephenson, Colin Hoult, Nina Conti, Jo Bobin and Marcus Brigstocke. Produced by Steven Canny

Bill Dare (Author), Debra Stephenson, Duncan Wisbey, Full Cast, Mariah Gale, Neil Pearson (Narrator)

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The Martin Beck Stories: 10 BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations

The Martin Beck books are widely acknowledged as some of the most influential detective novels ever written. Written by Swedish husband and wife team Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö between 1965-1975, the ten-book series set a gold standard for all subsequent Scandanavian crime fiction. Long before Kurt Wallander or Harry Hole, Beck was the original flawed policeman, working with a motley collection of colleagues to uncover the cruelty and injustice lurking beneath the surface of Sweden's seemingly liberal, democratic society. This complete collection includes:Roseanna (1965) - translated by Lois Roth and dramatised by Jennifer HowarthThe Man Who Went Up in Smoke (1966) - translated by Joan Tate and dramatised by Katie HimsThe Man on the Balcony (1967) - translated by Alan Blair and dramatised by Katie HimsThe Laughing Policeman (1968) - translated by Alan Blair and dramatised by Jennifer HowarthThe Fire Engine That Disappeared (1969) - translated by Joan Tate and dramatised by Katie HimsMurder at the Savoy (1970) - translated by Amy and Ken Knoespel and dramatised by Jennifer HowarthThe Abominable Man (1971) - translated by Thomas Teal and dramatised by Katie HimsThe Locked Room (1972) - translated by Alan Blair and dramatised by Jennifer HowarthCop Killer (1974) - translated by Thomas Teal and dramatised by Jennifer HowarthThe Terrorists (1975) - translated by Joan Tate and dramatised by Katie Hims

Maj Sjowall, Maj Sjöwall, Per Wahloo, Per Wahlöö (Author), , Maj Sjowall, Neil Pearson, Per Wahloo, Steven Mackintosh (Narrator)

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Vent (The Friday Play)

Ben has survived a crippling brain lesion, but he won't engage with the world around him, preferring to stay safely in his own fantasy world. A funny and moving drama about not being dead. Starring Neil Pearson, Fiona Allen, Josie Lawrence, Leslie Ash, Robert Webb, Rachel Isaac, Joanna Brookes, Matthew Kelly, Laura Doddington, Bruce Alexander and Scarlett Milburn-Smith. Written and directed by Nigel Smith. Produced by Gareth Edwards.

Nigel Smith (Author), Fiona Allen, Neil Pearson, Robert Webb (Narrator)

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Brian Gulliver's Travels: Series 1

A BBC Radio 4 satirical comedy series about a seasoned presenter of travel documentaries, Brian Gulliver, who finds himself in a hospital's secure unit after claiming to have experienced a succession of bizarre adventures. 'Brian Gulliver's Travels' is a new adventure story from Bill Dare (producer of 'Spitting Image', 'Dead Ringers' and 'I've Never Seen Star Wars'). The series has attracted an excellent cast led by Neil Pearson ('Drop the Dead Donkey', 'Bridget Jones's Diary') and award winning star Mariah Gale (Ophelia in BBC TV's 2009 production of 'Hamlet'). We hear about Brian's travels in Gelbetia, a country run by doctors; Juradia, where every other person is a lawyer; Osminia, a land where marriage is outlawed; Sham, a country where alternative therapies abound; Erosia, which has a very different view of sexual politics; and Jampoa, where fame definitely equals fortune. In addition to Neil Pearson and Mariah Gale, the cast also includes Tamsin Greig, John Standing, Paul Bhattacharjee, Christopher Douglas, Catherine Shepherd, Vicky Pepperdine, Phil Cornwell, Antonia Campbell Hughes, Jo Bobin and Katherine Jakeways. Originally broadcast 21 February 2011 - 28 March 2011.

Bill Dare (Author), Mariah Gale, Neil Pearson (Narrator)

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So You Want To Disappear: A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

A BBC Radio 4 drama by Mark Wheatley, originally broadcast as the 'Afternoon Play' on 13 May 2010. Fraser once tracked clients who jumped bail. Then he added a little twist to the business by helping people disappear instead, which is why Kathryn gives him a call. Starring Lia Williams as Kathryn and Neil Pearson as Fraser. Also includes Tessa Nicholson, Michael Shelford and Miche Doherty in the cast. Produced by Eoin O'Callaghan.

Mark Wheatley (Author), Michael Shelford, Miche Doherty, Neil Pearson, Tessa Nicholson (Narrator)

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Dead Man's Footsteps

'Abby stepped in the lift and the doors closed with a sound like a shovel smoothing gravel. She breathed in the smell of someone else's perfume, and lemon-scented cleaning fluid. The lift jerked upwards a few inches. And now, too late to change her mind and get out, with the metal walls pressing in around her, they lunged sharply downwards. Abby was about to realize she had just made the worst mistake of her life . . .' Amid the tragic unfolding mayhem of the morning of 9/11, failed Brighton never-do-well Ronnie Wilson sees the chance of a lifetime, to disappear and reinvent himself in another country. Five years later the discovery of the skeletal remains of a woman's body in a storm drain in Brighton, leads Detective Superintendent Roy Grace on an enquiry spanning the globe, and into a desperate race against time to save the life of a woman being hunted down like an animal in the streets and alleys of Brighton. Dead Man's Footsteps is the fourth novel in the multi-million copy bestselling Roy Grace series, from number one author Peter James, read by actor Neil Perason.

Peter James (Author), Neil Pearson (Narrator)

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Not Dead Enough

On the night Brian Bishop murdered his wife, he was sixty miles away, asleep in bed at the time. At least, that's the way it looks to Detective Superintendent Roy Grace who is called in to investigate the kinky slaying of beautiful young Brighton socialite, Katie Bishop. Soon, Grace starts coming to the conclusion that Bishop has performed the apparently impossible feat of being in two places at once. Has someone stolen his identity, or is he simply a very clever liar? As Grace digs deeper behind the facade of the Bishops' outwardly respectable lives, it starts to become clear that everything is not at as it first seemed. And then he digs just a little too far, and suddenly the fragile stability of his own troubled, private world is facing destruction . . . Not Dead Enough is the third bestselling title in the Roy Grace series from the number one bestselling author Peter James, read aloud by actor Neil Pearson.

Peter James (Author), Neil Pearson (Narrator)

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Trevor's World Of Sport Series 2

The second series of Andy Hamilton's hit BBC Radio 4 comedy, starring Neil Pearson as beleaguered sports PR agent Trevor. 'Funny and very likeable' - Independent 'Nice lines and a superb cast' - Times Welcome back to TS Sports Stars Agency as we rejoin Trevor and Sammy, who continue to deal with their bizarre clientele in their own, very different ways while trying to keep on top of the personal catastrophes going on in the rest of the office. Sammy's moral compass is still pointing a little south of the truth as he justifies chasing 'unreasonable' traffic wardens and endeavours to romance lesbian receptionist Heidrun. Trevor, meanwhile, is trying to keep his scruples while grappling with a racist young tennis star, a psychotic footballer with a penchant for threesomes with Brazilian twins, an over-the-hill rugby veteran and an obnoxious Paralympics medal winner. Barry, as ever, is the thorn in everyone's side, and on top of everything, Trevor's estranged wife Meryl is writing a novel about the collapse of a fictional marriage that sounds a little too familiar... This second series of the Radio 4 show from the pen of Andy Hamilton reunites the staff of the TS office, along with guest appearances from Jake Wood ('EastEnders') and Gina Yashere, for a deliciously witty journey through the cut-throat world of sporting celebrity.

Andy Hamilton (Author), Neil Pearson, Paul Reynolds (Narrator)

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Trevor's World Of Sport Series 1

The first series of Andy Hamilton's BBC Radio 4 comedy about sports PR agent Trevor, starring Neil Pearson and Paul Reynolds.Trevor and Sammy are the movers and shakers at TS Sports Stars agency. Friends for twenty years, and business partners for nine, they are chalk and cheese: Trevor is thoughtful, honest and sensitive while Sammy is a rapacious dealmaker with the morals of a hyena. In these six episodes, we follow Trevor and his partner as they deal, in their very different ways, with colleagues and clients. While Sammy spends most of his time lusting after their highly intelligent lesbian receptionist Heidrun, Trevor finds himself grappling with egotists, opportunists, raging alcoholics and religious extremists - not to mention naïve footballer Jason; a Buddhist; a polar explorer; someone called Biggsy; an impossibly difficult tennis star and of course Ralph, the ultimate client from hell. Then there's his estranged wife Meryl, and his son, Toby - who is a teenager, with all the horror that entails. For Trevor, life is a shark tank, and it's a constant struggle to stay afloat... Following on from the acclaimed TV series, this Radio 4 show, written by Andy Hamilton (whose radio credits include the Sony Award-winning 'Old Harry's Game'), and with appearances by Kevin R. McNally and Doon Mackichan, is an enjoyable, fast-moving series about the high-profile, money-spinning industry of sporting celebrity.

Andy Hamilton (Author), A Full Cast, Neil Pearson, Paul Reynolds (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Neil Pearson