Audiobooks narrated by Nigel Planer

The Young Ones: The Complete BBC TV Soundtracks

The complete television soundtracks of all 12 episodes of the legendary BBC sitcom Ground-breaking, satirical and anarchic, The Young Ones introduced alternative comedy to mainstream TV, and made household names of its writers and performers. It ran for two series on BBC Two between 1982 and 1984, winning a host of devoted fans and a BAFTA Award for its second series. A world away from the cosy suburban sitcoms that preceded it, the show centred around four degenerate students sharing a squalid North London house: hippy Neil (Nigel Planer), right-on Rick (Rik Mayall), Mike 'TheCoolPerson' (Chris Ryan) and punk psycho Vyvyan (Ade Edmondson). Alexei Sayle co-starred as the various members of the dodgy Balowski family, and the plethora of guest stars included Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Robbie Coltrane, Emma Thompson and series co-writer Ben Elton. Musical interludes were provided by top bands such as Dexy's Midnight Runners, The Damned, Madness, Motörhead and Nine Below Zero. Collected here are all the dysfunctional foursome's manic adventures - from discovering oil in the basement, to playing host to the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, to representing Scumbag College on University Challenge. Now you can hear from your favourite characters once again, and listen to their iconic one-liners, inventive insults and fabulously funny quotes. Full of wild slapstick, surreal twists, over-the-top ultra-violence and absurdist humour, this innovative, iconoclastic series remains one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. This audio-only collection of the original TV soundtracks provides the perfect opportunity for fans to relive the show's finest moments while on the go. Contains strong language and humour that some listeners may find offensive. Production credits Written by Ben Elton, Rik Mayall and Lise Mayer With additional material by Alexei Sayle Music: Peter Brewis Sound: Laurie Taylor Directed by Paul Jackson and Graeme Story Rick - Rik Mayall Vyvyan Basterd - Adrian Edmondson Neil Pye - Nigel Planer Mike - Christopher Ryan The Balowski family - Alexei Sayle With Amazulu, Mark Arden, Helen Atkinson Wood, Jim Barclay, Christopher Barrie, Gary Beadle, Perry Benson, Paul Bradley, Arnold Brown, Ruth Burnett, Jean Campbell-Dallas, Jonathan Caplan, Hugh Cecil, Vikki Chambers, Jean Channon, Jacqueline Clarke, Robbie Coltrane, Ron Cook, Lee Cornes, Brian Croucher, The Damned, Mark Dewison, Dexy's Midnight Runners, Paola Dionisotti, Steve Dixon, Nick Dunning, Christine Ellerbeck, Chris Ellis, Ben Elton, Alan Freeman, Dawn French, Stephen Frost, Stephen Fry, Paul Gale, Peter Greene, Roger Ashton Griffiths, Gareth Hale, Damaris Hayman, Tamsin Heatley, Lenny Henry, Clair Hill, Jools Holland, Ceri Jackson, Terry Jones, Gerard Kelly, Steve Kelly, Ken Bishop 's Nice Twelve, Mark Lambert, Hugh Laurie, Peter Laxton, Helen Lederer, Justine Lord, Norman Lovett, Madness, Paul Martin, Hilary Mason, Kilian McKenna, Pauline Melville, Carla Mendonca, Motörhead, Patrick Newell, Nine Below Zero, Herbert Norville, Brian Oulton, John Otway, John Owens, Norman Pace, Robin Parkinson, Ken Parry, Daniel Peacock, Joanne Pearce, Jan Prince, Radical Posture, David Rappaport, Michael Redfern, Griff Rhys Jones, Rip Rig + Panic, Tony Robinson, David Rolfe, Jennifer Saunders, Cyril Shaps, Anthony Sharp, Cindy Shelley, Roger Sloman, Mel Smith, Barry Stanton, Maggie Steed, Kay Stonham, Tony Sympson, Emma Thompson, Andy de la Tour, Peter Wear, Julianne White First broadcast on BBC Two, 9 November-14 December 1982 (Series 1), 8 May-19 June 1984 (Series 2) © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Ben Elton, Lise Mayer, Rik Mayall (Author), Adrian Edmondson, Alexei Sayle, Ben Elton, Christopher Ryan, Dawn French, Full Cast, Hugh Laurie, Jennifer Saunders, Nigel Planer, Rik Mayall, Stephen Fry (Narrator)

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A Look Back at the Future: The BBC Radio 4 Spoof Comedy Series

Brian Perkins and Kate Robbins ‘remember’ 21st Century years yet to happen in this futuristic 1994 comedy show First broadcast (with the aid of a crystal ball) in summer 1994, the Sony Award-winning show returns for a second series starring the ‘Godfather of Radio 4’, Brian Perkins, and Spitting Image impressionist Kate Robbins. This time, they turn their comic gaze on six roller-coaster years from the 21st Century: 2001, 2005, 2010, 2021, 2025 and 2099. Among the extraordinary events of this turbulent era were the invention of the Telepathone, the first ego transplant, the rise of the Church of the Latter Day Agnostics, and America’s invasion of Narnia. So strap in for a thrilling trip back to the extraordinary, turbulent era when ‘Toddler Power’ ran rampant, the Official Monster Raving Loony Party became the breakthrough third force in British politics – and time ran backwards… Predicted by Spitting Image writers Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair – who also play supporting roles in the sketches – this sharp, satirical show features special guest comedians Jeremy Hardy, John O’ Farrell, Griff Rhys Jones, Tony Hawks, Nigel Planer and Hugh Dennis. Cast and credits Starring Brian Perkins and Kate Robbins Special guests: Jeremy Hardy, John O’Farrell, Griff Rhys Jones, Tony Hawks, Nigel Planer, Hugh Dennis Predicted by Spitting Image writers Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair Produced by Caroline Leddy First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: 2001 9 July 1994 2005 16 July 1994 2010 23 July 1994 2021 30 July 1994 2025 6 August 1994 2099 13 August 1994 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

John O'farrell, Mark Burton, Pete Sinclair (Author), Brian Perkins, Griff Rhys Jones, Hugh Dennis, Jeremy Hardy, John O’farrell, Kate Robbins, Mark Burton, Nigel Planer, Pete Sinclair, Tony Hawks, Various (Narrator)

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Skeletons in the Cupboard: The Complete Series 1 and 2: A BBC Radio 4 black comedy

Alison Steadman, Morwenna Banks and Nigel Planer star in this tale of two sisters - and a mysterious stranger. Not long after their mother's death, sisters Maureen and Lesley are packing up their family home. It's a painful duty, with Maureen trying to control the worst of Lesley's projectile lamenting. Then a strange man knocks at the door and introduces himself as David Johnson, a friend of Maureen's neighbour. He'd like to view the house if they are thinking of selling - which Maureen definitely is. But Lesley has other ideas and, behind Maureen's back, offers David their mother's old bedroom as a pied-a-terre. Gradually, he forces his way into the sisters' lives, turning up at inopportune moments and constantly getting in their hair. As they both become increasingly fed up with him, Maureen and Lesley put aside their differences and unite to try and find out exactly who this David Johnson is, and what he is hiding. But when his secret is finally revealed, the sisters are in for a shock. The situation is about to get really out of hand... Created by acclaimed writer and broadcaster Sue Limb, of Gloomsbury fame, this blackly comic sitcom stars Alison Steadman as Maureen, Morwenna Banks as Lesley and Nigel Planer as David. Cast Maureen........................Alison Steadman Lesley........................Morwenna Banks David........................Nigel Planer Written by Sue Limb Produced and Directed by Jamie Rix Production Coordinator: Frances Tott Studio Manager: Simon Couzens Executive Producer: Clive Brill A Little Brother production for BBC Radio 4 First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18 October-8 November 2019 (Series 1) and 15 January-5 February 2021 (Series 2) ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Sue Limb (Author), Alison Steadman, Morwenna Banks, Nigel Planer (Narrator)

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The Poetry of Cats

The cat. Independent when it wants and making us dependent on its whims when it deems. Cats are first thought of as being domesticated in the Near East in about 7500 BC. A few thousand years later in Ancient Egypt they are worshipped as gods. From a domestic cat's point of view this is pretty much the life they want and that some cats lead right now. Their larger cousins whether in forest, savannah, mountains or desert were fated for their speed, strength, beauty, feline powers and prowess. They now live in a finely balanced world between freedom and declining numbers as their habitats are destroyed or taken from them. Across the centuries poets have written verse that captures all manner of thoughts on our complex relationship with all cats, though mainly the humble moggy, on whose whims we slave over, eager for a look of recognition, the nod of thanks or the purr of gratitude.

Christina Georgina Rossetti, Rainer Maria Rilke, William Wordsworth (Author), Laurel Lefkow, Nigel Planer, Stephen Hogan (Narrator)

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The Poetry of Dogs

Man's best friend. An always faithful ally.Whether the dog is domesticated as a pet and there to enjoy life with a family or as a work-dog herding sheep, helping to hunt, police or guard, the dog has proved time and time again to have many invaluable uses. They come in all shapes and sizes from sought after breeds to lowly mongrels each with an array of qualities that give them distinct personalities. From earliest times dogs have been able to find a unique place fulfilling the needs of their keepers and often there is equal devotion from master to servant. A dog's life no longer has to have negative connotations as so many pooches are loved, extravagantly fed, groomed, petted and pawed over, all perhaps more than our fellow man. Dogs were even worshipped as deities in Mesopotamian times and across several cultures and civilisations including Hindu, Chinese and Greek, they are the helpers, the watchers or guardians of sacred or sensitive sites. Between then and now poets have written verse, both serious and humorous, in attempts to keep a poetic track both of feelings and as a tribute to our four-legged friends and their adventures.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Emily Dickinson, Thomas Hardy (Author), Laurel Lefkow, Nigel Planer, Richard Mitchley (Narrator)

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An Hour of Nature Poems - Volume 2

Silence is rare in Nature.When we really listen, Nature is conducting symphonies of sound as her world goes about the day and night. Her invisible heartbeat is everywhere, for everyone.Our eyes are constantly bathed in the wonder of her ways, the soft drizzle of rain from soft grey clouds, the bleached harsh desert sand of a noon day, a wave caressing the shore, to the ravenous colours of a departing sunset. Indeed, whenever we look and listen to the vastness of our world Nature's beauty is always there for us. She placates our anger, soothes our pain. Her vistas feed our hearts and souls; the world of a single flower brings a smile.In these 60 minutes nature takes us through her world of wonder.

Charlotte Smith, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, John Clare (Author), Eve Karpf, Nigel Planer, Richard Mitchley (Narrator)

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The Bank of Goodliness

When Shadeys Bank loses another C.E.O. to a scandal, they are desperate to show they've reformed. Who better to present their redemption than a country vicar? Reverend Tom Goodman is ousted from his job as a country vicar for allowing a homeless family to stay in the church hall. Meanwhile, a major bank is trying to rescue its image after the latest in a long string of financial scandals. It seems like the perfect match and Goodman is hastily appointed as the bank's new C.E.O. All they have to do is promote him as their new figurehead whilst also keeping him away from the day-to-day business of dubious banking. Unfortunately for Shadeys, Tom is planning on making a difference. And so begins an epic battle of wills. The might of a multi-billion-pound bank versus a seemingly naïve country vicar. "Like reading your favourite sitcom." - Nigel Planer

David Luddington (Author), Nigel Planer (Narrator)

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Gloomsbury: The complete series 1-5 of the hit BBC Radio 4 comedy

Miriam Margolyes, Alison Steadman and Nigel Planer star in Sue Limb's comedy parodying the arty and adulterous adventures of the Bloomsbury Group. A stellar cast, including Roger Lloyd-Pack, Morwenna Banks, Jonathan Coy and John Sessions, join in this affectionate send-up of the infamous Bloomsbury literary group, who dominated the English cultural scene in the early 20th Century.

Sue Limb (Author), Alison Steadman, John L. Sessions, Jonathan Coy, Miriam Margolyes, Morwenna Banks, Nigel Planer, Roger Lloyd Pack (Narrator)

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Skeletons in the Cupboard: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama

Alison Steadman, Morwenna Banks and Nigel Planer star in this tale of two sisters - and a mysterious stranger Not long after their mother's death, sisters Maureen and Lesley are packing up their family home. It's a painful duty, with Maureen trying to control the worst of Lesley's projectile lamenting. Then a strange man knocks at the door and introduces himself as David Johnson, a friend of Maureen's neighbour. He'd like to view the house if they are thinking of selling - which Maureen definitely is. But Lesley has other ideas and, behind Maureen's back, offers David their mother's old bedroom as a pied-a-terre. Maureen is annoyed by Lesley's initiative, but David is oblivious to the tension he has caused. Gradually, he forces his way into the sisters' lives, turning up at inopportune moments and constantly getting in their hair. As they both become increasingly fed up with him, Maureen and Lesley put aside their differences and unite to try and find out exactly who this David Johnson is, and what he is hiding. But when his secret is finally revealed, the sisters are in for a shock... Created by acclaimed writer and broadcaster Sue Limb, of Gloomsbury fame, this delightful sitcom stars Alison Steadman as Maureen, Morwenna Banks as Lesley and Nigel Planer as David. Cast Maureen........................Alison Steadman Lesley........................Morwenna Banks David........................Nigel Planer Written by Sue Limb Produced and Directed by Jamie Rix Production Coordinator: Frances Tott Studio Manager: Simon Couzens Executive Producer: Clive Brill A Little Brother production for BBC Radio 4 First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18 October-8 November 2019

Sue Limb (Author), Alison Steadman, Morwenna Banks, Nigel Planer (Narrator)

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The Robe of Skulls: Tales from the Five Kingdoms

An exuberant, hilarious and wildly entertaining fairy tale with a cast of characters who are good, bad and very, very ugly. All is not well in the crumbling castle high above the mountain village of Fracture. The sorceress Lady Lamorna has her heart set on a new robe. A very expensive new robe. To get the cash she will stop at nothing, including kidnapping, blackmail and more than a little black magic. But she reckons without the heroic Gracie Gillypot, not to mention a gallant if rather scruffy prince, two chatty bats, the wickedest stepsister ever, a troll with a grudge - and some very Ancient crones.

Vivian French (Author), Nigel Planer, Vivian French (Narrator)

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Schrodinger's Cottage

Tinker's Cottage nestles in a forgotten corner of deepest Somerset. It also happens to sit on a weak point in the space time continuum... which is somewhat unfortunate for Ian Faulkener, a graphic novelist from London, who was hoping for some peace and quiet in which to recuperate following a very messy breakdown. It was the cats that first alerted Ian to the fact that something was not quite right with Tinker's Cottage... the cats, and of course the Pope, disappearing literary agents, mislaid handymen and the insanity of Cherie Blair World. As Ian tries to untangle the mystery of the doors of Tinker's cottage he risks becoming lost forever in the myriad alternate universes predicted by Schrodinger. Not to mention his cats. Schrodinger's Cottage is a playful romp through a variety of alternate worlds peopled by an array of wonderful comic characters that are the trademark of David Luddington's novels. For fans of the sadly missed Douglas Adams, Schrodinger's Cottage is a heart-warming comedy with touches of inspired lunacy that pays homage to The Hitchhiker's Guide.

David Luddington (Author), Nigel Planer (Narrator)

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Gloomsbury: Series 5: The hit BBC Radio 4 comedy

The complete fifth series of Sue Limb's satirical send-up of the Bloomsbury Group. In this fifth series, our arty, adulterous Bohemians are creating havoc at home and abroad. Henry is hoping to ignore his fiftieth birthday - but Vera has organised a surprise party. When Venus sneaks in uninvited and makes a nuisance of herself in the bushes, Henry wants to head for the hills. Fortunately, a lecture tour of America beckons... In the USA, Vera meets Dorothy Barker at the Algonquin, while Henry rubs shoulders with Al Padrone en route to Chicago. Meanwhile, a cottage on the Sizzlinghurst estate has become vacant, and everybody wants it. Returning from the States, Henry seeks election as a Labour Party candidate, while Ginny talks socialism with George Gurnard Shaw. Vera decides she wants another child, but Henry whisks her off to Paris for a fling before the war starts. Accompanied by Ginny and Lionel, they are enjoying a last-minute whirlwind of pleasure in the City of Love when Venus arrives with some dreadful news... Miriam Margolyes, Alison Steadman, Nigel Planer, Morwenna Banks, Jonathan Coy and John Sessions star in these six episodes of the superbly funny literary sitcom star in these six episodes of the superbly funny literary sitcom star in these six episodes of the superbly funny literary sitcom. '... one of the funniest, slyest, most naughtily inventive and brilliantly performed shows on the air' Gillian Reynolds, The Daily Telegraph 'A gloriously silly show' The Lady

Sue Limb (Author), , Alison Steadman, John L. Sessions, John Sessions, Jonathan Coy, Miriam Margolyes, Morwenna Banks, Nigel Planer (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Nigel Planer