Audiobooks narrated by Patricia Routledge

Christopher Isherwood: A BBC Radio Collection: Three Full-Cast BBC Radio Adaptations including Mr Norris Changes Trains

"Full-cast dramatisations of three insightful novels by Christopher Isherwood, plus a bonus interview Novelist and playwright Christopher Isherwood is best known for The Berlin Stories of pre-Hitler Germany, which inspired the musical Cabaret. Many of his works have been adapted for stage and screen. This BBC Radio collection comprises full-cast adaptations of three of the Anglo-American’s acclaimed works, together with a riveting interview with Isherwood himself. Mr Norris Changes Trains – The Berlin Stories Part One. 1930. Travelling by train to Berlin, impressionable young English teacher William Bradshaw asks his fellow passenger for a light. This chance meeting leads to a bizarre friendship, as William is caught up in the strange world of the mysterious, disreputable Mr Norris… Michael Maloney and David March star in this evocative portrait of the last, decadent years of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazism. Christopher Himself – Charting the young Isherwood’s creative coming of age in the movie world of the 1930s, and his relationship with his Austrian mentor, the autocratic director Friedrich Bergmann, this piece was written by Philip Glassborow inspired by Isherwood's Prater Violet. Starring David Suchet and Adam Godley, and featuring interviews with Isherwood’s partner Don Bachardy and biographer Kate Bucknell. A Single Man – Following the death of his young lover, Jim, middle-aged English college professor George must deal with his feelings of grief, loneliness and alienation. Alec McCowen stars in this radio dramatisation of Isherwood’s 1964 novel, which was adapted as an Oscar-nominated film (starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore) in 2009. Christopher and His Kind – Recorded in 1977, soon after Isherwood published his autobiography ‘Christopher and His Kind’, the author chats to novelist and critic Paul Bailey about the formative experiences of his life, and how he used them in his novels. Cast and credits Written by Christopher Isherwood Mr Norris Changes Trains Mr Norris – David March William Bradshaw – Michael Maloney Helen Pratt – Sheila Grant Fraulein Schroeder – Hilda Schroder Friedrich/Otto – Haydn Wood Waiter – Spencer Banks Schmidt – Adrian Egan Baron von Pregnitz – Sean Arnold Whore/Portress – Denica Fairman Anni – Deborah Paige Bayer – Wolf Kahler German Official/Policeman/Waiter – Danny Schiller Dramatised by Eric Ewens Directed by David Spenser First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16-23 Sep 1984 Christopher Himself Isherwood – Adam Godley Bergmann – David Suchet Brian – Bernard Cribbins Mother – Sylvestra Le Touzel Waitress – Polly March Meadwell – Robert Meadwell Written by Philip Glassborow With scenes based on the novel Prater Violet by Christopher Isherwood Directed by Beaty Rubens Music: Guy Meredith First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 Aug 2004 A Single Man George – Alec McCowen Charley – Rosemary Martin Jim – William Gaminara Kenny – Neil Roberts Doris – Liza Ross Mrs Strunk – Valerie Colgan Andy – Angelo Gibson Cynthia – Bonnie Hurren Rick – Michael Morris Nurse – Jane Whittenshaw Adapted for radio by Michael Michaelian from his own stage play Directed by Glyn Dearman First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 10 Nov 1991 Christopher and his Kind Presented by Paul Bailey With Christopher Isherwood First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 28 Mar 1977 © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Christopher Isherwood (Author), Alec McCowen, David March, David Suchet, Full Cast, Michael Maloney, Mick Ford, Neil Roberts, Patricia Routledge, Rosemary Martin, William Gaminara (Narrator)

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The School for Scandal, The Rivals & The Duenna: Three Full-Cast Vintage BBC Radio Productions

"Three of the ever-popular Sheridan’s finest plays Born in Dublin in 1751, Richard Brinsley Sheridan was a theatre impresario, statesman and the most celebrated playwright of his time. His brilliantly witty comedies of manners have become part of the literary canon, and are frequently performed around the world. This collection comprises three classic radio productions of his best works, performed by star casts including Barbara Mitchell, Rolf Lefebvre, Dorothy Tutin, Flora Robson, Dennis Quilley and Patricia Routledge. The School For Scandal – Collated from two manuscripts corrected by Sheridan himself, this 1967 radio version of his most famous play introduces us to gossip-monger Lady Sneerwell, who loves nothing more than spreading slander and ruining reputations. When she sets her sights on the young, rakish Charles Surface, the stage is set for scandal... The Rivals – Set in 18th century Bath, where the wealthy and fashionable come to take the waters, Sheridan’s sparkling debut centres around young lovers Jack Absolute and Lydia Languish. Knowing his beloved is resolved never to marry a rich man, the aristocratic Jack pretends to be the poor soldier Ensign Beverley. Lydia is overjoyed at the thought of eloping with Beverley under the nose of her guardian, Mrs Malaprop – but how will she react when her romantic dreams are shattered? The Duenna – Spanish nobleman Don Jerome wishes his daughter to marry the wealthy merchant Isaac Mendoza. Louisa, however, has given her heart to the impoverished Don Antonio. With the help of her duenna, can she secure her true love? This comic operetta features an early performance from Dame Patricia Routledge, who talks at the end of the production about her time playing Donna Clara. First published 1775 (The Rivals, The Duenna), 1777 (The School for Scandal) Cast and credits Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan The School for Scandal Lady Sneerwell – Barbara Mitchell Snake – Rolf Lefebvre Joseph Surface – Alan Badel Maria – Hilda Schroder Mrs Candour – Barbara Couper Crabtree – Max Adrian Sir Benjamin Backbite – David March Sir Peter Teazle – Maurice Denham Rowley – Ronald Herdman Lady Teazle – Dorothy Tutin Sir Oliver Surface – Hamlyn Benson Moses – Haydn Jones Trip – Leroy Lingwood Charles Surface – John Quentin Careless – Alexander John Sir Toby Bumper – Alan Dudley Maid – Rosalind Shanks Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan with the Epilogue by George Colman Produced by Charles Lefeaux BBC Midland Light Orchestra Leader: James Hutcheon Conductor: Gilbert Vinter The Rivals Mrs Malaprop – Flora Robson Sir Anthony Absolute – Peter Pratt Lydia Languish – Christine Finn Captain Absolute – Bernard Brown Bob Acres – William Ingram Julia – Rosalind Shanks Faulkland – Peter Tuddenham Sir Lucius O’Trigger – Denys Hawthorne Lucy – Barbara Mitchell Fag – Christopher Bidmead David – Ronald Herdman Thomas – Alan Dudley Boy/Maid – Carol Marsh Servant – LeRoy Lingwood Directed by Betty Davies The Duenna Don Antonio – Denis Quilley Donna Louisa – Jane Wenham Don Jerome – Alan Dudley Don Carlos – Gordon Faith Don Ferdinand – Barrie Ingham Donna Clara – Patricia Routledge The Duenna – Betty Huntley-Wright Isaac Mendoza – Peter Pratt Pepita – Valerie Kirkbright Father Paul – Aubrey Woods Lopez – Andrew Sachs Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan and adapted by Lionel Harris Adapted for radio and produced by Peter Bryant Music composed by Julian Slade, played by the Sinfonia of London conducted by Marcus Dods © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Richard Brinsley Sheridan (Author), Alan Dudley, Alexander John, Barbara Mitchell, Christopher Bidmead, David March, Denis Quilley, Denys Hawthorne, Dorothy Tutin, Flora Robson, Haydn Jones, Maurice Denham, Patricia Routledge, Peter Pratt, Ronald Herdman, William Ingram (Narrator)

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Beachcomber …..By the Way: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy

"All 18 episodes of the BBC radio series based on J. B. Morton's surreally comic 'Beachcomber' column 'As schoolboys, my brother and I worshipped Beachcomber... and that led to the birth of The Goon Show' Spike Milligan J.B. Morton took over the 'By The Way' column in the Daily Express in 1924 - succeeding his friend D.B. Wyndham-Lewis as Beachcomber - and continued writing it for over 50 years. Anarchic, absurdist and profoundly influential, it had a huge cult following, and paved the way for a great deal of modern humour. These three series bring Beachcomber's irreverent jottings to hilarious life, with Richard Ingrams as the eponymous author: 'Greetings, my public', interruptions from John Wells as Prodnose: 'What is all this?', 'Begone, you oaf!' (door slams after Prodnose), and Patricia Routledge, John Sessions and Joan Sims as the notorious Twelve Red-Bearded Dwarves, among others. Also participating in the nonsense are silken-voiced announcer Brian Perkins and guest stars June Whitfield, Brian Bowles, Simon Greenall and Henrietta Gooden. Featuring Morton's familiar colourful characters, in all their larger-than life glory - including Dr Strabismus (whom God preserve) of Utrecht, Colonel Wretch, Mr Justice Cocklecarrot, Captain Foulenough, Lady Cabstanleigh, Lord Shortcake, Dingipoos, Carstairs and Big White - these 18 rib-tickling adventures perfectly recreate his wonderful, whimsical world. Production credits Adapted by Michael Barfield with Richard Ingrams Starring Richard Ingrams, John Wells, John Sessions, Patricia Routledge and Joan Sims With June Whitfield, Brian Bowles, Simon Greenall and Henrietta Gooden Announcer: Brian Perkins Producer: Harry Thompson First broadcast on BBC Radio 4: 18 March-22 April 1989 (Series 1), 13 July-17 August 1991 (Series 2), 9 November-14 December 1994 (Series 3) © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

J.B. Morton (Author), Full Cast, Joan Sims, John L. Sessions, John Wells, June Whitfield, Patricia Routledge, Richard Ingrams (Narrator)

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Ladies Of Letters: The complete BBC Radio collection

"First broadcast on Woman's Hour, Prunella Scales and Patricia Routledge star in this popular BBC Radio 4 comedy Ladies of Letters. This collection features all 11 series. When Irene Spencer meets Vera Small at her daughter Lesley's wedding reception they embark upon a correspondence that is quite unlike any other in the history of letter-writing. Both Irene and Vera are happily widowed and endowed with errant offspring. They live in a world of church fetes and amateur dramatics, but love nothing more than dipping their pens in the vitriol pot - while remaining the firmest of pen-pals. Feisty, naughty and endlessly funny, Ladies of Letters provides a hilarious insight into suburban friendships and modern family life as they really are! The series are: Ladies of Letters Ladies of More Letters Ladies of Letters.com Ladies of Letters Log On Ladies of Letters Make Mincemeat Ladies of Letters Spring Clean Ladies of Letters Go Global Ladies of Letters Say No Ladies of Letters Go Green Ladies of Letters Crunch Credit Ladies of Letters Go Crackers 'A hilarious double act by Prunella Scales and Patricia Routledge' - Northern Echo 'Beautifully scripted and perfectly acted' - Daily Express"

Carole Hayman, Lou Wakefield (Author), Full Cast, Patricia Routledge, Prunella Scales (Narrator)

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Alan Bennett: Plays: BBC Radio dramatisations

"12 full-cast BBC Radio productions of Alan Bennett’s beloved plays, starring Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Judi Dench, John Gielgud, Alex Jennings, Patricia Routledge, Thora Hird, Prunella Scales and many more Over the course of his distinguished career, Alan Bennett has received multiple awards and honours, including two BAFTAs, four Laurence Olivier Awards, two Tony Awards, an Academy Award nomination, and a British Book Award for Author of the Year in 2006. This collection includes: - Forty Years On (tracks 1-4) - A Visit from Miss Prothero (track 5) - Say Something Happened (track 6) - Kafka's Dick (tracks 7-8) - Two in Torquay (track 9) - The Last of the Sun, with a special introduction by Alan Bennett (tracks 10-12) - The Madness of George III (track 13- - The History Boys (track 15-16) - An Englishman Abroad (track 17-18) - A Question of Attribution (track 18) - The Lady in the Van (track 19-20) - Cocktail Sticks (track 21) ©2016 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2016 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Alan Bennett (Author), Full Cast, John Sir Gielgud, Maggie Smith, Patricia Routledge (Narrator)

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Agatha Christie: Twelve Radio Mysteries: Twelve BBC Radio 4 dramatisations

"Twelve classic Christie short stories are given a modern spin in these BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations. Agatha Christie is the acknowledged 'Queen of Crime', and these twelve short stories showcase her skilful plotting and talent for producing compelling mysteries. First broadcast in the early 2000s, the stories were adapted and brought up-to-date for a contemporary audience. Among the star cast are Tom Hollander, Emilia Fox, Patricia Routledge, Julia McKenzie, Neil Dudgeon, Richard Griffiths, Rebecca Front and Andrew Sachs. Unconventional detective Parker Pyne features in two of the stories, all twelve of which are infused with Agatha Christie's trademark tension and suspense. These tantalising tales of revenge, jealousy, love and death will thrill her many fans. The stories are: Philomel Cottage Swan Song Magnolia Blossom Witness for the Prosecution The Gates of Baghdad The Hound of Death In a Glass Darkly The Dressmaker's Doll The Case of the Perfect Carer The £199 Adventure The Gypsy The Last Séance Duration: approx 5 hours 30 minutes"

Agatha Christie (Author), Andrew Sachs, Emilia Fox, Full Cast, Julia Mckenzie, Neil Dudgeon, Patricia Routledge, Rebecca Front, Richard Griffiths, Tom Hollander (Narrator)

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The Complete Talking Heads: The classic BBC Radio 4 monologues plus A Woman of No Importance

"The complete audio collection of Alan Bennett’s celebrated monologues, published together for the first time and performed by some of Britain’s best actors The Talking Heads monologues are widely regarded as one of Alan Bennett’s finest dramatic achievements. First broadcast on BBC TV and BBC Radio 4 in the 1980s and 1990s, they won a host of awards and huge popular acclaim, and remain among his most admired works today.This collection includes all twelve Talking Heads, plus the precursor of that series, A Woman of No Importance. Beautifully crafted and full of compassion and wry observation, each tale is ripe with the quirky, insightful detail that has become Bennett's trademark. The monologues are:A Woman of No Importance (Patricia Routledge); A Chip in the Sugar (Alan Bennett); A Lady of Letters (Patricia Routledge); Bed Among the Lentils (Anna Massey); Soldiering On (Stephanie Cole); Her Big Chance (Julie Walters); A Cream Cracker Under the Settee (ThoraHird); Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet (Patricia Routledge); The Hand of God (Eileen Atkins); Playing Sandwiches (David Haig); The Outside Dog (Julie Walters); Nights in the Gardens of Spain (Penelope Wilton) and Waiting for the Telegram (Thora Hird). Intensely moving, deeply engrossing and highly entertaining, these spellbinding soliloquies are essential listening."

Alan Bennett (Author), Alan Bennett, Patricia Routledge (Narrator)

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Beatrix Potter Artist, Storyteller and Countrywoman

"The downloadable audiobook edition of Judy Taylor's classic biography, Beatrix Potter: Artist, Storyteller and Countrywoman, read by the actress Patricia Routledge. Starting with the publication of The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1902, Beatrix Potter went on to become one of the world's most successful children's authors. This illustrated biographical eBook takes the reader through the whole of her life, from her Victorian childhood in London to her final years farming in the Lake District. Regarded as a standard work on Beatrix Potter's life, this work has been updated regularly to include fresh material and previously unpublished photographs that have come to light as interest in Beatrix Potter continues to grow."

Judy Taylor (Author), Patricia Routledge (Narrator)

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Beatrix Potter The Complete Tales

"Brought to you by Penguin. Penguin presents The Complete Tales of Beatrix Potter, beautifully brought to life by a talented cast of readers, including Gary Bond, Michael Hordern, Rosemary Leach, Janet Maw, Patricia Routledge and Timothy West. The twenty-three tales in this set have never lost their popularity, and sell in their millions all over the world. Meet again the famous characters that children love and adore... PETER RABBIT, SQUIRREL NUTKIN, THE FLOPSY BUNNIES, MRS TIGGY-WINKLE, TOM KITTEN, JEREMY FISHER, JEMIMA PUDDLE-DUCK and many more."

Beatrix Potter (Author), Gary Bond, Janet Maw, Michael Hordern, Patricia Routledge, Rosemary Leach, Timothy West (Narrator)

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The Cherry Orchard

"Madame Ranyevskaya and her daughter Anya have returned home from Paris to discover that their family estate – which includes their beloved cherry orchard – has to be sold to cover the family’s debts. They believe a miracle can save their orchard. But will their stubborn pride and fond, childhood memories be enough? Chekhov’s tragic-comedy is about the passing of an era and is a timeless study of a Russian aristocratic family desperately clinging to the past. Among the star cast in this 1974 production are Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies, Sinéad Cusack, Anna Massey, Patricia Routledge and Andrew Sachs."

Anton Chekhov (Author), Andrew Sachs, Anna Massey, Full Cast, Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies, Patricia Routledge, Sinead Cusack (Narrator)

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Hetty Wainthropp – Woman of the Year

David Cook, John Bowen (Author), Patricia Routledge (Narrator)

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Hetty Wainthropp Investigates

"If you'd seen one Leaning Tower, you'd seen them all. Hetty had seen the leaning spire at Chesterfield: the tower of Pisa was nothing so special. She was in a picky mood and had been since the start of their trip in a made-over charabanc with time-expired tires, touring Tuscany with the Outhwaites and twenty-six Senior Citizen from the Blackburn/Darwen/Bolton area, all of whom already seemed to be confused by the persistent rain in sunny Italy. And what was happening to the Wainthropp Detective Agency with its founder gallivanting abroad? Could Geoffrey be trusted keep it ticking over? Thus Hetty fretted, not knowing that in a few short hours she would be plunged into mystery, excitement – and possible Mafia connection."

David Cook, John Bowen (Author), Patricia Routledge (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Patricia Routledge

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