Audiobooks narrated by Paul Scofield

Thomas Mann: Buddenbrooks, Death in Venice, The Magic Mountain: Three BBC Radio full-cast dramas

"Dramatisations of Thomas Mann’s three bestselling novels One of Germany’s greatest and most revered writers, Thomas Mann won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1929. A vocal critic of Nazism, he had to leave his homeland when Hitler came to power, and lived in exile in Europe and America for the rest of his life. Collected here are full-cast adaptations of his three most famous novels. Buddenbrooks – Drawing on Mann’s own experience as the son of a wealthy merchant in 19th-century Lübeck, his debut novel follows four generations of Buddenbrooks as they struggle to maintain the family business in the face of change. Powerful, humorous and heartbreaking, this epic drama traces the decline of a civilisation as well as a family. Starring Terence Edmonds, Harriet Walter, James Laurenson and Timothy Spall. Death in Venice – Seeking inspiration, a famous German writer travels to Venice, but finds only decay and disease behind the city’s gorgeous facades. Then he notices a beautiful young Polish boy, and is consumed by a fatal obsession... Clive Francis stars as Aschenbach, with Peter England as Tadzio. The Magic Mountain – When Hans Castorp pays a social visit to a Swiss sanatorium, he is himself diagnosed with TB and ends up staying for seven years. Trapped on the mountain, he becomes acquainted with his fellow inmates – including the humanist, the radical, the dionysiac and the inamorata – who represent a microcosm of European society and culture in the run-up to World War One. Paul Scofield stars in this radio version of Thomas Mann’s masterpiece. First published 1901 (Buddenbrooks), 1912 (Death in Venice), 1924 (The Magic Mountain) © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Thomas Mann (Author), Clive Francis, Full Cast, Harriet Walter, James Laurenson, Paul Scofield, Peter England, Terence Edmonds, Timothy Spall (Narrator)

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Amadeus, Equus & more: Four Full-Cast BBC Radio Productions

"Peter Shaffer’s three most renowned plays, plus a radio monologue performed by Dame Judi Dench Sir Peter Shaffer was one of the most distinguished and successful British playwrights of his generation. He won the Tony Award for both Amadeus and Equus, and the film adaptation of Amadeus garnered eight Oscars. In 1997, he was awarded an OBE, and he was knighted in the 2001 New Year honours list. This collection contains his best-known plays and a monologue specially written for radio, first broadcast in 1989. Amadeus – Antonio Salieri is 18th-century Vienna’s favourite composer – until a brilliant young upstart, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, appears on the scene and takes his crown. Consumed by jealousy, Salieri plots his rival’s downfall… Directed by Sir Peter Hall, this sensational drama is performed by the cast of the original National Theatre production, including Paul Scofield, Simon Callow and Felicity Kendal. Equus – When psychiatrist Martin Dysart is asked by the local magistrate to treat a disturbed 17-year-old boy who has blinded six horses, he soon finds himself in the midst of a nightmare. Starring Peter Barkworth and Ian Sharrock. The Royal Hunt of the Sun – In 1532, Francisco Pizarro and his 167 soldiers captured the last Inca Emperor, Atahuallpa. This gripping drama, starring Gerald Murphy and Norman Rodway, tells the story of the conquest of Peru, and the power struggle and fatal friendship between the Spanish conquistador and the Sun-God King. ‘Whom Do I Have the Honour of Addressing?’ – Alone in her Clapham flat, Angela Parsons dictates a potentially explosive memoir onto her cassette recorder. It is an account of her life, death and a shocking scandal involving Hollywood’s most beloved film star… With Dame Judi Dench as Angela Parsons. Text copyright © Peter Shaffer 1964 (The Royal Hunt of the Sun), 1973 (Equus), 1979 (Amadeus), 1989 (‘Whom Do I Have the Honour of Addressing?’) Cast and credits Written by Peter Shaffer Amadeus Antonio Salieri – Paul Scofield Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Simon Callow Constanze Mozart – Felicity Kendal Joseph II – John Normington Gottfried, Baron van Sweiten – Nicholas Selby Count Franz Orsini Rosenberg – Willoughby Goddard Johann Kilian von Strack – Basil Henson Venticelli – Donald Gee/Dermot Crowley Citizens of Vienna – Nigel Bellairs, Susan Gilmore, Peggy Marshall, Robin Meredith, Anne Sedgwick, William Sleigh, Glenn Williams Equus Martin Dysart – Peter Barkworth Alan Strang – Ian Sharrock Heather Salomon – Jennifer Piercey Frank Strang – Malcolm Hayes Dora Strang – Jane Wenham Jill Mason – Jenny Twigge Harry Dalton – Ronald Herdman Young Horseman – Philip Sully Nurse – Jan Carey Other voices – Richard Gibson, Nigel Greaves, David Parfitt, Jonathan Scott The Royal Hunt of the Sun King Atahualpa – Gerald Murphy Pizarro – Norman Rodway Old Martin – Bob Peck Hernando de Soto – Edward de Souza Diego de Trujillo – Gordon Reid Young Martin – Matthew Sim Pedro de Candia – Keith Drinkel Fray Vincente de Valverde – Nigel Anthony Felipillo – David Holt Domingo – Nicholas Mercie Challcuchima – John Fleming Miguel Estete – Martyn Reid Salinas – Peter Gunn Rodas – John Webb Other parts played by members of the cast ‘Whom Do I Have the Honour of Addressing?’ Angela Parsons – Dame Judi Dench © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Peter Shaffer (Author), Bob Peck, Felicity Kendal, Full Cast, Gerald Murphy, Judi Dench, Norman Rodway, Paul Scofield, Peter Wynn Barkworth, Simon Callow (Narrator)

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Herman Melville: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Three Full-Cast Dramatisations including Moby-Dick

"BBC adaptations of three works by Herman Melville, plus bonus biographical programmes about his life and work Born in 1819, Herman Melville spent his early twenties at sea. He wrote four successful novels based on his experiences, but his subsequent fiction failed to sell, and he spent the rest of his life in literary obscurity. It was not until 100 years after his birth that his works were rediscovered, and Moby-Dick is now recognised as one of the great American novels. Adapted for BBC radio, it is included here, alongside dramatisations of Bartleby the Scrivener; Billy Budd, Sailor and two bonus documentaries. Moby Dick – Now in middle age, Ishmael looks back on his younger self and recalls the voyage that has haunted him for half his life. Setting sail aboard the Pequod, he is caught up in Captain Ahab’s obsessive pursuit of the great white whale – a chase that will end in tragedy. Trevor White and Garrick Hagon star in this compelling dramatisation of Melville’s masterpiece, adapted by award-winning author Stef Penney. Bartleby the Scrivener – Hired as a copyist in a firm of lawyers, Bartleby is a model employee – until the day he announces that he would ‘prefer not to’ undertake a certain job. Then the list of tasks he’d rather avoid doing becomes longer and more sinister…This famous tale of resistance and alienation stars Ian Holm and Adrian Scarborough. Billy Budd, Sailor – Press-ganged into service on a Royal Navy warship, handsome young Billy Budd is falsely accused of mutiny by the cruel master-at-arms John Claggart. Outraged by this unfair allegation, Billy lashes out and kills Claggart – only to find himself charged with treason… Paul Scofield, Charles Simpson and Matthew Morgan star in this adaptation of Melville’s final prose work, left unfinished on his death in 1891, published posthumously in 1924 and later adapted into an opera by Benjamin Britten. The Strange Journey of Herman Melville – With contributions from Melville scholars and critics, this fascinating profile explores the forgotten author of Moby-Dick, who fell out of favour during his lifetime and whose reputation was only re-established after his death. There She Blows!: The Legacy of Moby Dick – Fraser Harrison traces the origins of Melville’s magnum opus and looks at the contemporary image of the whale as described by poets, musicians and artists. First published 1851 (Moby-Dick; or, The Whale), 1853 (Bartleby, the Scrivener), 1924 (Billy Budd, Sailor) © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Herman Melville (Author), Adrian Scarborough, Charles Simpson, Full Cast, Garrick Hagon, Ian Holm, P J Brennan, Paul Scofield, Trevor White (Narrator)

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Albert Camus: The Plague, The Outsider & more: A study in drama and documentary

"A study of Albert Camus' life and works which draws together both dramatisations of his novels and documentaries about his life. One of postwar France’s most influential writers, Albert Camus was fêted for his masterful exploration of the absurdity of the human condition. Included here are adaptations of his three iconic existential novels – The Plague, The Outsider and The Fall – alongside four bonus pieces shining a light on the man and his work. La Peste – When plague strikes a French port on the Algerian coast in the late 1940s, the devastating effects are seen through the eyes of three characters: the town doctor, a Parisian journalist, and a mystery man seeking peace… The Outsider – Camus’ masterpiece introduces us to Meursault, a Frenchman living in Algiers, who refuses to pretend and is prepared to face the universe’s indifference alone. The Fall – A former Parisian lawyer, now an Amsterdam barfly, meets a compatriot and recounts his life story – confessing his guilt, his hypocrisy, and the hope that, when judged, he be judged innocent. Carnets – Compiled from the literary journal that Camus kept from 1935 until his death in 1960, this 3-part series features his reflections on love, death, art and loneliness, as well as overheard conversations and notes on future works. Read by John Shrapnel. The Insider – Leila Aboulela's powerful drama takes two key Arab characters from The Outsider – left unnamed and unspeaking by Camus – and reimagines their lives, giving them a voice and an identity. Albert Camus: Inside the Outsider – With contributions from friends, family and fellow writers, and archive readings by Camus himself, this piece uncovers the real Camus behind the public face, exploring his early life, his friendship with Sartre, his relationships with women and his mysterious death. Centurions: Albert Camus: The Outsider – Biographer Olivier Todd and critic Ray Davison discuss the profound impact of Camus’ pioneering novel on European thought and literature. Featuring Ronald Pickup, John Shrapnel, Clive Merrison, Alex Lanepikun, Paul Scofield, Souad Faress, Sirine Saba, Dhaffer L'Abidine and Amir El-Masry. Cast and credits Written by Albert Camus “The Plague” © Editions Gallimard for the original work, 1947”/ “The Outsider” © Editions Gallimard for the original work, 1942”/ “The Fall” © Editions Gallimard for the original work, 1956”/ “Carnets I and II” © Editions Gallimard for the original work, 1962” Contents La Peste The Outsider The Fall Carnets The Insider Written by Leila Aboulela Albert Camus: Inside the Outsider Presented by Professor Andrew Hussey With Jeff Dyer, David Walker, M J Hyland, Damon Galgut, Sandra Smith, Roger Grenier, Jean Daniel, Catherine Camus, Andy Martin, Olivier Todd, Elizabeth Hawes, Patricia Blake, Catherine Sellers, Jean Camus, Hamid Grine, Giovanni Catelli and archive clips of Albert Camus Produced by Karen Holden Works used to research this programme: Albert Camus: A Life by Olivier Todd The Outsider by Albert Camus. Translated by Sandra Smith L’Exil et le Royaume (Exile and the Kingdom) by Albert Camus. Edited by David Walker The Boxer and The Goal Keeper: Sartre versus Camus by Andy Martin Camus Deve Morire (Camus Must Die) by Giovanni Catelli Camus, A Romance by Elizabeth Hawes Centurions: Albert Camus: The Outsider With Ray Davison and Olivier Todd Produced by Sara Davies © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Albert Camus (Author), Alex Lanipekun, Brian Glover, Carys Eleri, Clive Merrison, David Seddon, Full Cast, John Shrapnel, Paul Scofield, Ronald Pickup, Souad Faress (Narrator)

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The Alexander Pushkin BBC Radio Collection: Including Eugene Onegin, Boris Godunov & The Queen of Sp

"Dramatisations and readings of Pushkin's most famous works - plus biographical programmes and an original play based on his life One of Russia's most iconic poets, Alexander Pushkin is often described as the 'father of Russian literature'. A gambler, playboy and social reformer, he was exiled by the Tsar for his controversial poetry and died aged 37 in a duel defending his wife's honour. This BBC Radio anthology opens with full-cast dramatisations of his two masterpieces, Eugene Onegin and The Bronze Horseman, both set against the backdrop of his turbulent life. The former, set the night before the fateful duel, sees Pushkin (Geoffrey Streitfeild) telling his wife the story of St Petersburg socialite Onegin, his best friend, and the woman who loves him. In the latter, starring Max Irons, Pushkin's epic poem symbolising the battle between Tsar and citizen is interspersed with scenes depicting his own parallel struggles with state power. The inspiration for Rachmaninov's opera Aleko, The Gypsies is a powerful exploration in narrative verse of the conflict between freedom and love. Zemfira brings Aleko, a man running from the law, home to meet her father, but life in a gypsy camp is more challenging than he imagined. Read by Ralph Fiennes, Alex Jennings and Gabrielle Glaister. Set during the 'Time of Troubles' in the early 1600s, Pushkin's only full-length play, Boris Godunov, is a historical drama about the Russian ruler Boris Godunov, who was Tsar from 1598 to 1605. It features a stellar cast including Alan Howard, Bill Nighy and Jane Lapotaire. His 'little tragedy', Mozart and Salieri, tells of the rivalry between Mozart and Antonio Salieri, who was rumoured to have been behind Mozart's early death. Starring Paul Scofield as Salieri and Simon Callow as Mozart. Also included are four superb short stories - 'The Snowstorm', starring Janet Maw and Michael Maloney, 'The Squire's Daughter', read by Hattie Morahan, 'The Queen of Spades', featuring Moira Lister, Greg Wise and Amanda Root, and 'The Golden Cockerel', read by Alec McCowen. Finally, two bonus features chart Pushkin's extraordinary life and legacy. Soul of Fire: Alexander Pushkin 1799-1837 comprises three hours of music, drama and biography, as presenter Gerard McBurney visits the places that were formative influences on Pushkin, and introduces dramatised excerpts from his work and operatic adaptations by Tchaikovsky, Glinka and Mussorgsky. And in the original drama Cloudberries, starring Linus Roache as Pushkin, poet Elaine Feinstein tells the story of the great Russian author, from his unhappy childhood to his untimely death. Contents Eugene Onegin The Bronze Horseman The Gypsies Boris Godunov Mozart and Salieri 'The Snowstorm' 'The Squire's Daughter' 'The Queen of Spades' 'The Golden Cockerel' Soul of Fire: Alexander Pushkin 1799-1837 Cloudberries First published 1824 (The Gypsies), 1825 (Boris Godunov), 1830 (Mozart and Salieri), 1831 ('The Snowstorm', 'The Squire's Daughter'), 1833 (Eugene Onegin, The Bronze Horseman), 1834 ('The Queen of Spades', 'The Golden Cockerel') © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Alexander Pushkin (Author), Alan Howard, Alex Jennings, Alison Pettitt, Bill Nighy, Full Cast, Geoffrey Streatfeild, Greg Wise, Hattie Morahan, Linus Roache, Max Irons, Moira Lister, Paul Scofield, Ralph Fiennes, Simon Callow (Narrator)

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Arthur The King: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast drama

"The lavish seven-part saga of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table 'Wonderful... pure pleasure' The Listener The Arthurian legends have long held a powerful grip on our collective imagination, inspiring numerous poets, novelists and playwrights to interpret them in countless different ways. In this epic play cycle, based on Malory's classic Le Morte D'Arthur, Graeme Fife gives us his dramatic, in-depth retelling of these perennially popuar myths. Focusing on seven key characters: Merlin, Tristram, Gareth, Lancelot, Galahad, Guenever and Arthur himself, he builds a vivid, multi-layered picture of the fabled king and his heroic knights. We hear the tales of Merlin, the great magician, brought down by the beautiful Nimue; Tristram and his illicit passion for Isolde; and the mysterious 'Beaumains', who sets out to rescue an unknown, besieged lady from Castle Perilous. Here, too, are the stories of Sir Lancelot du Lac, the Queen's champion and jewel of the Round Table; his saintly son, Galahad; Guenever, whose love for him will tear Camelot apart - and Arthur, the King, who chose the sword Excalibur over its scabbard, and sealed his fate. And behind them all lurks the shadow of Morgan le Fay, Arthur's nemesis, and Mordred, the son destined to destroy him... Told in allusive, poetic language, and with majestic, evocative music by Steven Faux, this sumptuous drama is full of enchantment, adventure, chivalry and courtly love. It stars Keith Baxter as Arthur, with Paul Scofield as Merlin, Anna Massey as Morgan le Fay, Nicholas Farrell as Lancelot and Jill Balcon as Guenever. Cast and credits Written by Graeme Fife Music by Stephen Faux Produced and directed by John Powell Main Cast Arthur (man and boy) - Keith Baxter Morgan le Fay - Anna Massey Merlin - Paul Scofield Lancelot du Lac - Nicholas Farrell Gareth - Crawford Logan Tristram - Rupert Frazer Lady Guenever - Jill Balcon Sir Galahad - Benny Young Other Cast Nimue - Tara Dominick, King Vortigern - Michael Graham Cox, Uther Pendragon/ Sir Dinadan - James Greene, Merlin (child) - Jill Lidstone, Sir Kay - Michael Kilgarriff, Archbishop - John Moffatt, Isolde - Sarah Badel, King Mark - John Franklyn-Robbins, Sir Pellinore - Jonathan Scott, Sir Dinadan - James Greene, Lynet - Rosalind Shanks, Sir Gawain - Ioan Meredith, King Pelles - Maurice Denham, His daughter, Lady Elaine - Eva Haddon, Sir Perceval - Ian Saynor, Prince Morded - Tom Hunsinger, Elaine of Astolat - Moir Leslie, The Hermit Naciens - Peter Penry-Jones, Sir Bors - Douglas Blackwell, Abbot - John Bull, Sir Agravain - Angus Pope, Sir Bedivere - Edward de Souza and Brian Miller, Simon Treves, Vincent Brimble, Jo Kendall, Marcia King and Donald Gee. Episode List Merlin First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 11 November 1990 Tristram First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18 November 1990 Gareth First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 25 November 1990 Lancelot First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2 December 1990 Galahad First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9 December 1990 Guenever First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16 December 1990 Arthur First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 December 1990 ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Graeme Fife (Author), Anna Massey, Full Cast, Ioan Meredith, Jill Balcon, Keith Baxter, Maurice Denham, Michael Kilgarriff, Nicholas Farrell, Paul Scofield (Narrator)

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Myths Reimagined: Troy Trilogy, Dionysos & more: A BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation collection

"A collection of acclaimed radio retellings of Greek and Roman myths Andrew Rissik's powerful, uncompromising reimaginings of classic tales from Roman and Greek history were hailed as masterpieces when they first aired on BBC radio. Told in contemporary speech, they revitalised the ancient myths, making them fresh, relevant and accessible to a modern-day audience. This collection brings them together on audio for the first time, with stellar casts including Michael Sheen, Paul Scofield, Lindsay Duncan, David Harewood, Eleanor Bron, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Diana Rigg, Roger Allam, Toby Stephens, Anton Lesser and Robert Hardy. The Troy Trilogy - Praised by one critic as 'the greatest radio drama [anyone] could ever hear', this three-play sequence tells the tragic, timeless tale of the events leading up to and following the fall of Troy. In King Priam and His Sons, a child is born to Priam and his wife Hekabe, but the gods foretell disaster if he is allowed to live... The Death of Achilles resumes the story in the final year of the war, as Achilles quarrels with his supreme commander, Agamemnon. And in Helen at Ephesus, Troy has fallen, and as Agamemnon returns to face the judgement of his wronged wife Klytemnestra, Menelaos and Helen must begin the long spiritual journey towards forgiveness and self-knowledge. Dionysos - Based on Euripides' The Bacchae, this dark, provocative drama is the first of three plays examining the conflict between religion and state. Charismatic cult leader Dionysos arrives in Thebes preaching a gospel of wine and ecstasy. Threatened by his popularity, King Pentheus orders his arrest... The Art of Love - The second of the three-play cycle sees Roman poet Ovid sent into exile when his subversive ideas about love and freedom challenge the authority of the ageing Emperor Augustus. Resurrection - In the final play of the trilogy, the Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate, clashes with troublesome, itinerant preacher Yeshua Ben Youssef. Cast and credits Written by Andrew Rissik Directed by Jeremy Mortimer The Troy Trilogy Toby Stephens, James Hayes, Oliver Cotton, Ian Hogg, Emma Fielding, Cassandra Sperry, Deborah Findlay, Michael Maloney, Geraldine Somerville, Paul Scofield, Lindsay Duncan, James Laurenson, Geoffrey Whitehead, Abigail Docherty, Jean-Marc Perret, Michael Sheen, Saeed Jaffrey, David Harewood, Julian Glover, Eleanor Bron Music by Nick Russell Pavier and David Chilton. Singer: Mia Soteriou. First broadcast BBC Radio 3: 28 November 1998 (King Priam and His Sons), 29 November 1998 (The Death of Achilles, Helen at Ephesus) Dionysos Chiwetel Ejiofor, Toby Stephens, Paul Scofield, Diana Rigg, Roger Allam, Pip Donaghy, Bruce Purchase, Jeffery Kissoon, Trevor Martin, Anna Carteret, Mali Harries, Yolanda Vazquez & Mia Soteriou Music by Mia Soteriou. First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 20 April 2003 The Art of Love/Resurrection Stephen Dillane, Juliet Aubrey, Penny Downie, Robert Hardy, Peter Eyre, Ian McNeice, James Laurenson, Ioan Meredith, Damian Lynch, Anton Lesser, David Calder, Julia Ford, Sam Dastor, Raad Rawi, John Rowe, Mia Soteriou, Chris Moran, James Hayes, Jon Glover and Danny Sapani Music by Mia Soteriou. Musicians: Mia Soteriou, Steve Bentley Kline, Merlin Shepherd, William Lyons First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 11 April 2004 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Andrew Rissik (Author), Chiwetel Ejiofor, David Harewood, Diana Rigg, Full Cast, Lindsay Duncan, Michael Sheen, Paul Scofield, Roger Allam, Toby Stephens (Narrator)

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Classic BBC Radio Shakespeare: Romances: The Winter's Tale; Pericles; The Tempest

"Three classic radio productions from the BBC archives starring Hannah Gordon, Tim Pigott-Smith, Paul Scofield and a host of celebrated acting talent. These three legendary plays, performed by some of the best-known theatrical actors of the 20th Century, are the perfect way to commemorate England's greatest dramatist. The Winter's Tale One man's consuming jealousy threatens to destroy both himself and those around him, but his actions arouse a passionate sense of honour, love, justice and self-sacrifice in members of his Court and family. First broadcast in 1982, starring Ronald Pickup as Leontes, with Hannah Gordon as Hermione and John Gielgud as Time. Pericles Pericles is haunted by Fate, buffeted by storms, driven from country to country and cruelly separated from his wife and daughter. Having endured the waywardness of Fortune, will he be reunited with his family? First broadcast in 1981, starring Tim Pigott-Smith as Pericles and Angharad Rees as Marina. The Tempest Set on an enchanted island ruled by the sorcerer Prospero, this spellbinding tale of magic, illusion, forgiveness and repentance is one of Shakespeare's greatest plays. First broadcast in 1974, starring Paul Scofield as Prospero and Patrick Stewart as Caliban. Recorded at BBC Broadcasting House and featuring the BBC Drama Repertory company, with specially composed music, this is classic radio drama at its finest. Duration: 7 hours 35 mins approx."

William Shakespeare (Author), Full Cast, Hannah Gordon, Paul Scofield, Tim Pigott-Smith (Narrator)

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Classic BBC Radio Shakespeare: Tragedies: Hamlet; Macbeth; Romeo and Juliet

"Three powerful radio productions from the BBC archives starring Ian McKellen, Ronald Pickup and Paul Scofield and a host of celebrated acting talent . These three legendary plays, performed by some of the best-known theatrical actors of the 20th Century, are the perfect way to commemorate England's greatest dramatist. Romeo and Juliet: The Montagues and the Capulets are sworn enemies, so when Romeo Montague falls in love with Juliet Capulet, tragedy ensues. This fateful tale of two young star-crossed lovers isone of Shakespeare's most popular dramas. First broadcast in 1970, starring Ian McKellen as Romeo. Hamlet: One of the most powerful, influential and thrilling tragedies in the English language, and the story of Prince Hamlet and his quest for vengeance never fails to enthral. First broadcast in 1971, starring Ronald Pickup as the Prince of Denmark. Macbeth: The notorious 'Scottish Play' is a gripping tale of vaulting ambition, witchcraft, madness and murder that has kept generations of audiences spellbound. First broadcast in 1966,starring Paul Scofield as Macbeth and Peggy Ashcroft as Lady Macbeth. Recorded at BBC Broadcasting House and featuring the BBC Drama Repertory company, with specially composed music including a score from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, this is classic radio drama at its finest. Duration: 7 hours 30 mins approx."

William Shakespeare (Author), Full Cast, Ian Mckellen, Paul Scofield, Peggy Ashcroft (Narrator)

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King Lear

"King Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1603 and 1606. READ BY PAUL SCHOFIELD AND CAST. King Lear is a tragedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1603 and 1606. It is considered one of his greatest works. King Lear descends into madness after wrongly distributing his estate on the strength of flattery. The play is based on the legend of Leir of Britain, a mythological pre-Roman Celtic king. It has been widely adapted for stage and screen, with the part of Lear played by many of the world's most accomplished actors. There are two distinct versions of the play: The True Chronicle of the History of the Life and Death of King Lear and His Three Daughters, which appeared in quarto in 1608, and The Tragedy of King Lear, a more theatrical version, which appeared in the First Folio in 1623. The two texts are commonly printed in a conflated version, although many modern editors have argued that each version has its individual integrity. After the Restoration, the play was often modified by theatre practitioners who disliked its dark and depressing tone, but since the 19th century it has been regarded as one of Shakespeare's supreme achievements. The tragedy is particularly noted for its probing observations on the nature of human suffering and kinship"

William Shakespeare (Author), Paul Scofield (Narrator)

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A Midsummer Night’s Dream

"A Midsummer Night's Dream is a comedy by William Shakespeare. A wonderful, unique recording performed by Paul Schofield and cast. A Midsummer Night's Dream is a comedy by William Shakespeare. It is believed to have been written around 1594 to 1596. It portrays the events surrounding the marriage of the Duke of Athens, Theseus, and the Queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta. These include the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors, who are manipulated by the fairies who inhabit the forest in which most of the play is set. The play is one of Shakespeare's most popular works for the stage and is widely performed across the world."

William Shakespeare (Author), Paul Scofield (Narrator)

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Twelfth Night

William Shakespeare (Author), Paul Scofield (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Paul Scofield