Audiobooks Narrated by Paul Young

Racine’s Tragedies: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Four Classic Full-Cast Productions including Phaedra & Berenice

"Four neo-classical tragedies from the renowned French dramatist, with star-studded casts including Timothy West, Prunella Scales and Geraldine McEwan Jean-Baptiste Racine stands with Molière and Corneille as one of the three premier dramatists of 17th-century France. A foundational figure in both Western and world literature, he is chiefly known for his tragic masterpieces. Mingling Ancient Greek myth with French classical flair, the four works in this collection are among his finest. Phaedra – First performed in 1677 and based on Euripides’ Hippolytus, this gripping drama tells the tale of the eponymous queen, married to Theseus, who is consumed by an obsessive passion for her stepson Hippolytus. When her illicit love is revealed, the consequences are catastrophic. Barbara Jefford, Christopher Guinee and Paul Daneman star alongside Prunella Scales and Timothy West in Racine’s tragic tale of desire, madness, guilt and remorse. Andromache – Set in the aftermath of the Trojan War, this fatalistic tale revolves around unrequited love. Pyrrhus, Achilles’ son, is in love with Andromache, whom he has brought as a captive to his court in Epirus. But Pyrrhus is betrothed to Hermione, who adores him, while she is likewise idolised by Orestes, who has been sent by the Greeks to demand the killing of Andromache’s son, Astyanax. The devastating force of their emotional conflict leads to murder, suicide and madness… Starring Suzanne Bertish, Sarah Collier, Alec Heggie and David Rintoul. Mithridates – Nymphaeum, 70 BC. When King Mithridates returns unexpectedly after being reported dead in battle, he finds his two sons, Pharnaces and Xiphares, vying for his throne and the heart of his betrothed Queen, Monima. Suspecting treachery, he devises a trap to test their loyalties – only to find his worst fears confirmed… Geraldine McEwan, Marius Goring, Clifford Norgate and Martin Jarvis star in this masterful portrait of forbidden passion, sibling rivalry and betrayal. Berenice – Famously described by Racine himself as possessing a ‘majestic sadness’, this heartbreaking drama focuses on a love triangle between Titus, the Roman Emperor, Berenice, Queen of Palestine and Antiochus, King of Commagene. Titus longs to marry Berenice, but knows the people of Rome would never accept a foreign consort. Antiochus, meanwhile, hopes against hope that Berenice will one day return his devotion. Torn between duty and happiness, all three must decide whether to follow their hearts, or accept their fates. Starring Peter Egan, Rachel Gurney and John Rye. Phaedra Phaedra – Barbara Jefford Hippolytus – Christopher Guinee Theseus – Paul Daneman Oenone – Sheila Allen Aricia – Prunella Scales Theramenes – Timothy West Panope – Madi Hedd Ismène – Alexa Romanis Andromache Andromache – Suzanne Bertish Hermione – Sarah Collier Orestes – Alec Heggie Pyrrhus – David Rintoul Pylades – Paul Young Cleone – Beth Robens Cephisa – Diana Olsson Phoenix – James Cairncross Mithridates Mithridates, King of Pontus – Marius Goring Monima. affianced to Mithridates and already proclaimed Queen – Geraldine McEwan Arbates Governor of Nymphaeum fort – William Fox Phaedima– Joan Haythorne Arcas– John Forrest Sons of Mithridates Pharnaces – Clifford Norgate Xiphares – Martin Jarvis Berenice Antiochus, King of Commagene – John Rye Arsaces - Michael Kilgarriff Berenice, Queen of Palestine – Rachel Gurney Phoenissa, confidante of Berenice – Margaret Wolfit Titus, Emperor of Rome – Peter Egan Paulinus, confidant of Titus – William Eedle Rutilus, a Roman – Nigel Lambert © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. ? 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Jean Racine (Author), Alec Heggie, Barbara Jefford, David Rintoul, Diana Olsson, Full Cast, Paul Young, Prunella Scales, Sheila Allen, Timothy West, William Fox (Narrator)

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Kidnapped and Catriona: A BBC Radio Full Cast Dramatisation

"A classic BBC Radio adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novels of adventure and romance First published in 1886, Robert Louis Stevenson's rollicking historical novel Kidnapped was an instant bestseller. It was followed by an 1893 sequel, Catriona, which Stevenson regarded as his 'high water mark', declaring that he would 'never do a better book'. Included here is the epic 10-part BBC radio dramatisation of both action-packed tales. Narrated by the central character, David Balfour, this riveting retelling sees him looking back over his eventful life and recalling his escapades as a young man. It begins in 1751, with Scotland in turmoil in the aftermath of the Jacobite rebellion. Newly orphaned, 17-year-old David sets out for Edinburgh and the House of Shaws, to meet his rich Uncle Ebenezer. Betrayed by his scheming relative and kidnapped, he finds himself aboard the brig Covenant, to be sold into slavery in America - but the ship has a castaway on board, a certain Alan Breck... Though David is a Lowlander and Alan a Highland Jacobite, the two become fast friends. Together they face danger on the high seas and in the Scottish wilderness, as they head south to confront the treacherous Ebenezer and claim David's fortune. But even with his inheritance secured, our hero's adventures are not over. He must find safe passage to France for Alan, endeavour to prove a man's innocence - and win the heart of Catriona, the feisty granddaughter of infamous outlaw Rob Roy McGregor. David Rintoul stars as David Balfour, with Paul Young as Alan Breck and Gerda Stevenson as Catriona. Among the distinguished cast are Rikki Fulton, Sandy Neilson, Rose McBain, Iain Cuthbertson and Siobhan Redmond. First published 1886 (Kidnapped) and 1893 (Catriona) Production credits Written by Robert Louis Stevenson Dramatised by Catherine L. Czerkawska Directed by Marilyn Imrie Cast David Balfour - David Rintoul Alan Breck - Paul Young Ebenezer Balfour - Rikki Fulton Hoseason - Jonathan Battersby Campbell - John Shedden Ransome/Seaman - Ray Dunsire Jennet - Marilyn Gray Landlord/Seaman - Tam Dean Burn Riach - Billy Riddoch Shuan/Seaman - Stuart Bishop Gaelic fisherman/Highland gillie/Gaelic servant/Neil - John Carmichael Mr Henderland - Henry Stamper Crofter - Ian Stewart Neil Roy - Iain Agnew Mungo - Brown Derby Colin Campbell - Sandy Neilson James of the Glens - Bob Docherty Mistress Stewart - Rose McBain Cluny Macpherson - David McKail John Breck MacColl - Finlay McLean Mistress McLaren - Ann Louise Ross Alison Hastie - Terry Cavers Mistress Rankeillor - Harriet Buchan Rankeillor - Gerard Slevin Torrance - Iain Wotherspoon Stewart the Writer - Iain Cuthbertson Catriona - Gerda Stevenson The Lord Advocate Prestongrange - Russell Hunter James More - Alec Heggie Balfour of Pilrig - Michael Elder Simon Fraser - John McGlynn Barbara Grant - Siobhan Redmond Isabella Grant - Ann Lannan Jean Grant - Hilary Lyon Woman/Goodwife - Ann Scott Jones Porter/Robin Oig - John Buick Servant - Simon Donald Mistress Ogilvy - Edith MacArthur Duncansby - Ian Briggs Robert Macintosh - Leon Sinden Andy Dale - Tony Roper Sheriff - Paul Kermack Duke of Argyle - Charles Kearney Duncan Dhu McLaren - Simon Donald Doig - John Shedden Capt Sang - Don Gallagher Sprott - Finlay Welsh First broadcast BBC Radio 4 16th June - 25th August 1985 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Robert Louis Stevenson (Author), Ann Scott Jones, David Rintoul, Full Cast, Gerda Stevenson, Iain Cuthbertson, John Carmichael, John Mcglynn, Leon Sinden, Paul Kermack, Paul Young, Russell Hunter, Siobhan Redmond, Tony Roper (Narrator)

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Josephine Tey: The Daughter of Time & other mysteries: A BBC Radio crime collection

"Dramatisations and readings of five of Josephine Tey's classic mystery novels Scottish novelist and playwright Josephine Tey was one of the greatest Golden Age crime writers and the author of eight mysteries, including six featuring Scotland Yard inspector Alan Grant. The most famous of these, The Daughter of Time, was acclaimed the greatest crime novel of all time by the Crime Writers' Association. A full-cast dramatisation of this iconic story is included here, along with adaptations of four of her other much-loved mystery novels. A Shilling for Candles An independent-minded chief constable's daughter meets a suspected killer in this re-imagining of Josephine Tey's 1936 comedy thriller featuring Inspector Grant, starring Giles Fagan and Tilly Gaunt. Miss Pym Disposes Invited by her friend Henrietta to lecture at a physical education colllege, expert psychologist Miss Lucy Pym little suspects that among the healthy young women is someone with a mind sick enough to commit murder... Julia Foster stars as Miss Pym, with Joan Sims as Henrietta. The Franchise Affair A 15-year-old schoolgirl accuses Marion Sharpe and her mother of kidnapping and beating her. Can solicitor Robert Blair prove the women's innocence? An abridged reading by Edward Petherbridge. The Daughter of Time In hospital with a broken leg, Inspector Grant is bored. To pass the time, he decides to try and solve one of history's most famous puzzles: did Richard II really kill the Princes in the Tower? Peter Gilmore stars as Alan Grant. The Singing Sands Travelling to the Highlands by train, Inspector Grant ends up investigating the mysterious death of the man in compartment B7. An abridged reading by Paul Young of Tey's final novel, published posthumously in 1952. Also included is a Woman's Hour discussion of the life of Josephine Tey, with Andrew Taylor and fellow author Nicola Upson, whose bestselling crime novels feature Tey as the detective heroine. A Shilling for Candles Tisdall - Giles Fagan Erica - Tilly Gaunt Pottinger - Steve Hodson Bergoine - Stephen Thorne Grant - Ben Crowe Albert Clay - Harry Myers Hopgood - Geoffrey Whitehead Martha - Frances Jeater Dramatised by John Fletcher Directed by Tabitha Potts First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 December 1998 Miss Pym Disposes Lucy Pym - Julia Foster Henrietta Hodge - Joan Sims Teresa Desterro - Julia Swift Miss Lux - Polly James Miss Wragg - Zelah Clarke Madame Lefevre - Margaret Robertson Fröken Gustavson - Diana Olsson Miss Meek - Eva Stuart Miss Nash - Deborah Makepeace Miss Innes - Moir Leslie Miss Rouse - Susan Sheridan Miss O'Donnell - Felicity Hayes-McCoy Miss Dakers - Denica Fairman Miss Gage - Caroline Gruber Mr Nash - Michael Deacon Mrs Nash - Eva Stuart Rick - Paul Sirr Dramatised by Elizabeth Proud Directed by Glyn Dearman First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 December 1987 The Franchise Affair Read by Edward Petherbridge Abridged by Pat McLoughlin Editor: Sally Feldman Music: Bush's Music for Orchestra First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7-23 May 1991 The Daughter of Time Alan Grant - Peter Gilmore Nurse Ingham - Frances Jeater Nurse Darroll - Jill Lidstone Marta Hallard - Rosalind Shanks Brent Carradine - Simon Hewitt Richard - Steve Hodson Tyrrel - Nigel Lambert Brackenbury - Lewis Stringer Lady Paston - Miranda Forbes Edward - Graham Faulkner Matron - Katherine Parr Williams - Stuart Organ Morton - Peter Tuddenham Buckingham - Alex Jennings Stillington - James Thomason Sir John - Alaric Cotter Dramatised by Neville Teller Directed by Graham Gauld First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 August 1982 The Singing Sands Read by Paul Young Produced by Eilidh McCreadie First broadcast BBC Radio 7, 17-20 March 2008 Woman's Hour discussion Presented by Jane Garvey With Nicola Upson and Andrew Taylor First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 February 2008"

Josephine Tey (Author), Edward Petherbridge, Full Cast, Giles Fagan, Joan Sims, Julia Foster, Paul Young, Peter Gilmore, Tilly Gaunt (Narrator)

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