Audiobooks narrated by Pauline Letts

The August Strindberg BBC Radio Collection: 13 Full-Cast Productions including Miss Julie, The Fathe

"A comprehensive selection of August Strindberg’s finest works, featuring an all-star cast and original music Hailed by Arthur Miller as ‘the mad inventor of modern theatre’, Johan August Strindberg was a Swedish playwright, poet and novelist whose groundbreaking works mingled naturalism and psychology and paved the way for Expressionist drama. A prolific writer – penning over 60 plays, 19 novels and nine autobiographies – his turbulent life was marked by emotional conflict. This wide-ranging collection brings together 13 of his most important dramas and a semi-autobiographical ‘occult diary’, enhanced through stunning soundscapes and music composed by Strindberg himself. First up is his debut play, the 1872 historical drama Master Olof. Influenced by Ibsen’s Brand, it centres around a revolutionary 16th-century priest’s defiance of the Catholic Church and the monarchy. It is followed by The Father, whose focus is paternity and the battle for power between a husband and wife. Sexuality and social class are scrutinised in a retelling of Strindberg’s classic play Miss Julie, placed in a Scottish context, while in Creditors, a Swedish seaside resort is the setting for marriage-wrecking revenge. Also set by the sea, Strindberg’s black comedy of manners Playing with Fire explores a love triangle between a young couple and their close friend. Begun in 1898 while Strindberg was recovering from a breakdown, To Damascus is a symbolic synthesis of his marital, religious and existential struggles. Erik XIV portrays the last years of the titular King of Sweden’s reign, as the increasingly unstable ruler becomes embroiled in a bitter feud with the nobility. Next is Ingmar Bergman’s version of A Dream Play, Strindberg’s oneiric fantasy exploring human suffering and life’s illusions. Easter tells the redemptive tale of a family fearing ruin who instead find hope, forgiveness and mercy. Performed for the first time in English, The Virgin Bride centres on a wedding that could reconcile two rival families – but can the bride prove her chastity by wearing a bridal crown? Following their father’s death, a brother and sister discover disturbing truths about their mother in The Pelican, and in The Ghost Sonata, adultery, murder and deceit are laid bare in the house of the living dead… Our final piece, Strindberg’s dark prose poem Inferno, recounts his experiments in alchemy and black magic, his sojourn in hell and his quest for faith and love. It is narrated by Alan Badel. These outstanding dramas feature star casts including Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, Andrew Garfield, Rory Kinnear, Maurice Denham, Martin Jarvis, Trevor Howard, Peggy Ashcroft, Stephen Murray, Judy Bennett, Frank Finlay, Ian Richardson, Janet McTeer and Dorothy Tutin. First published 1872 (Master Olof), 1887 (The Father), 1888 (Miss Julie), 1889 (Creditors), 1892 (Playing with Fire), 1898-1904 (To Damascus), 1899 (Erik XIV), 1901 (A Dream Play, Easter, The Virgin Bride), 1907 (The Pelican), 1908 (The Ghost Sonata), 1912 (Inferno) First broadcast on BBC Radio, 1968-2005 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

August Strindberg (Author), Andrew Garfield, Brian Cox, Elizabeth Proud, Fiona Shaw, Full Cast, Jonathan Coy, Martin Jarvis, Maurice Denham, Pauline Letts, Peggy Ashcroft, Rory Kinnear, Sarah Badel (Narrator)

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H.E. Bates: A BBC Radio Collection: Dramatisations and Readings including Fair Stood the Wind for Fr

"Selected Dramatisations and readings of the genre-spanning work of HE Bates 'A great treasure trove to dive into' Entertainment Focus HE Bates is probably best known for his comic novel The Darling Buds of May, which introduced the lovable Larkins to the world and sparked three hugely popular TV adaptations. In his 68 years, Bates wrote over 20 further novels, more than 300 short stories, children’s books, poems, plays and non-fiction. This collection brings together three full-cast BBC Radio dramatisations and fourteen excellent readings, rounding off with extracts from HE Bates autobiographies. His wartime bestseller Fair Stood the Wind for France is a classic tale of danger, suspense and romance, centred around a British aircrew who ditch in Occupied France, and their attempts to survive and escape. This BBC radio dramatisation stars Rory Kinnear, Tom Goodman-Hill and Louise Brealey. Adapted from HE Bates’ semi-autobiographical 1952 novel, Love for Lydia charts the romance between a young reporter and a shy heiress. Tim Pigott-Smith and Juliet Aubrey star in this moving story of first love. Death of a Huntsman, based on Bates’ 1957 novella, is a vintage radio drama about a middle-aged businessman who finds himself strangely drawn to his ex-lover’s daughter. It stars Roger Delgado and Pauline Letts. Described by Graham Greene as ‘the English Chekhov’, HE Bates was much acclaimed for his short fiction. Included here are 14 of his best tales, beginning with five stories taken from his 1957 collection Sugar for the Horse. Featuring his much-loved character Uncle Silas, they include ‘The Widder’, ‘The Blue Feather’, ‘Queenie White’, ‘The Singing Pig’ and ‘Aunt Tibby’. They are read by David Neal, who also reads six more bucolic tales: ‘Time’, ‘Chaff in the Wind’, ‘The Maker of Coffins’, ‘The Cowslip Field’, ‘Loss of Pride’ and ‘Great Uncle Crow’. A further three stories, ‘The Primrose Place’, ‘The Small Portion’ and ‘The Sun of December’, are read by Kim Hicks, John Rowe and Anthony Hyde. Contents, cast and credits Written by HE Bates Fair Stood the Wind for France Cast: Rory Kinnear, Louise Brealey, Ellie Haddington, Bruce Alexander, Kenneth Collard, Tom Goodman-Hill, Kate Layden, Kenneth Collard, John Biggins, Rhys Jennings and Piers Wehner Love for Lydia Cast: Tim Pigott-Smith, Jordan Frieda, Juliet Aubrey, Margaret Tyzack, Angela Thorne, Philip Fox, Jamie Bamber, Robert Purdy, Don McCorkindale, Clare Corbett, Crispin Bonham-Carter, Helena Breck, Joanna David, Tom Mannion, Isabelle Joss, Tracy Wiles, Ray Lonnen, Helen Longworth, Ndidi Del Fatti, Tom Calder Death of a Huntsman Cast: Eric Anderson, John Ruddock, Hugh Manning, James Thomason, Kathleen Helme, Sheila Grant, Joan Sanderson Sugar for the Horse: ‘The Widder’, ‘The Blue Feather’, ‘Queenie White’, ‘The Singing Pig’ and ‘Aunt Tibby’ read by David Neal Country Stories: ‘Time’, ‘Chaff in the Wind’ and ‘The Maker of Coffins’, ‘The Cowslip Field’, ‘Great Uncle Crow’ and ‘Loss of Pride’ read by David Neal ‘The Primrose Place’ read by Kim Hicks ‘The Small Portion’ read by John Rowe ‘The Sun of December’ read by Anthony Hyde"

He Bates (Author), David Jason, David Neal, Full Cast, Juliet Aubrey, Pam Ferris, Pauline Letts, Roger Delgado, Rory Kinnear, Tim Pigott-Smith (Narrator)

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Life and Intrigue in Tudor Britain: A Collection of BBC Radio Historical Docu Dramas

"Six gripping dramatised documentaries detailing the history of the turbulent Tudor period. Passion, power, sex and suspicious deaths – the Tudor story is one of drama and dysfunction, and it has kept us enthralled for over 400 years. In these six dramatised documentaries, we take a behind-the-scenes look at Tudor England and get to know the key characters we have grown to love and hate, such as Mary Tudor, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots. Compiled from contemporary sources by Alison Plowman and featuring first-hand accounts and letters, these thrilling, historically accurate retellings bring this tumultuous era to vivid life. The Most Unhappy Lady spans three critical years in the life of Mary Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, and later Queen of England. It begins in 1533, when her father divorces her mother and marries Anne Boleyn. Refusing to accept the validity of Henry’s actions, Mary finds herself facing danger and disgrace… In Elizabeth's Admiral, we follow the events which took place in the immediate aftermath of Henry VIII’s death in 1547 – events which led to the execution of the Lord High Admiral Thomas Seymour and came near to seriously compromising the future of the 15-year-old Princess Elizabeth. The Killing at Kirk O’Field, set between March 1566 and June 1567, tells the tragic tale of the murder of Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley, second husband of Mary Queen of Scots: a crime that remains one of the most controversial 'whodunnits' of all time. Chance or Villainy? explores the mysterious death of Amy Robsart in 1560. Her husband, Lord Robert Dudley, was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I and was rumoured to be having an affair with her – so when Amy was found dead at the foot of a staircase, it seemed that a serious crisis might ensue… In A Knot of Secret Might, we hear the ill-fated love story of Lady Katherine Grey, sister of the doomed ‘Nine-Day Queen’ Lady Jane Grey. And in The Great Enterprise, 1588, we are transported back to sixteenth-century Spain, as Philip II prepares to launch his ‘Invincible Armada’... Among the ensemble casts of these superb docu-dramas are Beryl Calder, Haydn Jones, Marjorie Westbury, Kathleen Helme, Patricia Leventon, Nerys Hughes and Roger Delgado. Credits Compiled from contemporary sources by Alison Plowden Special thanks to Keith Wickham for Archive material. The Most Unhappy Lady Produced by Joe Burroughs First broadcast BBC Home Service, 22 Dec 1964 Elizabeth’s Admiral (A Pattern of Tudors) Produced by Joe Burroughs First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24 Apr 1968 The Killing at Kirk O’Field Produced by Alison Plowden First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18 Sep 1969 Chance or Villainy? (A Pattern of Tudors) Produced by Joe Burroughs First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4 Feb 1966 A Knot of Secret Might Produced by Richard Wortley First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 Oct 1970 The Great Enterprise, 1588 (A Pattern of Tudors) Produced by Joe Burroughs First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 11 Aug 1968 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Alison Plowden (Author), Beryl Calder, Frank Duncan, Full Cast, Haydn Jones, Jane Wenham, Kathleen Helme, Madi Hedd, Marjorie Westbury, Nerys Hughes, Nigel Lambert, Patricia Leventon, Pauline Letts, Richard Hurndall, Roger Delgado, Stephen Thorne (Narrator)

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Nancy Mitford: Pursuit of Love, Love in a Cold Climate & More: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast drama collect

"BBC Radio adaptations of Nancy Mitford's most famous novels and acclaimed biography of Madame de Pompadour plus bonus programmes The eldest of the notorious Mitford sisters, Nancy Mitford was renowned for her comic novels of upper-class life. An aristocrat and socialite, she mingled with the 'Bright Young Things' in interwar London, and went on to satirise their foibles in razor-sharp, wickedly funny prose. Collected here are adaptations of her two bestsellers, the semi-autobiographical The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate; her delightful biography of Louis XV's chief mistress; and a pair of fascinating programmes exploring her own unconventional life. The Pursuit of Love This bittersweet tale follows the fortunes of Fanny Logan and her eccentric aristocratic cousins, the Radletts, as they embark on disastrous love affairs and misconceived marriages while searching for Mr Right. Cast Lord Radlett - Rolf Lefebvre Lady Radlett - Joan Matheson Fanny - Susan Maudslay Linda - Jane Knowles Matt - Brian Hewlett Captain Davey Warbeck - Godfrey Kenton Emily - Joan Hart Tony Kroesig - Michael Spice Lord Merlin - John Rye Bessie - Olwen Griffiths Mrs Fletcher - Barbara Mitchell The Bolter - Cecile Chevreau Other parts played by Sion Probert, George Raistrick, Alan Rowe and William Sleigh. Adapted by Alan Melville. Produced by Norman Wright. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 February 1974 Love in a Cold Climate A glamorous invitation to a grand party at Hampton - home of the fantastically rich Montdores and their beautiful daughter Polly - brings Fanny into the world of 1920s high society: and in and out of love when the temperature drops... Amanda Root stars in this sparkling sequel to The Pursuit of Love. Cast Fanny - Amanda Root Lady Montdore - Barbara Jefford Polly - Teresa Gallagher Veronica - Jenny Howe Uncle Davey - Jon Strickland Aunt Emily - Patience Tomlinson Aunt Sadie - Tessa Worsley Uncle Matthew - Ioan Meredith Boy Dougdale - Stephen Critchlow Jassy - Sarah-Jane Holm Victoria - Tilly Gaunt Cedric - William Hope Alfred - Tom Beard Dramatised by Claire Luckham. Directed by Marion Nancarrow. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3 May 1999 The King's Favourite Based on Mitford's Madame de Pompadour, this three-part drama vividly evokes the colourful atmosphere of 18th Century Versailles, and Louis XV's tempestuous relationship with his adored mistress, Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour. Cast Narrator - Alan Melville Duc d'Orléans - Patrick Tull Madame de Ventadour - Katherine Parr Infanta Maria of Spain - Elizabeth Proud Louis XV (as a youth) - Nigel Anthony Duc de Bourbon - James Thomason The Queen - Pauline Letts Louis XV - Edward de Souza Lebel, concierge - Robin Browne Marquise de la Ferté - Margot Boyd Monsieur Poisson - Harold Kasket Madame d'Etioles - Moira Lister Monsieur d'Etioles - John Gabriel Lasmartre, a huntsman - David Timson Lady of the Court - Olwen Griffiths Produced by Norman Wright. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 10-24 December 1971 Dearest Evelyn, Darling Nancy Adapted from the witty correspondence of lifelong literary friends Evelyn Waugh and Nancy Mitford, this entertaining, gossipy 'conversation in letters' stars Timothy West and Prunella Scales. Cast Evelyn Waugh - Timothy West Nancy Mitford - Prunella Scales Adapted by Alan Bell. Produced by Pete Atkin. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 December 1993 Greatest Lives - Nancy Mitford Grace Dent loves Nancy Mitford for her wit, and for the way in which she showed women that it was possible to live your life fully and unconventionally. Matthew Parris asks what it is about Nancy that so inspires Grace, with the aid of Mitford biographer Lisa Hilton. Produced by Beth O'Dea. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 22 January 2013 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Nancy Mitford (Author), Amanda Root, Edward De Souza, Elizabeth Proud, Full Cast, Jane Knowles, Pauline Letts, Prunella Scales, Teresa Gallagher, Timothy West (Narrator)

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Victoria Station: A BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Drama

"The complete Series 1 and 2 of the historical drama set in a bustling Midlands railway station in the Victorian era In these two series, set on selected dates in January 1895 and December 1896, we follow the day-to-day shenanigans of Bridgford station master Joe Braddock and his staff, along with a motley crew of passengers and passers-by. Each episode is a self-contained drama, as well as telling the ongoing story of the crises and challenges tackled by the team, and their rivalries, enmities, friendships and burgeoning romances. As Series 1 begins, a goods train is derailed - just as a VIP visitor is about to arrive. As the crew scramble to clear the line, it becomes evident that the accident has damaged the Sherwood Tunnel: and something sinister lurks within. When a man is found dead, a public inquiry is launched - and as a second disaster looms, Signalman Fred Roberts fights to clear his name... In Series 2, newly promoted Regional Superintendent Archibald Cripps is hatching a plot to replace Joe as Station Manager. Adding to Joe's worries are a painful tooth, pickpockets, fare-dodgers and his daughter Josie's relationship with porter Jack Robson. But when a train gets stuck in a snowdrift, with a young pregnant woman on board, it's up to Joe and his rescue party to save the day - even if it means getting fired... Written by Steve Chambers (HighLites), these gentle, engaging plays take us back to a bygone age of travel, when the railways ruled the roost. They star Sean Baker as Joe Braddock, with a full cast including Philip Jackson, Christopher Scott, Julia Ford, Colleen Prendergast, Pauline Letts and John Hartley. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4 January-1 February 1995 (Series 1), 27 November-18 December 1996 (Series 2) Credits Written by Steve Chambers Directed by David Hunter, Celia de Wolff and Marion Nancarrow Technical presentation by Richard Beadsmore, Keith Graham, David Blount, Tim Sturgeon, Ian Harker and Hilary Carruthers Cast Joe Braddock - Sean Baker Tidmarsh - Philip Jackson/Christopher Scott Josie - Julia Ford/Colleen Prendergast Ada - Pauline Letts Fred Roberts - John Hartley Mr Cripps/Moran/Woodcock - Gavin Muir Phoebe - Becky Hindley Sydney - Tom Bevan Jackson - Joshua Towb/Chris Pavlo Wheeler - Tom Knight/Keith Drinkel Robson - Lloyd Notice/Robert Harper Mrs Brook Hammond - Frances Jeater General Booth/Blind man - Michael Tudor Barnes Parkin - Michael Tudor Barnes/Stephen Thorne Girl thief/Sheena - Deborah Berlin Professor Geider - David Collings McCarthy - Ian Masters Lydia - Geraldine Fitzgerald Hancock - Nicholas Collett/Alex Lowe Ellen Davison - Annabel Mullion Sarah - Elizabeth Anson Crippled John - Ronald Herdman Russian acrobat - David B Miller Reverend Sentence/Dr Keeble - George Parsons Meat porter - Ian Peck Purvis - Oliver Senton Nellie - Jane Slavin Hall/Mr Newton - Peter Whitman Sheena MacDonald - Deborah Berlin Mrs MacDonald/Miss Walker - Jilly Bond Mr MacDonald - Peter Yapp Dr Pettigrew - David Holt Tuffnell/Mr Alcock - Don McCorkindale Sir James Chettle/Ridley - Stephen Thorne Mrs Peabody - Joyce Gibbs Hickman - Tim Seely Jamie - Ian Taylor Captain Hargreaves - Mark Bonnar Bishop - James Taylor Bert - Peter Gunn Colonel Smithers-Jenkins/Holbrook/Farmer White/Mr Jenkins - Ioan Meredith Florrie - Amanda Gordon Flora - Tracy Wiles Mrs Ellen Scrimshaw - Ann Beach Dr Marie Pascal - Alice Arnold Harry - James Daley Dora - Ashley Moore Paper Seller - Kim Wall Janet/Jane Cakebread - Joanna Monro Mary - Adjoa Andoh Miss Joseph - Mary Roscoe Mrs Gunn/Lady Casterton - Shirley Dixon ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Steve Chambers (Author), Christopher Scott, Colleen Prendergast, Full Cast, Gavin Muir, John Hartley, Julia Ford, Michael Tudor Barnes, Pauline Letts, Philip Jackson, Sean Baker (Narrator)

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Getting On: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast drama

"A BBC Radio 4 full-cast production of one of the earliest plays by Alan Bennett The 1970s are a time of change, but Labour MP George Oliver feels stuck in one place: distrusting the ‘mawkish mentality’ of the young and fearing the encroaching life of the middle-aged, with little to look forward to but the imminent end of a not-very-interesting road. Ten years into his second marriage, he is world-weary and dissatisfied with his social position and the public he deals with on a regular basis (‘He’s a socialist, but he doesn’t like people’ observes his wife Polly). In his self-absorption, he cannot see that his wife is having an affair, his mother-in-law is dying and his friends and neighbours regard him as a joke. With his trademark wry observational humour, Alan Bennett renders his plight at once poignant and comic. This bittersweet drama won the Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy of 1971, and was described by the Sunday Times as ‘a small jewel of bewilderment and regret’. Keith Barron stars as George in this radio adaptation, with a supporting cast including David Rintoul, Emily Richard and Margaret Courtenay."

Alan Bennett (Author), Charles Simpson, David Rintoul, Emily Richard, Ian Targett, Keith Barron, Margaret Courtenay, Pauline Letts, Susan Sheridan (Narrator)

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Winslow Boy, The (Classic Radio Theatre)

"‘It is easy to do justice - very hard to do right.’ When he is accused of stealing a five-shilling postal order, fourteen-year-old Ronnie Winslow is expelled from naval college. But his father believes his claim of innocence and, determined to clear his name, engages the most famous barrister in England to fight his case. It is up to Sir Robert Morton to take on the Establishment in order to ‘let right be done’... Adapted as a famous British film starring Robert Donat, The Winslow Boy is a moving story about fairness and fighting for a principle. This gripping BBC Radio adaptation from 1981 features a distinguished cast including Michael Aldridge, Pauline Letts, Sarah Badel and Michael Maloney."

Terrence Rattigan (Author), Full Cast, Michael Aldridge, Michael Maloney, Pauline Letts, Sarah Badel (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Pauline Letts