Audiobooks narrated by Ron Cook

A Better World: Stories of Democracy and Consumerism Retold: Four full-cast BBC Radio Dramas inspire

"Four full-cast BBC Radio dramas inspired by classic texts about democracy, consumerism and our future Sarah Woods has developed a reputation for taking seemingly un-dramatisable non-fiction classics and turning them into gripping and immersive audio drama. Four seminal political books are here brought to life and into the twenty-first century, and ideas that have been fascinating and shaping society for hundreds of years are developed into brilliant, insightful dramas. How does humanity's success also mean its potential destruction? And what do we need to turn from this danger, and instead develop a global system that's positive, sustainable, and better for the masses rather than the few? In Das Kapital, Karl Marx's iconic work is reinterpreted as we imagine what Marx would make of our current global economy and its key commodity: the smartphone. From the cobalt mines of Africa to the tech firms of the UK, the story carries us from political concept to everyday object, forming our behaviours, economies, and our planet in a way perhaps only Marx foresaw. This captivating adaptation was nominated for both an Audio Drama Award and the Prix Europa 2018. Starring David Threlfall and Kimberley Nixon. The Limits to Growth is based on the work of Donella Meadows, lead author of the seminal 1972 report on Earth's capacity to support human unchecked economic expansion. Still incredibly relevant today, the drama it inspired follows the experiences of Donella and Dennis Meadows as they write their ground-breaking report and come to fundamentally reassess the way they live, steering towards a hopeful, sustainable future. Starring Samantha Dakin and Ben Cura. News from Nowhere was originally published in 1890 by artist, designer and socialist William Morris, and is movingly updated here for the 21st century. Using Morris's central idea that society needs to re-discover the value of work and thrive on beauty over consumerism, the story is given a new perspective when modern-day man Will Guest travels into a future utopia and discovers love for both a woman and society at large. Starring Ron Cook. Democracy is one of the most influential political texts ever written, asking whether democracy can offer us the world, and the leaders, that we need. In 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville travelled to the USA on a nine-month trip that led him to conclude that democracy was unstoppable and would spread across Europe. His concerns about democracy - the dangers of self-interest and materialism; the tendencies towards mediocrity; the risk of populist, despotic leaders and the silencing of minorities - echo clearly into the present day. In this drama, set in the present day UK, an elderly man turns up at a Preston hospital who doesn’t seem to be registered with a GP and won’t give his address. He says his name’s Alexis de Tocqueville and that he needs to find out what has happened to democracy. Starring Philippe Spall and Catherine Ayers. Sarah Woods is an award-winning playwright and systems thinker who communicates current issues through innovative drama. She has written over 30 plays, series, adaptations and drama-documentaries for BBC Radio, including Borderland, which won the Tinniswood Award for Best Audio Drama at the 2018 BBC Audio Drama Awards. ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Sarah Woods (Author), Ben Cura, Catherine Ayers, David Threlfall, Full Cast, Kimberley Nixon, Philippe Spall, Ron Cook, Samantha Dakin (Narrator)

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DS Manson: Three BBC Radio 4 crime thrillers

"Three detective thrillers set in the Met's Missing Persons Bureau After shooting a teenage boy in an undercover operation, DS Sue Manson is taken off the front line and transferred to a desk job in Missing Persons. But no sooner has she arrived than she's in the thick of the action once more, tasked with tracking down a trio of twisted criminals... Fractions of Zero - When a desperate father begs DS Manson to find his daughter, the sole clue is a cryptogram on the back of a missing persons notice. Once unravelled, the code turns out to be a riddle that leads them to the location of a dead girl. More ciphers follow, and more victims - all seemingly selected at random - and Sue realises that she's dealing with a serial killer obsessed with numbers. Can she work out his system before he strikes again? Final Sacrament - After three people disappear for no apparent reason, DS Manson finds herself on the hunt for another serial killer. Her only leads are the cardboard triangles left at the victims' homes along with traces of a deadly toxin, and a series of macabre snaps sent to a South London priest. Father Raphoe believes the photographs are mimicking a series of religious paintings by Renaissance artist Nicolas Poussin. But who is targeting Raphoe's parishioners, and why? Fragments of Amy - Back from maternity leave, Sue Manson tackles the case of a missing heiress, Amy Muggeridge, abducted on her way back from a party. When a CD arrives containing a ransom message and a riddle, Manson seeks help from Amy's twin, Angela, who seems to have a psychic connection with her sister. Under hypnosis, she provides a vital clue to the kidnapper's identity - but is it too late to save Amy? Created by novelist Bill Murphy, one of the writers of Radio 4's Baldi, these gripping detective dramas star Susan Lynch and Annie Farr as Sue Manson. Fractions of Zero Sue Manson - Susan Lynch James Ellstrom - Philip Glenister Dr Fred Johnson - Clive Merrison Insp. Phillips - David Bannerman Mags Langan - Alison Pettitt Lee Horsley - David Holt Supt. - Nigel Anthony Directed by Tanya Nash First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5-9 August 2002 Final Sacrament Sue Manson - Annie Farr DS Brian Torrey - Patrick Robinson Insp. Phillips - David Thome Mags Langan - Alison Pettit Raymond/Andrew - Tom George Elizabeth/Receptionist - Jennifer Hill Fr. Raphoe - Des McAleer Directed by Tanya Nash First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19-23 April 2004 Fragments of Amy Sue Manson - Susan Lynch Insp. Phillips - Ron Cook Mags Langan - Gillian Kearney Plummer - Eddie Marsan Leila Muggeridge - Alexander Mathie Researcher/Telfor/Priest - Roger May DS Brian Torrey - Rhashan Stone Amy/Angela - Fuschia Sumner Noreen Manson - Frances Tomelty Dr Fred Johnson - David Warner Produced by Lawrence Jackson First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23-27 October 2006 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Bill Murphy (Author), Alison Pettitt, David Warner, Eddie Marsan, Frances Tomelty, Full Cast, Philip Glenister, Roger May, Ron Cook, Susan Lynch (Narrator)

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Joseph Conrad: The Secret Agent, Heart of Darkness & More: A BBC Radio 4 drama collection

"Dramatisations of six of Conrad's finest novels, plus bonus material Polish-born author and mariner Joseph Conrad is widely regarded as one of the greatest English novelists. His 16 years in the merchant navy profoundly shaped his fiction, giving him transformative experiences of adventure and exotic places, and a unique insight into the human psyche. Included here are adaptations of six of his best works, brought together for the first time and collected in chronological order, plus one fascinating bonus programmes exploring his life and art. Heart of Darkness - Ordered to sail up the Congo River in search of enigmatic ivory trader Mr Kurtz, Marlowe's journey takes him deep into an unknown continent... David Calder, Bill Wallis and Kris Marshall star in this radio production of Conrad's controversial masterpiece. Lord Jim - Faced with disaster, young first mate Jim abandons the sinking SS Patna. Wracked with guilt, he tries to start a new life - but can he ever escape his past? Starring Simon Treves and David March. The Secret Agent - A terrorist bomb explodes in London, killing the bomber and threatening the authorities and anarchists alike... Ron Cook and Robert Glenister star in a 2-part dramatisation of Conrad's prescient black comedy. Il Conde - An elderly aristocrat is traumatised by a terrifying encounter in Naples in this adaptation of Conrad's haunting short story, starring John Moffatt and John Woodvine. The Secret Sharer - An inexperienced skipper gives sanctuary to a fugitive murderer who seems like his doppelganger: and faces his own subconscious fears. Michael Feast, Christopher Scott and Stephen Tompkinson, star in this dramatisation of one of Joseph Conrad's most popular short tales. Victory - Set in the Far East, this 1915 novel tells of one man's struggle towards self-realisation and redemption in a hostile world. Starring David March and Patrick Barr. Meridian: Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness - Onyekachi Wambu explores Conrad's most famous novel, inspired by the brutal imperialist exploitation of the Congo during the 1880s. First published 1899 (Heart of Darkness), 1900 (Lord Jim), 1907 (The Secret Agent), 1908 ('Il Conde'), 1910 ('The Secret Sharer'), 1915 (Victory) Cast and credits Written by Joseph Conrad With thanks to Keith Wickham and the British Library Heart of Darkness Adapted by Jeremy Howe. Produced by Jeremy Howe and Iain Hunter. Music by David Lord First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 13 July 2003 Lord Jim Dramatised by Keith Darvill. Directed by Martin Jenkins and Graham Gauld First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 July-1 September 1985 The Secret Agent Dramatised by David Napthine. Directed by Jessica Dromgoole First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1-8 October 2006 Il Conde Dramatised by Alun Owen. Directed by Enyd Williams First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2 March 1994 The Secret Sharer Dramatised by Robert Forrest. Directed by Patrick Rayner First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7 June 1989 Victory Other parts played by members of the BBC Drama Repertory Company Adapted by Helena Wood. Produced by Joe Burroughs First broadcast BBC Home Service Basic, 22 November 1965 Meridian: Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness Presented by Onyekachi Wambu With Adam Hochschild, Professor Allan H. Simmons, Michela Wrong First broadcast BBC World Service, 20 February 2002 ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Joseph Conrad (Author), Bill Wallis, David Calder, Full Cast, Kris Marshall, Robert Glenister, Ron Cook, Stephen Tompkinson (Narrator)

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The George Bernard Shaw: A BBC Radio Drama Collection

"15 of the finest works by the world-renowned playwright, as heard on BBC radio George Bernard Shaw - or Bernard Shaw, as he preferred to be known - was one of Ireland's foremost dramatists and thinkers. His plays range from contemporary satires to historical allegories, and are infused with ideas, insight, wit and wisdom. Included here are some of his best works, adapted for radio and brought together in reverse chronological order in one statement collection. We begin with his prophetic political comedy The Apple Cart, set in the future and pitting the fictional King Magnus against his Prime Minister. Next is his masterpiece Saint Joan, dramatising the trials of Joan of Arc, for which he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1925. Heartbreak House lampoons England's ruling elite before World War I, as they sail heedlessly towards catastrophe; Pygmalion explores feminism and the class system through Cockney flowergirl Eliza Doolittle and irascible phonetics professor Henry Higgins; and in Androcles and the Lion, Shaw transforms Aesop's fable to impart his thoughts on human frailty, religion and martyrdom. The Dark Lady of the Sonnets imagines a meeting between William Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth I, while alternate history Press Cuttings sets the suffragettes against crotchety war veteran General Mitchener. Here, too, are the controversial The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet, banned in England for contravening blasphemy laws; the classic comedy Major Barbara, a tale of romance, rich privilege and a battle of wills; and the humorous philosophical drama based on the Don Juan theme, Man and Superman, directed for Radio 3 by theatrical icon Sir Peter Hall. Also featured are early works Caesar and Cleopatra, a dramatised account of the relationship between the Roman dictator and the Egyptian queen; The Devil's Disciple, set against the backdrop of the American War of Independence; The Man of Destiny, in which Napoleon enters into a battle of wits with a beautiful stranger; and Candida, about a vicar's wife whose life is turned upside down by a young poet. Finally, Shaw's acclaimed 'problem play', Mrs Warren's Profession, probes issues of Victorian prostitution and double standards. And in a bonus documentary, devotees of the great author discuss his life, work and legacy. Among the array of stars in these coruscating dramas are Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench, Prunella Scales, Anton Lesser, Juliet Stevenson, Paul Merton, Ron Cook, Victoria Hamilton, Nicholas Le Prevost, David Suchet, Eleanor Bron, David Troughton, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Alistair McGowan, Al Murray, Morgana Robinson, Robert Bathurst, Leslie French, Marius Goring, Arthur Lowe, Denys Hawthorne, Rebecca Front, Alan Badel, Gregory Peck, Paul Ritter, Hannah Gordon, Edward Petherbridge and Maggie Steed. NB: This collection contains language that reflects the attitudes of the era in which the plays were written. Production credits Written by George Bernard Shaw First published 1893 (Mrs Warren's Profession), 1894 (Candida), 1895 (The Man of Destiny), 1896 (The Devil's Disciple), 1898 (Caesar and Cleopatra), 1902 (Man and Superman), 1905 (Major Barbara), 1909 (The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet, Press Cuttings), 1910 (The Dark Lady of the Sonnets), 1912 (Androcles and the Lion, Pygmalion), 1919 (Heartbreak House), 1923 (Saint Joan), 1928 (The Apple Cart), 2007 (Great Lives) Contents The Apple Cart Saint Joan Heartbreak House Pygmalion Androcles and the Lion The Dark Lady of the Sonnets Press Cuttings The Shewing-Up of Blanco Posnet Major Barbara Man and Superman Caesar and Cleopatra The Devil's Disciple The Man of Destiny Candida Mrs Warren's Profession Great Lives: George Bernard Shaw ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

George Bernard Shaw (Author), Anton Lesser, David Suchet, Full Cast, Judi Dench, Juliet Stevenson, Prunella Scales, Ralph Fiennes, Rebecca Front, Ron Cook, Various (Narrator)

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The Pale Horse: A full-cast BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

"A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of the atmospheric murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1961. A dying woman confesses a terrible secret to her priest along with a cryptic list of nine names. Before he is able to uncover anything more, the priest is struck dead in the fog and the police discover the list in his shoe. Our hero Mark Easterbrook, a historian, learns of a secretive organisation known as The Pale Horse and of their supernatural connections in the village of Much Deeping. The list of names seems to foretell the deaths of several people and Mark must piece together the clues and unearth the connections between them all. Who is behind the strange powers of The Pale Horse? Dramatised by Joy Wilkinson Directed by Mary Peate"

Agatha Christie (Author), Clive Haywood, Elaine Claxton, Eleanor Bron, Full Cast, Georgia Groome, Georgie Fuller, Jane Slavin, Jason Hughes, Michael Bertenshaw, Nicholas Jones, Phoebe Pryce, Ron Cook (Narrator)

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A Sleepwalk On The Severn: A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

"BBC Radio 4's extraordinary evocation of the experience of moonrise over the Severn Estuary, by award-winning poet Alice Oswald. Originally broadcast as the 'Afternoon Play' on 10 March 2011. Set to original music by Roger Goula, the subject of 'A Sleepwalk on the Severn' is moonrise, which happens five times in different forms: new moon, half moon, full moon, no moon and moon reborn. Various characters, some living some dead, all based on real people from the Severn catchment, talk towards the moment of moonrise and are changed by it. Performed by Ron Cook, Sam Dale, Emma Fielding, Tom Goodman-Hill, James Laurenson and Helen Longworth. Music composed by Roger Goula and performed by the Raven Quartet and Rowland Sutherland."

Alice Oswald (Author), Emma Fielding, Ron Cook, Sam Dale (Narrator)

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Solaris: Classic Radio Sci-Fi

"When psychologist Kris Kelvin arrives at the scientific research station hovering high above the surface of Solaris, he finds the place deserted except for two scientists, who have been driven mad by some unknown horror. The researchers had been trying to investigate the ocean planet, and probe the secrets of its alien lifeforms. But their clumsy, aggressive approach has provoked a terrifying response from the ocean, which is now confronting them with their most painful repressed thoughts and memories in human form. Kris is faced with the manifestation of his long-dead wife, Rheya, and his guilt over her suicide, but whatever is tormenting the other scientists appears to be much worse... Solaris was first published in 1961 and is a classic of modern science fiction, twice adapted for film - by Tarkovsky in 1972 and Steven Soderbergh in 2002. Stanislaw Lem’s original novel combines a gripping sci-fi ghost story with a powerful debate about guilt and the human condition. The play has an exciting soundtrack by composer Alice Trueman."

Hattie Naylor, Stanislaw Lem (Author), Full Cast, Joanne Froggatt, Ron Cook (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Ron Cook