Audiobooks narrated by Ronald Herdman

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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Honoré De Balzac: Pere Goriot, The Black Sheep & more: Four BBC Radio Full-Cast Dramatisations

"Stunning all-star adaptations of Balzac’s finest works This brilliant collection of France’s foremost nineteenth-century novelist and playwright delivers four of his most fascinating works - stories of love, rivalry, horror and adventure - all brought to life by a stellar cast including Stephen Fry and Alex Kingston. A huge influence on many of the most famous writers from Proust to Kerouac to Dickens, Balzac delivers beautifully observed and complex characters with an unsurpassed attention to the details of society at the time, making him an exemplary of realism in European literature. Pere Goriot - Dramatised in four parts, this is the story of Eugene, who has discovered that the mysterious Pere Goriot has two daughters who could provide the key to his entry into Parisian society… Starring Stephen Fry as the author Balzac and Alex Kingston as Delphine. Ursule Mirouet (The Inheritance) - 74 year old Dr Minoret has returned to live out his final days in his home town. His grasping nephews and nieces eagerly await his demise but the good doctor seems to favour his charming young ward, Ursule. What lengths are his family prepared to go to secure their inheritance? Starring Elizabeth Cassidy in the title role of this three-part production. The Mysterious Mansion - A grisly tale set in La Grande Breteche, the ruins of an abandoned house and neglected garden. Balzac is determined to uncover the story behind its tragic secrets… David Calder stars as the author. The Black Sheep - Balzac’s classic tale of family rivalry set in 19th-century France. Philippe Bridau returns from the battle of Waterloo and steals from his mother to finance his gambling habit. It's left to his brother Joseph to rescue the family from destitution, but at what cost? Can he betray his own sibling? Geoffrey Whitehead leads the cast in the role of narrator. A wonderful collection from a superb author, performed by a stunning cast, this is a must listen for any fan of classic literature. Cast and credits Written by Honoré De Balzac Pere Goriot Featuring: Stephen Fry, Douglas Hodge, David Ross, Geoffrey Banks, Alex Kingston, Noreen Kershaw, Ian Mercer, Romy Baskerville, John Griffin, Clare Dow, Barbara Marten, Paul Broughton, Robin Polley Dramatised by David Hopkins Directed by Kate Rowland First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12 Sep 1992 Ursule Mirouet (The Inheritance) Featuring: Margot Boyd, Ronald Herdman, Alan Devereux, Patricia Gallimore, Haydn Jones, Sean Barrett, Stephen Thorne, Terry Molloy, Edward Kelsey, Patricia Gibson, Denys Hawthorne, Elizabeth Cassidy, Penelope Shaw, Geoffrey Matthews, Alexander John Dramatised by Joan O’Connor Directed by Roger Pine First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 13 Apr 1980 The Mysterious Mansion Featuring: David Calder, Dorien Thomas, Dillwyn Owen, Tessa Gearing, Christopher Grimes, Marilyn Le Conte, Nigel Carrington, Manon Edwards, Alan Towner Dramatised by Peter Mackie Directed by David Hunter First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7 Oct 1993 The Black Sheep Featuring: Geoffrey Whitehead, Matthew Pidgeon, Briony McRoberts, Thomas Arnold, Alan Cox, Timothy Bateson, Lucy Paterson, Christian Rodska, Colette O'Neil, Jon Glover, Nyasha Hatendi, Chris Pavlo Dramatised by Chris Nolan Directed by Bruce Young First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 17 Aug 2008 ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Honoré De Balzac (Author), Alex Kingston, David Calder, David Ross, Denys Hawthorne, Dorien Thomas, Douglas Hodge, Elizabeth Cassidy, Full Cast, Geoffrey Banks, Geoffrey Whitehead, Matthew Pidgeon, Ronald Herdman, Stephen Fry, Thomas Arnold (Narrator)

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Grisly Tales from the Cabaret of Dr Caligari: A BBC Radio 4 Surreal Comedy

"An all-star dark comedy set in the mysterious world of Dr Caligari In a seedy backstreet, in a rotting theatre, the sinister Dr Caligari runs a cabaret with his demonic assistants, Snuff and Anthrax. A riot of a listen, this surreal and macabre comedy follows the smooth-talking Dr Caligari as he encourages unwilling guests to tell their story in his London nightclub. Written by Alan Gilbey, strange encounters and dark mysteries are recounted by guest acts on London’s most bizarre stage. Listen to a DJ haunted by calls from all those he has wronged, fall into the dreams of a yuppie estate agent battling with her trade union boss father and feel your flesh crawl as an MP discovers what ‘cuts’ to the NHS really mean. Meanwhile, the homeless of London are turned into a giant marauding blob and a horror film fan becomes trapped in a fantasy of his own creation. Grisly Tales from the Cabaret of Dr Caligari features an all-star cast, including the legendary John Woodvine as Dr Caligari with Adjoa Andoh, best known for her role in Netflix’s Bridgerton, alongside Stephen Tompkinson who has appeared in the TV shows Drop the Dead Donkey, Ballykissangel and the film Brassed Off. Cast and credits Written by Alan Gilbey with jokes from Lee Hurst Produced by Anne Edyvean Dr Calgari - John Woodvine Snuff - Sylvester McCoy Anthrax - Victoria Wicks DJ Rick O’Shea - Kerry Shale Tracey/Gail/The Computer - Jane Whittenshaw Donna/Ali/Estate Agent/Mrs Meagre - Adoja Andoh Keith - Mark Straker Sparks/Wayne/Postman/The Present - Clarence Smith Kevin Scorch/Tope Romero - Stephen Tompkinson Bernie Cladding/Tarquin - Ronald Herdman Sidney Grease/Jeremy/Damien/Agent Orange/The Future - Alan Barker Debbie Brothers - Joanna May ‘Flash’ Jack Brothers - Roger Watkins Tom - Terence Edmond Dick - Eric Allan Carrie/Kate Pushy/The Past - Cassie Macfarlane The General - Charles Milham Homeless Geordie - Gerald Denny Homeless Boy - David McKinney Professor Pseudonym - Richard Tate The Hitchhiker - Sharon Henry Mr Meagre - John Shrapnel First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7th Nov - 12th Dec 1991 ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Alan Gilbey (Author), Adjoa Andoh, Alan Barker, Cassie Macfarlane, Clarence Smith, Full Cast, Jane Whittenshaw, John Woodvine, Ronald Herdman, Stephen Tompkinson (Narrator)

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Boogie Up the River: A Full-Cast BBC Radio Comedy Travelogue

"A full-cast BBC Radio adaptation of Mark Wallington's comic tale of one man and his dog, starring Timothy Spall In a bid to impress his not-quite-girlfriend Jennifer, Mark persuades her to accompany him on a journey to discover the true source of the river that flows past her London flat. Setting himself up with a classic Victorian camping skiff, he's ready for adventure and romance - but his plans are scuppered at the last minute by his manic mongrel mutt, Boogie. Boogie has bad breath, terrible wind and a tendency to moult all over your toast - and on top of all that, he can't swim. But Mark can't leave him behind - his friends refuse to look after him, and he has a reputation at all the kennels (the last time he stayed in one, even the other dogs complained). Taking to the water, Mark comes face-to-face with a colourful assortment of river dwellers and dreams of Delia Smith, while Boogie meets his first Canada goose - and headbutts a swan... As they scull upstream, they pursue the elusive Jennifer, who leaves a trail of terrible poems, exotic takeaways and answerphone messages, but is somehow always elsewhere. Will she ever join Mark on his quest? Will they ever find the source of the Thames? And will Boogie ever learn to curb his disgusting habits? Adapted by Mark Wallington from his own hilarious novel, this light-hearted, engaging dramatisation will delight fans of Three Men in a Boat and Bill Bryson. It stars Timothy Spall as Mark, Ronald Herdman as Boogie and Carla Mendonça as Jennifer. Adapted by Mark Wallington from his own novel Produced by Caroline Leddy Cast Mark/Narrator - Timothy Spall Boogie/Dorchester Man/Landlord - Ronald Herdman Jennifer Conway - Carla Mendonça Michael - Gary Parker P.A/Royal Lady - Ainslie Foster Fiddy - Jon Glover Dario/Boat Guide/Boater/Farmer - Mark Straker Pensioner/Landlord/Fisherman 1 - John Church Douglas/Fisherman 3/Archie - David Holt Marsha - Melanie Hudson Mrs Matheson/Graveyard Woman - Ann Windsor Lock Keeper - Terence Edmond Kevin/Fisherman 2 - Rod Smith Rita/Christine/Dorchester Lady - Jill Graham Delia Smith/Sandra/Betty - Melinda Walker Cruiserman/Cricketer - John Fleming Fisherman/Barman - Jonathan Adams Cox - Jonathan Tafler Mrs Byron/Shopkeeper - Margaret Stallard Percy - Eric Allen 'A Bit of Alright'/Curator/Canoeist - Nicholas Murchie Sam Tucker - Geoffrey McGivern Laundrette Attendant/Girl - Kate Binchy Barman - Simon Godley Adolescent Girl - Julie Gibbs Old Lady - Jillie Meers First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 17 December 1992-21 January 1993 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Mark Wallington (Author), Carla Mendonca, Full Cast, Ronald Herdman, Timothy Spall (Narrator)

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Broken Wings and Bright Stars & other stories: Five BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramas

"A collection of dramas set in South and Central America by acclaimed dramatist Mike Walker An award-winning dramatist, author and feature writer, Mike Walker has written numerous original dramas for BBC Radio 4, including his epic chronicles Tsar, Caesar!, The Stuarts and Castle of the Hawk. Collected here are five of his gripping dramas from the 1980s and '90s, set around the Amazon rainforest and Nicaragua. Broken Wings and Bright Stars - Life in Tomas's small Brazilian fishing village hasn't changed for generations. But the old ways are dying, and few men now venture out to sea. For young Tomas, the future lies with the developers and their promise of jobs and money - so when his grandfather asks for his help building a boat, he is faced with a dilemma... Gary Cady stars as Tomas, with Michael Spice as Jose, in this first play in the Broken Wings and Bright Stars trilogy. Dull Sun, Polished Moon - American filmmaker Bill Krause leads a crew into the Amazon jungle to make a documentary about tribal life, accompanied by his friend Father Alvarro, Tomas and Javari, a Brazilian Indian. They want to record the truth - but the truth is complicated, and difficult to reconcile. This second drama in the Broken Wings and Bright Stars trilogy stars Gary Cady, Ronald Herdman, Crawford Logan and Steve Hodson. Fallen Leaves, Dead City - In this final part of the Broken Wings and Bright Stars trilogy, Tomas, desperate to make a difference, has embarked on a dangerous venture. Forced to confront the consequences of his actions, he must put aside idealism and face some harsh realities. Starring Gary Cady, Frances Jeater, Richard Pascoe and Crawford Logan. Staying Still - When Jack Lowell is not organising survival courses for unfit executives on a remote Scottish island, he is living with an indigenous tribe in the Brazilian rainforest. Then tragedy occurs and his two worlds collide. Unhinged by grief, he seeks to extract payment for his losses... Nigel Anthony and Hilary MacLean star in this haunting tale of ritual, remorse and revenge. Compañeros - Four strangers meet and decide to make a journey into the heart of Nicaragua, but when they happen upon a group of trigger-happy Contras, their nightmare begins... Starring Derek Newark, Angharad Rees, Trevor Nichols and Colin Stinton. Production credits Written by Mike Walker Broken Wings and Bright Stars Cast Gary Cady, Michael Spice, Steve Hodson, Eric Lander, Pauline Letts, Martyn Read, Anton Phillips, Crawford Logan, John Webb, Jill Lidstone, Ronald Herdman, Patience Tomlinson Directed by Christopher Venning. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 October 1981 Dull Sun, Polished Moon Cast Gary Cady, Ronald Herdman, Steve Hodson, Frank Ellis, Crawford Logan, John Livesey, Stephen Thorne, Hugh Dickson Directed by Christopher Venning. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 April 1982 Fallen Leaves, Dead City Cast, Richard Pascoe, Gary Cady, Frances Jeater, Beth Porter, Aaron Swartz, Ronald Herdman, Nick Reding, James Bryce, Crawford Logan, Alex Jennings, Stuart Organ, Henry Stamper, Michael Spice, John Livesey Directed by Christopher Venning. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3 February 1983 Staying Still Cast Nigel Anthony, Hilary MacLean, Bob Docherty, David Bannerman, Pavel Douglas, Patricia Gallimore, Deborah Berlin, Cornelius Garrett, Tina Gray, Richard Fleming, Aled Jones, Rachel Oldfield, Anna Rose Directed by Shaun MacLoughlin. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 October 1994 Compañeros Cast Derek Newark, Angharad Rees, Trevor Nichols, Colin Stinton, Stuart Milligan, Arturo Venegas, Francisco Morales, Alan Dudley, Michael Deacon Directed by Peter King. First broadcast BBC Radio 4,11 January 1988 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Mike Walker (Author), Aled Jones, Colin Stinton, Crawford Logan, Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Gary Cady, Hilary Maclean, John Livesey, Nigel Anthony, Ronald Herdman, Steve Hodson, Trevor Nichols (Narrator)

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Dick George: Private Investigator: Three BBC Radio comedy thrillers

"Francis Matthews stars in this trilogy of crime capers spoofing 1930s Hollywood movies Paul Temple star Francis Matthews gives his best Cary Grant impression as suave PI Dick George in these three comedy adventures, with Margaret Robertson channelling Katherine Hepburn as his glamorous ex-wife Dora, 'Man in Black' Edward de Souza as his valet, Blore, and Ronald Herdman as Pasta the dog. The Case of the Cool Canary - Dick George's leisurely breakfast is disturbed by the arrival of a mysterious, satin-clad beauty, who promptly passes out on his doorstep. Heiress Ruth-Anne Rogers is in trouble - can Dick and Dora protect her from gangsters intent on stealing her fortune? Starring Lisa Jacobs, Nigel Anthony and Harry Towb. The Case of the Substitute Spouse - Married once more, the Georges are spending a weekend in Maine with Dora's old school pal, Connie Morgan. But, arriving at her holiday cottage, they find a sheriff's car parked outside, a body on the rug, and Connie under suspicion of murder. It's up to Dick and Dora to clear her name - and find the killer. Starring Bonnie Hurren, Liza Ross, Bob Sherman and Don Fellows. The Case of the Vanishing Vamp - Dick and Dora are on the brink of divorce - again - and Dick's planning to make film star Loretta Raine the next Mrs George. But his romance with 'The Oops Girl' takes a back seat when he sets out to trace missing ingenue actress Irene Smith. Meanwhile, Dora's playing the leading role in a drama of her own... Starring Liza Ross, Ed Bishop and Nicky Croydon. Cast and credits Written by Susan Maxwell Directed by Glyn Dearman Starring Francis Matthews as Dick George, Margaret Robertson as Dora, Edward de Souza as Blore and Ronald Herdman as Pasta the dog The Case of the Cool Canary Ruth-Ann Rogers/Lucille Lamont - Lisa Jacobs Louie - Nigel Anthony Mugsy Moran - Harry Towb Charlie - Alan Tilvern First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9 September 1986 The Case of the Substitute Spouse Antony Legrange - Liza Ross Barrett Legrange - Blain Fairman Zebediah - Don Fellows Connie Morgan/Operator/Librarian - Bonnie Hurren Sheriff Johnson - Bob Sherman First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16 February 1989 The Case of the Vanishing Vamp Mugsy Moran - Harry Towb Loretta Raine - Liza Ross Harry Loomis - Ed Bishop Jonathan Dane - Peter Whitman Marie Celeste - Nicky Croydon Central Casting - Bonnie Hurren First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16 July 1992 © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Sarah Maxwell (Author), Edward De Souza, Francis Matthews, Full Cast, Margaret Robertson, Ronald Herdman (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Ronald Herdman

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