Audiobooks narrated by Ronald Pickup

Paupers and Pig Killers from the diaries of William Holland: A BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

A BBC Radio dramatisation of the real-life diaries of a West Country village parson, writing at the turn of the 19th Century 'A good diary can provide an unsurpassed entry into society, and the diary of William Holland is a very good diary indeed' The Spectator On October 25th, 1799 - his 18th wedding anniversary - cantankerous Somerset parson William Holland begins his diary, chronicling events at the vicarage and in the small farming community of Over Stowey. He would keep it for the next 19 years, candidly recording the small trials of day-to-day life - from chaotic church services and unruly locals to lazy servants and irksome in-laws. As the new century dawns, he finds himself dealing with parish problems and domestic dramas: including a madman in the poorhouse, a drunkard in the pulpit, and his wife's prattling cousin in the house. At harvest time, he has his work cut out collecting tithes from the local farmers, and his troubles are further compounded by an escaped cow, some curious medical complaints, and an audacious plum-plunderer... Paying a social visit to Bath with his family, the hectic pace has him longing for the relative peace and quiet of home. And back at the parsonage, his life is transformed when his manservant Robert resolves to give up drinking and womanizing. But will it last? Full of humorous observations and comic incident, this delightful journal paints a unique picture of a wonderful collection of characters, and the entertaining and often hilarious things that happen to them. Dramatised by Eric Pringle, it is brought to life by a full cast of well-known actors, and stars Ronald Pickup as William Holland, Rosemary Martin and Rowena Cooper as his wife, Mary, and Gavin Muir as Robert. Production credits Written by William Holland Dramatised by Eric Pringle Directed by Cherry Cookson Cast William Holland - Ronald Pickup Mary - Rosemary Martin/Rowena Cooper Robert - Gavin Muir Miss Dodwell - Tessa Worsley Mr Amen - Gordon Gostelow Farmer Morle - David Collings William Frost/Farmer Landsey - David Timson Rector Reekes/Ben Hunt - John Hartley Thomas Poole/Farmer Trant/Porter - Stephen Critchlow Mrs Southcomb - Margaret Courtenay Farmer CottleMr Lewis - Andrew Branch Margaret/Hannah/Betty/Little Will - Jane Whittenshaw Sally Hill/Grace - Caroline Strong With Tilly Gaunt, Giles Fagan and Ben Crowe First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 7-21 February 1996 (Series 1), 29 October-12 November 1999 (Series 2) © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Eric Pringle, William Holland (Author), Andrew Branch, David Collings, Full Cast, Gavin Muir, Gordon Gostelow, Margaret Courtenay, Ronald Pickup, Rosemary Martin, Rowena Cooper, Tessa Worsley (Narrator)

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10 Rillington Place: Trials of Evans & Christie: Full-Cast Drama

In March 1950, Timothy Evans, aged 25, was hanged for the murder of his wife. Sixteen years later the Queen was to grant him a full pardon. So why did Timothy Evans confess to murder? Why was John Reginald Christie, his neighbour, not arrested until April Fool’s Day three years later? And what was the gruesome discovery behind the kitchen wall? The shocking truth of the sordid and tragic events that took place behind the doors of number 10 Rillington Place was to horrify the nation. A full-cast dramatisation starring RONALD PICKUP as John Reginald Halliday Christie and JONATHAN WRATHER as Timothy Evans with full supporting cast. Also available as part of the Great British Trials BOX SET. The series Great British Trials provides a fascinating glimpse into some of the most notorious crimes and trials of the last 500 years, using the original trial transcripts, eyewitness accounts and contemporary newspaper reports, we witness the actual events that made each trial a cause célèbre of its day. “Mr Punch is going from strength to strength, continuing their good run of classy audio...” Talking Business © & ℗ 2021 Mr Punch Audiobooks Ltd

Mr Punch (Author), Elizabeth Mansfield, Howard Ward, John Baddeley, Jonathan Wrather, Nicola Barber, Robin Welch, Ronald Pickup, Terence Edmond, Trevor Nichols (Narrator)

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Great British Trials Box Set: Full-Cast Drama

A full-cast dramatisation of some of the most notorious crimes and trials of the last 100 years, using the original trial transcripts. The Trial of Ruth Ellis At 9 am on 13th July 1955, Ruth Ellis became the last woman to hang in Britain. Convicted of shooting her unfaithful lover in cold blood as he stood by his sports car, the calm and dignified court appearance of this mother of two and the furore that accompanied her sentence, ensured that this trial was to have a memorable place in the annals of British justice. Starring JEMMA REDGRAVE as Ruth Ellis with full supporting cast. The Trial of Dr Crippen Mild-mannered Dr Hawley Harvey Crippen committed one of the most notorious English murders of the 20th Century. In early 1910 he dismembered his wife's body and buried the remains in the coal cellar. His trial was expected to be a formality, but Crippen pleaded 'Not Guilty!', and so begins this strangely moving tale of passion and despair. Starring ANDREW SACHS as Dr Crippen with full supporting cast. 10 Rillington Place In March 1950, Timothy Evans, aged 25, was hanged for the murder of his wife. 16 years later the Queen was to grant him a full pardon. So why did Evans confess to murder? Why was Christie not arrested until three years later? The shocking truth was to horrify the nation. Starring RONALD PICKUP as John Reginald Halliday Christie with full supporting cast. “Mr Punch is going from strength to strength, continuing their good run of classy audio” Talking Business © & ℗ 2021 Mr Punch Audiobooks Ltd

Mr Punch (Author), Andrew Sachs, David Goodland, Jemma Redgrave, John Baddeley, Mark Hadfield, Nicola Barber, Norman Bird, Ronald Pickup, Terence Edmond, Teresa Gallagher (Narrator)

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David Hare: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: 8 full-cast productions including Plenty, Skylight, Amy’s

Eight incisive dramas by the internationally-renowned playwright - plus bonus interview Writer and director David Hare is one of England's leading political dramatists, celebrated for his many award-winning plays analysing the morality of contemporary Britain. This collection comprises some of his most acclaimed pieces, as well as a fascinating radio interview with Hare himself. It opens with his two acknowledged masterpieces: Plenty and Amy's View. These mesmerising dramas, both spanning several decades, present vivid portraits of strong women diminished by circumstance, metaphorically evoking the changing values and collapsing ideals of the postwar period. These are followed by Knuckle, a fast-paced parody of the American hardboiled thriller set in the Home Counties; and Pravda, co-written with Howard Brenton, a satirical comedy about a monstrous media tycoon. Also included are The Bay at Nice, set in 1950s Russia and exploring the nature of art and freedom; Skylight, about the reunion between a Thatcherite entrepreneur and his onetime mistress; Racing Demon, the first in a trilogy of plays about British institutions, focusing on the Church of England in crisis; and the play in which Hare made his acting debut: the powerful monologue Via Dolorosa, a meditation on his extraordinary 1997 trip to Israel and Palestine. Among the stellar cast: Jane Lapotalre, Zoë Wanamaker, Judi Dench, Samantha Bond, Anthony Hopkins, Bill Nighy, Robert Glenister, Stephen Tompkinson, Ronald Pickup, Geoffrey Palmer, Stella Gonet & Paul McGann. In an interview for the World Service arts programme Meridian, David Hare talks about why he enjoys writing good parts for women, what he believes plays can achieve that other media cannot, and the capacity of art to change society. Production credits Written by David Hare. Pravda written by David Hare and Howard Brenton. Text copyright © David Hare 1974 (Knuckle), 1978 (Plenty), 1986 (The Bay at Nice), 1990 (Racing Demon), 1995 (Skylight), 1997 (Amy's View), 1998 (Via Dolorosa). Pravda text copyright © David Hare and Howard Brenton 1985. All rights reserved. Special thanks to The British Library and Keith Wickham for sourcing audio files. Content list 1. Plenty 2. Amy's View 3. Knuckle 4. Pravda 5. The Bay at Nice 6. Skylight 7. Racing Demon 8. Via Dolorosa Bonus interview Meridian: David Hare First broadcast BBC World Service, 21 October 1991 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

David Hare (Author), Anthony Hopkins, Bill Nighy, Geoffrey Palmer, Judi Dench, Ronald Pickup, Samantha Bond, Stephen Tompkinson, Zoë Wanamaker (Narrator)

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The Wilkie Collins BBC Radio Collection: Dramatisations and readings of his sensational stories incl

BBC radio productions of the finest works of Wilkie Collins: sensation novelist, early master of the mystery story, and pioneer of detective fiction Wilkie Collins was one of Victorian England's best-loved and best-selling authors, and a crime fiction pioneer. His enthralling 'sensation novels' such as The Woman in White paved the way for today's thrillers, and his tour de force The Moonstone is one of the first, and greatest, modern detective stories. This collection features dramatisations of these two masterpieces, with star casts including Toby Stephens (The Woman in White) and John Sharp (The Moonstone). Also included are adaptations of three of Collins' other major novels: No Name, The Law and the Lady and The Haunted Hotel, starring Sophie Thompson, Abigail Docherty and Henry Lloyd respectively. Collins was a prolific short story writer, and included here are a number of his shorter tales, such as a full-cast dramatisation of the ghost story 'Mad Monkton', starring Gary Bond, and readings of five tales of suspense: 'The Dream Woman' (read by David Suchet), 'The Biter Bit' (read by John Rowe), 'A Terribly Strange Bed' (read by Paul Daneman), 'The Stolen Letter' (read by Garard Green) and 'The Dead Hand' (read by Peter Marinker). Plus, the darkly comic 'Mrs Badgery' is read by Christopher Harper, while Ronald Pickup reads the murder mystery 'Who Killed Zebedee?', taken from the 1887 short story collection Little Novels. There are also dramatisations of five additional Little Novels tales: 'Miss Jeromette and the Clergyman', 'Mr Marmaduke and the Minister', 'Miss Bertha and the Yankee', 'Miss Morris and the Stranger' and 'Mr Percy and the Prophet', all starring Ronald Pickup as Wilkie Collins. A lifelong friend of Charles Dickens, Collins collaborated with him on several works including 'A House to Let', which was co-written by Collins, Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell and Adelaide Anne Proctor. Marcia Warren stars in an adaptation of this exciting tale of secrets and intrigue. Finally, in Night Waves: The Woman in White, Matthew Sweet joins Simon Callow, Kate Summerscale, Paul Lewis and Lisa Appignanesi to discuss the groundbreaking novel that catapulted Collins to literary stardom, exploring its lasting influence and asking how it stands up today. Contents 1. The Woman in White 2. No Name 3. The Moonstone 4. The Law and the Lady 5. The Haunted Hotel 6. 'Mad Monkton' 7. 'The Dream Woman' 8. 'The Biter Bit' 9. 'A Terribly Strange Bed' 10. 'The Stolen Letter' 11. 'The Dead Hand' 12. 'Mrs Badgery' 13. 'A House to Let' 14. 'Who Killed Zebedee?' 15. 'Miss Jeromette and the Clergyman' 16. 'Mr Marmaduke and the Minister' 17. 'Miss Bertha and the Yankee' 18. 'Miss Morris and the Stranger' 19. 'Mr Percy and the Prophet' 20. 'Night Waves: The Woman in White' (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Wilkie Collins (Author), Abigail Docherty, David Suchet, Full Cast, Harry Lloyd, John Sharp, Marcia Warren, Ronald Pickup, Sophie Thompson, Toby Stephens (Narrator)

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Holding Back the Tide: A BBC Radio full-cast comedy drama

Ronald Pickup, Paul Ritter and Kate Duchêne star in Nick Warburton’s comedy about one community’s attempts to resist change When Richard and Clare Wells inherit a clifftop house in Yorkshire, they also inherit a sitting tenant, John Hector, who treats their home as his own and the local town as his own personal fiefdom. But the sea is eroding the land, and John is intent on stopping them all from being evicted, so the Wells’ reluctantly embrace him as an ally. As he entangles them in his conservation battles, Clare and Richard find themselves drawn into the Breck Howe Preservation Society, an unlikely group attempting to defend their town against the worst ills of modernity. Their lives will never be the same again... North meets South in this comedic clash of cultures, written by award-winning dramatist Nick Warburton. Ronald Pickup stars as John Hector, with Paul Ritter as Richard and Kate Duchêne as Clare. Written by Nick Warburton Directed by Sally Avens First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 January 2016 (The Vauxgarth Pig), 11-25 August 2017 (Series 1), 16 November-14 December 2018 (Series 2) Cast Richard Wells – Paul Ritter Clare Wells – Kate Duchêne John Hector – Ronald Pickup Lux – Michelle Asante Penrith – Chris Pavlo Trafford/Hugh – Gerard McDermott Mrs Cardabbon – Susan James Estate Agent – Caolan McCarthy Ticket Lady – Kerry Gooderson Guard – Bob Blythe Tiffany – Louise Brealey Librarian – Chetna Pandya/Liam Lau Fernandez Mrs Briggs of Events – Sanchia McCormack/Elizabeth Counsell Headley – Philip Fox Norwegian Herring Enthusiast – Simon Ludders Ralph Bell – Sean Murray MC/Trevor Butt – Tony Turner Robust Betty – Emma Handy Rude Girl/Brandi – Saffron Coomber Barb/WPC – Jeannette Percival Mikey/Surly Reader/Tourist – Cameron Percival Chucker/A Heavy – Don Gilet Anthony/Wayne/Seasider – Lewis Bray Himself – Jonathan Agnew

Nick Warburton (Author), Kate Duchêne, Paul Ritter, Ronald Pickup (Narrator)

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Men-of-War

Out of print for many years, this is a brand new edition of the definitive companion to the acclaimed Aubrey-Maturin series of novels, written by the author himself. What was daily life in Nelson's navy really like, for everyone from the captain down to the rawest recruit? What did they eat? What songs did they sing? What was the schedule of watches? How were the officers and crew paid, and what was the division of prize-money? These questions and many more are answered in Patrick O'Brian's elegant narrative, which includes wonderful anecdotal material on the battles and commanders that established Britain's naval supremacy. The meticulously researched text provides an unparalleled insight into life during wartime in the Napoleonic era, and offers a wonderfully evocative companion to the world of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Maturin.

Patrick O'brian, Patrick O’brian (Author), Ronald Pickup (Narrator)

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Evans & Christie

Great British Trials presents a fascinating glimpse into three of the most notorious crimes and trials of the last 100 years. Through original trial transcripts, eyewitness accounts and contemporary newspaper reports, we witness the actual events that made each trial a cause célèbre of its day. In March 1950 Timothy Evans, aged 25, was hanged for the murder of his wife and child. 16 years later the Queen was to grant him a full pardon. So why did Timothy Evans confess to murder? Why was John Christie not arrested until three years later? And what was the gruesome discovery behind the kitchen wall? The shocking truth of the sordid events that took place behind the doors of number 10 Rillington Place was to horrify the nation. The Trial of Evans & Christie - 10 Rillington Place, starring Ronald Pickup as John Reginald Halliday ChristieFully Dramatised starring Ronald Pickup; Terence Edmond; Trevor Nichols; John Baddeley; Robin Welch; Nicola Barber; Elizabeth Mansfield; Howard Ward; Jonathan Wrather

John Christie, Timothy Evans (Author), Elizabeth Mansfield, Howard Ward, John Baddeley, Jonathan Wrather, Nicola Barber, Robin Welch, Ronald Pickup, Terence Edmond, Trevor Nichols (Narrator)

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The Great Poets: John Masefield

John Masefield (1878–1967) was one of the most prolific, popular and successful poets of the twentieth century. Masefield broke upon Edwardian literature with the startling work entitled The Everlasting Mercy, which described the spiritual enlightenment of a drunken poacher. Over the span of his lifetime, he was appointed Poet Laureate and amassed a large number of admirers, which included such high-profile names as John Betjeman, Robert Graves and W.B. Yeats. This collection contains thirty-six poems and spans Masefield’s entire career. There are early poems from Salt-Water Ballads (1902) and Ballads (1903), followed by extracts from the narrative poems The Everlasting Mercy, Dauber and Reynard the Fox. The selection also includes a number of sonnets including ‘On Growing Old’, as well as his poetry on the Romans, alongside a number of rarities.

John Masefield (Author), Ronald Pickup (Narrator)

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Who Killed Zebedee

John Zebedee was found killed with a knife in the night. Who killed him, cloaked in darkness? With just days to live, a dying policeman finally reflects on the many cases of his career. The case stands out amongst the rest: the case of John Zebedee. The case that changed his life forever. He candidly reveals his involvement in a murder case many years before. As a young police constable in London, he recalls how a young woman burst in with news of a gruesome killing... Detective story by Wilkie Collins, first published in 1881.

Wilkie Collins (Author), Ronald Pickup (Narrator)

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Amy's View

Esme Allen is a middle-aged West End actor and is in control of her life: she's financially secure and successful. However, Amy, her grown-up daughter is pregnant by Dominic, an ambitious media-man who believes that theatre is dead. Esme and Dominic, unsurpisingly, loathe each other. But this leaves Amy - whose 'view' is that love conquers all - right in the middle of things. Then Dominic's star begins to rise, just as Esme starts to lose everything: the comforts of home, money. Even her daughter, Amy... Among the star cast in this recording are Samantha Bond and Dame Judi Dench, who won a Tony Award for her Broadway performance in Amy's View.

David Hare (Author), , Judi Dench, Ronald Pickup, Samantha Bond (Narrator)

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Hamlet (Classic Radio Theatre)

Written over four hundred years ago, 'Hamlet' still remains one of the most powerful, influential and thrilling tragedies in the English language. The story of Prince Hamlet and his quest for vengeance has been interpreted countless times on stage, film and television. With its riveting plot featuring murder and supernatural horror; and presenting possibly the most fascinating character in the history of drama, it never fails to enthral. This BBC archive production from 1971 was produced by the renowned John Tydeman and features a cast of highly-regarded actors, with music from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.

William Shakespeare (Author), Angela Pleasance, Angela Pleasence, Full Cast, Maxine Audley, Ronald Pickup (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Ronald Pickup