Audiobooks Narrated by Rowena Cooper

The Voysey Inheritance & The Secret Life: Two Full-Cast BBC Radio Productions

"Two outstanding plays from a major figure of British Edwardian theatre Harley Granville Barker was one of the most influential voices in early 20th-century drama – an actor, director and playwright whose work helped shape modern British theatre. His plays are celebrated for their psychological depth, moral complexity and Chekhovian style. He is best known for his masterpiece, The Voysey Inheritance, which is presented here with his forgotten classic, The Secret Life. The Voysey Inheritance – When Edward inherits the family firm, he makes a devastating discovery: its success is built on deceit. For years, his father has gambled recklessly with clients’ money – just as his father did before him. Faced with an impossible choice, Edward must decide whether to continue the fraud to try to save the business, or expose the truth and ruin his family’s reputation forever. Samuel Barnett, Clive Merrison and Phyllida Law star in Barker’s witty, subversive play. The Secret Life – Against a backdrop of political intrigue in the years following World War One, former MP Evan Strowde’s long-suppressed love for Joan Westbury is re-awakened. But should he sacrifice personal happiness for public service? Ronald Pickup, Brenda Blethyn, Rowena Cooper and Helen McCrory star in this absorbing drama, produced in association with the Royal National Theatre. Cast and credits The Voysey Inheritance Edward – Samuel Barnett Mr Voysey – Clive Merrison Mr George Booth – Gawn Grainger Trenchard Voysey – Richard Dillane Major Booth Vosey – Alan Cox Denis Tregoning – Joseph Arkley Mrs Voysey – Phyllida Law Honor Voysey – Amanda Lawrence Peacey – Paul Moriarty Adapted for radio and directed by Lu Kemp First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7 April 2012 The Secret Life Stephen Serocold – James Laurenson Evan Strowde – Ronald Pickup Eleanor Strowde – Rowena Cooper Joan Westbury – Brenda Blethyn Lady Peckham – Rosemary Martin Oliver Gauntlett – Jo Stone-Fewings Mr Kittredge – Manning Redwood Susan Kittredge – Helen McCrory Dorothy Gauntlett – Rachel Atkins Sir Leslie Heriot – John Baddeley Lord Clumbermere – Barry J. Gordon Sir Geoffrey Salomons – Steve Hodson Adapted for radio and directed by Giles Croft (Radio production in association with the Royal National Theatre) Pianist Mary Nash First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 31 May 1993 © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Harley Granville Barker (Author), Brenda Blethyn, Clive Merrison, Full Cast, Helen McCrory, Phyllida Law, Ronald Pickup, Rowena Cooper, Samuel Barnett (Narrator)

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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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Moll Flanders

"Born in Newgate Prison and abandoned soon after, Moll Flanders is searching for a secure place in society. Her desire to belong propels her into all kinds of trouble from numerous marriages, bigamy and incest to theft. Charting her progress from an innocent but determined young girl to a contentedly resigned elderly woman, Defoe's novel casts a light on the splendours and iniquities of life in 18th century England and America. It is a tale of sin and repentance, portrayed through a rich pageant of comical scenes."

Daniel Defoe (Author), Rowena Cooper (Narrator)

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