Audiobooks narrated by Ruth Jones

Maxim Gorky: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Five Full-Cast Productions

"Full-cast productions of five plays by the celebrated Russian author, plus a reading of one of his most famous short stories 'stellar performances from some of the best actors of their generation' - Entertainment Focus Alexei Maximovich Peshkov, known under his pseudonym Maxim Gorky, was one of Russia's greatest Soviet writers and the founder of the ‘socialist realism’ literary movement. Nominated for the Nobel Prize five times, his best-known works include the short story ‘Twenty-Six Men and a Girl’ and his seminal play The Lower Depths. Both are included in this collection, as well as four more acclaimed dramas. The Lower Depths – The arrival of the vagrant Luka has unexpected consequences for the down and out denizens of a Moscow dosshouse... First performed in 1902, Gorky’s pioneering play was the first to introduce Russian audiences to characters who were on the fringes of society, and was an instant success. This 1997 production, adapted by Alan Plater, stars Glyn Houston, with John Woodvine, Malcolm Storry, Laurence Allan and Joe Caffrey. Summerfolk – Spending the summer at their forest dachas, a group of middle-class holidaymakers embark on affairs, intrigues and amateur dramatics, but cannot escape the hollowness of their lives. Written as a response to Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, Gorky’s 1904 play depicts the Russian bourgeoisie on the brink of tremendous social change. Initially performed at the National Theatre, this adaptation stars Christine Pritchard, Simon Armstrong, Kelly Hunter and Ruth Jones. Enemies – Summer 1905, and as Russia stands on the edge of revolution, landowner and textile factory owner Zakhar Bardin and his intransigent managing director are at odds over the sacking of a foreman. The situation quickly spins out of control – with tragic consequences… Allan McClelland and Timothy Bateson star in this powerful dramatisation of Gorky’s 1906 play, which was censored by both Russia’s Tsarist regime and by Stalin. Vassa Zhelyeznova – Iron-willed Vassa has always done whatever it takes to build up the family business. Now, as her husband lies dying, she is engaged in a life-and-death struggle over its future. This 1986 radio production stars Billie Whitelaw, who won a Sony Radio Award for Best Actress for her performance as Vassa. The Old Man – Set in provincial Russia at the turn of the century, Maxim Gorky’s philosophical drama centres around a successful building contractor whose life is shattered by the intrusion of an old man he knew in the past. This classic radio production from 1974 stars Freddie Jones, Maxine Audley and Alan Webb. Twenty-Six Men and a Girl – Working day and night making pretzels in an airless basement, a group of bakers have only one solace: Tanya, the young seamstress who visits every day to enjoy their wares. But then the soldier arrives, determined to seduce her… Read by Joe Melia. First published 1899 (‘Twenty-Six Men and a Girl’), 1902 (The Lower Depths), 1902 (Summerfolk), 1906 (Enemies), 1910, revised 1935 (Vassa Zhelyeznova), 1915, revised 1922 and 1924 (The Old Man). All rights reserved © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Maxim Gorky (Author), Alan Webb, Allan McClelland, Billie Whitelaw, Christine Pritchard, Freddie Jones, Full Cast, Glyn Houston, Joe Caffrey, Joe Melia, John Woodvine, Kelly Hunter, Laurence Allan, Malcolm Storry, Maxine Audley, Ruth Jones, Simon Armstrong, Timothy Bateson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Just a Minute: The Complete BBC TV Collection: Every Soundtrack Episode from the Hit BBC Comedy Show

"All 30 soundtrack episodes of the BBC TV version of Just a Minute Just a Minute is a radio perennial. Loved by listeners for almost 60 years, it’s the BBC’s longest-running and most popular panel game, having clocked up over 1000 episodes on Radio 4. And now, you can enjoy 30 more, with these sparkling soundtrack episodes from the BBC TV run of the show. First broadcast on BBC One in 1999 and BBC Two in 2012, they are chaired by the one and only Nicholas Parsons, who presides over a host of celebrity wordsmiths including Paul Merton, Pam Ayres, Clare Balding, Jo Brand, Gyles Brandreth, Barry Cryer, John Sergeant, Brian Sewell, Hugh Bonneville, Marcus Brigstocke, Julian Clary, Stephen Fry, Phill Jupitus, Miles Jupp, Shappi Khorsandi, Graham Norton, Sue Perkins and Liza Tarbuck. Though the format may be different, the aim of the game is still the same: to speak on a given theme for 60 seconds, without hesitation, repetition or deviation. Among the topics testing the panellists’ verbal dexterity are Ever Decreasing Circles, Mumbo Jumbo, Garden Gnomes, Yorkshire Pudding, Charlie Chaplin, A New Rule for Just a Minute, My 45th Birthday and Writer’s Block. So ready your ears for a feast of comic improvisations, magical monologues, cheeky challenges and outrageous one-upmanship, as the panellists set their sights on that rarest of beasts: a perfect, uninterrupted minute... NB: Contains mild innuendo. The humour in these programmes sometimes reflects the era in which they were first broadcast. Cast and credits Devised by Ian Messiter Chaired by Nicholas Parsons BBC One series produced and directed by Helena Taylor BBC Two series produced by Andy Brereton and Jamie Ormerod and directed by Richard van't Riet Episode list: BBC One 19 Apr 1999: Barry Cryer, Su Pollard, John Sergeant and Brian Sewell 20 Apr 1999: Tony Hawks, Wendy Richard, Steve Frost and Clare Baldin 21 Apr 1999: Isla Blair, Gyles Brandreth, Linda Smith and Gary Wilmot 22 Apr 1999: Pam Ayres, Peter Jones, Wendy Richard and Linda Smith 23 Apr 1999: Jo Brand, Gyles Brandreth, Tony Hawks and Peter Jones 26 Apr 1999: Barry Cryer, Stephen Frost, Tony Hawks and Wendy Richard 27 Apr 1999: Michael Cashman, Peter Jones, Maria McErlane and Linda Smith 28 Apr 1999: Liza Goddard, Richard Morton, Tom O’Connor and Richard Vranch 29 Apr 1999: Clare Balding, Stephen Frost, Tony Hawks and Wendy Richard 30 Apr 1999: Barry Cryer, Su Pollard, John Sergeant and Brian Sewell 3 May 1999: Isla Blair, Gyles Brandreth, Linda Smith and Gary Wilmot 4 May 1999: Maria McErlane, Steve Punt, Wendy Richard and Linda Smith 5 May 1999: Gyles Brandreth, Ken Bruce, Liza Goddard and Richard Morton 6 May 1999: Pam Ayres, Peter Jones, Wendy Richard and Linda Smith 10 May 1999: Tony Hawks, Wendy Richard, Barry Cryer and Stephen Frost 11 May 1999: Michael Cashman, Peter Jones, Maria McErlane and Linda Smith 12 May 1999: Jo Brand, Gyles Brandreth, Tony Hawks and Peter Jones 13 May 1999: Maria McErlane, Steve Punt, Wendy Richard and Linda Smith 14 May 1999: Gyles Brandreth, Ken Bruce, Liza Goddard and Richard Morton 26 May 1999: Liza Goddard, Richard Vranch, Richard Morton and Tom O'Connor BBC Two 26 Mar 2012: Paul Merton, Graham Norton, Sue Perkins and Phill Jupitus 27 Mar 2012: Paul Merton, Julian Clary, Stephen Fry and Russell Tovey 28 Mar 2012: Paul Merton, Sue Perkins, Marcus Brigstocke and Ruth Jones 29 Mar 2012: Paul Merton, Liza Tarbuck, Gyles Brandreth and Miles Jupp 30 Mar 2012: Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, John Sergeant and Jason Manford 2 Apr 2012: Paul Merton, Graham Norton, Sue Perkins and Tony Hawks 3 Apr 2012: Paul Merton, Shappi Khorsandi, Hugh Bonneville and Jason Manford 4 Apr 2012: Paul Merton, Sue Perkins, Marcus Brigstocke and Stephen Mangan 5 Apr 2012: Paul Merton, Liza Tarbuck, Gyles Brandreth and Tony Hawks 6 Apr 2012: Paul Merton, Julian Clary, Stephen Fry and Shappi Khorsandi © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

BBC Comedy (Author), Barry Cryer, Graham Norton, Hugh Bonneville, Josie Lawrence, Marcus Brigstocke, Miles Jupp, Nicholas Parsons, Pam Ayres, Paul Merton, Ruth Jones, Stephen Fry, Steve Punt, Sue Perkins, Tony Hawks, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between: The Sunday Times bestselling behind-the-scenes memoir from the creators of Gavin and Stacey

"Brought to you by Penguin. *THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BEST SELLER* READ BY RUTH JONES & JAMES CORDEN. For the first time, go behind the scenes of the beloved TV show Gavin and Stacey with a funny and heartwarming tale of love and friendship from the BAFTA award-winning writers Ruth Jones and James Corden. In this audiobook, hear Ruth and James in conversation like never before. This is a story about how Ruth and James turned their little show about ordinary life into a full-on cultural phenomenon. As they recount the rejection, obstacles and challenges they faced along the way, Ruth and James explore the journey of their real-life friendship, the show and the relationship between Nessa and Smithy that had the nation glued to their screens. Full of revelations and anecdotes to working scripts, this one-of-a kind memoir takes you behind the scenes of one of the most iconic and beloved shows in British television history. In this audiobook, hear exclusive messages from the cast of the show as they react to the final episode. Here are the details of what’s occurred every step of the way, from initial pitch to final day of filming, and all the love that followed. When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between is the perfect final chapter in this incredible story and is essential listening for all Gavin and Stacey fans. LISTENERS LOVE WHEN GAVIN MET STACEY AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN: 'A must-listen for any Gavin and Stacey fan' ***** 'PROPER TIDY!!!' ***** 'A lovely walk down memory lane' ***** ©2025 James Corden and Ruth Jones, with permission from BBC Motion Gallery/Getty Images (P)2025 Penguin Audio"

James Corden, Ruth Jones (Author), James Corden, Ruth Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

The By Your Side: The uplifting holiday read from the Sunday Times bestselling author and Gavin & Stacey co-creator

"Brought to you by Penguin. DON’T MISS THE NEW NOVEL FROM THE BAFTA-WINNING CO-WRITER OF GAVIN & STACEY. The joyful and life-affirming new novel from the co-creator of Gavin and Stacey and the Richard and Judy Book Club author of Love Untold. The joyful and life-affirming new novel from the BAFTA-winning co-writer of Gavin and Stacey and the Sunday Times bestselling and Richard and Judy Book Club author of Love Untold. Because second chances come when you least expect them... Linda Standish has been a friend to the friendless for the past thirty-three years, in her role at the council’s Unclaimed Heirs Unit. And now she’s looking forward to the joys of an early retirement. But before she hangs up her lanyard, Linda takes on one last case – that of Levi Norman – a Welshman who made his home on a remote Scottish island for the five years before he died. Linda must visit Storrich to track down Levi's remaining relatives . . . What brought Levi here? And who did he leave behind? Obliged to travel (by hearse!) with her arch nemesis, and helped (and hindered...) by the local residents, Linda searches for clues to a life now lost. And in the process unexpectedly makes new friends, and discovers things about herself she never knew. Bursting with all the heart and humour that has made Ruth’s name as a screenwriter and author, By Your Side is a joyful celebration of friendship, love and community. 'Ruth Jones writes with such warmth you can't help but fall in love with the characters she creates.’ JAMES CORDEN ‘Ruth Jones is excellent on human nature and why we make the mistakes we do’ JOJO MOYES 'A heartwarming and funny read from the brilliant Ruth Jones' Heat (Book of the Week) © Ruth Jones 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025"

Ruth Jones (Author), Ruth Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

Love Untold: The joyful Sunday Times bestseller and Richard and Judy Book Club pick from the Gavin & Stacey co-creator

"Brought to you by Penguin. The funny, moving and uplifting new novel from Ruth Jones, co-creator of Gavin & Stacey and author of the Sunday Times bestsellers Never Greener and Us Three. The joyful Sunday Times bestseller and Richard and Judy Book Club pick. Grace is about to turn ninety. She doesn't want parties or presents or fuss. She just wants to heal the family rift that's been breaking her heart for decades. But to do that she must find her daughter Alys - the only person who can help to put things right. And when she finds her - if she does - she risks betraying granddaughter Elin. Who is far less forgiving of the past, with its hurts and secrets and lies. Meanwhile Grace's great-grand-daughter Beca is oblivious to all these worries, too busy navigating the highs and lows of teenage life and keeping secrets of her own. All families have their problems. And most of them get resolved. But Grace's problem is thirty years old. And she doesn't have time on her side. So is it too late for her to make peace? Or is reconciliation still within reach? Love Untold is about mothers and daughters and the complex bond between them. It's about the heartache that comes from leaving things unsaid and the power of true forgiveness. It is a joy-filled, life-affirming, sob-inducing novel - with characters you'll come to know and love - from no.1 bestselling author Ruth Jones. PRAISE FOR RUTH JONES 'Ruth Jones writes with such warmth you can't help but fall in love with the characters she creates. It's always grounded, always real, always comforting, always ultimately full of love' James Corden 'Jones's trademark warmth and humour suffuse the novel with comedy and pathos, making for a heart-warming, entertaining and, at times, deeply moving story' The Observer © Ruth Jones 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022"

Ruth Jones (Author), Ruth Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

Everyday Kindness: A collection of uplifting tales to brighten your day

"Everyday Kindness is a charity anthology of short, fictional stories of kindness, edited by LJ Ross. These uplifting tales of hope and of small, everyday kindnesses are intended to support wider, positive mental health goals and foster wellbeing through the act of reading tales of goodwill inspired by others. Featuring authors across the spectrum of literature, some international bestsellers and award-winning writers amongst them, this is a unique collection of words. Proceeds from the book will be donated to Shelter, a charity that helps millions of people a year struggling with bad housing or homelessness. Authors include: LJ Ross, Adam Hamdy, Alex Smith, Alexander Gordon Smith, Alison Stockham, Anne O’Leary, Barbara Copperthwaite, J.D. Kirk, C.L. Taylor, Caroline Mitchell, Chris McDonald, Claire Sheehy, Clare Flynn, Darren O’Sullivan, David Leadbeater, Debbie Young, Deborah Carr, Emma Robinson, Graham Brack, Hannah Lynn, Heather Martin, Holly Martin, Ian Sainsbury, Imogen Clark, James Gilbert, Jane Corry, Jean Gill, J.J. Marsh, Judith O’Reilly, Kelly Clayton, Kim Nash, Leah Mercer, Liz Fenwick, Louise Beech, Louise Jensen, Louise Mumford, Malcolm Hollingdrake, Marcia Woolf, Mark Stay, Marcie Steele, Natasha Bache, Nick Jackson, Nick Quantrill, Nicky Black, Patricia Gibney, Rachel Sargeant, Rob Parker, Rob Scragg, S.E. Lynes, Shelley Day, Casey Kelleher, Sophie Hannah, Victoria Connelly, Victoria Cooke, Will Dean. “A win/win when it comes to making you feel good – the stories will do just that, and buying this book will help homeless people.” Val McDermid “Jack Reacher is a wanderer by choice. Others are homeless through no fault of their own – illness, the loss of a job, the loss of a partner. We need a better system. Buy this book and you'll enjoy some great stories, and you'll help Shelter – our best advocate for housing fairness.” Lee Child “What a treasure trove of stories! Each one has a different style and I enjoyed all of them. A highly recommended collection for a good cause!” Glynis Peters “I loved every page! Each story was the hug I needed, and the stories from this amazing collection of talented authors were told with poignancy. Exactly what the world needs right now.” Jessica Ryn LJ Ross is an international bestselling author, best known for creating atmospheric mystery and thriller novels, including the DCI Ryan series of Northumbrian murder mysteries which have sold over 6 million copies worldwide."

Adam Hamdy, Alex Smith, Alison Stockham, Anne O’Leary, Barbara Copperthwaite, C.L. Taylor, Caroline Mitchell, Casey Kelleher, Chris McDonald, Claire Sheehy, Clare Flynn, Darren O'Sullivan, David Leadbeater, Debbie Young, Deborah Carr, Emma Robinson, Graham Brack, Hannah Lynn, Heather Martin, Holly Martin, Ian Sainsbury, Imogen Clark, J.J. Marsh, JD Kirk, James Gilbert, Jane Corry, Jean Gill, Judith O'Reilly, Kelly Clayton, Kim Nash, LJ Ross, Leah Mercer, Liz Fenwick, Louise Beech, Louise Jensen, Louise Mumford, Malcolm Hollingdrake, Marcia Woolf, Marcie Steele, Mark Stay, Natasha Bache, Nick Jackson, Nick Quantrill, Nicky Black, Patricia Gibney, Rachel Sargeant, Rob Parker, Rob Scragg, S.E. Lynes, Shelley Day, Sophie Hannah, Various Authors, Victoria Connelly, Victoria Cooke, Will Dean (Author), Aidan Kelly, Avita Jay, Celia Imrie, Damian Lynch, Dervla Kirwin, Deryn Oliver, Emilea Wilson, Eva Pope, Gemma Whelan, Jilly Bond, Jonathan Keeble, Julie Walters, Kathryn Drysdale, Katie Leung, Laurel Lefkow, Nicolette Chin, Rachel Atkins, Raj Ghatak, Richard Armitage, Robert G Slade, Ruth Jones, Sara Powell, Sophie Roberts (Narrator)

Audiobook

Us Three: The funny and uplifting Sunday Times bestseller from the co-creator of Gavin & Stacey

"Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Us Three written and read by Ruth Jones, co-creator of Gavin & Stacey and author of the smash-hit, number one bestselling debut, Never Greener. Friends forever is a difficult promise to keep... Meet Lana, Judith and Catrin. Best friends since primary school when they swore an oath on a Curly Wurly wrapper that they would always be there for each other, come what may. After the trip of a lifetime, the three girls are closer than ever. But an unexpected turn of events shakes the foundation of their friendship to its core, leaving their future in doubt - there's simply too much to forgive, let alone forget. An innocent childhood promise they once made now seems impossible to keep.... Packed with all the heart and empathy that made Ruth's name as a screenwriter and now author, Us Three is a funny, moving and uplifting novel about life's complications, the power of friendship and how it defines us all. Prepare to meet characters you'll feel you've known all your life - prepare to meet Us Three. Praise for Ruth Jones: 'Ruth Jones is excellent on human nature and why we make the mistakes we do. I felt for every character. Unputdownable.' Jojo Moyes, bestselling author of ME BEFORE YOU 'I love books about gnarly, messy relationships and this one kept me gripped from the beginning. A great read.' Jane Fallon, bestselling author of TELL ME A SECRET 'Thought-provoking, compelling and ultimately redemptive' Sunday Express © Ruth Jones 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020"

Ruth Jones (Author), Ruth Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

Little Brexit: Featuring never-before-heard sketches

"The stars of Little Britain return for this one-off comic look at Brexit. Originally broadcast on Radio 4, Little Brexit includes exclusive, never before heard-or-broadcast sketches. Brexit. Brexit. Brexit. The referendum has united this country like never before. Everybody loves Brexit. But how will Brexit affect the ordinary people of Britain? On the 31st of October 2019, Britain finally didn't quite yet leave the EU. To celebrate this, Matt Lucas and David Walliams returned for a special episode of their much-loved sketch show Little Britain, the hit comedy that moved from radio to TV in 2003, running for three series, and went on to win back-to-back BAFTA awards for best comedy programme. News of the show was kept secret right up to the moment Matt & David walked out on stage to a tremendous roar. Up to then, it had simply been called 'The All Star Brexit Show' complete with fake billing. At that moment, the BBC flicked the billing, the title and the photo - and the press went nuts. Little Brexit was written and performed by Matt Lucas and David Walliams, who were joined by an all-star cast, including the one and only Tom Baker (Doctor Who), Joann Condon (Little Britain), Anthony Head (Cabin Pressure, Bleak Expectations), Ruth Jones (Gavin and Stacey, Stella), Samantha Power (Waterloo Road) and Paul Putner. The show was a collaboration between Little Britain Productions, and Pozzitive, proud producers of Cabin Pressure, Thanks A Lot, Milton Jones!, Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation, The Brig Society, The Castle, Armando Iannucci’s Charm Offensive & Agendum... Produced by the producer of the original Little Britain shows on Radio 4, Ashley Blaker, the show was a Little Britain Production co-produced with Pozzitive. Written and performed by Matt Lucas and David Walliams Also starring Joann Condon, Anthony Head, Ruth Jones, Samantha Power and Paul Putner and the voice of Tom Baker. Music by David Arnold Produced by Ashley Blaker Executive Producer – Geoff Posner A Pozzitive and Little Britain production for BBC Radio 4"

David Walliams, Matt Lucas (Author), Anthony Head, David Walliams, Full Cast, Matt Lucas, Ruth Jones, Tom Baker (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Star of Kazan

"Read by actress Ruth Jones, Eva Ibbotson's hugely entertaining The Star of Kazan is a timeless classic for listeners young and old. In 1896, in a pilgrim church in the Alps, an abandoned baby girl is found by a cook and a housemaid. They take her home, and Annika grows up in the servants' quarters of a house belonging to three eccentric Viennese professors. She is happy there, but dreams of the day when her real mother will come to find her. And sure enough, one day a glamorous stranger arrives at the door. After years of guilt and searching, Annika's mother has come to claim her daughter, who is in fact a Prussian aristocrat whose true home is a great castle. But at crumbling, spooky Spittal, Annika discovers that all is not as it seems in the lives of her new-found family . . ."

Eva Ibbotson (Author), Ruth Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Ruth Jones

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