Audiobooks narrated by Samantha Spiro

Big Broadcast: A BBC Radio full-cast caper

"The fast-talking glamorous musical drama set in a 1930s Chicago radio studio A radio caper set in Hollywood's Golden Age, Big Broadcast sees radio station WKAZ's most successful programme, 'The Hour of Charm', face trouble from gangsters, sponsors, moral guardians and politics, not to mention Chicago's own winters. When an acrimonious songwriting couple are facing threats from notorious gangster Brannigan, will a song save the day? Sometimes the hour can seem long when you're radio staff - so what happens when Chicago snow traps you in the building completely? A new manager plans to change the whole format of the show, but a deep-voiced celebrity could use his charm to stop the manager in his tracks. And when the station is threatened with closure by the League of Decency, Katharine Hepburn herself comes to the rescue with her inimitable style. Starring Samantha Spiro (Sex Education, Game of Thrones), Josie Lawrence (Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Eastenders), and Susannah Fielding (This Time with Alan Partridge, Black Mirror), this joyful, nostalgic musical drama will transport you to a different time and place. Written by Neil Brand Music by Neil Brand Directed by David Hunter and Jessica Dromgoole Cast Samantha Spiro - Myrna (Series 2-3) Josie Lawrence - Jean Forsythe Nigel Harman - Grant Thornhill Sam Dale - Arthur Clarke (Series 1-2) Sean Baker - Brannigan Joanna Monro - Myrna (Series 1) Jane Whittenshaw - Sadie Stuart McLoughlin - Billy Jim Norton - Harry Paul Heath - Jamie Roslyn Hill - Georgia Bettrys Jones - Caitlin Ian Conningham - Doug/Jimmy Cagney/Cary Grant/Robert F. Winkler Chris Jarman - Paul Robeson Ryan Early - Arthur Clarke (Series 3) Ryan Whittle - Jerry Kerry Gooderson - Dixie Stephen Hogan - Princeton Emma Handy - Jess Elizabeth Counsell - Grace Stibbens John Lightbody - Stupendo Lauren Cornelius - Norma Chaffey Susannah Fielding - Katharine Hepburn Neil McCaul - Arthur Clarke (Series 4) Bettrys Jones - Barbara Meek Heather Craney - Ramona Fairfax Hasan Dixon - Jerry Soundguy Clive Hayward - Preston Lanister Franchi Webb - Danny Folly BBC Singers - Margaret Cameron, Charles Gibbs, Olivia Robinson, Stephen Jeffes, Helen Neeves, Katherine Nicholson, Chris Bowen, Jamie W Hall, Nancy Cole, Jimmy Holliday First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: 1 June 2011 (Series 1) 24 December - 25 December 2014 (Series 2) 21 October - 28 October 2018 (Series 3) 20 December - 27 December 2020 (Series 4) ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Neil Brand (Author), Emma Handy, Full Cast, Ian Conningham, Jane Wittenshaw, Josie Lawrence, Samantha Spiro, Stephen Hogan, Susannah Fielding (Narrator)

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The Empire Trilogy: Troubles, The Siege of Krishnapur, The Singapore Grip: 3 BBC Radio 4 productions

"BBC Radio 4 productions of JG Farrell's celebrated historical novels - plus bonus material Acclaimed author JG Farrell came to fame with his Empire Trilogy, exploring the collapse of British colonialism and its repercussions in three different countries. The first book in the series, Troubles, won the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize and the Lost Man Booker Prize, while the second, The Siege of Krishnapur, was awarded the Booker Prize for Fiction. Included here are three BBC Radio adaptations of the trilogy, plus an edition of Witness History exploring Farrell's tragic accidental death. Troubles - 1919, and Major Brendan Archer travels to Kilnalough in Ireland to visit his accidental fiancée, Angela. Arriving at her father's once-grand hotel, the Majestic, he finds it a dilapidated wreck, overrun by vegetation and hordes of feral cats. And outside its walls, a violent storm is brewing - one that will sweep him, and the Majestic, away... Jim Norton reads Farrell's tragicomic novel set during Ireland's struggle for independence. The Siege of Krishnapur - It is 1857 and British rule in India is under threat. At first the colonists are confident that their 'superior culture' will prevail, but when the Indian mutineers attack the Residency in Krishnapur, the Collector is unsure whether his defences can hold out... This thrilling adaptation of JG Farrell's masterpiece stars Alex Jennings, Shiv Grewal and Jasmine Hyde. The Singapore Grip - 1937. Young Matthew Webb arrives in Singapore to join the family rubber business, and becomes embroiled in a love triangle with two beautiful women. But as the Japanese invasion grows closer, Matthew's comfortable expat world is about to crumble... Robert Glenister, Jonathan Cake and Samantha Spiro star in this gripping dramatisation of Farrell's satirical tale of the fall of Singapore. Witness History: The Death of JG Farrell - The Booker Prize-winning author drowned off the south-west coast of Ireland in 1979, aged just 44. Vincent Dowd talks to those who knew him, and hears an eyewitness account of his death. Text copyright © JG Farrell 1970 (Troubles), 1973 (The Siege of Krishnapur), 1978 (The Singapore Grip) Cast and credits Written by JG Farrell Troubles Read by Jim Norton Abridged by Doreen Estall. Produced by Heather Larmour First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8-19 November 2010 The Siege of Krishnapur Hopkins, The Collector - Alex Jennings Fluery - Ben Askew Prince Hari - Shiv Grewal Harry Dunstaple - Matt Addis Louise Dunstaple - Jasmine Hyde Dr Dunstaple - Malcolm Tierney Mrs Dunstaple - Caroline Guthrie Willoughby - Sam Dale Miriam - Janice Acquah Dr MacNab - Stephen Hogan The Padre - Philip Fox Cutter - Jonathan Tafler Lieutenant Peterson - Paul Rider Lucy Hughes - Lizzy Watts Dramatised by Shelagh Stephenson. Directed by Eoin O'Callaghan First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 10-17 May 2009 The Singapore Grip JG Farrell - Robert Glenister Matthew - Jonathan Cake Joan - Samantha Spiro Monty/Mr Smith - David Thorpe Vera - Su-Lin Looi Major Archer - John Rowe Walter - Timothy Bateson Jim - Kenny Blyth Air Marshall Brook-Popham - Terence Edmond Brigadier - Karl Johnson Governor - John East Captain Sinclair - Alex Tender Percival - Barry Foster ADC - Thomas Arnold Dramatised by Mike Walker. Directed by Peter Kavanagh. Music: Felix Jay First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 October-12 November 2000 Witness History: The Death of JG Farrell Presented by Vincent Dowd With Lavinia Greacen, Hilary Spurling, Jerry Daly, Pauline Foley First broadcast BBC World Service, 17 October 2017 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

JG Farrell (Author), Alex Jennings, Full Cast, Jim Norton, John Rowe, Robert Glenister, Samantha Spiro (Narrator)

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Inspector Steine: The complete BBC Radio 4 comedy crime drama

"All four series of Lynne Truss's comedy thrillers set in 1950s Brighton - plus Christmas special 'Delicious fun' Sunday Times Brighton, 1957: a sunny seaside resort with a sinister underbelly. This den of villainy is policed by the touchingly innocent Inspector Steine, who naively believes he wiped out all the hoodlums in the Middle Street Massacre six years earlier. Can long-suffering Sergeant Brunswick and keen Constable Twitten persuade him that a criminal mastermind is at large - and that the station's charlady, Mrs Groynes, might bear investigation? Inspector Steine - A headless corpse on the ghost train, a murdered theatre critic, a bank robbery and a beautiful fish-and-chip-shop owner spell trouble for the hapless Inspector. Meanwhile, a deranged criminal escapes from Broadmoor seeking revenge... The Casebook of Inspector Steine - A matinee at the Hippodrome gives Mrs Groynes an idea, a day out in a vintage car proves eventful, Brunswick organises a police open day and goes undercover in a girls' school, and Steine meets a shady aristocrat - and finds his life in danger. The Adventures of Inspector Steine - When his chance to shine is scuppered by Steine, Brunswick wants to kill him. But is he behind the attempts on Steine's life - or could it be the Unknown Villain, or old adversary Mrs Vine? Events are further complicated by a criminal convention and the reappearance of Brunswick's old flame, Doris... The Return of Inspector Steine - Second World War bomb disposal hero Captain Hoagland limps into the station, with an award for Sergeant Brunswick and a head in a box. The latter is a warning that Adelaide Vine is back - and sadistic criminal Terence Chambers is heading for Brighton too, hell bent on havoc. Christmas for Inspector Steine - It is December 1957, the year of the Queen's inaugural Christmas broadcast and Mrs Groynes' first seasonal celebrations with new husband Captain Hoagland. But only Twitten has the festive spirit... Michael Fenton Stevens stars as Inspector Steine, with John Ramm as Sergeant Brunswick, Matt Green as Constable Twitten and Jan Ravens and Samantha Spiro as Mrs Groynes. Production credits Written by Lynne Truss Produced and directed by Karen Rose and Marilyn Imrie Original music by Anthony May Sound design: David Thomas A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio 4 Starring Michael Fenton Stevens as Inspector Steine, John Ramm as Sergeant Brunswick, Matt Green as Constable Twitten and Jan Ravens and Samantha Spiro as Mrs Groynes Cast Maisie - Carla Mendonça/Rachel Atkins Georgie/BBC announcer/Chaplain/Albert/Bobby/Cecil/Pierre/Diamond Tony - David Holt Boy - Cameron Cleaver Stanley/Bouncer - Michael Roberts Cook - Allan Corduner Johnnie - Jason Hughes Ruby - Carolyn Backhouse Ventriloquist Vince/Warder - Kim Wall Adelaide Vine/Gloria's mother - Janet Ellis Brian the Brain/Mystery guest/Terence Chambers - Ewan Bailey Rudi - Ethan Brook Doris - Rachel Atkins Roy - Will Keen Hinge - Nicholas Le Prevost Phyllis - Michelle Tate Female panellist - Sophie Dearlove Lord Melamine - Mark Heap Jupiter - Philip Jackson Unknown Villain - Adrian Bower Roy - Douglas Hodge Captain Hoagland - Robert Bathhurst First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 January-2 March 2007 (Inspector Steine), 4 April-9 May 2008 (The Casebook of Inspector Steine), 2 September-30 October 2009 (The Adventures of Inspector Steine), 17 October-21 November 2011 (The Return of Inspector Steine), 23 December 2013 (The Christmas of Inspector Steine) © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Lynne Truss (Author), Full Cast, Jan Ravens, John Ramm, Matt Green, Michael Fenton Stevens, Samantha Spiro (Narrator)

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Sketches by Boz: A BBC Radio 4 comedy drama collection

"Slices of 19th-century London life from the pen of Charles Dickens Here are ten gloriously comic stories from Sketches by Boz, Charles Dickens' earliest collection of short pieces in which he honed his literary genius. Each tale is dramatised by Dr Stephen Wyatt with a full cast. ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Cast and credits Written by Charles Dickens Dramatised by Dr Stephen Wyatt Directed by Sally Avens Starring Nicholas Farrell as Boz The Tuggses at Ramsgate The nouveau riche Tugg family discover that money cannot buy you love. Cast: Christopher Hancock, Frances Jeater, Colleen Prendergast, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Sean Baker, Tracy-Ann Oberman First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 September 1998 The Bloomsbury Christening The arrival of a bouncing baby boy is wonderful news - but not for miserable misanthrope Nicodemus Dumps. Cast: Alison Reid, Geoffrey Whitehead, Robert Harper, Charlie Simpson, Elaine Pyke First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8 September 1998 The Great Winglebury Duel Alexander Trott finds it is possible to become betrothed in even the most trying circumstances. Cast: Peter Gunn, Julia Deakin, David Timson, Kim Wall and David Antrobus First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 September 1998 The Private Theatricals of Mrs Joseph Porter A household becomes obsessed with amateur dramatics - with farcical results. Cast: Geoffrey Whitehead, Frances Jeater, David Antrobus, Jane Holm, Shirley Dixon, Charles Simpson First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 22 September 1998 Mr Watkins Tottle All Mr Tottle wants is to enter the blessed state of matrimony - but the course of true love never did run smooth. Cast: David Collings, John Hartley, Jenny Howe, Patience Tomlinson, Christopher Scott First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 29 September 1998 Love and Oysters Meeting an oyster seller sparks disruption for orderly John Dounce. Cast: David Calder, Samantha Spiro, Siriol Jenkins, Elizabeth Conboy, David Allister, loan Meredith First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 5 July 1999 The Steam Excursion A boat trip on the Thames proves the undoing of 'paragon of perfection' Percy Noakes. Cast: Marston Bloom, Shirley Dixon, Joanna Monro, Jeremy Swift, Becky Hindley, Ben Crowe, Stephen Critchlow First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12 July 1999 Sentiment The Crumpton sisters are delighted when an MP's daughter arrives at their finishing school - until a romantic attachment comes to light. Cast: Patience Tomlinson, Jane Booker, Gerard Murphy, Tilly Gaunt, Harry Myers, Elizabeth Conboy, Michael Mueller First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 July 1999 The Boarding House The respectability of Mrs Tibbs' residential establishment is threatened by a mysterious new lodger. Cast: Imelda Staunton, Annette Badland, Christopher Hancock, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Stephen Critchlow, Peter Gunn, Jason O'Mara First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 July 1999 Horatio Sparkins The snobbish Maldertons are thrilled when their unmarried daughter receives the attentions of the gentlemanly Mr Sparkins. But who exactly is he? Cast: David Haig, Tessa Worsley, Sarah-Jane Holm, Adrian Schiller, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Patrick Barlow First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2 August 1999"

Charles Dickens, Stephen Wyatt (Author), Annette Badland, David Antrobus, David Haig, Full Cast, Imelda Staunton, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Nicholas Farrell, Samantha Spiro, Tracy-Ann Oberman (Narrator)

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Tsar: An epic chronicle of the Russian leaders: Eleven BBC Radio 4 dramas

"Eleven compelling BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramas telling the stories of the Russian tsars Broadcast to mark the centenary of the Russian revolution, this extraordinary drama cycle by Mike Walker comprises eleven ambitious plays spanning over 400 years, exploring the lives of Russia’s key rulers from Ivan the Terrible to Vladimir Putin. Ivan the Terrible: Absolute Power - The rise and fearsome reign of the first Tsar of All Russia. Starring David Threlfall as Ivan IV. Boris Godunov: Ghosts - Did Boris Godunov have Ivan the Terrible's son killed? And what happened when the murdered boy came back from the dead - leading an army? Starring Shaun Dooley as Boris Godunov. Peter the Great: The Gamblers - Moscow, 1682 and two joint tsars rule: one, Ivan, is feeble-minded and the other is Peter, a child of ten years old. Starring Will Howard as Peter. Peter the Great: Queen of Spades - Distracted by his new capital, St Petersburg, and wife Catherine, Peter ignores his opponents: until his own son Alexei declares his colours. Starring Elliot Cowan as Peter. Catherine the Great: Husbands, Lovers and Sons - Did Catherine foresee the consequences of staging a coup d'état against her husband the Tsar? Or did she want him dead from the start? Starring Samantha Spiro as Catherine II. Alexander I: Into the Woods – The story of the reluctant Tsar who took on the greatest threat Russia had ever faced – Napoleon Bonaparte – and won. Starring Joel MacCormack as Alexander I. Alexander II: The People’s Will – Revolutionary terrorist cell The People’s Will is determined to assassinate the Tsar. But in the struggle between autocracy and socialism, there can be only one winner. Starring Joseph Millson as Alexander. Nikolai II: Three Hundred Years - In 1913, the Romanov dynasty celebrated three hundred years on the Russian throne. But a mere four years later, Tsar Nikolai II was forced to abdicate. Starring Raymond Coulthard as Nikolai II. Lenin: Tears – As the Soviet era begins, Lenin joins the provisional government, but soon becomes set on seizing complete power for his Bolsheviks. Starring Paul Ritter as Lenin. Joseph Stalin: The Last Bolshevik – In 1941, the Soviet Union was invaded by the Nazis – and Joseph Stalin retired to his dacha, seemingly defeated... Starring Brian McCardie as Stalin. The Shield and the Sword – Thirteen interconnected stories about the enigmatic Russian President, Vladimir Putin. Starring Nicholas Murchie as VV. Written by Mike Walker Produced and directed by Sasha Yevtushenko and Alison Hindell"

Mike Walker (Author), Amanda Root, Anton Lesser, David Threlfall, Full Cast, Hattie Morahan, Hugo Speer, Paul Ritter, Raymond Coulthard, Samantha Spiro (Narrator)

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Pride and Prejudice: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

"In this BBC radio full-cast dramatisation of one of Jane Austen's most beloved works, Mrs Bennet is determined to see her five daughters married off and secure a future for them all. When the wealthy Mr Bingley arrives in the neighbourhood, Mrs Bennet wastes no time in making his acquaintance. His friend Mr Darcy, however, discourages Mr Bingley from marrying Jane Bennet, and also appears to snub her sister Elizabeth. When Elizabeth hears that Mr Darcy himself is of poor character, her innate prejudice of him is reinforced, and she roundly refuses his unexpected proposal of marriage. But then, when she discovers that she was misinformed, Elizabeth wonders if she can ever hope to see Mr Darcy again.... Published over 200 years ago, Pride and Prejudice remains one of the British nation's favourite novels. Among the star cast in this radio production are Amanda Root, Pippa Nixon, Samantha Spiro and David Troughton. This title is part of the BBC's Jane Austen collection. © 2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Jane Austen (Author), Amanda Root, David Troughton, Full Cast, Samantha Spiro (Narrator)

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The Return Of Inspector Steine

"Series 4 of Lynne Truss's popular BBC Radio comedy thriller. It is 1957, and WWII bomb disposal hero Captain 'mad Hoagy' Hoagland, now fallen on hard times, appears at Brighton Police Station to deliver two boxes. One contains a silver truncheon; an award for valour for Sergeant Brunswick. The other contains the head of one of Mrs Groynes' old criminal accomplices. It is a warning that Mrs G's evil nemesis Adelaide Vine is back, hellbent on revenge... Plus, Mrs G and Sgt Brunswick take part in a talent contest; a Canadian filmmaker plans to make a film about the Brighton police; Inspector Steine is behaving oddly, big secrets are revealed and the boys and blue face a terrible threat. Starring Michael Fenton Stevens, Samantha Spiro, John Ramm, Matt Green, Robert Bathhurst, Janet Ellis and Ewan Bailey. Sound design: David Thomas. Music: Anthony May. Director: Marilyn Imrie. Producer: Karen Rose. A Sweet Talk Production for BBC Radio 4."

Lynne Truss (Author), Ewan Bailey, Janet Ellis, John Ramm, Matt Green, Michael Fenton Stevens, Robert Bathhurst, Samantha Spiro (Narrator)

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Much Ado About Nothing: A BBC Radio Shakespeare production

"In this BBC full-cast production of Much Ado About Nothing, some handsome soldiers return from battle. Yet one soldier finds himself locked in a merry war of his own... In Shakespeare's comedy of wit, love and miscommunication, Beatrice and Benedick and Hero and Claudio are pushed into and pulled out of love, their friends playing cupid with life-changing consequences. David Tennant and Samantha Spiro star as the famous sparring partners Benedick and Beatrice, with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Emilia Fox as Claudio and Hero. The supporting cast includes Maxine Peake and Julian Rhind-Tutt. BBC radio has a unique heritage when it comes to Shakespeare. Since 1923, when the newly-formed company broadcast its first full-length play, generations of actors and producers have honed and perfected the craft of making Shakespeare to be heard. In this acclaimed BBC Radio Shakespeare series, each play is introduced by Richard Eyre, former Director of the Royal National Theatre. Revitalised, original and comprehensive, this is Shakespeare for the modern day."

William Shakespeare (Author), Chiwetel Ejiofor, David Tennant, Emilia Fox, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Maxine Peake, Samantha Spiro (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Samantha Spiro