Audiobooks narrated by Sian Phillips

Muriel Spark: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Nine Full Cast Dramatisations including The Girls of Slender Means, The Prime of Miss Brodie and more

"BBC Radio dramatisations of some of Muriel Spark’s best works, plus bonus episode of The Essay: All Miss Brodie’s Girls Muriel Spark was one of Scotland’s brightest and most original literary talents. In a career spanning over 60 years, she published over 20 novels, as well as essays, poems and plays. Her work won her numerous awards and honours, and she was made a Dame in 1993 for her services to literature. These nine radio dramas showcase the breadth and variety of her oeuvre, with tales ranging from the humorous to the macabre, and featuring casts including Celia Imrie, Patricia Hodge, Siân Phillips, Mark Straker, Sorcha Cusack and Maggie Service. In The Girls of Slender Means, it is 1945, and a group of young women are bracing for the future as the world transitions to peace. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie focusses on an inspirational teacher whose illusions are shattered by a tragic betrayal. Based on Spark’s own Edinburgh schooldays in the 1930s, this classic tale was adapted as an Oscar-winning film and chosen as one of the BBC’s 100 ‘Novels That Shaped Our World’. Memento Mori, meanwhile, is a gloriously dark, metaphysical comedy, set among a group of elderly people tormented by an anonymous caller who repeatedly rings with the message ‘Remember, you must die’. The Vital Spark: The Driver’s Seat tells the tense, disturbing story of Lise, an enigmatic young woman travelling alone to a European city in search of ‘the one’, while The Abbess of Crewe is a sparkling satire on the Watergate affair, centred around a rigged election in a Benedictine convent. A Far Cry From Kensington evokes a witty slice of ’50s London life, as we meet the inhabitants of a rooming-house near South Kensington Underground, and the charming gentlemen and ladies of the shabby but genteel world of publishing. The winner of the 1962 Prix Italia, The Ballad of Peckham Rye is a musical version of Muriel Sparks’ magical realist fable, with lyrics by Spark herself and music by pioneering composer Tristram Cary. Also featured are an adaptation of Bang, Bang, You’re Dead, a short crime story set in Africa; and Spark’s first radio play, the ghost story The Party Through the Wall. Capping off the collection is a bonus programme, The Essay: All Miss Brodie’s Girls, presented by Ali Smith and exploring the many glittering facets of Muriel Spark. Cast and credits Written by Muriel Spark First published 1957 (The Party Through the Wall), 1959 (Memento Mori), 1960 (The Ballad of Peckham Rye), 1961 (The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie), 1963 (The Girls of Slender Means), 1970 (The Driver’s Seat), 1974 (The Abbess of Crewe), 1982 (Bang-Bang You’re Dead), 1988 (A Far Cry from Kensington) Contents The Girls of Slender Means The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie Memento Mori The Vital Spark: The Driver’s Seat The Abbess of Crewe A Far Cry from Kensington The Ballad of Peckham Rye Bang, Bang, You’re Dead The Party Through the Wall The Essay: All Miss Brodie’s Girls © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Muriel Spark (Author), Ann Scott-Jones, Carol Ann Crawford, Celia Imrie, Full Cast, Gerda Stevenson, Jim Norton, Monica Dolan, Patricia Hodge, Sian Phillips, Sorcha Cusack (Narrator)

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Seneca’s Tragedies: Thyestes & Oedipus: Two Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations & Seneca’s Letters

"Full-cast productions of Seneca’s most famous tragedies, plus letters from the Roman philosopher read by Paul Scofield Stoic philosopher and playwright Lucius Annaeus Seneca lived through the reigns of Caligula and Claudius, and was tutor and adviser to Nero, before his untimely suicide in AD65. His gory, outrageous tragedy Thyestes inspired Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, and is widely considered his masterpiece. It opens this collection, which also includes his classic Oedipus, a selection of his correspondence and two special documentary programmes exploring the man and his life. Thyestes – Brothers Atreus and Thyestes have fought a long and bitter civil war. After seducing Atreus’ wife and stealing the golden ram of kingship, Thyestes is defeated and banished. A pretend offer of friendship sees him returning home with his three sons, ostensibly to share the throne of Argos – but in reality, Atreus Is plotting a horrifying act of revenge. Denis Quilley and Richard Pasco star as Thyestes and Atreus, wih Anton Lesser as the Messenger. Oedipus – Cursed by the gods, Oedipus flees his native city of Corinth for Thebes. There, he solves the riddle of the Sphinx, is proclaimed King and marries Queen Jocasta. But when the city is struck by drought and a deadly plague, he is faced with a new riddle: and the answer spells his own doom… Seneca’s reworking of the Ancient Greek legend is adapted by onetime Poet Laureate Ted Hughes, and stars Martin Jarvis and Siân Phillips. Seneca’s Letters – Paul Scofield reads a selection of Seneca’s lively, humorous philosophical letters to his young friend Lucilius, in which he discurses on topics including the evils of crowds, the pleasures of old age, the perils of drunkenness, the folly of wanderlust and the part played by philosophy in advancing civilization. Is Seneca Possible? – In a personal reflection on the celebrated playwright, poet James Fenton attempts to put him into historical context. T S Eliot asserted that Seneca ‘created his own genre’, but with so few examples of Roman tragedy remaining, has our view been distorted by the drama we’ve lost? In Our Time: Seneca the Younger – Melvyn Bragg and guests Mary Beard, Catharine Edwards and Alessandro Schiesaro discuss Seneca, reflecting on his status as one of the first great writers born in the new Roman empire after the fall of the Republic. NB: Contains strong language Thyestes Thyestes – Denis Quilley Atreus – Richard Pasco The Messenger – Anton Lesser Fury – Hugh Dickson Ghost of Tantalus – David March Courtier – Anthony Newlands Tantalus, Thyestes’ son – Crawford Logan His brothers – Stuart Organ & Simon Hewitt Seneca – Peter Tuddenham Chorus – Hugh Dickson, David Gooderson, Simon Hewitt, Anton Lesser, Crawford Logan, Stuart Organ, Richard Pasco, Denis Quilley, Peter Tuddenham Oedipus Oedipus – Martin Jarvis Jocasta – Siân Phillips Creon – John Rowe Tiresias – Hugh Dickson Manto – Frances Jeater Corinthian Messenger – Nigel Graham Phorbas – Timothy Bateson Theban Slave – David Gooderson Chorus Leader – Stephen Thorne Chorus – James Bryce, Jill Lidstone, David Peart, Jean Trend, David Gooderson, Nigel Graham, Timothy Bateson Seneca’s Letters 1: Avoid the Crowds; Befriend Your Slaves 2: The Pleasures of Old Age 3: Worldly Noise and the Tranquil Mind 4: Thoughts in a Dark Tunnel 5: Philosophy v Daily Trivialities Is Seneca Possible? Presented by James Fenton In Our Time: Seneca the Younger Presented by Melvyn Bragg With Mary Beard, Catharine Edwards and Alessandro Schiesaro Produced by Simon Tillotson © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Seneca (Author), Anton Lesser, Crawford Logan, Denis Quilley, Francis Jeater, Full Cast, Hugh Dickson, Martin Jarvis, Paul Schofield, Sian Phillips, Stephen Thorne, Timothy Bateson (Narrator)

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Emlyn Williams: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Seven Full Cast Productions including The Corn Is Green

"A superb selection of Emlyn Williams’ finest plays Emlyn Williams was one of the brightest stars of Welsh stage and screen. An acclaimed playwright, actor and director, he made over 40 film and TV appearances, re-invented the one-man show with his virtuoso portrayals of Charles Dickens and Dylan Thomas, and wrote numerous plays and screenplays. Featured here are seven of his most popular works, ranging from his classic semi-autobiographical tale The Corn is Green to a psychological thriller, a ghost story and a drama about Tolstoy. The Corn is Green – It is 1895 in a remote mining village in Wales, a place where children are routinely sent down the pit once they turn 12. But iron-willed English teacher Miss Moffat is determined that her prize pupil, Morgan Evans, should realise his potential, and sets out to bully and inspire him to follow the path of learning. Starring Anna Massey, George Winter and Imelda Staunton. The Light of Heart – Once an actor of genius, Maddoc Thomas is now reduced to playing Father Christmas in a London department store. But his daughter Catrin is determined to help him make a comeback. William Squire stars as Maddoc, with Sharon Morgan as Catrin. The Power of Dawn – An old Russian woman, Katya, recalls the winter night in 1910 when she talked to the great writer Leo Tolstoy as he lay dying. Holed up in a small stationmaster’s hut, he tells the young peasant girl of his passions and his past… Starring Michael Redgrave as Tolstoy, with Felicity Hayes-McCoy as the young Katya and Gwen Ffrancon-Davies as Katya aged 82. The Wind of Heaven – 1856, and in the Welsh mountain village of Blestin, rumours abound of a teenage boy who may be the new Messiah. Drawn to the miracle child for very different reasons, Crimean War widow Dilys Parry and circus owner Ambrose Ellis both find new hope as the village rediscovers its lost faith. Siân Phillips and Freddie Jones star in this moving and absorbing play. Night Must Fall – When the elderly, demanding Mrs Bramson takes on a new odd-job man, her niece Olivia becomes infatuated with him – while also becoming convinced that the charming Dan is responsible for a recent murder. Richard Harrington, Anne Jameson and Melanie Walters star in this chilling study of a household under a psychopath's spell. Trespass – Grief-stricken after her husband’s death, former countess Christine summons a medium to her Welsh castle home to bring him back. The consequences spark a night of terror… Starring Glyn Owen, Patricia Mort and Ray Smith. Cuckoo – In 1935, in a small, shabby Thames bungalow, a Welsh emigré family's life revolves around Cuckoo, a middle-aged woman with the mind of an eight-year-old. But when Cuckoo’s devoted mother dies, what will become of them all? Judy Cornwell stars as Cuckoo in this poignant, captivating drama. Text copyright © Emlyn Williams 1935 (Night Must Fall), 1938 (The Corn is Green), 1940 (The Light of Heart), 1945 (The Wind of Heaven), 1947 (Trespass), 1975 (The Power of Dawn), 1986 (Cuckoo) Production credits Written by Emlyn Williams Contents The Corn Is Green The Light of Heart The Power of Dawn The Wind of Heaven Night Must Fall Trespass Cuckoo © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Emlyn Williams (Author), Anna Massey, Carole Boyd, Edward de Souza, Elizabeth Morgan, Freddie Jones, Full Cast, Imelda Staunton, Melanie Walters, Michael Redgrave, Peter Penry-Jones, Richard Harrington, Roger Hammond, Rosaline Ayres, Sharon Morgan, Sian Phillips, Siôn Probert, William Squire (Narrator)

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L.P Hartley: The Go- Between, & More: Four BBC Radio Full-Cast Dramatisations & Readings

"Four of L. P. Hartley's finest novels adapted for BBC radio, plus bonus short stories An acclaimed novelist, short story writer and critic, Leslie Poles Hartley is best known for his 1953 novel The Go-Between, which won the W. H. Heinemann Award and was adapted as a BAFTA-winning film starring Julie Christie and Alan Bates. Included here is a radio dramatisation of that classic tale, alongside adaptations of three further novels and five short stories. The Go-Between - 1901, Norfolk. Twelve-year-old Leo Colston is spending the long, hot summer with his school friend Marcus at his family estate, Brandham Hall. Drawn into an adult world of deception and forbidden desire, he sets in motion a tragedy that will haunt him forever. This moving tale of lost innocence stars Clive Swift, Joe Brothwell, Lisa Kay and Robert Glenister. The Collections - Ambrose and Edwina possess exquisite collections of objets d'art, but need to dispose of them; Barbara owns a stately home, but has had to sell off the contents. Joining forces seems like the ideal solution - until a thief comes along... Starring Richard Pearson, Siân Phillips and Eva Stuart. The Brickfield - Dictating his memoir to his secretary, elderly novelist Richard Mardick finds himself confiding a long-held secret from his youth: his adolescent romance with the beautiful Lucy, and its tragic conclusion... Martin Jarvis and Denys Blakelock star in this tender love story from the past, told against the bright awareness of the present. The Betrayal - In this sequel to The Brickfield, Richard Mardick is forced once more to recall the long-ago days of his boyhood, as he reveals to his biographer-to-be how Lucy's death has blighted his life and disrupted his peace of mind. Starring Martin Jarvis and Denys Blakelock, with Irene Sutcliffe and Gudrun Ure. Short Stories by LP Hartley - Robert Lang reads five creepy tales by the celebrated author: 'Night Fears', 'The Waits', 'W.S.', 'Someone in the Lift' and 'The Price of the Absolute'. Text copyright © The Trustees of the Estate of Annie Norah Hartley, 1953 (The Go-Between), 1954 ('W.S.', 'The Price of the Absolute'), 1961 ('The Waits', 'Someone in the Lift'), 1964 (The Brickfield), 1966 (The Betrayal), 1972 (The Collections) 'Night Fears' first published 1924 Cast and credits Written by L. P. Hartley The Go-Between Cast: Clive Swift, Joe Brothwell, George Greenbury, Eleanor Bron, Lisa Kay, Robert Glenister, Ed Sinclair, Jenny Coverack, Mark Hesketh, Brian Gear, Guy Shotton The Collections Cast: Richard Pearson, Martin Friend, Siân Phillips, Christopher Good, Elizabeth Rider, Eva Stuart, John Bull, Peter Baldwin, Sonia Fraser The Brickfield Cast: Martin Jarvis, Denys Blakelock, Barbara Mitchell, Nigel Anthony, Ann Murray, Noel Hood, Lockwood West, Humphrey Morton, Beth Boyd, Bernard Brown, David Brierley, Sian Davies, Michael Harbour, Leroy Lingwood The Betrayal Cast: Martin Jarvis, Denys Blakelock, Irene Sutcliffe, Alexa Romanes, Shelagh Willcocks, Sian Davies, Bernard Brown, Douglas Hankin, Gudrun Ure, David Brierley, Alexander John, Beth Boyd Short Stories by LP Hartley Read by Robert Lang First broadcast BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: Night Fears 7 November 1988 The Waits 8 November 1988 W.S. 9 November 1988 Someone in the Lift 10 November 1988 The Price of the Absolute 11 November 1988 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

L. P. Hartley (Author), Clive Swift, Denys Blakelock, Eleanor Bron, Full Cast, Lockwood West, Martin Jarvis, Richard Pearson, Robert Glenister, Robert Lang, Sian Phillips (Narrator)

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The Leopard in Autumn: A BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

"Comedy about the ruling family of Renaissance Italy's most inconsequential city-state In Monte Guano, a ridiculously small and penniless principality in Renaissance Italy, Prince Ludovico II finds his rule constantly undermined by those around him: his shrewd wife, his official mistress, and his three disappointing - if not outright humiliating - sons. As well as having to manage the ever-increasing tributes demanded by the Pope, Prince Ludovico must also contend with feeble conscripts in search of war booty, getting on the pilgrim map, fake currency, religious battles, and worst of all, English tourists. Can they keep their family together despite the chaos of their lives? Perfect for fans of Blackadder and The Castle, the brilliant comedy cast includes David Swift as Ludovico, Sian Phillips as Plethora, Graham Crowden as Francesco and Paul Bigley as Alessandro, as well as Saskia Wickham, Nick Romero, Christopher Kelham and Kim Wall. Production credits Devised by Neal Anthony Written by Neal Anthony, Roger Danes and Sue Limb Produced by Helen Williams and Dawn Ellis Cast Ludovico - David Swift Plethora - Sian Phillips Francesco - Graham Crowden Alessandro - Paul Bigley Rosalie - Saskia Wickham Salvatore - Nick Romero Guido - Christopher Kelham Brother Michael/Father Ignazio - Kim Wall Lord Luton - Nicholas Grace Series 1 First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2001 Series 2 First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2002 ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Neal Anthony, Roger Danes, Sue Limb (Author), Christopher Kelham, David Swift, Full Cast, Graham Crowden, Kim Wall, Nick Romero, Paul Bigley, Saskia Wickham, Sian Phillips (Narrator)

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The Magician's House: The Steps up the Chimney

"There seems to be magic in the air the minute that William, Mary, and Alice Constant arrive at Golden House to stay with their uncle and aunt during the Christmas Holidays. There is something special about the rundown Golden House that their uncle is trying to renovate into a hotel and as they explore, they begin to unravel its secrets. They discover a hidden room, reached by steps up the chimney. Here they meet the magician Stephen Tyler, a 16th-century alchemist who has been transported through time and needs their help. Evil and danger threaten the arrival of their new baby cousin and the children turn to the animals in the forest to come to their rescue as a snowstorm engulfs the valley. This enchanting audiobook, narrated by Siân Phillips, is the first in the Magician's House quartet series, which won an Emmy for it's BBC television adaptation which featured Stephen Fry, Ian Richardson & Jennifer Saunders. The Magician's House is a popular children's fantasy series created by William Corlett, consisting of 4 books; The Steps Up the Chimney, The Door in the Tree, The Tunnel Behind the Waterfall, and The Bridge in the Clouds."

William Corlett (Author), Sian Phillips (Narrator)

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The Hearing Trumpet

"Surreal and splendidly unconventional, The Hearing Trumpet is an apocalyptic fairytale quest about an occult old ladies' home and the spry nonagenarian who ends up there. After coming into possession of a hearing trumpet, 92-year-old Marian Leatherby discovers her son's plans to send her to a nursing home. But this is no ordinary place... Strange rituals, orgiastic nuns, levitating abbesses, animalistic humans, humanistic animals, a search for the Holy Grail and a plan to escape to Lapland and knit a tent... Surrealist painter Leonora Carrington's novel is an exhilarating journey brimming with laugh-out-loud humor and absurd lunacy."

Leonora Carrington (Author), Sian Phillips (Narrator)

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The Poetry of Wales

"Wales - The Poetry Of - An Introduction. This proud nation with it's long history; sometimes rough, hewn from bleak landscapes, sometimes gently soft from its comforting voices has produced a long succession of artists and poets. In the latter category Louis MacNeice most probably stands pre-eminent, his words and phrasing are on a plane few can equal and most are in awe of. But in this volume we do put forward others who have their own words and voice to add to this rich tapestry. Wilfred Owen, Henry Vaughan, George Herbert and Edward Thomas amongst them."

Ann Griffiths, Dylan Thomas, George Herbert, Wilfred Owen (Author), Angharad Rees, Glyn Houston, Richard Mitchley, Sian Phillips (Narrator)

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The Poetry of Birds

Emily Dickinson, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Rudyard Kipling (Author), David Shaw-Parker, Richard Mitchley, Sian Phillips (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Sian Phillips

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