Audiobooks narrated by Simon Russell Beale

"Brought to you by Penguin. THE SIXTH GEORGE SMILEY NOVEL George Smiley, now acting head of the Circus, must rebuild its shattered reputation after one of the biggest betrayals in its history. Using the talents of journalist and occasional spy Jerry Westerby, Smiley launches a risky operation uncovering a Russian money-laundering scheme in the Far East. His aim: revenge on Karla, head of Moscow Centre and the architect of all his troubles. In the second part of John le Carré's Karla Trilogy, the battle of wits between Smiley and his Soviet adversary takes on an even more dangerous dimension. 'Energy, compassion, rich and overwhelming sweep of character and action' The Times 'A remarkable sequel ... the achievement is in the characters, major and minor ... all burned on the brain of the reader' The New York Times © John le Carré 2024 (P) Penguin Audio 2024"

John Le Carré (Author), Simon Russell Beale (Narrator)

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The Spy Who Came in from the Cold

"Brought to you by Penguin. Alex Leamas is tired. It's the 1960s, he's been out in the cold for years, spying in Berlin for his British masters, and has seen too many good agents murdered for their troubles. Now Control wants to bring him in at last - but only after one final assignment. He must travel deep into the heart of Communist Germany and betray his country, a job that he will do with his usual cynical professionalism. But when George Smiley tries to help a young woman Leamas has befriended, Leamas's mission may prove to be the worst thing he could ever have done. In le Carré's breakthrough work of 1963, the spy story is reborn as a gritty and terrible tale of men who are caught up in politics beyond their imagining. ©1963 le Carré Productions (P)2025 Penguin Audio"

John Le Carré (Author), Simon Russell Beale (Narrator)

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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

"Brought to you by Penguin. THE FIFTH GEORGE SMILEY NOVEL A mole, implanted by Moscow Centre, has infiltrated the highest ranks of the British Intelligence Service, almost destroying it in the process. And so former spymaster George Smiley has been brought out of retirement in order to hunt down the traitor at the very heart of the Circus - even though it may be one of those closest to him. The first part of le Carré's acclaimed Karla Trilogy, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy sees the beginning of the stealthy Cold War cat-and-mouse game between the taciturn, dogged Smiley and his wily Soviet counterpart. 'Le Carré's masterwork' William Boyd 'A great thriller, the best le Carré has written' Spectator ©1974 le Carré Productions (P)2025 Penguin Audio"

John Le Carré (Author), Simon Russell Beale (Narrator)

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Call for the Dead

"Brought to you by Penguin. THE FIRST GEORGE SMILEY NOVEL After a routine security check by George Smiley, civil servant Samuel Fennan apparently kills himself. When Smiley finds Circus head Maston is trying to blame him for the death, he begins his own investigation, meeting Fennan's widow to find out what led him to such desperation. On the very day Smiley is ordered off the enquiry he receives an urgent letter from the dead man. Do the East Germans - and their agents - know more about this man's death than the Circus previously imagined? Le Carré's first book, Call for the Dead, introduced the tenacious and retiring spy George Smiley in a gripping tale of espionage and deceit. 'Intelligent, thrilling, surprising . . . makes most cloak-and-dagger stuff taste of cardboard' Sunday Telegraph 'Brilliant. Realistic. Constant suspense' Observer 'The greatest spy novelist of all time' Jake Kerridge, Daily Telegraph ©le Carré Productions 1961 (P)Penguin Audio 2024"

John Le Carré (Author), Simon Russell Beale (Narrator)

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A Murder of Quality

"Brought to you by Penguin. Stella Rode has twice disturbed the ancient cloisters of Carne School: firstly by being the wrong sort, with her doilies and china ducks, and secondly by being murdered. George Smiley, who has his own connection with the school, is asked by an old Service friend to investigate. Smiley knows that Stella feared her husband would murder her, but as he probes further beneath Carne's respectable veneer, he uncovers far more than a simple crime of passion. In his second George Smiley novel, le Carré moves outside the world of espionage to reveal the secrets at the heart of another particularly English institution. The result is a pitch-perfect murder mystery, with Smiley as master detective. THE SECOND GEORGE SMILEY NOVEL 'Beautifully intelligent, satiric and witty' Daily Telegraph ©le Carré Productions 1961, 1989, 2011 (P)Penguin Audio 2024"

John Le Carré (Author), Simon Russell Beale (Narrator)

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Karla's Choice: A John le Carré Novel

"Brought to you by Penguin. A gripping new novel set in the universe of John le Carré's most iconic spy, George Smiley, written by acclaimed novelist Nick Harkaway It is spring in 1963 and George Smiley has left the Circus. With the wreckage of the West's spy war with the Soviets strewn across Europe, he has eyes only on a more peaceful life. And indeed, with his marriage more secure than ever, there is a rumour in Whitehall – unconfirmed and a little scandalous – that George Smiley might almost be happy. But Control has other plans. A Russian agent has defected in the most unusual of circumstances, and the man he was sent to kill in London is nowhere to be found. Smiley reluctantly agrees to one last simple task: interview Susanna, a Hungarian émigré and employee of the missing man, and sniff out a lead. But in his absence the shadows of Moscow have lengthened. Smiley will soon find himself entangled in a perilous mystery that will define the battles to come, and strike at the heart of his greatest enemy… Set in the missing decade between two iconic instalments in the George Smiley saga, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Nick Harkaway's Karla's Choice is an extraordinary, thrilling return to the world of spy fiction's greatest writer, John le Carré. © Nick Harkaway 2024 (P)Penguin Audio 2024"

John Le Carré, Nick Harkaway (Author), Simon Russell Beale (Narrator)

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Pernickety Boo

"‘This captivating series of adventures is ideal for those who love whimsical humour’ Guardian, Best Children’s Books of the Year Written by Carnegie and Costa Award-winning author Sally Gardner and beautifully illustrated throughout by Greenaway-shortlisted artist Chris Mould, Pernickety Boo is the unforgettable story of a very unusual umbrella. 'Hello,' said the umbrella. 'Gosh,' said the boy. The umbrella's handle was carved in the shape of a dog’s head, with a very long snout and a shiny nose and ears that flopped back. 'You can talk.' 'I suppose I can,' said the umbrella. 'Do you have a name?' asked the boy. 'No,' said the umbrella. 'Do I need a name?' 'Yes,' said the small boy. 'You need one for someone to let you in at the front door, and another name to be let out the back door.' Brought to life by a careless sorcerer, Pernickety Boo is a well-educated umbrella with unexplored magical powers – and after he is left behind on the London Underground by his forgetful creator, Pernickety must find an owner: someone who will truly love him. So when Pernickety meets young Sylvie Moonshine and is welcomed into her home, he thinks that all of his prayers have been answered. But there are plenty of other people who are also interested in the magical umbrella, and who threaten to separate Pernickety from his beloved Sylvie, unless he can find a way to stop them. Perfect for fans of A Bear Called Paddington, The Velveteen Rabbit, and Winnie-the-Pooh, this instant classic is a book for the whole family to share."

Sally Gardner (Author), Simon Russell Beale (Narrator)

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Molière: Don Juan, The Miser and more: Six BBC Radio Full-Cast Productions

"A collection of Molière's finest comedies, farces and tragicomedies Jean-Baptiste Pocquelin, better known by his pen-name Molière, was France's greatest satirical dramatist. Such was his influence on the French language that it is often referred to as 'the language of Molière', and he has been dubbed 'the French Shakespeare'. A leading 17th Century comic actor and director, his genius encompassed all aspects of stage comedy, and his plays continue to appeal to audiences today. Included here are six of his masterpieces, as heard on BBC Radio. The Miser - The tale of selfish miser Harpagon, his scheming children and their desperate pursuit of love, marriage and money. Toby Jones, Holli Dempsey and Mathew Baynton star in this rumbustious adaptation of Molière's classic comedy of secrets, lies and obsessive greed. Don Juan - Discarding his new bride, legendary womaniser Don Juan sets out in search of more romantic conquests. But eternal damnation awaits him if he does not repent his sins... Kenneth Haigh stars in this famous tragicomedy. The Misanthrope - Disgusted with the hypocrisy of French society, poet Alceste embarks on a crusade against fakery, frippery and forked tongues. But could the woman he adores be the worst culprit of them all? Colin Tierney stars in Molière's comedy of manners and morals. The School for Wives - Middle-aged Arnolphe plans to wed his innocent young ward, Agnes - but handsome Horace is also smitten with her, and proceeds to teach her the art of love... Starring Geoffrey Bayldon, Rosalind Shanks and Nicholas Pennell. The Sisterhood - Henriette's engagement is threatened as her bluestocking mother Philaminte tries to marry her off to the foppish poet Trissotin. Can true love triumph over pretentiousness? Benjamin Whitrow, Brenda Blethyn and Simon Russell Beale star in this sparkling assault on pseudo-intellectualism. The Imaginary Invalid - Elderly hypochondriac Argan plans to marry his daughter to a doctor to save on medical bills. There's just one problem - she is in love with someone else... Starring Maurice Denham and Jane Lapotaire. First published 1662 (The School for Wives), 1665 (Don Juan), 1666 (The Misanthrope), 1668 (The Miser, Amphitryon), 1672 (The Sisterhood), 1673 (The Imaginary Invalid) NB: Due to the age of the source material, the sound quality of The School for Wives may vary Cast and credits Written by Molière The Miser Cast: Toby Jones, Holli Dempsey, François Pandolfo, Mathew Baynton, Keiron Self, Cecilia Noble, Grace Cooper Milton, Don Gilet, Jasmine Hyde, Michael Begley, Neil McCaul First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 16th Jan 2022 Don Juan Cast: Kenneth Haigh, Bill Fraser, Sheila Grant, Patrick Tull, David Bailie, John Rye, Rolf Lefebvre, Kate Binchy, Penelope Lee, Brian Hewlett, Geoffrey Wincott, David Timson, James Thomason, Patrick Tull, Leslie Heritage, Penelope Lee First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 2nd Jan 1972 The Misanthrope Cast: Neil Caple, Simon Coates, Leander Deeny, Daniel Goode, Alison Pargeter, George Potts Zara Tempest-Walters, Colin Tierney, Harvey Virdi First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 10th Mar 2013 The School for Wives Cast: Geoffrey Bayldon, Haydn Jones, Terry Scully, Jane Knowles, Rosalind Shanks, Nicholas Pennell, Peter France, Alba, Rolf Lefebvre First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 21st Jan 1973 The Sisterhood Cast: Benjamin Whitrow, Jean Both, Haydn Gwynne, Judy Parfitt, Brenda Blethyn, Simon Russell Beale, Christopher Scott, James Greene, Jane Whittenshaw, Nicholas Boulton First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 26th May 1996 The Imaginary Invalid Cast: Maurice Denham, Jane Lapotaire, Tina Marian, Charlotte Attenborough, Norman Rodway Stratford Johns, John Moffatt, Philip Sully, Peter Craze, Cara Kelly, John Warner, Michael Graham Cox First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 29th Dec 1988 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Molière (Author), Brenda Blethyn, Full Cast, Hadyn Gwynne, Holli Dempsey, Matthew Baynton, Maurice Denham, Simon Russell Beale, Toby Jones (Narrator)

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Henry Fielding: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Full-cast dramatisations of Tom Jones, Joseph Andrews,

"A collection of contemporary adaptations of the best-known works of Henry Fielding - plus bonus documentary programme Dubbed 'the father of the English novel' by Sir Walter Scott, Henry Fielding is well known for his ribald humour and ironic, satirical fiction. Collected here are four of his most famous works, including his comic masterpiece Tom Jones, as well as a fascinating documentary exploring the foundling motif in fiction. Tom Jones - Fielding's bawdy picaresque tale follows the amorous adventures of foundling Tom, one of the most sparkling heroes in English literature. Starring Simon Russell Beale as Henry Fielding and Michael Legge as Tom. Joseph Andrews - Sitting down to write about the misadventures of a handsome young footman on the road, Henry Fielding finds himself unexpectedly collaborating with his smart, witty wife, Charlotte. As they laugh and bicker about the plot, the story of their writing partnership interweaves with that of Joseph Andrews... Max Bennett and Lyndsey Marshal star in this 18th Century romp with an up-to-date twist. The Life and Death of Jonathan Wild, The Great - Based on the real-life 'Thief-Taker General' and notorious underworld boss, Fielding's tongue-in-cheek tale draws sly parallels between the corrupt Jonathan Wild and Britain's first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole. Starring Timothy West, Christopher Fairbank and Crawford Logan. The Female Husband - Sandi Toksvig stars in this high-spirited dramatisation of the true story of Mary Hamilton, who was tried and flogged in 1746 for marrying as a man, and achieved notoriety in a sensational pamphlet published by Fielding. One of the Three Great Plots of All Literature - Why do foundlings appear so often in literature? Kate Adie discusses the theme underlying Henry Fielding's classic novel Tom Jones with Hugh Cunningham, Marina Warner, Jenny Uglow and contemporary foundling Andy McNab. First published 1742 (The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and of his Friend Mr Abraham Adams), 1743 (The Life and Death of the Late Mr Jonathan Wild, the Great), 1746 (The Female Husband), 1749 (The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling) © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Henry Fielding (Author), Christopher Fairbank, Crawford Logan, Full Cast, Lyndsey Marshal, Max Bennett, Michael Legge, Sandi Toksvig, Simon Russell Beale, Timothy West (Narrator)

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Unmade Movies: Harold Pinter's Victory: A BBC Radio 4 adaptation of the unproduced screenplay

"Harold Pinter's unproduced screenplay of Joseph Conrad's last great novel, specially adapted for radio by Sir Richard Eyre 'All radio drama should be at this level' Spectator The annals of movie history are full of lost treasures - spectacular scripts from world-renowned writers that could have been classics, had they only been made. Now, for the first time, some of these forgotten gems have been brought to life, fully realised as vivid, cinematic radio productions. Scripted by major 20th Century writers, including Harold Pinter, Arthur Miller, Alfred Hitchcock and Dennis Potter, they star a host of A-list actors and feature richly evocative, atmospheric soundtracks. One of seven of these 'unmade movies' available on audio, Victory is a dark, morally complex drama set in the Dutch East Indies in 1900. It tells the story of Baron Heyst, a mysterious Swedish recluse living alone on a deserted island whose life is changed forever when he visits a neighbouring island, and falls in love with young English violinist Lena. Pursued by predatory older men, Lena is drawn to Heyst, and escapes with him to his island retreat... The foremost playwright of his generation, Harold Pinter was also a celebrated screenwriter, who wrote the scripts for hit movies including The Servant, The Go-Between and The French Lieutenant's Woman. Victory, however, was judged too expensive for Hollywood - but, courtesy of this special adaptation by award-winning director Sir Richard Eyre, it has finally seen the light of day. Bjarne Henriksen (The Killing) stars as Heyst, with Vanessa Kirby (The Crown) as Lena and Mark Strong (Cruella) as Ricardo, while narrator Simon Russell Beale sets the scene with directions and descriptions from Pinter's screenplay, some taken directly from Conrad's original novel. So sit back, grab some popcorn and let this epic production play out on the biggest screen of all - that of your imagination. Production credits Written by Harold Pinter Based on Victory: An Island Tale by Joseph Conrad Directed by Richard Eyre Produced by Laurence Bowen Sound Design: John Leonard and Wilfredo Acosta A Feelgood Fiction production for BBC Radio 4 Cast Narrator - Simon Russell Beale Heyst - Bjarne Henriksen Lena - Vanessa Kirby Davidson - Matthew Marsh Ricardo - Mark Strong Jones - Robert Portal Schomberg - Patrick O'Kane Mrs Schomberg - Helen Schlesinger Pedro - Martin Marquez Chang - Paul Chan Mrs Zangiacomo - Flaminia Cinque First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 February 2015 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Harold Pinter, Joseph Conrad (Author), Bjarne Henriksen, Full Cast, Mark Strong, Simon Russell Beale, Vanessa Kirby (Narrator)

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The Leo Tolstoy BBC Radio Drama Collection: Full-cast dramatisations of War and Peace, Anna Karenina

"BBC Radio adaptations of Tolstoy's three major novels, plus a reading of his profound philosophical memoir, an original drama based on his life and a bonus documentary One of the greatest novelists of all time, Leo Tolstoy is famed worldwide for his masterpieces of realist fiction, War and Peace and Anna Karenina. This comprehensive collection contains both those iconic works, as well as his final novel Resurrection; his autobiographical essay A Confession; Stephen Wakelam's dramatic account of his tempestuous marriage, Mrs Tolstoy; and In Our Time: Tolstoy. War and Peace - 1805, and Napoleon Bonaparte is threatening the peace of Europe. In St Petersburg and Moscow, the lives of three aristocratic families are about to be changed forever... This epic dramatisation stars Simon Russell Beale, Gerard Murphy, Amanda Redman and Emily Mortimer. Anna Karenina - In 19th Century Russia, bored high society wife Anna embarks on an affair with the handsome Count Vronsky - but her passion sets her on a path to self-destruction. Starring Teresa Gallagher and Toby Stephens. Resurrection - Serving on the jury in a murder trial, Prince Dimitri recognises the young prostitute in the dock as Katerina Maslova, the girl he seduced years before. Knowing he is partly responsible for her plight, he attempts to atone for his mistakes and find redemption. Katherine Igoe and Richard Dillane star in this powerful adaptation of Tolstoy's final novel. A Confession - Read by Joss Ackland, this compelling religious testament describes Tolstoy's search for God, faith and the meaning of life. Mrs Tolstoy - In his fifties, Leo Tolstoy has a spiritual crisis. Converting to Christianity, he gives up writing, stops sleeping with his wife, won't see his children and wants to give away all his possessions. But Sofya is ready to fight for her husband and family... Starring Ian McDiarmid and Haydn Gwynne. In Our Time: Tolstoy - Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss Tolstoy's life and writings, exploring his urgent desire to represent real life in his work, how he strove to convey truth to the reader - and why he ultimately gave up on literature to concentrate on religious and political philosophy. Please note that the chapter headings have been updated as of 10th February 2022. © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd First published 1869 (War and Peace), 1877 (Anna Karenina), 1879 (A Confession), 1899 (Resurrection)"

Leo Tolstoy (Author), Amanda Redman, Emily Mortimer, Full Cast, Hadyn Gwynne, Ian Mcdiarmid, Katherine Igoe, Richard Dillane, Simon Russell Beale, Teresa Gallagher, Toby Stephens (Narrator)

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Regeneration

"Brought to you by Penguin. The modern classic of contemporary war fiction from Women's Prize-shortlisted author of The Silence of the Girls Recommended by Richard Osman Regeneration is the first novel in Pat Barker's Booker Prize-winning Regeneration trilogy - a powerfully moving portrait of the deep legacy of human trauma in the First World War Craiglockhart War Hospital, Scotland, 1917, and army psychiatrist William Rivers is treating shell-shocked soldiers. Under his care are the poets Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, as well as mute Billy Prior, who is only able to communicate by means of pencil and paper. Rivers's job is to make the men in his charge healthy enough to fight. Yet the closer he gets to mending his patients' minds the harder becomes every decision to send them back to the horrors of the front. Pat Barker's Regeneration is the classic exploration of how the traumas of war brutalised a generation of young men. 'Brilliant, intense and subtle' Peter Kemp, Sunday Times 'One of the strongest and most interesting novelists of her generation' Guardian 'Unforgettable' Sunday Telegraph © Pat Barker 1991 (P) Penguin Audio 2021"

Pat Barker (Author), Simon Russell Beale (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Simon Russell Beale