Audiobooks narrated by Sophie Thompson

Nicholas Freeling: Van der Valk & Castang: Six BBC Radio thrillers featuring Piet Van der Valk & Ins

The collected BBC adaptations of Nicolas Freeling's bestselling thrillers - plus bonus documentary Acclaimed as 'the most thoroughly European of British crime writers' (The Guardian), Nicolas Freeling was well known for his novels featuring Dutch sleuth Van der Valk and French policeman Henri Castang. Included in this collection are six stories showcasing both detectives, as well as a bonus programme exploring Van der Valk and his creator. Love in Amsterdam - Martin's former lover has been murdered. He's the prime suspect, his alibi is thin, and he's lying - but is he the killer? It's up to Van der Valk to find out... David Troughton reads the first novel in the Van der Valk series. Gun Before Butter - The Dutch detective finds himself dealing with a body, an abandoned Mercedes and the beautiful daughter of a dead conductor. Ian Hogg and Sophie Thompson star in this dramatisation of Freeling's 1963 novel, the winner of France's Grand Prix de Roman Policier. King of the Rainy Country - A handsome, middle-aged millionaire and a naked girl disappear. Can Van der Valk find them? Martin Jarvis stars in this adaptation of the sixth Van der Valk novel, which received a 1967 Edgar Award for Best Novel. Arlette - When her husband is shot in the street, Arlette Van der Valk takes the law into her own hands. Starring Stella Gonet as Arlette and Nigel Anthony as Piet Van der Valk. The Nightlords - A dead man in the boot of a Rolls-Royce in Normandy threatens to disrupt Anglo-French relations. Keith Barron stars in this dramatisation of Freeling's first book featuring Henri Castang. Not as Far as Velma- Newly-promoted Commissaire Henri Castang probes the case of a missing hotel owner, the bombing of a convent and an elusive British journalist... Starring Keith Barron as Castang. Foreign Bodies: Netherlands - Commissaris Van Der Valk - As part of a series looking at European history through crime fiction, Mark Lawson takes a trip to Amsterdam in search of Van der Valk, and asks how Freeling's fiction reflected changes in postwar Dutch society. Text copyright © Nicolas Freeling 1962 (Love in Amsterdam), 1963 (Guns Before Butter), 1966 (The King of the Rainy Country), 1978 (The Night Lords), 1979 (The Widow), 1989 (Not as Far as Velma) © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Nicholas Freeling (Author), David Troughton, Full Cast, Ian Hogg, Keith Barron, Martin Jarvis, Nigel Anthony, Sophie Thompson, Stella Gonet (Narrator)

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The Forsyte Saga: 4 Full Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations

An epic BBC radio adaptation of John Galsworthy's complete Forsyte Chronicles, narrated by Dirk Bogarde and with an all-star cast 'Hallmarked with elegance and craftsmanship' The Evening Standard First broadcast in 1990, this monumental adaptation of John Galsworthy's Nobel Prize-winning novel series was a radio event. It was the most expensive drama serial ever produced, featured one of the biggest, most star-studded casts and dominated the Radio 4 schedules for over 5 months, attracting over a million listeners each week.Comprising all nine books in Galsworthy's Forsyte Chronicles, it spans 50 years - from 1886 to 1936 - and tells the irresistible story of an upper-class dynasty torn apart by a terrible feud. Wealthy, privileged and successful, the Forsytes seem to have it all. But the disastrous marriage of Irene and Soames Forsyte, and the dire consequences of one night and the next foggy day, are to split the family for generations. As the sins of the father are visited upon the children, the younger Forsytes - from Soames' daughter Fleur to her cousin Dinny Cherrell - find themselves doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past as they experience both the pain and the promise of love. Beset by emotional disasters, domestic dramas and society scandals, can the various members of this sprawling family ever find lasting happiness? This sweeping tale of passion, power and money stars a host of outstanding actors, including Dirk Bogarde, Alan Howard, Michael Hordern, Diana Quick, Michael Williams, Maurice Denham, Amanda Redman and Sophie Thompson. Cast and credits Written by John Galsworthy The Forsyte Chronicles Galsworthy - Dirk Bogarde Old Jolyon - Michael Hordern Soames Forsyte - Alan Howard Irene - Diana Quick Young Jolyon - Michael Williams James - Maurice Denham Aunt Ann - Fabia Drake Aunt Hester - Rachel Kempson Aunt Juley - Renee Asherson June - Angela Pleasence Philip Bosinney - Michael Cochrane Swithin - David March Roger/Justice Bentham/Sir Luke Sharman/Adrian Cherrell - John Moffatt George/Monsieur Profond - Christopher Good Nicholas - John Gabriel Emily - Maxine Audley Winifred - Fiona Walker Montague Dartie/Elderson - Donald Gee Francie - Susan Sheridan Mrs Macander/Mme Lamotte/Smither/American woman - Jo Kendall Young Chankery - Charles Simpson Waterbuck, QC/Timothy/Mr Settlewhite/Hilary Cherrell - David King Annette - Shelley Thompson Holly - Elizabeth Mansfield Val - Dale Rapley Jolly - Paul Downing Dreamer/Francis/Francis Wilmot/Hubert Cherrell - Simon Treves Polteed/Gradman/Cuthbert Mothergil/Editor/Foskisson/Blore - Brian Miller Doctor/Lord Charles Ferrar/Lionel Cherrell/Neil Wintney/Mr Instone - James Greene Fleur - Amanda Redman Other Cast: Gary Cady, Gary Bond,Tara Dominick, Vincent Brimble, Nicholas Gilbrook, Sue Broomfield, Paul Daneman, Philip Sully, Stephen Garlick, John Bull, Danny Schiller, Belinda Lang, Jack May, Ben Onwukwe, David Bannerman, Ian Lindsay, Stuart McGuigan, Michael Kilgarriff, Catherine Furshpan, Christopher Scott, Garard Green, Mary Allen, Sophie Thompson, Dorothy Tutin, Peter Marinker, Moir Leslie, Danielle Allan, Paul Rattigan, Jack Klaff, Lois Burgess, Miranda Foster, Peter Howell, Aubrey Woods, Jody McDonald, James Warwick, David Yelland, Matthew Solon, Elizabeth Kelly, William Wortley, Henry Power, Leonard Fenton, Jenny Howe and Nigel Carrington Dramatised by David Spenser, Shirley Gee and Elspeth Sandys Directed by Janet Whitaker, Anthony Cornish and Sue Wilson Series producer: Janet Whitaker Pianist: Mary Nash First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 September 1990-2 March 1991 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

John Galsworthy (Author), Alan Howard, Amanda Redman, Diana Quick, Dirk Bogarde, Full Cast, Maurice Denham, Michael Hordern, Michael Williams, Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Gangsta Granny Strikes Again!

‘Walliams balances high comedy with an emotional message’ Daily Mail ‘Walliams does comedy with profound, genuine heart’ Guardian The new children’s book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams – an extraordinarily brilliant and rollicking mystery adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross, and the sequel to the much-loved and bestselling Gangsta Granny. Ben is getting used to life without his beloved granny. She was a cabbage enthusiast, a Scrabble partner… and an international jewel thief known as The Black Cat. Now, only the memory of their extraordinary adventure to steal the Crown Jewels lives on. Then something inexplicable happens. World-famous treasures are stolen in the dead of night and the clues point to none other than The Black Cat? But that’s impossible…? Expect the unexpected in this wonderfully entertaining and laugh-out-loud adventure, which will have readers on the edge of their seats as they join Ben on his quest to unravel the mystery of the return of The Black Cat. This first ever sequel from David Walliams will delight new fans, as well as the millions of readers that have loved Gangsta Granny.

David Walliams (Author), Harry Enfield, Joanna Ruiz, Nitin Ganatra, Paul Panting, Sophie Thompson, Teresa Gallagher (Narrator)

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The Wilkie Collins BBC Radio Collection: Dramatisations and readings of his sensational stories incl

BBC radio productions of the finest works of Wilkie Collins: sensation novelist, early master of the mystery story, and pioneer of detective fiction Wilkie Collins was one of Victorian England's best-loved and best-selling authors, and a crime fiction pioneer. His enthralling 'sensation novels' such as The Woman in White paved the way for today's thrillers, and his tour de force The Moonstone is one of the first, and greatest, modern detective stories. This collection features dramatisations of these two masterpieces, with star casts including Toby Stephens (The Woman in White) and John Sharp (The Moonstone). Also included are adaptations of three of Collins' other major novels: No Name, The Law and the Lady and The Haunted Hotel, starring Sophie Thompson, Abigail Docherty and Henry Lloyd respectively. Collins was a prolific short story writer, and included here are a number of his shorter tales, such as a full-cast dramatisation of the ghost story 'Mad Monkton', starring Gary Bond, and readings of five tales of suspense: 'The Dream Woman' (read by David Suchet), 'The Biter Bit' (read by John Rowe), 'A Terribly Strange Bed' (read by Paul Daneman), 'The Stolen Letter' (read by Garard Green) and 'The Dead Hand' (read by Peter Marinker). Plus, the darkly comic 'Mrs Badgery' is read by Christopher Harper, while Ronald Pickup reads the murder mystery 'Who Killed Zebedee?', taken from the 1887 short story collection Little Novels. There are also dramatisations of five additional Little Novels tales: 'Miss Jeromette and the Clergyman', 'Mr Marmaduke and the Minister', 'Miss Bertha and the Yankee', 'Miss Morris and the Stranger' and 'Mr Percy and the Prophet', all starring Ronald Pickup as Wilkie Collins. A lifelong friend of Charles Dickens, Collins collaborated with him on several works including 'A House to Let', which was co-written by Collins, Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell and Adelaide Anne Proctor. Marcia Warren stars in an adaptation of this exciting tale of secrets and intrigue. Finally, in Night Waves: The Woman in White, Matthew Sweet joins Simon Callow, Kate Summerscale, Paul Lewis and Lisa Appignanesi to discuss the groundbreaking novel that catapulted Collins to literary stardom, exploring its lasting influence and asking how it stands up today. Contents 1. The Woman in White 2. No Name 3. The Moonstone 4. The Law and the Lady 5. The Haunted Hotel 6. 'Mad Monkton' 7. 'The Dream Woman' 8. 'The Biter Bit' 9. 'A Terribly Strange Bed' 10. 'The Stolen Letter' 11. 'The Dead Hand' 12. 'Mrs Badgery' 13. 'A House to Let' 14. 'Who Killed Zebedee?' 15. 'Miss Jeromette and the Clergyman' 16. 'Mr Marmaduke and the Minister' 17. 'Miss Bertha and the Yankee' 18. 'Miss Morris and the Stranger' 19. 'Mr Percy and the Prophet' 20. 'Night Waves: The Woman in White' (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Wilkie Collins (Author), Abigail Docherty, David Suchet, Full Cast, Harry Lloyd, John Sharp, Marcia Warren, Ronald Pickup, Sophie Thompson, Toby Stephens (Narrator)

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Babblewick Hall: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy drama

The complete Series 1 & 2 of the historical sitcom about well-meaning but gullible 18th Century squire Fenton Babblewick and his clever manservant Augustus When idealistic Fenton Babblewick inherits his uncle's Yorkshire estate, it's the perfect opportunity to realise his Utopian dreams. But for his valet, Augustus Snipe, moving to Babblewick Hall is a nightmare. The servants are surly, the house is freezing cold and full of farm animals, and worst of all, it's in the North - a world away from the cosy coffeehouses and gentlemen's clubs of London. In these ten episodes, Fenton tries his hand as an agricultural reformer and radical grower of beetroots, falls in love with the charming Miss Lucinda Bluntstone, and embarks on a glamorous political career. An escape to London beckons - but Augustus' hopes are dashed when his master chooses to stay in the village, where he tries to convert a workhouse into a school and investigates a case of witchcraft... Fans of Blackadder will love this light-hearted comedy drama, full of japes, jokes and amusing sound effects and soundtracked with brilliant Baroque-style music. Olivier Award-winning actor Nicholas Le Prevost stars as Fenton Babblewick, with Forbes Masson as Augustus Snipe and Sam Kelly and Dave Hill as Jack. Among the stellar guest cast are Sophie Thompson, Maurice Denham, Tracie Bennett and John Moffatt. Production credits Written by Scott Cherry Produced by Paul Schlesinger (Series 1) and Jon Rolph (Series 2) Music composed by Paul Mottram Violin: Paul Mottram Cast Fenton Babblewick - Nicholas Le Prevost Augustus Snipe - Forbes Masson Barney - David Antrobus Jack - Sam Kelly/Dave Hill Molly - Gillian Bevan Bob Scotcher - Philip Jackson Peck - Alex Lowe Pickett - Christian Rodska Grunter - Geoffrey McGivern Flinch - Maurice Denham Mrs Bluntstone - Elizabeth Spriggs Lucinda - Tracie Bennett Smellie - David Timson Hartson - Geoffrey Whitehead Berridge - Jeremy Clyde Dribb/Maddison - John Baddeley Mrs Maddison - Sara Coward Highwayman - Stephen Critchlow William Babblewick - Benjamin Whitrow Elizabeth Babblewick - Pauline Yates Harriet - Courtney King Septimus Hickey - John Moffatt With Maggie McCarthy, Benedict Sandiford, Michael Troughton, Pat Coombs, Kim Wall, Lynda Barron, Phil Nice, Peter Gunn, Sophie Thompson, Rosemary Leach First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 27 December 1995-31 January 1996 (Series 1), 4-25 September 1998 (Series 2)

Scott Cherry (Author), David Antrobus, Forbes Mason, Full Cast, Gillian Bevan, Nicholas Le Provost, Philip Jackson, Sam Kelly, Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Sugarlump and the Unicorn and Other Stories

Packed full of magic and adventure, this collection of seven fantastic stories from the creators of the bestselling What the Ladybird Heard series, is perfect for listening to at home, in the car, at bedtime or any time at all! Join in the adventure with Sugarlump the rocking horse when a unicorn grants his every wish, help the Singing Mermaid escape the circus and return to her seaside home, join Josephine and her extraordinary new shoes for an action-packed adventure, and much more! This magical collection features seven much-loved stories from the bestselling picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, creators of What the Ladybird Heard. With lively performances from Julian Clary, Noma Dumezweni, Lauren Laverne, Joanna Page, Imelda Staunton, David Tennant and Sophie Thompson, and including the Sugarlump and the Unicorn Song, music and sound effects, Sugarlump and the Unicorn and Other Stories is a must-have audio collection, perfect for listening to together. This fantastic collection includes seven bestselling stories: Sugarlump and the Unicorn, The Singing Mermaid, Sharing a Shell, The Rhyming Rabbit, The Princess and the Wizard, The Girl the Bear and the Magic Shoes and Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox.

Julia Donaldson (Author), David Tennant, Imelda Staunton, Joanna Page, Julian Clary, Lauren Laverne, Noma Dumezweni, Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox

This fantastic magical adventure is perfect for listening to at home, in the car, at bedtime - or any time at all! Imagine Ellen's surprise when Princess Mirror-Belle climbs out of the bathroom mirror! She comes from a world where bubble fish swim in the bath, elves sleep in slippers, and brave knights fight fire-breathing dragons. And while Ellen has chicken pox, Mirror-Belle has dragon pox - but she knows just the cure. Princess Mirror-Belle and the Dragon Pox is a magical story from the stellar picture book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks, creators of What the Ladybird Heard. This fun story about an unexpected friendship is brilliantly brought to life in this audiobook edition, read by Sophie Thompson. Enjoy more magical stories from Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks: What the Ladybird Heard, The Singing Mermaid, Sugarlump and the Unicorn and The Girl, the Bear and the Magic Shoes.

Julia Donaldson (Author), Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Fing

The new children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - a deliciously daft Tall Story of a child who had everything, but still wanted more. Illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross. Meet the Meeks! Myrtle Meek has everything she could possibly want. But everything isn't enough. She wants more, more, MORE! When Myrtle declares she wants a FING, there's only one problem... What is a FING? Mr and Mrs Meek will do anything to keep their darling daughter happy, even visit the spooky library vaults to delve into the dusty pages of the mysterious Monsterpedia. Their desperate quest leads to the depths of the jungliest jungle where the rarest creatures can be found. But will they ever find a FING? An explosively funny, totally surreal Tall Story about two perfectly nice parents and their unbelievably monstrous daughter from the phenomenal bestselling author David Walliams.

David Walliams (Author), Adjoa Andoh, Morgana Robinson, Nitin Ganatra, Sophie Thompson, Stephen Mangan (Narrator)

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Higher: The Complete Series 1-4: A BBC Radio 4 comedy

A BBC comedy drama set in the world of a 'pile 'em high university'. Karen Poynter is the new head of the Geography Department - renamed Geographical Tourism - at Hayborough University, which is definitely not part of the elite Russell Group of top universities. Ranked 132nd in the UK academic league table; if you have a pulse, you can have a degree. This is the high energy farce of the breeze block and grotty cafeteria, with all the endless meetings, the backstabbings and the sheer panic of a university setting. In an era of increasing fees and cutbacks, this satire has become all the more acute. Starring Sophie Thomson (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt 1, Coronation Street) as Karen, with Jonathan Keeble (War and Peace) as the venal Dean. Episode list: Pilot show Partners Inspection The Price of Partnership Restructure Rebrand, Relaunch Clearing Privatisation, the Final Battle Year of the Rat Creative Solutions

Joyce Bryant (Author), , Jonathan Keeble, Mark Heap, Robert Daws, Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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The Pallisers: 12 BBC Radio 4 full cast dramatisations

A sweeping radio saga of political intrigue, love affairs, financial wrangles and murder, based on the books by Anthony Trollope, creator of The Barchester Chronicles This epic drama follows several generations of the Palliser dynasty, as they navigate the twists and turns of political and high society in Victorian England. Wealthy aristocrat and politician Plantagenet Palliser and beautiful, spirited Lady Glencora.embark on an arranged marriage, despite her passion for the dashing but debt-ridden Burgo Fitzgerald. As her husband rises through the ranks of government, she becomes a faithful wife and mother - but her children face the same fateful choice between love and duty. Meanwhile, young Irish barrister Phineas Finn is introduced to the temptations of London life when he wins a seat in Parliament. He catches the eye of several society ladies, but fails to win their hearts. Rumours about his love life threaten his political career - and worse trouble is in store for him... Based on the six Palliser novels by Anthony Trollope, this captivating adaptation stars Ben Miles as Plantagenet, Sophie Thompson as Glencora, Conleth Hill as Phineas and David Troughton as the Narrator, with a star cast including Bertie Carvel, Juliet Stevenson, Greg Wise and Rachael Stirling.

Anthony Trollope (Author), , Ben Miles, David Troughton, Full Cast, Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Princess Mirror-Belle: Princess Mirror-Belle Bind Up 1

From Julia Donaldson, the bestselling author of The Gruffalo, comes Princess Mirror-Belle, the exciting adventures of a mischievous princess. Princess Mirror-Belle is perfect for for fans who are beginning to listen on their own. This bind-up of two fantastic books, Princess Mirror-Belle and Princess Mirror-Belle and the Party Hoppers, is read by actress Sophie Thompson and contains six delightful stories that children will come back to again and again. Ellen's life is turned upside down by the hilarious Mirror-Belle, a spirited princess who claims to be from somewhere mysterious and far away. She appears out of mirrors to tell Ellen magical stories and take her on exciting escapades. From battling with Dragon Pox to helping out with the local pantomime, celebrating birthdays, having fun at the fair and starting at a new school, there are always adventures to be had! Cover illustration by Lydia Monks.

Julia Donaldson (Author), Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Princess Mirror-Belle and the Magic Shoes: Princess Mirror-Belle Bind Up 2

From Julia Donaldson, the bestselling author of The Gruffalo, comes Princess Mirror-Belle and the Magic Shoes, the exciting adventures of a mischievous princess. This bind-up of two fantastic books, Princess Mirror-Belle and The Magic Shoes and Princess Mirror-Belle and Prince Precious Paws, contains five delightful stories that children will come back to again and again. Ellen's life is turned upside down by the hilarious Mirror-Belle, a spirited princess who claims to be from somewhere mysterious and far away. She appears out of mirrors to tell Ellen magical stories and take her on exciting escapades. From going to ballet class to staying at Ellen's grandparents' house, causing mischief with their furry friends, having fun at Halloween and taking the princess test, you can always guarantee that wherever Mirror-Belle goes, trouble will follow. With a cover illustration by What the Ladybird Heard illustrator Lydia Monks and read by actress Sophie Thompson, Princess Mirror-Belle and the Magic Shoes is perfect for fans who are beginning to listen on their own.

Julia Donaldson (Author), Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Sophie Thompson