Audiobooks narrated by Sophie Thompson

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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Christmas with Princess Mirror-Belle

From Julia Donaldson, the bestselling author of The Gruffalo, comes Christmas with Princess Mirror-Belle, the exciting adventures of a princess with a difference. Ellen gets a big shock when her reflection climbs out of a mirror. But Mirror-Belle is a double with a difference! She is a princess, and a very mischievous one at that. Join Mirror-Belle as she sweeps Ellen into hilarious Christmassy escapades - from joining in with the Christmas ballet show to attending Ellen's friend's fancy-dress party and trying to catch Father Christmas! You can always guarantee that wherever Mirror-Belle goes, trouble will follow. Christmas with Princess Mirror-Belle features two festive stories from Julia Donaldson, as well as some festive things to make and do. With a cover illustration by What the Ladybird Heard illustrator Lydia Monks and read by actress Sophie Thompson, it's perfect for fans who are beginning to listen on their own.

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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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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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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Higher: The Price of Partnership: A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

The Department of Geography at the new University of Hayborough is under pressure to find new sources of funding and to broaden its horizons. So when a new Dean of Research Development, Cherry Swat, comes on board she urges partnerships abroad. An international research centre for Pier and Wharf ethics is mooted in the African Republic of Epithea. Everything seems to be going smoothly for the university until they realise the student they have recently expelled just happens to be the President of Epithea's son... Written by Joyce Bryant and starring Sophie Thompson, Jonathan Keeble, Jeremy Swift, Caroline Burns Cooke, Cyril Nri, and Marlon G. Day. Produced by Gary Brown.

Joyce Bryant (Author), Jonathan Keeble, Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Little Dorrit

The youngest child of debtor William Dorrit, Amy is born in Marshalsea prison. She and her father are befriended by Arthur Clennam, whose mother employs 'little Dorrit' as a seamstress. The fortunes of the Dorrits undergo an extreme change when Williams inherits a fortune, and the family move to Italy. Back in England, Arthur Clennam finds himself the victim of a massive fraud and ends up in Marshalsea. There he is found by Little Dorrit, whose fortune has had no effect on her generosity and humility. Arthur realises that she loves him, but it is not until the Dorrit fortune is lost that the two of them can be united at last. Peopled with Dickens' usual host of memorable characters, this mix of satire and genuine sentiment has made this one of his best-loved works. Hailed by George Bernard Shaw as Dickens's 'masterpiece among masterpieces' for its social indictment and sense of humanity, Little Dorrit is both an examination of Victorian England and a surprising love story. This thrilling adaptation recreates the author's mid-19th Century London, in particular the East London area of Marshalsea. Drawing upon his own father's imprisonment in Marshalsea Debtors' Prison, Dickens placed the institution firmly in the heart of the novel when telling the story of Amy Dorrit.

Charles Dickens (Author), Full Cast, Ian Mckellen, Kenneth Cranham, Margaret Tyzack, Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Mary Poppins

The timeless story of Mary Poppins, the world’s favorite nanny, and her magical adventures with the Banks family Mary Poppins is like no other nanny the Banks children have ever seen. It all starts when their new nanny is blown by the east wind onto the doorstep of the Banks house, carrying a parrot-headed umbrella and a magic carpetbag. She becomes a most unusual nanny to Jane, Michael, and the twins. Who else but Mary Poppins can slide up banisters, pull an entire armchair out of an empty carpetbag, and make a dose of medicine taste like delicious lime-juice cordial? A day with Mary Poppins is a day of magic and make-believe come to life! “When Mary Poppins is about, her young charges can never tell where the real world merges into make-believe. Neither can the reader, and that is one of the hallmarks of good fantasy.”—New York Times

P.L. Travers (Author), Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Mary Poppins and the House Next Door

Mary Poppins, the unflappable nanny of the Banks children, is back again! It is a day like any other for Mary Poppins and the Banks family in Number Seventeen Cherry Tree Lane—until a telegram arrives with the momentous news that Miss Andrews, the Holy Terror, is coming to live in the house next door. The house has always been empty and so has become the treasure of Cherry Tree Lane—each neighbor has filled it with personal dreams. But now peace in the lane is gravely threatened. Can Mary Poppins, in her own magical, whimsical way, resolve the crisis? “Features all of the favorite and familiar characters in a fast-paced fantasy/farce…Travers has written a satisfying story that skillfully combines the mundane with the magical in plot and sharp-as-ever characterization.”—School Library Journal

P.L. Travers (Author), Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Mary Poppins Comes Back

Another timeless story about Mary Poppins, the world’s favorite nanny, and her magical adventures with the Banks family From the moment Mary Poppins arrives at Number Seventeen Cherry Tree Lane, everyday life at the Banks house is forever changed. Jane, Michael, and the twins have never had such a wonderful nanny, who brings enchantment and excitement everywhere she goes. In Mary Poppins Comes Back, the beloved nanny returns when she’s pulled down from the clouds by the string of Michael’s kite. In her care, the Banks children meet the King of the Castle and the Dirty Rascal, visit the upside-down world of Mr. Turvy and his bride, Miss Topsy, and spend a breathless afternoon above the park, dangling from a clutch of balloons. Surprises are sure to pop up when Mary Poppins is around!

P.L. Travers (Author), Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane

This classic series tells the story of the world’s most beloved nanny, who brings enchantment and excitement with her everywhere she goes. She’s back! Mary Poppins, everyone’s favorite nanny, has returned to take the Banks children on another unforgettable adventure. On the most magical of nights, Midsummer’s Eve, all kinds of strange things can happen—mythical visitors come down from the heavens and animals speak. But Mary Poppins takes it all in stride, drawing everyone, even the trembling Park Keeper, into the spirit of a romantic and magical holiday.

P.L. Travers (Author), Sophie Thompson (Narrator)

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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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Audiobooks Narrated by Sophie Thompson