Audiobooks narrated by Stephen Mangan

William Hogarth’s A Harlot’s Progress & Marriage a la Mode: Two Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramas

"A scandalous full-cast dramatized romp through Hogarth’s famous paintings, bringing to life the story in – and behind – each canvas Listen to this double helping of laugh-out-loud comedy featuring an all-star cast including Stephen Mangan, Annabel Scholey (The Split), Sheila Reid (Benidorm) and Will Keen (His Dark Materials and The Crown) as they bring alive the life and times of William Hogarth and the stories revealed - and concealed - in his famous sequence of engravings. This enchanting and hilarious collection is comprised of two audio treats. In the first, A Harlot’s Progress, it’s 1732 and a young, undistinguished painter abandons his classical training and sets out to tell the tale of a country girl's downfall on the streets of London in a series of paintings. Innocent Moll Hackabout, the story’s heroine, arrives in London and is swiftly taken in by procuress Mrs Needham. She becomes a city trader’s courtesan but falls for a famous highway man. As she descends into a life of prostitution, penury and misery, painter William’s life in 18th century London is just beginning… In Marriage a la Mode the story continues and Mr and Mrs Hogarth return with another romp through a series of classic engravings as a marriage made in the Bank of England unites the aristocratic Squanders with the bourgeois Grubpumps, to the disgust of both bride and groom. Hogarth engraves the disastrous consequences of marrying for money rather than love as the wealthy newlyweds indulge every desire - if only they desired each other. Affairs, transgressions, debts, deceit and murder are only a part of this pacy and hilarious adventure that culminates in very different endings for the Squanders, Grubpumps and Hogarths. Writer Jonathan Myerson is a renowned TV and radio dramatist. His animated film The Canterbury Tales won a BAFTA Award and four primetime Emmys and he has also written scripts for several British television drama series including The Bill, Holby City, EastEnders, Jupiter Moon and The Legend of William Tell. A Harlot’s Progress Cast and credits Written by Jonathan Myerson Directed and produced by Jonquil Panting William Hogarth - Will Keen Jean - Shella Reid Moll - Liz White London girl - Amelia Lowdell London girl - Annabel Scholey Mrs Needham - Rosemary Leach Charteris - Crawford Logan Gourlay - Gerard McDermott Wagondriver - Stephen Critchlow Giuseppe - Paul Reynolds Solomon - Nickolas Grace Bess - Amelda Brown James/Dr Rock - Ben Crowe Client/Joshua - Geoffrey Beevers First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6th - 10th February 2006 Marriage a la Mode Cast and credits Written by Jonathan Myerson Directed and produced by Jonquil Panting William Hogarth - Will Keen Jane Hogarth - Rebecca Johnson Charles - Stephen Mangan Emily Grubpump (Later Countess Squander) - Anna Madeley Grubpump - Robin Soans Sylvester Silvertongue/Sir Andrew - John Dougall Old Squander/Misaubin - Sam Dale Mrs Wisebourne - Nichola McAulffle Tyers - Anthony Glennon Clarissa - Poppy Friar Missus - Rachel Bavidge Steward - Mark Straker Simmy - Jasmine Callan Little William - Jordan Clarke First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26th - 2nd March 2007 ©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Jonathan Myerson (Author), Anna Madeley, Annabel Scholey, Anthony Glennon, Crawford Logan, Full Cast, Geoffrey Beevers, John Dougall, Liz White, Rebecca Johnson, Robin Soans, Rosemary Leach, Sam Dale, Sheila Reid, Stephen Mangan, Will Keen (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Salmon of Doubt: Hitchhiking the Galaxy One Last Time

"Read by Stephen Mangan (Green Wing, Dirk Gently) and featuring an introduction written and read by Stephen Fry, and an epilogue read by Richard Dawkins. The Salmon of Doubt is Douglas Adams's indispensable guide to life, the universe and everything. It includes short stories and eleven chapters of a Dirk Gently novel that Douglas Adams was working on at the time of his death, and features an introduction by Stephen Fry. This sublime collection dips into the wit and wisdom of the man behind The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, uncovering his unique comic musings on everything from his school-trousers to malt whisky and from the letter Y through to his own nose, via atheism, hangovers and fried eggs. These hilarious collected writings reveal the warmth, enthusiasm and ferocious intelligence behind this most English of comic writers; a man who was virtually an unofficial member of the Monty Python team. Douglas Adams on his passion for P. G. Wodehouse, The Beatles and the perfect cup of tea alone make this a must-have collection and a remarkable sign-off from one of the best loved writers of all time. Start from the beginning of the surreal Dirk Gently series with Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency."

Douglas Adams (Author), Richard Dawkins, Stephen Fry, Stephen Mangan (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul

"The second Dirk Gently book by Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul is a witty detective story perfect for fans of his phenomenally successful The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. This new audio edition is hilariously narrated by Stephen Mangan – star of Green Wing, Episodes, and the original Dirk Gently series on the BBC. When a passenger check-in desk at Terminal Two, Heathrow Airport, shot up through the roof engulfed in a ball of orange flame, the usual people tried to claim responsibility. First the IRA, then the PLO and the Gas Board. Even British Nuclear Fuels rushed out a statement to the effect that the situation was completely under control, that it was a one in a million chance, that there was hardly any radioactive leakage at all and that the site of the explosion would make a nice location for a day out with the kids and a picnic, before finally having to admit that it wasn't actually anything to do with them at all. No rational cause could be found for the explosion – it was simply designated an act of God. But, thinks Dirk Gently, which God? And why? What God would be hanging around Terminal Two of Heathrow Airport trying to catch the 15:37 to Oslo? 'A thumping good detective-ghost-horror-who dunnit-time travel-romantic-musical-comedy-epic' - Douglas Adams, on Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. Continue this surreal series with the unfinished The Salmon of Doubt."

Douglas Adams (Author), Stephen Mangan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

"Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams, author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, is a much-loved cult classic, that has spawned radio dramas, television, theatre and comic book adaptations across the globe. This new audio edition is hilariously narrated by Stephen Mangan – star of Green Wing, Episodes, and the original Dirk Gently series on the BBC. What do a dead cat, a computer whiz-kid, an Electric Monk who believes the world is pink, quantum mechanics, a Chronologist over two hundred years old, Samuel Taylor Coleridge (poet), and pizza have in common? Apparently not much; until Dirk Gently, self-styled private investigator, sets out to prove the fundamental interconnectedness of all things by solving a mysterious murder, assisting a mysterious professor, unravelling a mysterious mystery, and eating a lot of pizza – not to mention saving the entire human race from extinction along the way (at no extra charge). To find out more, read this book (better still, buy it then read it) – or contact Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. 'A thumping good detective-ghost-horror-who dunnit-time travel-romantic-musical-comedy-epic' - Douglas Adams. Continue this surreal series with The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul and the unfinished The Salmon of Doubt."

Douglas Adams (Author), Stephen Mangan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Arlo The Lion Who Couldn't Sleep

"A beautiful story with a gentle mindfulness message – ideal for bedtime, and especially helpful for little ones who have trouble going to sleep. Arlo the lion is exhausted. He just can't drop off, no matter what he tries. It's either too hot, or too cold; too loud or too quiet. But then he meets Owl. She can sleep through the day, which isn't easy when most other animals are awake! Will Arlo ever get any rest? Perhaps his new friend has some special tricks she can teach him . . . Arlo the Lion Who Couldn't Sleep is a gorgeous story from the Kate Greenaway Medal winner Catherine Rayner. This audio edition of the story includes a read-along track – perfect for listening to at home, in the car or at bedtime."

Catherine Rayner (Author), Stephen Mangan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Lunch: The Complete Series 1-5: The hit BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama

"Stephen Mangan and Claire Skinner star in all five series of the popular BBC Radio 4 comedy drama. Bill works as an economist in a right-wing institute giving succour to bankers and businessmen. Bella is a confirmed socialist who teaches yoga and waters the plants in Canary Wharf. Years ago they shared a flat before Bill got married and moved to America. Now he's back and feeling a little off-kilter, so he decides to rekindle his friendship with Bella. Once a month they get together for lunch, where they talk about everything from politics to Proust, parenting and the perils of online dating. The only thing they never discuss is how much they love each other.... In Marcy Kahan's delightful 'platonic romantic comedy', we join Bill and Bella as they meet, eat and disagree about everything; and over the course of five series, we learn their hopes and dreams and listen in as their lives change direction and come together. Cast and credits Bill..........................Stephen Mangan Bella......................Claire Skinner Written by Marcy Kahan Produced and directed by Sally Avens First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15-19 July 2013 (Series 1), 22-26 September 2014 (Series 2), 11-15 May 2015 (Series 3), 18-22 July 2016 (Series 4), 24-28 July 2017 (Series 5) ©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Marcy Kahan (Author), Claire Skinner, Stephen Mangan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Fing

"The jaw-achingly funny 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. 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, Morgana Robinson (Author), Adjoa Andoh, Nitin Ganatra, Sophie Thompson, Stephen Mangan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Lunch: Series 5: BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

"Stephen Mangan and Claire Skinner star in the final series of the popular BBC Radio 4 comedy drama. ‘A wise and witty feast for the senses‘’ Gillian Reynolds, The Daily Telegraph Bill works as an economist in a right-wing institute giving succour to bankers and businessmen. Bella teaches yoga, waters the plants in Canary Wharf and holds Proust seminars for retirees. Years ago they shared a flat before Bill got married and moved to America. Now he's back and feeling a little off-kilter, so he decides to rekindle his friendship with Bella. Once a month they get together for lunch, where they talk about everything from politics to Proust, parenting and the perils of online dating. The only thing they've never discussed is how much they love each other... In Marcy Kahan's delightful “platonic romantic comedy”, we join Bill and Bella as they meet, eat and disagree about everything; and, in this final series, end up ordering room service in a hotel room after too much tapas."

Marcy Kahan (Author), Claire Skinner, Stephen Mangan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Funnybones: The Collection

"Penguin presents Funny Bones: The Collection by Allan Ahlberg, read by Stephen Mangan. An audio collection of the perennially popular Funny Bones books by Allan Ahlberg Featuring: Funnybones, The Pet Shop, The Black Cat, Bumps in the Night, Give the Dog a Bone, Dinosaur Dreams, Skeleton Crew and Mystery Tour."

Allan Ahlberg, Janet Ahlberg (Author), Stephen Mangan (Narrator)

Audiobook

War

"Penguin presents the audiobook edition of War by Roald Dahl, read by Dan Stevens, Cillian Murphy, Sophie Okonedo, Julian Rhind-Tutt and Stephen Mangan. In war, are we at our heroic best or our cowardly worst? Featuring the autobiographical stories from Roald Dahl's time as a fighter pilot in the Second World War as well as seven other tales of conflict and strife, Dahl reveals the human side of our most inhumane activity. Among other stories, you'll read about the pilot shot down in the Libyan desert, the fighter plane that vanishes inside a mysterious thick white cloud and the soldier who returns from war but has been shockingly changed by his experiences."

Roald Dahl (Author), Cillian Murphy, Dan Stevens, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Juliet Stevenson, Sophie Okonedo, Stephen Mangan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Trickery

"Penguin presents the audiobook edition of Trickery by Roald Dahl, read by Kevin Eldon, Stephen Mangan, Cillian Murphy, Derek Jacobi, Richard E. Grant, Stephanie Beacham, Jessica Hynes, Andrew Scott and Tom Felton. How underhand could you be to get what you want? In these ten tales of dark and twisted trickery Roald Dahl reveals that we are at our smartest and most cunning when we set out to deceive others - and, sometimes, even ourselves. Here, among others, you'll read of the married couple and the parting gift which rocks their marriage, the light fingered hitch-hiker and the grateful motorist, and discover why the serious poacher keeps a few sleeping pills in his arsenal."

Roald Dahl (Author), Andrew Scott, Cillian Murphy, Derek Jacobi, Jessica Hynes, Kevin Eldon, Richard E. Grant, Stephanie Beacham, Stephen Mangan, Tom Felton (Narrator)

Audiobook

Lunch: Complete Series 1-4: BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

"Stephen Mangan and Claire Skinner star in all four series of the popular BBC Radio 4 comedy drama. ‘A wise and witty feast for the senses‘’ Gillian Reynolds, The Daily Telegraph Bill works as an economist in a right-wing institute giving succour to bankers and businessmen. Bella teaches yoga, waters the plants in Canary Wharf and holds Proust seminars for retirees. Years ago they shared a flat before Bill got married and moved to America. Now he's back and feeling a little off-kilter, so he decides to rekindle his friendship with Bella. Once a month they get together for lunch, where they talk about everything from politics to Proust, parenting and the perils of online dating. The only thing they never discuss is how much they love each other... In Marcy Kahan's delightful “platonic romantic comedy”, we join Bill and Bella as they meet, eat and disagree about everything; and over the course of four series, we learn their hopes and dreams and listen in as their lives change direction. Duration: 4 hours 40 mins approx."

Marcy Kahan (Author), Claire Skinner, Stephen Mangan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Stephen Mangan