Audiobooks narrated by Tim Key

Nikolai Gogol: A BBC Radio Collection: Nine Full-Cast Dramatisations

"A definitive collection of Gogol’s best-known works, adapted for BBC Radio with star casts including Toby Jones, Michael Palin, Mark Heap, Frances Barber and Russell Tovey Ukrainian-born humorist, dramatist and novelist Nikolai Gogol is widely believed to have led the realist revolution in Russian literature. His surreal, absurdist satires liberated comedy from its sentimental traditions and influenced writers both within Russia and worldwide, among them Fyodor Dostoevsky, Franz Kafka and Flannery O’Connor. Generally acknowledged as Gogol’s masterpiece, The Government Inspector caused such uproar when first performed in 1836 that he was driven into exile. With its satirical swipes at political self-serving, sleaze and vice, it remains relevant today, as this dazzling dramatisation, starring Toby Jones, shows. A comic tour de force about human folly and one of the jewels of Russian literature, Dead Souls sees the charming Chichikov (Mark Heap) arriving in a Russian provincial town with the Narrator (Michael Palin) on a mission to buy up dead serfs – but his quest soon arouses suspicion. Three Ivans, Two Aunts and an Overcoat comprises six comic plays based on some of Gogol’s greatest short fiction and set in 19th-century Russia: ‘The Two Ivans’, ‘The Overcoat,’ ‘Ivan Fyodorovich Shponka and His Aunt’, ‘The Nose’, ‘The Mysterious Portrait’ and ‘The Diary of a Madman’. Griff Rhys Jones and Stephen Moore star in these colourful, inventive tales. Also adapted from a short story, Christmas Eve tells of the magic and mayhem that ensues when the Devil (Nickolas Grace) steals the moon on the night before Christmas. Rounding off this anthology is a bonus documentary, Tim Key and Gogol's Overcoat, in which the acclaimed poet and comedian explores Nikolai Gogol’s classic ‘The Overcoat’, described by Nabokov as ‘the greatest Russian short story ever written’. As he looks into this fantastical fable about a clerk whose desire for a new coat changes his life – and ultimately destroys him – Key spins his own surprising and anarchic tale, with contributions from Russian experts, an East End tailor, Alexei Sayle and John Motson. First published 1831 (Christmas Eve), 1832 (‘Ivan Fyodorovich Shponka and His Aunt’), 1835 (‘The Two Ivans’, ‘The Mysterious Portrait’, ‘The Diary of a Madman’), 1835-1836 (‘The Nose’), 1836 (The Government Inspector), 1842 (Dead Souls, ‘The Overcoat’) © 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Nikolai Gogol (Author), Frances Barber, Full Cast, Griff Rhys Jones, Mark Heap, Michael Palin, Patrick Barlow, Russell Tovey, Stephen Moore, Tim Key, Toby Jones (Narrator)

Audiobook

Chapters by Tim Key

"The audiobook of Tim Key's least ambitious project to date. A slim book of the crap he’s been churning out over the past eighteen months. Poems about men getting stuck in webs, poems about the ancient city of Canterbury, poems about canoodling with a rose. A prolific sod, he’s selected ninety of his trademark vignettes and packed them off to Emily Juniper for her to fling onto pages and shape into a book. Discussions ensued about what, if anything, the point of it all was, and a healthy debate as to whether it should be broken up into chapters and, if so, why. All of these discussions are documented in the leftover space around the poems. The result is a splurge of words which very occasionally shine a light on modern times. It is the third book Tim and Emily have generated together. Chapters by Tim Key. Read by Tim Key with Katy Wix as Emily Juniper. Produced, recorded and edited by Naomi Parnell. Executive producer is Ben Williams. Music courtesy of Epidemic Sound. Original book published by Utter & Press, copyright Tim Key, 2023. This recording is copyrighted by Plosive Limited, 2023."

Tim Key (Author), Katy Wix, Tim Key (Narrator)

Audiobook

Franz Kafka: The Trial, Metamorphosis, Amerika & more: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast drama collection

"Kafka’s finest works adapted for BBC radio – plus a biographical play, three discussion pieces and the award-winning Kafka The Musical A lawyer by day, Franz Kafka spent his nights writing visionary stories and novels exploring bureaucracy, power and alienation – iconic fiction that gave the world the adjective ‘Kafkaesque’. This BBC anthology showcases his most famous works. Metamorphosis tells the tale of Gregor Samsa, who wakes one morning to find himself transformed into a giant insect. Starring Tom Basden, this Radio 4 production gives Kafka’s classic a modern twist with a darkly comic edge. In The Trial, a protagonist known only as ‘K’ is plunged into a nightmare world when he is accused of an unknown crime. Iwan Rheon leads an all-star cast including Phil Davis and Mark Heap. Set in 1911, Kafka’s debut novel The Man Who Disappeared (Amerika) features a young man from Prague, sent away to the New World after an indiscretion with a girl. Read by Carl Prekopp, Tiny Tales offers an exquisite study in restlessness, while Dermot Crowley narrates the short story ‘A Country Doctor’. Also included is Franz and Felice, a biographical play, and the Kafkaesque drama Kafka: The Musical, in which the author finds he has been cast to play himself in a show about his own life. David Tennant stars in this award-winning Radio 3 production. Three fascinating documentary programmes round off our collection, with discussions pieces on the man and the work. First published 1915 (Metamorphosis), 1916 (‘A Country Doctor’), 1925 (The Trial), 1927 (Amerika) © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Franz Kafka (Author), Carl Prekopp, David Tennant, Dermot Crowley, Full Cast, Iwan Rheon, Mark Heap, Mike Gwilym, Miriam Margolyes, Nina Wadia, Tim Key, Tom Basden (Narrator)

Audiobook

Revolting Rhymes

"Brought to you by Puffin. This audio edition of Revolting Rhymes is narrated by poet, actor and comedian, Tim Key, and is bursting with fantabulous sound effects. I bet you think you know this story. You don't. The real one's much more gory. From Jack in the Beanstalk, Goldilocks and the Three Bears to Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs, wicked beasts, brazen crooks and a ghastly giant star in these hilarious nursery rhymes with BITE! ©1982 The Roald Dahl Story Company Ltd (P)2024 Penguin Audio"

Roald Dahl (Author), Tim Key (Narrator)

Audiobook

Dirty Beasts

"Brought to you by Puffin. This audio edition of Revolting Rhymes is narrated by poet, actor and comedian, Tim Key, and is bursting with fantabulous sound effects. A collection of (mainly) grisly beasts out for human blood, ranging from Crocky-Wock the crocodile to Stingaling the scorpion, described in verse with all Dahl's usual gusto. Was that CROCKY-WOCK galumphing up the stairs? Is STINGALING hiding in your bed? And what foul fate has PIGGY planned for Farmer Bland? WARNING! This book contains wickedly funny verse, prickly surprises and the most despicable creatures you could ever hope (not) to meet. ©1983 The Roald Dahl Story Company Ltd (P)2024 Penguin Audio"

Roald Dahl (Author), Tim Key (Narrator)

Audiobook

Alexei Sayle’s The Absence of Normal: Series 1 and 2: BBC Radio 4 dark comic plays

"Eight dark comic dramas narrated by Alexei Sayle and adapted from his original short stories Dramatised from Alexei Sayle's hilarious, highly-acclaimed fiction, these satirical, surreal and surprising tales feature some of the UK's foremost comic actors, and are introduced by the award-winning comedian himself. The Only Man Stalin Was Afraid Of- Summoned to treat his old friend, Stalin's psychiatrist is faced with an ethical dilemma. Starring Peter Capaldi, Freya Parker and Peter Serafinowicz. Banner Bright - 1968. Five students meet during an art school occupation, and create an inspirational protest banner they believe will change the world. Starring Ben Crompton, George Fouracres, Kath Hughes, Tim Key and Nimisha Odedra. The Minister for Death - A Liverpudlian pensioner foils a would-be mugger - and rekindles his lust for murder... Starring Paul Barber, Lewis MacLeod, Shaun Mason, Freya Parker and Frances Tomelty. The Last Woman Killed In The War - Returning to Liverpool after 40 years of exile, Mary finds that much has changed during her absence. Starring Adi Alfa, Katy Carmichael, Shaun Mason, Jan Ravens and Paislie Reid. Clive Hole - An indecisive TV commissioner comes under pressure from two dogged producers determined to get their screenplay made. Starring Katheryn Drysdale, Graham Duff, George Fouracres, Georgie Glenn, Tim McInnerny, Alice McMillan and Duncan Wisbey. Barcelona Chairs- Frustrated architect 'rupert' embeds himself in Tony Blair's Labour government while trying to design the perfect, ultra-minimalist home for his family. Starring Ambika Mod, Hugh Quarshie and Siobhan Redmond. The Nameless Park- Jade loves the neglected park near her house, and often takes her wheelchair-user brother for trips around its paths. But when Jason becomes critically ill, she makes a devastating discovery. Starring Louis Emerick, George Fouracres, Shaun Mason, Alice McMillan and Claire Sweeney. Locked Out - Unexpectedly stuck outside her Central London home, Katherine realises how little she knows about her neighbours' lives, and the strange and apparently sinister things they get up to... Starring Maxine Peake. Credits Written and narrated by Alexei Sayle Adapted for radio by Alexei Sayle and Graham Duff Produced by Joe Nunnery Photo: Matt Stronge A BBC Studios Production First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 25 February-25 March 2019 (Series 1) and 10-31 March 2021 (Series 2) © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd"

Alexei Sayle (Author), Alexei Sayle, Full Cast, George Fouracres, Hugh Quarshie, Maxine Peake, Paul Barber, Peter Capaldi, Peter Serafinowicz, Tim Key, Tim Mcinnerny (Narrator)

Audiobook

Space Hacks: The Complete Series 1 and 2: A BBC Radio sci-fi comedy

"The BBC Radio 7 sci-fi comedy, starring Dan Mersh, Tim Key, Prunella Scales and Dan Tetsell Reporters Charlie Palmer and Moog Johnson are supposed to be exploring the galaxy in search of unimaginable news. But the beauty of an infinite universe is that if everything possible happens somewhere, there's no need to actually go there to check. So they may as well stay where they are - parked on Clapham Common disguised as a hedge - and simply make up their stories instead. Unfortunately, their terrifying boss at Inter-Galactic News, Korg, is on to them, and won't tolerate their fake news any longer. From now on, they have to provide real reports - or he'll have their spleens in a box... Aided by onboard computer Mother, who provides them with Bakewell tarts and Jammy Dodgers (her baking programme has overwritten pretty much all her other software), the duo prepare to take the IGN Indolent on a variety of perilous missions, including locating a missing ambassador, babysitting Korg's nephew, tracking down Mad Captain Pendulum and finding the perfect present for Mother's birthday. Can they avoid having their ship captured by pirates? Will they survive a messy meeting with the Emperor of the Toilet People? And when an evil planet tries to take over the universe while Mother's away, who will come to their rescue? Written by Stuart Sumner and Ian Simons, this light-hearted space comedy stars Dan Mersh as Charlie, Tim Key as Moog, Prunella Scales as Mother and Dan Tetsell as Korg. Guest stars include The IT Crowd's Chris O'Dowd and Geoffrey McGivern, who played Ford Prefect in the original radio production of The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy. Produced by Victoria Lloyd Original music by Ben Walker, with additional music by George Corporal First broadcast BBC Radio 7, 10 February-3 March 2007 (Series 1), 1-22 March 2008 (Series 2) Cast Charlie - Dan Mersh Moog - Tim Key Mother - Prunella Scales Korg - Dan Tetsell Fluffy/Claude/Postmaster General - Jot Davies Yecch - Margaret Cabourn-Smith Captain Grey/Sprout-Bunge- Colin Holt Captain Pendulum - Chris O'Dowd Aunty Genocide/Sam - Anna Bengo Eddie Chessington - Geoffrey McGivern Ben - Gus Brown"

Ian Simons (Author), Chris O'dowd, Dan Mersh, Dan Tetsell, Full Cast, Geoffrey Mcgivern, Prunella Scales, Tim Key (Narrator)

Audiobook

28 Acts in 28 Minutes – A BBC Radio 4 stand-up comedy show: Fast, fun, witty comedy against the cloc

"John Humphrys hosts the quick-fire comedy show featuring 28 acts performing for one minute each 'Hilarious ... great fun' Elisabeth Mahoney, The Guardian 28 Acts in 28 Minutes is a traditional variety show with a difference: the performers have just 60 seconds in which to entertain a live audience. Making the most of their minutes are a plethora of top-class talents, including Adam Buxton, Jason Manford, Nicholas Parsons, Sarah Millican, Richard Herring, Miles Jupp, Frankie Boyle, Isy Suttie, Tim Key, John Bishop, Tim Minchin, Jason Byrne, Stephen K Amos, Shappi Khorsandi, Stewart Lee, Marcus Brigstocke, Phil Cornwell and John Finnemore. Featuring a mix of award-winning comedians and newcomers to the scene, there's something for everyone, from stand-up to sketches, satire, songs and poems - with a few surprises thrown in. And if you don't like any of the acts, well... another will be along in about 55 seconds. Presiding over this comedy maelstrom is John Humphrys (the fierce one from the Today programme), who sits at the side of the stage with a stopwatch, ready to cut the microphone when the time is up. So hurry up and get ready for the fastest show on air, delivered with a frenetic urgency that makes for a truly unique experience. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 21 June-5 July 2006 (Series 1), 25 August 2006 (Edinburgh Festival Special), 20 December 2007-3 January 2008, 27 March 2008 (Series 2)"

John Humphrys (Author), Adam Buxton, Full Cast, Isy Suttie, John Finnemore, John Humphrys, Miles Jupp, Nicholas Parsons, Sarah Millican, Stephen K Amos, Tim Key, Tim Minchin (Narrator)

Audiobook

Cowards: The Complete Series 1-2

"The complete series 1 and 2 of the smart and surreal sketch comedy from Tom Basden, Stefan Golaszewski, Tim Key and Lloyd Woolf. In this complete collection of BBC Radio 4 series of 'Cowards', a batch of hapless and hopeful nearly-men battle with the challenge of everyday life, doing their very best to meet the demands of the modern world. Bikes start talking, genies appear that force you to guess what your three wishes are, bridges across the channel are built out of Lego, Parky loses it and a young man tries to audition for Barbara Windsor’s part in 'EastEnders'. There are also new creatures made from splicing a cow with an apple, social experiments into squatting while on the pull, wedding proposals in PC World, a sightseeing tour around Guantanamo Bay and a Garden of Eden where it rains chocolate and cows sing. Wry, left-field observations and detailed characterisation make this, their BBC Radio 4 series, a joyous and memorable sketch show experience. ‘Re-inventing the tired art of sketch comedy... these four are brilliant’ - Observer."

Lloyd Woolf, Stefan Golaszewski, Tim Key, Tom Basden (Author), Lloyd Woolf, Stefan Golaszewski, Tim Key, Tom Basden (Narrator)

Audiobook

Party: The Complete Series 1-3

"All three series of the critically-acclaimed BBC Radio 4 sitcom about a group of young idealists who set up a new political party – plus special Christmas episode Disillusioned with the capitalist system, five ambitious students set out to make waves and change the face of democracy. Holding their meetings in a garden shed, budding politician Jared, ideas engine Simon, socialist firebrand Mel, image conscious materialist Phoebe and Communications Tsar Duncan wrangle with the modern political machine and attempt to lay the foundations of a new movement. Or they would, if only they had a pen. From the perils of choosing a party name, leader and constitution to the finer points of foreign policy and climate change, the team contend with the highs and lows of political life while trying to keep their ideals intact. They soon find that changing the world is harder than they thought – especially when dealing with undercooked BBQ sausages, rained-out protest marches, the possible relocation of a key party member and a crucial radio interview. Also included is a 2018 Christmas special where the wannabe political agitators reunite after a six-year break and once again apply their small minds to big problems. This time, they’re taking on Donald Trump… Written by Tom Basden (who stars as Simon), Party is based on his 2009 play which won a Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival. Also starring are Anna Crilly as Mel, Tim Key as Duncan, Johnny Sweet as Jared and Katy Wix as Phoebe. Produced by Julia McKenzie Audio has been updated as of October 2019"

Tom Basden (Author), Anna Crilly, Johnny Sweet, Katy Wix, Tim Key, Tom Basden (Narrator)

Audiobook

Tim Key's Late Night Poetry Programme: The Complete Series 1-4: The BBC Radio 4 comedy

"Ever wondered just how much of life you can understand through poetry? Tim Key is never far from stage and screen - from Peep Show to Alpha Papa to Taskmaster. But now he's back doing what he does best - attempting to recite poetry whilst tormenting his friend and musician, the equally brilliant, and long suffering, Tom Basden. From ruminating on the meaning of family via his narrative poem The Godfather, attempting to get to the bottom of death via his poem The Boy Who Faked His Own Death, and also organising an impromptu stag party, Tim Key uses poetry to help him understand every situation. 'In any other sphere apart from comedy, we'd probably class this way of looking at the world as certifiable. Here it feels like genius.' The Telegraph 'The show... has a kind of artistry and strange beauty that makes it unlike any other hour of stand-up you are likely to see.' The Observer '...You never know when Key will suddenly toss you a fantastic joke or startlingly well-constructed line.' Radio Times Audio updated April 2019"

Tim Key (Author), Tim Key, Tom Basden (Narrator)

Audiobook

Undone: The Complete Series 1-3: The BBC Radio 4 sci-fi comedy

"Sci-fi comedy about the bizarre city of Undone – a weird parallel version of London. Edna Turner has moved to London to start a new job at entertainment magazine Get Out!. When she arrives, she meets the strange Tankerton Slopes, who claims to come from a parallel version of London known as 'Undone'. Undone is 'where the weirdness comes from': where you can find pet tricks shows, medication designed to make you paranoid, and the Undone delicacy ‘troubled eggs’. Weird things flow into London and mundane things flow into Undone, making them the peculiar places they are. Tankerton offers Edna the task of patrolling the gaps between the cities: finding anyone from Undone who is in London and bringing them back. Because if an ‘Undoner’ stays in London for too long, things become very weird indeed… With a cast including Alex Tregear, Ben Moor, Kevin Eldon, Tim Key, Emma Kennedy and Al Murray, this sci fi comedy will take you to a dimension just beyond normal logic. Cast: Edna Turner…Sarah Solemani/Alex Tregear Tankerton Slopes…Ben Moor Carlo Jones/Billy O’Malley…Duncan Wisbey The Prince…Kevin Eldon Ida…Sophie Duval Grant…Tim Key Kate…Montserrat Lombard/Daisy Haggard Rosie Turner…Emma Kennedy Golfer Mackenzie…Al Murray Produced by Colin Anderson and Lyndsay Fenner"

Ben Moor (Author), Al Murray, Alex Tregear, Ben Moor, Duncan Wisbey, Emma Kennedy, Full Cast, Kevin Eldon, Sarah Solemani, Tim Key (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Tim Key

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