When young Jim Hawkins unexpectedly inherits a treasure map, he little knows what adventures await him. Pursued by pirates, betrayed by friends and beset by skulduggery, Jim must brave high seas before he reaches the shores of Treasure Island...
Tom Baker reads Charles Dickens' timeless seasonal story.
Charles Dickens' story of solitary miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is taught the true meaning of Christmas by the three ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, has become one of the timeless classics of English literature. First published in 1843, it introduces us not only to Scrooge himself, but also to the memorable characters of underpaid desk clerk Bob Cratchit and his poor family, the poorest amongst whom is the ailing and crippled Tiny Tim.
In this captivating recording, Tom Baker delivers a tour-de-force performance as he narrates the story. The listener joins Scrooge on Christmas Eve, witnesses the visitation of Marley's ghost, and is given a glimpse of the many homes and lives which Scrooge has touched in his wretched life to date.
With atmospheric sound design, this ultimately uplifting tale is a festive delight to be treasured and listened to again and again.
Duration: 3 hours approx
In January 2014, Tom Baker celebrated his 80th birthday.
On March 19th, Tom sat down with Nicholas Briggs to look back over his 80 amazing years - his youth, his early acting career, his great success with Doctor Who and beyond... and his return to his most famous role with Big Finish.
This candid and intimate interview forms two fascinating hours of engaging entertainment in the unique company of Mr Baker.
All copies of the CD version purchased before 3rd September 2014 will be signed by Tom.
Tom Baker stars as Sir Walter Bullivant with David Robb as man of action Richard Hannay in a thrilling BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation. In this classic tale of wartime espionage, Richard Hannay's living nightmare begins at home with the discovery of a dead man in his London flat. He becomes an innocent on the run, pursued by the police for a murder he didn't commit. In Scotland Hannay realises that the notebook he recovered from the dead man is worth far more than he first thought, not least of all to a gang of German spies who will apparently stop at nothing to retrieve it. The Foreign Office in London is his last refuge of safety, and when Sir Walter Bullivant becomes convinced of Hannay's innocence the two join forces. If they are to foil German plans to attack the British fleet, they must first unlock the notebook's secret of the thirty-nine steps... Faithful to many aspects of John Buchan's original novel, this adaptation also pays homage to the Alfred Hitchcock film which it famously inspired.
William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present ARGO Classics, a historic catalogue of classic fiction read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly abridged and remastered stories are now available to download for the first time.
In the foggy streets of London, two men – one a respectable doctor and one a depraved killer – become mysteriously entangled.
Robert Louis Stevenson’s psychological thriller, which brought the idea of the split personality to the public’s attention, is voiced by former Doctor Who, Tom Baker.
The tale of Dr Jekyll’s decline into his murderous alter-ego, Mr Hyde, retains its capacity to probe the evil that exists in humankind.
In the third year of perestroika, London publisher Barley Blair is sent a manuscript from Moscow. Exposing Russian nuclear threats as a sham, the information - if it's genuine - could shatter East-West relations. Jazz-loving, hard-drinking Blair is hardly the spymasters' idea of the perfect agent, yet they are forced to send him to Moscow to make contact. But the Cold War thaws when Barley meets Katya, the beautiful Russian intermediary who is equally sceptical of state ideology. Mere pawns in a deadly game of international espionage, they nevertheless represent the breakdown of hostilities and a future which poses a huge threat to the entrenched professionals on both sides... Both a gripping spy saga and a poignant love story, The Russia House delivers all the excitement and tension expected from the master of espionage fiction. This BBC Radio 4 adaptation was dramatised by René Basilico.
Five BBC Radio 4 dramatisations of John Buchan’s espionage thrillers featuring gentleman spy Richard Hannay
The forerunner to James Bond, secret agent Richard Hannay is a thoroughly British action hero, pursuing ruthless villains, foiling deadly plans and risking life and limb for his country. This gripping collection encompasses all five of Hannay’s adventures, adapted for radio with superb casts including Tom Baker, Clive Merrison, Stuart Milligan, Jasmine Hyde and Patrick Malahide.
The 39 Steps
When a man is murdered in Richard Hannay's London flat, he goes on the run pursued by the police – and a gang of German spies intent on recovering a secret notebook which could destroy the British naval fleet. Starring David Robb as Hannay.
Greenmantle
1915. Summoned to the War Office, Hannay is told of an impending Holy War in the East. Greenmantle – once a mythical figure, now made flesh – is preparing to lead a great Islamic army against the infidel English. Hannay's mission: to identify Greenmantle and destroy him. Starring David Robb as Hannay.
Mr Standfast
Recalled from the Western Front, Hannay is ordered to pose as a pacifist and sent to Glasgow. Along the way, he meets a teenage Secret Service agent who will change the course of his life. Starring David Robb as Hannay.
The Three Hostages
When a gang of international criminals kidnaps a trio of hostages, the Secret Service brings Hannay out of retirement to track them down. But the mission will pit him against an adversary who can control men’s minds… Starring David Robb as Hannay.
The Island of Sheep
A chance meeting in a train and a villainous vendetta shake Richard Hannay out of a complacent middle age, as dangerous men go in pursuit of treasure. Starring Nigel Anthony as Hannay.
William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present ARGO Classics, a historic catalogue of classic fiction read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly abridged and remastered stories are now available to download for the first time.
Horror, mystery and suspense abound in this collection of the nation’s favourite gothic stories. From the foggy streets of London to the hills of Transylvania and the grounds of a country estate, relive the fear that these tales have been igniting in listeners for over one hundred years.
These classic stories are read by Born Free’s Virginia McKenna; Dr. Who’s Tom Baker; and A Touch of Frost’s Bruce Alexander.
This collection includes:
• The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, read by Virginia McKenna
• Dracula by Bram Stoker, read by Bruce Alexander
• The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson, read by Tom Baker
Left penniless by the death of his father, nineteen-year-old Nicholas Nickleby seeks help, along with his mother and sister, from Uncle Ralph Nickleby. The hard-hearted money lender takes an instant dislike to his nephew and gets rid of the boy by securing him a teaching position at Dotheboys Hall, where the evil Wackford Squeers presides. Horrified by the barbarity he sees there, Nicholas defies Squeers and is forced to flee. He is joined by Smike, who has been treated cruelly by Squeers, and the two become great friends. Nicholas joins a travelling theatre troupe and enjoys great success but, with his mother and sister depending on him for their survival, he must find a way to make a decent living. His adventures are numerous and include some of Dickens' most comic characters. Starring Anna Massey, Sophie Thompson, Ken Campbell and Tom Baker, with Alex Jennings as the voice of Dickens.
'Britain, Britain, Britain. Land of tradition, fish and fries, the changing of the garden. Have you ever wondered about the people of Britain? Neither have I...' In these highlights of the first BBC TV series, Lou takes Andy to the opera - 'I don't like it!', to the pet shop - 'I want a rabbit!' - and on holiday to Helsinki - 'I want to go to Florida!' Lou also offers to paint Andy's bedroom: 'Now, are you sure you want red...?' Unconvincing transvestite Emily Howard, or rather Eddie Howard, turns mechanic, and goes for a stroll along the prom (as ladies do). Ray McCooney's tax payments are overdue, but can he give a cheque today? 'Mebbe I can and mebbe I can't...' At DIY Universe, Des Kaye - 'Wicky woo!' - is hard at work, while Sam Bailey has a driving lesson in the Duchess with an unusual driving instructor. Yesterday's test on crisps at Kelsey Grammar School does not make for happy reading: 'There is no such flavour as Prawn Collymore', and there's the scariest babysitter you've ever heard. With Tom Baker's nonsensical narration, and guest-starring David Soul, 'I think it's fair to say that this is arguably the finest series ever broadcast. Good bybe!'
The complete second series of Matt Lucas and David Walliams' BBC Radio 4 Sony Award-winning comedy sketch show, featuring Tom Baker.
Matt Lucas and David Walliams ask, just who are Britain? What do they? And why? Little Britain takes a look at life in Britain today by following the fortunes of some extraordinary folk. Meet Emily Howard, the rubbish transvestite; West Country delinquent Vicky Pollard; and Marjorie Dawes, the terrifying group leader of FatFighters. There’s also Daffyd, the only gay man in his village – who wants to keep it that way – as well as the multi-talented actor, singer and composer Dennis ‘Minder’ Waterman.
This release also includes previously unbroadcast sketches and outtakes.
The Little Britain radio series won a Sony Award when it first appeared on radio, and has since gone on to become a comedy phenomenon. Now available in this release are the original pilot and all four episodes of the original radio series - complete and uncut.
Matt Lucas and David Walliams’ comedy creations are household names and need no introduction: Daffyd, the only gay in his village, Emily ‘I’m a lady!’ Howard, incoherent young offender Vicky Pollard, Kenny ‘Look into my eyes’ Craig, and Marjorie Dawes from FatFighters. Not forgetting Denver Mills, Dennis Waterman, and children’s entertainer Des Kaye.
Complementing Tom Baker’s brilliantly bizarre narration, and David Arnold’s original music, are many characters that have only ever appeared on radio: Cockney Film Star, taxi driver Jackie Paper, Joey the Stool, and two of the worst ghosts you’ll ever know. With a wealth of bonus material that includes sketches and hilarious outtakes never transmitted on radio, welcome to the wonderful and surreal world of Little Britain.
