Penguin Audio

Penguin Audio is the UK’s leading publisher of audiobooks. We bring together our amazing authors and the world’s very best acting talent to create exceptional listening experiences; from the finest stories and ideas for adults to entertainment and education for children and families.

Whether we’re working with Michael Sheen on his award-winning narration of Philip Pullman’s La Belle Sauvage, recording our 3D-audio edition of James and the Giant Peach with its rich soundtrack of specially-commissioned sound effects, or creating a completely immersive full-cast recording of Sylvain Neuvel’s science-fiction epic Only Human, we’re always looking for new ways to create audio editions which are simultaneously faithful to the book and unique experiences in their own right.

Featured titles

Behind the scenes

How do you make an audiobook?

Turning Terry Pratchett's Discworld into Audiobooks

How we turned the 2000 AD graphic novels into audiobooks

How do you make an audiobook?

Turning Terry Pratchett's Discworld into Audiobooks

How we turned the 2000 AD graphic novels into audiobooks

How to make a 3D audiobook with Wimpy Kid

BBC Audio

We are also the publisher of BBC Audio, bringing you their incredible catalogue of radio shows: full-cast adaptations of works ranging from Neil Gaiman’s Anansi Boys to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels, the works of Jane Austen and the plays of Noel Coward; contemporary crime and thrillers including Tracks, The Inspector Chen Mysteries and Stone; brand new comedy from Joe Lycett, Susan Calman and Bridget Christie; as well as classic listener favourites such as Poirot’s Finest Cases, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.

Here are some of our bestselling BBC Audio titles.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

J. R. R. Tolkien (Author) , Peter Woodthorpe (Read by) , Ian Holm (Read by) , Robert Stephens (Read by) , Michael Hordern (Read by) , Bill Nighy (Read by) , John McAndrew (Read by) , David Collings (Read by) , Douglas Livingstone (Read by) , Full Cast (Read by)

With its first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on March 8, 1981, this dramatised tale of Middle Earth became an instant global classic. It boasts a truly outstanding cast including Ian Holm (as Frodo), Michael Hordern (as Gandalf), Robert Stephens (as Aragorn), Bill Nighy (as Sam Gamgee) and John Le Mesurier (as Bilbo). Brian Sibley's famous adaptation has been divided into three corresponding parts, with newly-recorded beginning and end narration by Ian Holm, who now stars as Bilbo in the feature films based on The Lord of the Rings. Part One, The Fellowship of the Ring, introduces us to Frodo Baggins. With his uncle Bilbo having mysteriously disappeared, Frodo finds himself in possession of a simple gold ring that has great and evil power. It is the Ruling Ring, taken long ago from the Dark Lord, Sauron, who now seeks to possess it again. Frodo must do everything he can to prevent this, and with the help of Gandalf the wizard and a band of loyal companions he begins a perilous journey across Middle-earth. Sauron's Black Riders are on their trail as they travel to Rivendell, attempt to cross the snow-swept Misty Mountains and, in desperation, enter the terrifying Mines of Moria. ©2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

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The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy: Primary Phase

Douglas Adams (Author) , Full Cast (Read by) , Peter Jones (Read by) , Susan Sheridan (Read by) , Simon Jones (Read by) , Geoffrey McGivern (Read by) , Mark Wing-Davey (Read by) , Stephen Moore (Read by)

A dynamic remastering of the original BBC Radio 4 full-cast serial - Fit the First to Fit the Sixth - which spawned a phenomenal hitchhiking legend The original series of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, remastered by Dirk Maggs (director of the Tertiary, Quandary and Quintessential Phases) to give a full, vibrant sound, now with Philip Pope's version of the familiar theme tune and specially re-recorded announcements by John Marsh. Join Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect,Trillian, Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android in their first series of adventures as they witness the destruction of Earth to make way for a hyperspace bypass, stumble upon the ancient planet of Magrathea, dine at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe, and seek an answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe And Everything. Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore and a full supporting cast star in these BBC Radio 4 episodes. A special 55-minute bonus programme, Douglas Adams's Guide to the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, explores the genesis of the radio series and its incredible success, with contributions from the original cast andproduction team. Audio files were replaced in April 2021 ©2008 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2008 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

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That Mitchell and Webb Sound: The Complete Series 1-5

Robert Webb (Author) , David Mitchell (Author) , Robert Webb (Read by) , Olivia Colman (Read by) , James Bachman (Read by) , Sarah Hadland (Read by)

All five series of the award-winning sketch show - plus standalone comedy Daydream Believers 'Fresh and full of invention' The Telegraph Welcome to the inside-out world of Mitchell and Webb, a strange and surreal place populated by misfits, eccentrics, talking animals and a few stray Radio 4 arts programme presenters. Included here are all five series of their fantastically skewed comedy show, packed with offbeat sketches and peculiar characters. Meet seedy snooker commentators Ted and Peter; poorly matched crime-fighting duo Angel Summoner and BMX Bandit; a cop who doesn't get results but, by God, he does things by the book; and some nervous Nazis who've just noticed their caps have skulls on them... Find out what James Bond is really like as a party guest; thrill to The Surprising Adventures of Sir Digby Chicken-Caesar; and play the maths quiz that everyone is talking about, but no one understands - Numberwang! In addition, you can listen to the Alpine Archers on Radio Switzerland; join Raymond Terrific and his panel of boffins on Big Talk; and tune in to the exciting new reality show Make Me a Celebrity Centaur, featuring soap stars, cutting-edge surgery and some horses. Absurd, imaginative, and very funny, this acclaimed series won a Sony Silver Award and led to the hugely successful TV series That Mitchell and Webb Look. It stars David Mitchell and Robert Webb, with Olivia Colman, James Bachman and Sarah Hadland. Also included is the half-hour sci-fi comedy Daydream Believers, in which David Mitchell and Robert Webb star as tetchy novelist Ray and his gormless flatmate Colin and, in a parallel space adventure concocted by Ray, as Baron Amstrad and his retro-looking android Info. The supporting cast incudes Olivia Colman, Mark Benton, Simon Greenall and Mark Evans. Production credits That Mitchell and Webb Sound Written by and starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb With Olivia Colman, Sarah Hadland and James Bachman Produced by Gareth Edwards First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 August-2 October 2003 (Series 1), 10 February-17th March 2005 (Series 2), 24 May-28 June 2007 (Series 3), 25 August-29 September 2009 (Series 4), 26 November-17 December 2013 (Series 5) Daydream Believers Written by and starring David Mitchell and Robert Webb With Olivia Colman, Mark Benton, Simon Greenall and Mark Evans Produced by Gareth Edwards First broadcast BBC Radio 2, 5 May 2007 NB: Contains humour that some listeners may find offensive © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

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Doctor Who: Ruby Red

Georgia Cook (Author) , Millie Gibson (Read by)

Millie Gibson reads this brand new novel adventure for the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday, as played on TV by Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson. April, 1242: the Doctor and Ruby answer a distress call sent from medieval Russia. The signal’s sender? Ranavere, an alien girl forced to take part in a barbaric conflict between the armies of Estonia and Novgorod on the frozen surface of Lake Peipus. Ranavere wants to escape, but her distress call has summoned her warmongering sisters, intent on preserving family tradition whatever the cost. And as human battle begins, the Doctor and Ruby must face a more devastating threat – a monstrous entity with plans of conquest, growing stronger beneath the icy lake… ? 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Reading produced by Audio Always. Sound design by Oliver Denman. Executive producer for BBC Audiobooks: Michael Stevens.

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The Complete George Smiley Radio Dramas

John le Carré (Author) , Simon Russell Beale (Read by) , Full Cast (Read by)

The complete collection of acclaimed BBC Radio dramas based on John le Carre's bestselling novels, starring Simon Russell Beale as George Smiley. With a star cast including Kenneth Cranham, Eleanor Bron, Brian Cox, Ian MacDiarmid, Anna Chancellor, Hugh Bonneville and Lindsay Duncan, these enthralling dramatisations perfectly capture the atmosphere of le Carre's taut, thrilling spy novels. Call for the Dead is the first Smiley novel, which sees him looking into an apparent suicide only to uncover a murderous conspiracy; A Murder of Quality finds Smiley investigating a murder in a private school; The Spy Who Came in from the Cold introduces Alec Leamas, a British intelligence officer whose East Berlin network is in tatters; The Looking Glass War features former spy Fred Leiser, lured back from retirement to investigate a claim that Soviet missiles are being installed close to the West German border; Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is the first book in the Karla trilogy, and sees Smiley searching for a mole who has infiltrated the Circus; The Honourable Schoolboy sees Smiley determined to destroy his nemesis, Karla, and his spy networks; Smiley's People finds George Smiley called out of retirement to exorcise some Cold War ghosts from his clandestine past; The Secret Pilgrim sees Smiley invited to dine with the eager new recruits at the Circus. He offers them his thoughts on espionage and, in doing so, prompts a former colleague to re-examine his own eventful secret life. 'A radio triumph...Simon Russell Beale's pitch-perfect master spy' - "Financial Times". ©2016 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2016 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

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Sherlock Holmes: The Complete BBC Collection

Arthur Conan Doyle (Author) , Bert Coules (Author) , Clive Merrison (Read by) , Michael Williams (Read by) , Brian Blessed (Read by) , Judi Dench (Read by) , Andrew Sachs (Read by) , Robert Glenister (Read by) , Harriet Walter (Read by) , Full Cast (Read by)

Fully-dramatised adaptations of all 60 Sherlock Holmes stories, brought to life with a full cast of actors, sound effects and music 'A remarkable undertaking... applauding them, and particularly Clive Merrison's Holmes, made my hands sore' The Times Arthur Conan Doyle's legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his dear friend Dr Watson are among the most enduringly popular fictional characters ever created. Their adventures have been dramatised countless times on radio, TV and film, but until BBC Radio 4 took on the challenge in 1989, no-one had ever attempted to adapt all sixty stories. Beginning with A Study in Scarlet and concluding with The Hound of the Baskervilles, their epic project took over 8 years to complete - and this landmark collection contains the extraordinary result of their labours. Here is the world's first ever fully-dramatised Sherlock Holmes canon: 56 short stories and 4 novels, all made by the same team of directors, producers, dramatists and leading actors, and packed with the high production qualities of a film or TV drama that set it apart. Starring one of radio's great double acts, Clive Merrison and Michael Williams, as Holmes and Watson, and with guest stars including Brian Blessed, Judi Dench, Maurice Denham, Andrew Sachs, Peter Davison, Robert Glenister and Harriet Walter, this definitive collection contains over 48 hours of enthralling listening. Also included is a bonus interview with Adrian Conan Doyle about his father, Sir Arthur, and some fascinating behind-the-scenes revelations from the series' head writer, Bert Coules, about the making of the radio adaptations. Cast Sherlock Holmes - Clive Merrison Dr John Watson - Michael Williams Mrs Hudson - Anna Cropper/Mary Allen/Joan Matheson/Judi Dench/ Inspector Gregson - John Moffatt Inspector Lestrade - Donald Gee/Stephen Thorne Mary Morstan/Mary Watson - Moir Leslie/Elizabeth Mansfield/Hannah Gordon Irene Adler - Sarah Badel Inspector Jones - Nigel Carrington Colonel Moran - Fraser Kerr/Frederick Treves Mycroft Holmes - John Hartley Professor Moriarty - Michael Pennington Production credits Written by Arthur Conan Doyle Dramatised by Bert Coules with David Ashton, Michael Bakewell, Roger Danes, Robert Forrest, Denys Hawthorne, Gerry Jones, Peter Ling, Vincent McInerney and Peter Mackie Produced and directed by Ian Cotterell, David Johnston, Patrick Rayner and Enyd Williams Musicians: Alexander Balanescu, Leonard Friedman, Richard Friedman, Michael Haslam, Ian Humphries and Abigail Young Contents A Study in Scarlet The Sign of the Four The Hound of the Baskervilles The Valley of Fear The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes A Scandal in Bohemia The Red-Headed League A Case of Identity The Boscombe Valley Mystery The Five Orange Pips The Man with the Twisted Lip The Blue Carbuncle The Speckled Band The Engineer's Thumb The Noble Bachelor The Beryl Coronet The Copper Beeches The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Silver Blaze The Yellow Face The Stockbroker's Clerk The Gloria Scott The Musgrave Ritual The Reigate Squires The Crooked Man The Resident Patient The Greek Interpreter The Naval Treaty The Final Problem The Return of Sherlock Holmes The Empty House The Norwood Builder The Dancing Men The Solitary Cyclist The Priory School Black Peter Charles Augustus Milverton The Six Napoleons The Three Students The Golden Pince-Nez The Missing Three-Quarter The Abbey Grange The Second Stain His Last Bow Wisteria Lodge The Cardboard Box The Red Circle The Bruce-Partington Plans The Dying Detective The Disappearance of Lady Frances Carfax The Devil's Foot His Last Bow The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes The Illustrious Client The Blanched Soldier The Mazarin Stone The Three Gables The Sussex Vampire The Three Garridebs The Problem of Thor Bridge The Creeping Man The Lion's Mane The Veiled Lodger Shoscombe Old Place The Retired Colourman First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 between November 1989 and March 1995 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

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The Jane Austen BBC Radio Drama Collection

Jane Austen (Author) , David Tennant (Read by) , Julia McKenzie (Read by) , Benedict Cumberbatch (Read by) , Juliet Stevenson (Read by) , Eve Best (Read by) , Jenny Agutter (Read by) , Toby Jones (Read by) , Full Cast (Read by)

A collection of BBC radio full-cast dramatisations of Jane Austen's six major novels Jane Austen is one of the finest writers in the English language, and this volume includes all six of her classic novels. Mansfield Park: On a quest to find a position in society, Fanny Price goes to live with her rich aunt and uncle. Northanger Abbey: Young, naïve Catherine Morland receives an invitation to stay at the isolated Gothic mansion Northanger Abbey. Full chapter listing: Chapters 1-10: Mansfield ParkChapters 11-13: Northanger AbbeyChapters 14 and 15: Sense and SensibilityChapters 16-18: Pride and PrejudiceChapters 19 and 20: EmmaChapters 21-23: Persuasion Sense and Sensibility: Forced to leave their family home after their father's death, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood try to forge a new life at Barton Cottage. Pride and Prejudice: Mrs Bennet is determined to get her five daughters married well, so when the wealthy Mr Bingley and his friend Mr Darcy move into the neighbourhood her hopes are raised… Emma: Emma Woodhouse declares she will never marry, but she is determined to find a match for her friend Harriet. Persuasion: Eight years ago, Anne Elliot rejected a marriage proposal from a handsome but poor naval officer. Now her former love has returned… With an all-star cast including David Tennant, Benedict Cumberbatch, Julia McKenzie, Jenny Agutter, Toby Jones, Eve Best and Juliet Stevenson, these BBC radio adaptations are full of humour, romance, love lost and love regained.

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Winnie-The-Pooh

A. A. Milne (Author) , Alan Bennett (Read by)

Alan Bennett reads A.A. Milne's much-loved stories about a small bear and his friends - from Winnie the Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner and A Party for Pooh. 'If you were looking for the distilled essence of pure English cosy nostalgia, this audiobook may well be it... Every child should listen to it.' - The Telegraph What is the connection between a bear of very little brain and a honey pot? Usually it's the very sticky paw of Winnie the Pooh, as he takes a break between adventures for a little something. In these stories, Pooh goes visiting and gets into a tight place, Eeyore loses a tail, Piglet meets a Heffalump, Eeyore has a birthday and gets two presents, and an expedition is mounted to the North Pole! As usual they are accompanied by Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl - to say nothing of Pooh's very clever young human friend, Christopher Robin. With a musical introduction, Alan Bennett gives A.A. Milne's characters the voices you felt they were always meant to have. The stories included here are:Winnie-the-Pooh Goes Visiting and Gets into a Tight PlacePooh and Piglet Nearly Catch a Woozle and Eeyore Loses a TailPiglet Meets a HeffalumpEeyore has a birthday and Gets Two PresentsChristopher Robin Leads an Exposition to the North PoleA House is Built at Pooh Corner for EeyoreTigger Comes to the Forest and has BreakfastA Search is Organdized and Piglet Nearly Meets the Heffalump AgainPooh Invents a New Game and Eeyore Joins InPiglet Does a Very Grand Thing and Owl Moves HouseKanga and Baby Roo Come to the ForestPiglet is Entirely Surrounded by WaterChristoper Robin Gives Pooh a PartyTiggers Don't Climb TreesRabbit has a Busy DayTigger is Unbounced ©2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

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Doctor Who: Tenth Doctor Tales

Peter Anghelides (Author) , Dan Abnett (Author) , David Roden (Author) , Scott Handcock (Author) , Simon Messingham (Author) , James Goss (Author) , David Tennant (Read by) , Catherine Tate (Read by) , Michelle Ryan (Read by) , Full Cast (Read by)

David Tennant, Catherine Tate and Michelle Ryan read this exclusive collection of original audio adventures. Join the Tenth Doctor on these seven adventures in Time and Space, written specially for audio. Pest Control by Peter Anghelides - read by David Tennant?. The Doctor and Donna face monstrous insects and a ruthless robot exterminator. The Forever Trap by Dan Abnett - read by Catherine Tate. On the Edifice, the Doctor and Donna become neighbours to a terrifying assortment of aliens. The Nemonite Invasion by David Roden - read by Catherine Tate. The Doctor and Donna fight for their lives against aliens in the Second World War. The Rising Night by Scott Handcock- read by Michelle Ryan.The Doctor is plunged into a nightmarish adventure in 18th Century Yorkshire. The Day of the Troll by Simon Messingham - read by David Tennant. In a barren England of the far future, something is preying on people - and the Doctor… The Last Voyage by Dan Abnett - read by David Tennant. Terror ensues when the Doctor joins the maiden voyage of a pioneering space cruiser. Dead Air by James Goss - read by David Tennant. The Doctor faces an enemy of pure sound. Who can he trust in the dark? With thrilling music and sound design, these seven adventures are based on the hit BBC TV series. Duration: 13 hours approx.

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P.D. James BBC Radio Drama Collection

P.D. James (Author) , Full Cast (Read by) , Robin Ellis (Read by) , Siân Phillips (Read by) , Hugh Grant (Read by) , Philip Franks (Read by) , Richard Derrington (Read by) , Greta Scacchi (Read by) , Judi Bowker (Read by)

Seven BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations of P.D. James’ acclaimed mysteries, plus P.D. James In Her Own Words This collection includes: Cover Her Face P.D. James' debut novel, introducing her famous detective Adam Dalgliesh. Starring Robin Ellis as Dalgliesh. A Taste for Death Dalgliesh investigates when two bodies are found murdered at a London church. Starring Richard Derrington as Dalgliesh. Devices and Desires Dalgliesh hunts a serial killer in desolate Norfolk. Starring Robin Ellis as Dalgliesh. A Certain Justice Dalgliesh probes the murder of a brilliant criminal lawyer. Starring Philip Franks as Dalgliesh. The Private Patient Dalgliesh investigates a high-profile murder at an exclusive cosmetic surgery clinic. Starring Richard Derrington as Dalgliesh. An Unsuitable Job For A Woman An eminent scientist hires private detective Cordelia Gray to discover why his son committed suicide. Starring Judi Bowker as Cordelia Gray. The Skull Beneath the Skin With her life in danger, actress Clarissa Lisle turns to private detective Cordelia Gray. Starring Greta Scacchi as Cordelia Gray. Among the supporting cast in these classic dramas are Siân Phillips, Hugh Grant, Anna Massey and Geraldine James. Also included is a bonus audio documentary, P.D. James In Her Own Words, in which the author discusses her professional career and private life.