About John Gibbons: John Gibbons is an environmental journalist and commentator who has been speaking about climate change in Ireland for over a decade. The Lie of the Land is his first book.

John Gibbons

Dave Gibbons

About Stella Gibbons: Stella Gibbons was born in London in 1902. She went to the North London Collegiate School and studied journalism at University College, London. She then worked for ten years on various papers, including the Evening Standard. Stella Gibbons is the author of twenty-five novels, three volumes of short stories, and four volumes of poetry. Her first novel Cold Comfort Farm (1932) was an immediate success and won the Femina Vie Heureuse Prize for 1933. Among her works are Nightingale Wood (1938), The Bachelor (1944), Westwood (1946), and Starlight (1967). She was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1950. Stella Gibbons died in 1989.

Stella Gibbons

Edward Gibbon

Lewis Grassic Gibbon

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Noel Coward

This Happy Breed opens in 1919, when the Gibbons family have just moved to their smart new home in the suburbs of South London. Against a background of social change and national upheaval spanning twenty years, the family celebrate their own triumphs and deal with their personal traumas. Coward’s moving and humourous production, showing what life was like for a typical suburban family between the wars, was a huge hit and was adapted into a famous 1944 film starring John Mills and Celia Johnson. Among the distinguished cast in this 1989 BBC Radio 4 production are John Moffatt, Rosemary Leach, Anna Cropper and Doris Hare.

This Happy Breed (Classic Radio Theatre)

Alex Boardman

Carl Cooper

Susan Vale

Lavinia Murray

The comedy sketch show from Manchester's Comedy Store starring Robin Ince, Helen Moon, Smug Roberts and Kate Ward 
 
Meet Dot and her friend Millie, who only communicates in catchphrases; Wendy Clapper, who thinks TV, credit cards and swimming pools are nothing but trouble; and Jonathan Tudge, who just can't help putting his foot in it. You’ll also encounter the worst therapist in the world, the travel agent who won't let anyone go further than Lowestoft, a registered platitudopath and a bag lady turned sacred icon. 
 
Plus, there’s lots of helpful hints and useful advice, how not to go about being a medium, an auctioneer or a tramp; and how to track down your old school bully. Find out what to do if you suspect your friends have been seeing other friends behind your back, how to be the worst babysitter, when it’s a good idea to have prosthetic hands and what to do with sequin waste. 
 
Production credits 
With Robin Ince, Helen Moon, Smug Roberts and Kate Ward 
Written by Colin Anderson, Alex Boardman, Marvin Cheeseman, Eliah Chlopicki, Steve Cochran, Carl Cooper, Martin Dempsey, Mick Davies, Ed Dyson, Robin & Neil Gibbons, Sandy Gort, Robin Ince, Tom Mitchelson, Martin Mor, Sue Morris, Susan Murray, Lavinia Murray, James Quinn, Howard Reed, Lara Silverstone, The Trap, Susan Vale and Stan Vernon 
Produced by Graham Frost 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 24 July-21 August 2002 (Series 3), 1 June-6 July 2004 (Series 4) 
 
© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

The In Crowd

A BBC Radio 4 Comedy

Brian Cox

Robin Ince

Four more series of the multi-award-winning science/comedy show 
 
Brian Cox and Robin Ince are back to take a witty, irreverent look at life, the universe and everything in between in these four engaging series. From the tiniest molecules to the most distant stars, the inquisitive monkeys break down the science to reveal intriguing insights into the world around us and what lies beyond. 
 
Joined by a panel of scientists, experts and celebrity science enthusiasts, they delve into topics ranging from the wonder of trees and the science of board games to hedgehogs, elasticity and the sound of music. They also raid the archives of the Royal Society to uncover some surprising and wacky scientific endeavours, search for alien life at Glastonbury, venture to Bletchley Park to decode cyberwarfare and are put to the test by an audience of curious children in a ‘Beastly Bodies Kids’ Special’ from Cheltenham Science Festival. 
 
Additionally, the duo investigate where babies come from, ask if extinction is really the end, journey to the centre of the earth to unveil the high-pressured world beneath our feet, and embark on a cool adventure to the mysterious realm of ice. And as Saturn and Jupiter are pitted against each other in a planetary face-off, Brian and Robin referee the battle of the gas giants. Who will be awarded the coveted Kuiper Belt? 
 
Among the special guests in these entertaining episodes are Dame Judi Dench, Marcus du Sautoy, Steve Backshall, Adam Kay, Anneka Rice, Dave Gorman, Alan Davies, Pam Ayres, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Sara Pascoe, Adam Rutherford, Ria Lina, Jo Brand and Brian Eno. 
 
Production credits 
Presented by Brian Cox and Robin Ince 
Produced by Melanie Brown 
Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem 
Researcher: Olivia Jani 
A BBC Studios Audio production 
 
© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Infinite Monkey Cage: Series 30-33

Ronnie Taylor

The third collection of classic sketches from a star of the golden age of radio comedy. With his well-known catchphrases 'Right Monkey' and 'You'll be lucky, I say, you'll be lucky', the immortal Al Read drew on a rich vein of Northern humour to bring us the Johnny know-all, the nagging wife in the kitchen and the horrible little boy in the Doctor's waiting room. A weekly audience of 35 million tuned in to catch the one-time sausage manufacturer from Salford turned household name. Enjoy those moments once again or discover Al's droll observational humour for the first time in this collection of his funniest sketches.

The Al Read Show 3

Aesop

40 of Aesop's tales, specially adapted for young children. Read by Richard Briers, Jane Horrocks, Jonathan Pryce, Alison Steadman, Richard E. Grant, Lindsay Duncan and Brenda Blethyn. Stories include: The Hare &amp; the Tortoise/The Frogs &amp; the Ox/The Fox &amp; the Crow/The Monkey as King/The Bundle of Sticks/The Gnat &amp; the Lion/The North Wind &amp; the Sun/The Fox &amp; the Grapes/The Dog, the Cockerel &amp; the Fox/The Miller, His Son &amp; the Donkey/The Wolf &amp; the Heron/The Donkey in the Lion's Skin/The Ant &amp; the Grasshopper/The Vain Jackdaw/The Frogs who Wanted a King/The Cat &amp; the Mice/The Lion &amp; the Mouse/The Caged Bird &amp; the Bat/The Fox &amp; the Goat/The Lion &amp; the Elephant/The Crow &amp; the Pitcher/The Fox &amp; the Stork/Two Travellers &amp; a Bear/The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs/The Kid &amp; the Wolf/The Old Lion &amp; the Fox/The Eagle &amp; the Jackdaw/The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing/The Goatherd &amp; the Wild Goats/The Dog in the Manger/Androcles &amp; The Lion, plus 9 more.

Aesop's Fables

The Complete Collection

The second collection of classic sketches from a star of the golden age of radio comedy. With his well-known catchphrases 'Right Monkey' and 'You'll be lucky, I say, you'll be lucky', the immortal Al Read drew on a rich vein of Northern humour to bring us the Johnny know-all, the nagging wife in the kitchen and the horrible little boy in the Doctor's waiting room. A weekly audience of 35 million tuned in to catch the one-time sausage manufacturer from Salford turned household name. Enjoy those moments once again or discover Al's droll observational humour for the first time in this collection of his funniest sketches.

The Al Read Show 2

The complete series 1-5 of the Sony Award Winning BBC Radio 4 show, The Infinite Monkey Cage, presented by physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince. 
 
Described by Judges of the Sony Award as; 'A brilliant way of being both innovative and instructive, bringing humour to what some will see as a dull subject. It's listenable, educational and brings a whole new audience to both the subject and the station'. 
 
The duo, assisted by a panel of experts and entertainers, tackle subjects such as biology, cosmology, physics and why Brian’s hair is always so perfect. Guest include Dara O'Brian, Jon Ronson, Stephen Fry and Dave Gorman, amongst many more. The Infinite Monkey Cage is an engaging, entertaining and educational show that puts the fun back into science.

Infinite Monkey Cage

The Complete Series 1-5

BBC Radio Comedy

Brian Cox and Robin Ince present a witty, irreverent look at the world according to science. 
 
The Infinite Monkey Cage has become one of BBC Radio 4’s most popular science-based programmes. In each episode physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince delve into a particular field of science, with the help of guests from the worlds of science, academia and entertainment. 
 
These 25 episodes feature subjects ranging from music to Frankenstein, from particle physics to the science of sleep, and from astronauts to insects. Also included are the 2016 and 2017 Christmas Special episodes. 
 
Well-known guests featured in this collection include Dave Gorman, Phil Jupitus, Sara Pascoe, Ross Noble, Eric Idle, Noel Fielding, Katy Brand, Mark Gatiss and Dara O'Briain.

The Infinite Monkey Cage: The Complete Series 14-17

Brian Cox and Robin Ince present a witty, irreverent look at the world according to science. 
 
The Infinite Monkey Cage has become one of BBC Radio 4’s most popular science based programmes. In each episode physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince delve into a particular field of science, with the help of guests from the worlds of science, academia and entertainment. 
 
In these 24 episodes the programme looks at topics as diverse as Oceans, Science Mavericks, Parallel Universes, Science v Art, Space Exploration, Brain Science, Creating Life, The Science of Christmas Behaviour, Space Tourism, Death and Risk. 
 
Helping them to discover more are guests including Dave Gorman, Marcus Brigstocke, Andy Hamilton, Alan Moore, Dr Marcus Du Sautoy, Patrick Stewart, Ben Miller, Katy Brand, Professor Matthew Cobb, Simon Singh, Dr Sue Black, Ed Byrne, Mark Gatiss, Steve Jones, Ross Noble, Eric Idle and Graeme Garden.

The Infinite Monkey Cage

Series 6, 7, 8 and 9

Andy Merriman

June Whitfield stars as the indomitable actress Margaret Rutherford in a tale of chimpanzees, Jordanian Princes, an adoring husband and falling in love with a musician 30 years her junior. First broadcast in BBC Radio 4's Afternoon Drama slot. With June Whitfield as Margaret, Ryan McCluskey as Malcolm, Sean Baker as Stringer, Gabrielle Lloyd as Rumer, Adeel Akhtar as Prince Juan, Lloyd Thomas as the driver, Sally Orrock as the chimp trainer and Sam Dale as the doctor. Written by Andy Merriman. Directed by David Hunter.

A Monstrous Vitality

Radio 4 Afternoon Drama

Brian Cox and Robin Ince present a witty, irreverent look at the world according to science. 
 
The Infinite Monkey Cage has become one of BBC Radio 4’s most popular science-based programmes. In each episode physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince delve into a particular field of science, with the help of guests from the worlds of science, academia and entertainment. 
 
These 29 episodes feature subjects ranging from the solar system to war, from UFOs to climate change, and from the mathematics of love to artificial intelligence. This collection also includes two special episodes from December 2015 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein's theory of General Relativity, and the 2014 and 2015 Christmas specials. 
 
Well-known guests featured in this collection include Dave Gorman, Sara Pascoe, Dara O Briain, Alexei Sayle, Ross Noble, Eric Idle, Jo Brand, Lee Mack, Josie Long, Katy Brand and Stephen Fry.

The Infinite Monkey Cage: The Complete Series 10-13

Sapper

Cyril McNeile

Julian Rhind-Tutt reads Sapper's thrilling adventures of private detective Captain Hugh 'Bulldog' Drummond, as heard on BBC Radio. In these six episodes, the demobbed officer offers his services to any client offering adventure. This leads him into danger and dashing escapades, as he finds himself grappling a gorilla; trying to save the realm from dreadful peril; protecting a Duchess's pearls and battling to foil the evil Peterson, who is planning to overthrow the Government...

Julian Rhind-Tutt reads Sapper's Bulldog Drummond

A BBC Radio 4 Extra reading

Marek Larwood

Steve Hall

Greg Davies

The specially commissioned BBC radio series from the trio who were nominated for an if.comedy award.  'We Are Klang' are three stand-up comedians: Greg Davies - ‘a very fat Rik Mayall’ - Steve Hall - ‘a poor man’s David Baddiel’ - and the hairless Marek Larwood - ‘a homeless Matt Lucas’.   Their sell out Edinburgh show was nominated for an if.comedy (formerly Perrier) award and this spoof radio series was specially commissioned for BBC7 and written and performed by 'We Are Klang' - we hear some tall tales in these Amazing Lives...   When ‘Britain’s most ridiculous alcoholic’ sets his heart on becoming a war poet, little does he realise that his poetry will kill as many people as the Vietnam War itself. As for Max Phantasmo, well his stand-up routines are so bad he’s been banned from performing in public. Even the US President spoke out against him. ‘Travelling, meeting people, growing beards and dysentery. What does exploring mean to us?’ In one episode we meet two of the UK’s most celebrated explorers. They have stared death in the face (and it’s like waking up next to Judy Finnigan). Lastly, we hear about Gummy Monkey, the controversial Broadway musical, which ran for just three days.   Likened to Monty Python, The Times declared, ‘this is stupid comedy done with great intelligence’.   ‘I have seen the future of comedy and it is We Are Klang’ - Evening Standard

We Are Klang

Described by Radio Times as "a brilliant observer of the domestic scene, a master reporter of life as we know it", Al Read's weekly show drew audiences of 35 million during the 1950s and 60s.Born in Salford in 1909, Al started life as a sausage manufacturer, having inherited the family's meat-processing factory. His comedy developed from his sales patter and after-dinner speeches, and he described his humour as "pictures of life". He drew on his working-class roots to come up with catchphrases such as "Right Monkey" and "You'll be lucky, I'll say, you'll be lucky". The rich Northern humour stands the test of time, as this collection of four shows from the 50s hilariously demonstrates. 
©2007 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2007 BBC Audiobooks Ltd

The Al Read Show

Sara Pascoe

Sara Pascoe explores our modern social world though theories of evolutionary psychology and more. 
 
In a brand new stand up show recorded in front of live audiences in museums, Sara asks how our past influences our modern lives, and how come we can still get emotionally hijacked by our primitive emotions? 
 
Sara says: "I've been obsessing about the ape behaviours visible in our 'civilised' human interactions for nearly as long as I've been plotting to get a Radio 4 series. I'm thrilled that I've been given the opportunity to use the latter to explore the former - I'm off to eat lice out of friends' fur to celebrate." 
 
"Always clever and sometimes exquisite." The Independent 
 
"Pascoe's lively mind teases out big questions with intelligence, silliness and self-deprecation to make a near-perfect show." The Guardian

Sara Pascoe: The Modern Monkey

Ross Noble

A brilliant new BBC Radio 4 series of comedy travelogues presented by award-winning stand-up and ‘Just a Minute’ regular, Ross Noble. Perrier Award nominee Ross Noble has received huge critical acclaim and become known as an exciting and original talent in the UK. Now he takes his show worldwide, to destinations as diverse as Shanghai, South Africa, Ireland and Singapore. In Shanghai he marvels at the wonders of a thousand pensioners exercising in a park, visits a Buddhist temple and discovers that he is allergic to incense. Touring South Africa, he fails to go up Table Mountain, but meets the Whale Cryer of Hermanus, and discovers that the monkeys in Cape Town have expensive tastes. Travelling through Ireland, he takes in the sights of Sligo, Kilkenny and Dublin, entertains audiences with his unique brand of stand-up, and learns to play the penny whistle – badly. And, in Singapore, he discovers the amazing secret behind the Japanese invasion of World War II, and realises that his hair is not suited to high humidity – unless he wants to end up looking like a member of the Jackson Five. Half hilarious stand-up routines, half cultural observations, these shows are both a tempting taster of the cities he visits and a perfect opportunity to spend some time in the wacky, whimsical, fantastically funny world of Ross Noble.

Ross Noble Goes Global

Richmal Crompton

In this full-length Just William novel, William and the Outlaws decide to form the Knights of the Square Table, 'rightin' wrongs' for a minor fee ('Small wrongs: sixpence. Big wrongs: one shillin'.) In their quest to earn enough money to become tramps, they stop at no amount of do-gooding, embarking on a plan to marry off their older brothers. William becomes a veritable Don Juan as he woos a visiting film star for his brother (much to the surprise and annoyance of his brother's girlfriend.) Soon the gang have planned a midnight haunting to scare off old monkey face from the big house on the hill - after all, where else will they find a home for the happy young couple? Martin Jarvis portrays the whole gang in this riotous comedy that leaves William teetering on the brink of disaster and success... 'Martin Jarvis's recording of Richmal Crompton's Just William stories are works of genius' - Independent. 
 
Musical Theme: Won't You Be My Ginger? composed and performed by Richard Dworsky (piano) (c) 1995 Inner Vista Music (BMI)

Just William's Luck

Darren Jones

The Amazon rainforest, 1827. The Doctor, Amy and Rory arrive in the jungle near a hurriedly abandoned campsite, where they are surrounded by hungry black caiman - huge lizards. Only the arrival of a man with a rifle sees off the giant beasts. Oliver Blazington has come to the forest to bag big game, and his companion Garrett is a naturalist, collecting exotic creatures for London Zoo. But the Doctor soon discovers that another very different hunter is stalking the Amazon. Animals and people have been disappearing without trace, and local villagers speak darkly of 'The Eye of the Jungle'. Amy senses that the all-seeing Eye is watching them - but she and Rory are powerless to intervene when it sets its sights on the Doctor... Written specially for audio by Darren Jones and read by David Troughton, The Eye of the Jungle features the Doctor, Amy and Rory as played by Matt Smith, Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill in the acclaimed hit series from BBC Television.

Doctor Who: The Eye Of The Jungle

Arthur Conan Doyle

When the hot-headed Professor Challenger claims that extinct species of animals are still to be found living on an isolated Amazonian plateau, Dr Summerlee, Lord John Roxton and intrepid reporter Edward Malone find themselves committed to a journey of a lifetime.  Arriving in the Amazon, they find themselves marooned and at the mercy of dinosaurs and a murderous tribe of hominids. Will they survive to satisfy their scientific curiosity? Will they be able to escape and bring home news of their discoveries?  With David Robb and full cast. Directed by Marilyn Imrie and dramatised by Chris Harrald.

The Lost World

C.S. Lewis

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of the seventh and final adventure in C. S. Lewis' classic Narnia series. 
 
Many Narnian years have passed since Eustace and Jill helped ensure the Royal line. But when they are jerked back violently into this strangest of lands, they find the present king in danger and Narnia facing its darkest hour. 
 
With a stupid and gullible donkey posing as Aslan and the devious ape, Shift, in charge, confused talking beasts and dwarves are allowing themselves to be sold into slavery in neighbouring Calormen. The once peaceful world of Narnia is moving towards destruction, until Eustace and Jill join forces with King Tirian and the nobel unicorn Jewel to help the remaining loyal subjects stand fast against the powers of evil and darkness. Together they must fight The Last Battle and decide the future of this once glorious kingdom. 
 
The concluding adventure in this amazing series moves heart-stoppingly from disaster to triumph as the forces for good make their final stand against evil. 
 
Starring Maurice Denham as the Professor, Timothy Spall as Puzzle, John Sessions as Shift, Paul Rhys as Tirian, Victoria Shalet as Jill and Marco Williamson as Eustace. 
 
Written by C. S. Lewis 
Dramatised by Brian Sibley 
Produced by John Taylor 
Music by Peter Howell of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop 
Text ©1956 C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. (P)2005 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
Narnia® and The Chronicles of Narnia® are trademarks of CS Lewis Pte Ltd.

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Last Battle

A BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramatisation

Julian Barratt

Noel Fielding

Described by the Observer as ‘Some of the most inventive comedy writing of the decade’, and eliciting an exclamation of ‘Wow!’ from Simpsons’ creator Matt Groening, come with us now on a journey through time and space - to the world of The Mighty Boosh... Here are all six episodes of the BBC Radio 4 series, complete and uncut, from the winners of the Perrier Best Newcomer Award. In Episode 1, a mysterious character called 'The Phantom' is stealing animals from the zoo. Howard and Vince go on a mission to find the thief and the sinister figure behind the plot. In Episode 2, tired of Bob Fossil's management, Howard and Vince venture into the zoo's Jungle Room in search of former zoo boss Tommy Nookah, (Howard's idol) who disappeared there long ago. Episode 3 sees Vince forming a rock band, but after annoying the guitarist Dave and driving him to quit, he calls on Howard to overcome the Spirit of Jazz and join them. In Episode 4, when keeper Joey Moose is savagely bitten, Howard and Vince investigate and discover Bob Fossil is breeding mutant animals to sell to wealthy Japanese businessmen. Episode 5 finds Bob Fossil sending Vince to Spain and Howard to the Arctic to collect more animals for the zoo. Our heroes end up back together facing the perils of the tundra. In Episode 6, Howard and Vince take Tony the prawn to the Zoo for Animal Offenders. Along the way they meet a mysterious hitch-hiker, and end up in the bizarre world of 'The People of the Box'. Starring Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding, with Rich Fulcher, Lee Mack and Richard Ayoade.

The Mighty Boosh: The Complete BBC Radio Comedy Series

Helen Macdonald

Helen Macdonald is a falconer and poet. She keeps a goshawk called Mabel. As a child she fell in love with a rare book of intense nature writing, J.A. Baker's The Peregrine, which records a winter watching wild peregrines on the Essex coast. Her new play brings her birds and his together. Baker tramps the bleak coastal marshes scanning the skies for fleeting moments of bloody drama as a peregrine stoops at immense speed after a plover or a pigeon. Helen woos her captive-bred goshawk in her spare bedroom - acclimatising it to human noise and human movement. Baker crouches over a half-dead pigeon and finishes it off for the wild falcon; Helen walks the city street with a goshawk on her fist. Their stories begin to fly closer to one another. Starring David Birrell as J. A. Baker, Gemma Lawrence as Young Helen and Helen Macdonald as herself. Part recorded on location at The Bird of Prey Centre in Newent, Gloucestershire. Producer: Tim Dee.

Falcon And The Hawk, The

A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

Tim Firth

William Chaucer

E F Benson

M. R. James

W.W.Jacobs

Classic plays and ghost stories, as performed by the residents of Ambridge and friends - plus bonus drama Dead Girls Tell No Tales 
 
Borsetshire's queen of amateur theatricals, Lynda Snell, never misses the chance to put on a Christmas show. Her productions are always a big hit with Ambridge audiences - and now, Archers fans can enjoy these top-notch performances alongside them (as well as eavesdropping on the shenanigans backstage). 
 
In Blithe Spirit, the Ambridge Am-Dram Society and guest star Julian Rhind-Tutt recreate Noël Coward's ghostly masterpiece, and Lynda finds herself in sympathy with eccentric medium Madame Arcati as she attempts to conjure some festive high spirits. Calendar Girls sees the group taking on Tim Firth's comedy of jam and Jerusalem, along with honorary resident Siân Phillips (who starred in the original West End show). Will the intrepid cast really bare all? And in the 2-parter The Canterbury Tales, the company present barnstorming adaptations of Chaucer's classic stories of courtly love, deadly rivalry and boisterous sex - with a little bit of magic thrown in. 
 
In Ambridge Ghost Stories, it's a cold December night, in the darkened attic of Lower Loxley. Then Jim Llloyd (John Rowe) takes to the stage to recount three spine-chilling supernatural tales from the turn of the last century - 'The Room in the Tower' by E. F. Benson, 'Lost Hearts' by M. R. James and 'The Monkey's Paw' by W. W. Jacobs. Prepare to be enthralled - and terrified... 
 
Also included are two special seasonal pageants, The Ambridge Mystery Plays- The Nativity and The Passion and a stunning original drama by Joanna Toye. Starring Eleanor Tomlinson and Ysette Churchman and Miles Jupp Dead Girls Tell No Tales explores the real story behind the death of Grace Archer: a watershed moment in the history of broadcasting and one of the defining cultural events of the 1950s. 
 
Production credits 
Blithe Spirit 
Written by Noël Coward 
Adapted and directed by Sean O'Connor 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 December 2014 
 
Calendar Girls 
The accompanying pianist was Simon Taranczuk 
Written by Tim Firth and based on the motion picture Calendar Girls written by Tim Firth and Juliette Towhidi. Adapted and directed by Sean O'Connor 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 December 2015 
 
The Canterbury Tales, Parts 1 &amp; 2 
Tellers of the Tales 
The Knight's Tale 
The Miller's Tale 
The Wife of Bath's Tale 
The Sailor's Tale 
The Pardoner's Tale 
The Friar's Tale 
The Franklin's Tale 
The Bailiff's Tale 
Written by Geoffrey Chaucer 
Dramatised by Nick Warburton. Directed by Kim Greengrass. Produced by Alison Hindell 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 December 2018-5 January 2019 
 
The Ambridge Mystery Plays 
The Nativity 
The Passion 
First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26th December 2021 &amp; 2nd January 2022 
 
Ambridge Ghost Stories 
Abridged by Jeremy Osborne 
 
'The Room in the Tower' written by E F Benson 
Produced and directed by Charlotte Davey 
 
'Lost Hearts' written by M. R. James 
Produced and directed by Mel Ward 
 
'The Monkey's Paw' written by W. W. Jacobs 
Produced and directed by Charlotte Davey 
 First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 December 2019-1 January 2020 
 
Dead Girls Tell No Tales 
Cast: Jon Culshaw, Pam Ferris, Lex Shrapnel, Eleanor Tomlinson, Georgie Fuller, Geoffrey Streatfeild, Sally Bretton, Simon Russell Beale, John Hopkins, Claudie Blakley, David Reed, Miles Jupp, Zeb Soanes, Paddy O'Connell, Ysanne Churchman, David Hounslow, Sam Dale, Chris Pavlo, Jessica Turner and Alex Tregear 
Written by Joanna Toye. Directed by Sean O'Connor 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 September 2015 
©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Archers: The Ambridge Players

Six BBC full-cast drama productions including Blithe Spirit, Calendar Girls & More

Paul Magrs

Tiermann's World: a planet covered in wintry woods and roamed by sabre-toothed tigers and other savage beasts. The Doctor is here to warn Professor Tiermann, his wife and their son that a terrible danger is on its way.   The Tiermanns live in luxury, in a fantastic, futuristic, fully-automated Dreamhome, under an impenetrable force shield. But that won't protect them from the Voracious Craw. A huge and hungry alien creature is heading remorselessly towards their home. When it arrives everything will be devoured.   Can they get away in time? With the force shield cracking up, and the Dreamhome itself deciding who should or should not leave, things are looking desperate...   Featuring the Doctor and Martha as played by David Tennant and Freema Agyeman in the hit series from BBC Television.

Doctor Who: Sick Building

Adam Rutherford

Hannah Fry

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 
 
'Explores just about every area of life' DAILY MAIL 
 
'If only Adam Rutherford and Hannah Fry were on tap to all of us, all the time . . . The pair have such a gift for making life, numbers and the forces at work in the universe all the richer, stranger, funnier and more marvellous.' Stephen Fry 
 
In Rutherford and Fry's comprehensive guidebook, they tell the complete story of the universe and absolutely everything in it - skipping over some of the boring parts. 
 
This is a celebration of the weirdness of the cosmos, the strangeness of humans and the fact that amid all the mess, we can somehow make sense of life. 
 
Our brains have evolved to tell us all sorts of things that feel intuitively right but just aren't true: the world looks flat, the stars seem fixed in the heavenly firmament, a day is 24 hours... This book is crammed full of tales of how stuff really works. With the power of science, Rutherford and Fry show us how to bypass our monkey-brains, taking us on a journey from the origin of time and space, via planets, galaxies, evolution, the dinosaurs, all the way into our minds, and wrestling with some truly head-scratching questions that only science can answer: 
 
What is time, and where does it come from? 
Why are animals the size and shape they are? 
How horoscopes work (Spoiler: they don't, but you think they do) 
Does my dog love me? 
Why nothing is truly round? 
Do you need your eyes to see? 
 
'A wonderfully engaging blend of wit, enthusiasm, clarity and knowledge.' Bill Bryson 
 
'Like the universe itself, this book is multi-faceted, surprising and full of wonders. It's also funny, wise and exceedingly brainy. You really owe it to yourself to read it.' Tim Harford, author of How To Make The World Add Up

Rutherford and Fry’s Complete Guide to Absolutely Everything (Abridged)

new from the stars of BBC Radio 4

Carl Grose

A surreal, dark comedy from BBC Radio 3's 'The Wire', by Cornish writer Carl Grose that was inspired by seeing a Johannesburg local newspaper headline about a farmer who hanged 49 donkeys from tree branches on his land. Originally broadcast 1 November 2008 and repeated 18 Jul 2009.  In Grose's play, Stanley Bray, a Cornish farmer, is compelled to hang donkeys and his wheelchair-bound wife Joy is desperate to get out of the house. Their way of life is fast disappearing, the farm is bankrupt and this is Stanley's bizarre response.  'The Wire' is BBC Radio 3's showcase for works that push the boundaries of drama and narrative. '49 Donkeys Hanged' stars Charles Barnecut as Stanley Bray and Amanda Lawrence as Joy Bray. Also included in the cast are Sibusiso Mamba, Helen Longworth, John Canford, and the writer Carl Grose as himself. Directed by Claire Grove.

Drama on 3

David Attenborough

One of the nation’s most popular presenters examines twenty marvels of the natural world from his extraordinary and pioneering experiences. How did Sir David track down a giant Earthworm? Why does he respect Rats? What was the first bribe in nature? Why do well known foods often have two names? And where can you see evidence of the earliest life on Earth? His enthusiasm is as infectious as ever, and conveys a unique fascination on topics as diverse as the Kiwi, Hummingbirds, Monsters, Butterflies, Chimps, Cuckoos, Fireflies and Elsa, the famous lioness. So listen to these stories to find out why Rats should be respected and which insects emerge from the ground only once every 17 years. Includes detailed programme notes inside the booklet. 
 
3 CDs. 3 hrs 15 mins.

David Attenborough New Life Stories

David Beaty

David Beaty’s renowned RAF inspired mystery thrillers dramatised by the BBC 
 
In this collection, we have four captivating mystery thriller radio plays from renowned author - David Beaty. 
 
The Magic Carpet - By 1930, two rival airships, the R100 and the R101, were built to link the British Empire by airship. The R100 was on its voyage to Montreal, while the R101 faced numerous problems before its journey to India. Cast includes Conrad Phillips as the narrator, Esmond Rideout, Phillip Manikum, Hubert Rees, and John Hartoch. 
 
The Temple Tree - A story of East and West, of ruined cities and jet aircraft, civilization, and the jungle. James Hannaker is set a puzzle on the beautiful island of Ceylon. Cast includes Michael Spice, Kate Binchy, Saeed Jaffrey, and Zohra Segal. 
 
The Master of Victor Kilo - The story of a flight from London to Bermuda. Cast includes Duncan Carse as the narrator, Catherine Dolan, Andrew Sachs, and Edward Chapman. 
 
Cone of Silence - This play deals with the early, dangerous days of a new jet airliner. Cast includes Norman Wooland, Beverley Dunn, David Peel, Bruce Stewart, and Marius Goring.

David Beaty: Cone of Silence, The Temple Tree and more

Four Full-Cast BBC Vintage Dramatisations

Stuart Prebble

Do you know someone who is incensed by compulsory tipping? Who is infuriated if kept on hold for more than a minute? Who is positively apoplectic if someone answers their phone during dinner? If so, you've probably encountered the phenomenon of the grumpy old man. Following their first massively successful BBC1 series, this autumn will see the grumpy old men will return to our screens, and this time they're grumpier than ever. Packed with funny and informative chapters such as 'Who are we', 'What are we grumpy about' and 'How can you spot the signs of grumpiness coming on', this book will leave even the grumpiest of men with a grin on his face.

Grumpy Old Men The Official Handbook

Iain Pattinson

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to attend a live recording of I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, the antidote to panel games, now is your chance to discover how much fun they are! These two extended editions of the programme, from 1995 and 1996, offer an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes, in the company of players Graeme Garden, Barry Cryer, Tim Brooke-Taylor, Willie Rushton and Jeremy Hardy. 
 
Hear Humph and the team setting up before and after a recording, catch the jokes intended only for the theatre audiences (including the naughty bits!), listen to Barry and Graeme as 'Alec and Denzil', early ancestors of their much-loved 'Hamish and Dougal' creations, and thrill to Jeremy Hardy’s first ever attempt at singing on the programme... 
 
Clue producer Jon Naismith introduces each programme, with additional material provided by Mrs Trellis of North Wales. Warning: contains some swearing.

I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue: Live

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