Nigella Lawson has written eleven bestselling cookery books including the classics How to Eat and How To Be A Domestic Goddess – the book that inspired a whole new generation of bakers. These books, and her TV series, have made her a household name around the world. 
 
www.nigella.com 
@Nigella_Lawson

Nigella Lawson

PublicationStatus

Brand

Format

AgeRange

Series

Imprint

CategoryLabel

Mark Lawson

Mark Lawson takes an international look at celebrated literary detectives, talking to their creators to explore how mystery fiction reflects society's trends and tensions 
 
'Masterly'' Gillian Reynolds, The Telegraph 
 
Throughout its long history, crime fiction has broadened our horizons, introducing us to unfamiliar places, people and cultures and showing us new ways of looking at the world. In this fascinating series, Mark Lawson takes a global tour of the genre, putting detective novels under the magnifying glass to examine how they have depicted - and predicted - social and political change. Focussing on famous fictional investigators - from Hercule Poirot, Jules Maigret, Van der Valk and Martin Beck; through Dalgliesh, Rebus, Jane Tennison and Harry Hole; to Benny Griessel, Tess Monaghan and Easy Rawlins - he explores what these iconic protagonists can tell us about the historic character of their nations. 
 
Through the framework of their cases, he pursues the shadows of the Second World War and the Cold War; conflicts between the politics of the left and right; the rise of nationalism; and the pressures caused by migration. He also finds out how crime novels have portrayed transitional societies in South Africa and Northern Ireland; examined the legacies of military rule in Argentina and the Castro revolution in Cuba; and tackled post-colonialism in Australia and Nigeria. 
 
Helping Lawson with his inquiries are authors including Andrea Camilleri, who discusses the effects of both the Mafia and Berlusconi on Italian society; Brian McGilloway, who talks about the Troubles and the wave of Irish crime fiction that the peace process has provoked; and Petros Markaris, whose detective series prophesied the Greek financial crisis. Plus, Laura Lippman and Walter Mosley reveal how they introduced the experience of women and black Americans into their work; Russian writer Boris Akunin and Ukrainian novelist Andrey Kurkov meditate on Dostoevsky, Putin, censorship and their different approaches to crime writing; and in a special episode on TV detectives, Lawson talks to creative talent from the ITV hit Broadchurch, the Danish show The Killing and the French success Spiral about the medium's suitability as a crime scene and the rise of female investigators. 
 
Production credits 
Written and presented by Mark Lawson 
Produced by Robyn Read and Martin Williams 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: 
 
Series 1 
Belgium - Hercule Poirot and Jules Maigret 22 October 2012 
With Val McDermid, Lord Grey Gowrie, Andrea Camilleri and David Suchet 
Germany - Inspector Barlach 23 October 2012 
With Josie Rourke, Simon McBurney, Jerzy Kromolowski, Mary Olson-Kromolowski, Katharina Hall and Ferdinand von Schirach 
Czechoslovakia - Lieutenant Boruvka 24 October 2012 
With Paul Wilson 
Netherlands - Commissaris Van Der Valk 25 October 2012 
With Lord Grey Gowrie and Saskia Noort 
Sweden - Inspector Martin Beck 26 October 2012 
With Jo Nesbø, Henning Mankell, Åsa Larsson, Camilla Lackberg, Jens Lapidus, Val McDermid and Gunnar Staalesen 
UK - Commander Dalgliesh and Chief Inspector Wexford 29 October 2012 
With PD James and Ruth Rendell 
Sicily - Inspector Rogas 30 October 2012 
With Paul Bailey, Gianrico Carofiglio, Andrea Camilleri and Petra Reski 
Spain - PI Pepe Carvalho 31 October 2012 
With Antonio Hill and Jason Webster 
Britain - DCI Jane Tennison 1 November 2012 
With Lynda La Plante, Saskia Noort, Ian Rankin and Val McDermid 
Italy - Inspector Montalbano 2 November 2012 
With Andrea Camilleri 
Germany - PI Kemal Kayankaya 5 November 2012 
With Jakob Arjouni 
Scotland - DI John Rebus 6 November 2012 
With Ian Rankin 
Sweden - Kurt Wallander and Lisbeth Salander 7 November 2012 
With Henning Mankell, Kenneth Branagh, Liza Marklund, Camilla Läckberg and Eva Gabrielsson 
Norway - Harry Hole 8 November 2012 
With Jo Nesbø, Liza Marklund and Gunnar Staalesen 
Russia and Ukraine - Erast Fandorin 9 November 2012 
With Boris Akunin, Ian Rankin and Andrey Kurkov 
 
Series 2 
Greece - Inspector Costas Haritos 8 July 2013 
With Petros Markaris 
Argentina - Superintendent Perro Lascano 9 July 2013 
With Ernesto Mallo and Claudia Pineiro 
Ireland - Inspector Benedict Devlin 10 July 2013 
With Brian McGilloway 
South Africa - Detective Captain Bennie Griessel 11 July 2013 
With Deon Meyer and Sifiso Mzobe 
Screenland - DS Ellie Miller, DI Sarah Lund, Captain Laure Berthaud 12 July 2013 
 
Series 3 
Cuba 17 November 2014 
With Leonardo Padura and Caroline Garcia-Aquilera 
USA 18 November 2014 
With Laura Lippman and Walter Mosley 
Poland 19 November 2014 
With Zygmunt Miloszewski and Joanna Jodelka 
Australia 20 November 2014 
With Peter Temple and Gabrielle Lord 
Nigeria 21 November 2014 
With Helon Habila and CM Okonkwo 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Foreign Bodies

Crime Fiction Around the World

Jeremy Front

Jack &amp; Millie is the brainchild of Jeremy Front who, with his sister Rebecca Front had been improvising these two characters for years - and now they’ve been brought to life in a new show... 
 
 
This new comedy show written by Jeremy Front (writer of the Charles Paris mysteries for Radio 4) and starring Jeremy Front and Rebecca Front as Jack &amp; Millie Lemman - an older couple who are fully engaged with contemporary life whilst being at war with the absurdities of the modern world... 
 
 
The show also features Millie’s frenemy Shirley - played by Tracy-Ann Oberman, Jack’s all-too-easygoing friend Harry (Nigel Lindsay), their high-pressure son Melvin (Harry Peacock) and their high-maintenance (and Catholic) (and French) daughter-in-law Delphine (Jenny Bede - most recently heard in an episode of “John Finnemore’s Double Acts” alongside Mathew Baynton). 
 
 
Jeremy Front, Rebecca Front ,Tracy-Ann Oberman, Nigel Lindsay, Sue Kelvin, Adam G Goodwin and Llewella Gideon star in the first episode – “Death And The Maven” -, where Film Club Leo dies suddenly, Jack &amp; Millie have to make a choice between good behaviour and cheesecake... in this new comedy starring Jeremy and Rebecca Front 
 
In Episode 2, entitled “Special Lunch” and starring Jeremy Front, Rebecca Front, Harry Peacock, Jenny Bede and Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong, Jack &amp; Millie have a son. And Melvin has an app. And Melvin’s wife, Delphine has a dog. And Daniel Craig has both his eyebrows. A Special Lunch turns into a Totteridge tale of decking, Bond, beef tomahawks and a married lifetime’s-worth of verbal sparring... 
 
Show 3, and Jeremy Front, Rebecca Front, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Nigel Lindsay, Rebecca Gethings, Naz Osmanoglu and Luke Sumner star in “Deliver Us From Ebay” - Jack &amp; Millie discover the 11th Commandment - Thou shalt not try and please a son’s scary ex-girlfriend. And what’s really in the mysterious neighbour’s packages...? 
 
Episode 4 stars Jeremy Front, Rebecca Front, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Nigel Lindsay, Harry Peacock, Jenny Bede and Lauren O' Rourke in “The Kids Are Alright” - All grandkids make mistakes. But only Jack &amp; Millie’s do it quite so loudly and on video... 
 
And in the bonus Pilot edition, “Kafka Died At 39”, a phone, a strudel &amp; Franz Kafka combine to make Jack &amp; Millie’s day rather complicated in this new comedy about an older couple getting to grips with a French daughter-in-law, gassy beer, Eye-Closing Leon and a married lifetime’s-worth of verbal sparring... 
 
 
The show comes from Pozzitive, proud producers of Cabin Pressure, Thanks A Lot, Milton Jones!, Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation, The Brig Society, The Castle, Armando Iannucci’s Charm Offensive, Shush! &amp; Kevin Eldon Will See You Now...

Jack & Millie

The BBC Radio 4 comedy

Joanna Toye

Joanna Toye’s delightful trilogy telling the story of life in Ambridge from 1951-2001, narrated by Miriam Margolyes, Stella Gonet and Stephanie Cole 
 
Britain's most popular and longest-running radio drama, The Archers has captured audiences’ imaginations for 75 years, with millions of listeners in the UK and worldwide tuning in six days a week to catch up with their favourite characters. Now, Archers addicts can find out how it all began, in these engaging abridged readings of Joanna Toye’s trilogy charting the highs and lows of three generations of Ambridge’s founding families. 
 
The Archers 1951–1967: Family Ties – Read by Miriam Margolyes, Family Ties introduces us to the Archer clan: patriarch Dan and his wife Doris, his daughter Christine and sons Phil and Jack, Jack’s Londoner wife Peggy, and Phil’s beautiful and wealthy girlfriend Grace. These action-packed early years encompass Phil’s courtship and marriage to Grace and her tragic death; his subsequent marriage to Jill and the birth of their children, Shula and Kenton; Jack’s struggle with alcoholism, and his daughter Jennifer’s illegitimate baby. 
 
The Archers 1968–1986: Looking For Love – Looking for Love sees Dan and Doris’s grandchildren charting their course through the ever-changing world of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Jennifer’s struggles as an unmarried mother look to be over with marriage to the gorgeous Roger, but there are clouds on the horizon. Meanwhile, her sister Lilian has more than her share of tragedy, but there is happiness for Shula with new-found love, and wedding bells ring for Tony Archer and Pat. Read by Stella Gonet. 
 
The Archers 1987–2000: Back to the Land – In this final volume, read by Stephanie Cole, the next generation face choices and difficulties that their grandparents could never have imagined. David Archer finally meets his match in Ruth, but with the farming industry in crisis, tensions arise between him and Phil. John comes through difficult teenage years only to be struck by tragedy, and Tommy’s trial for destroying GM crops has feelings running high. And it’s not all plain sailing for the women of Ambridge, as Shula comes to terms with tragedy, Elizabeth makes a heartbreaking decision, and Debbie Aldridge becomes entangled with an older man... 
 
© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Archers: The Ambridge Chronicles

The gripping trilogy about life in Ambridge from 1951 to 2000

Victor Pemberton

Three semi-autobiographical plays by Victor Pemberton telling the story of one family across the 20th century 
 
Novelist and playwright Victor Pemberton was best known for scripting Doctor Who and working on Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock. His many plays for BBC Radio included The Slide, Kill the Pharaoh. and this three-part family saga, a love story inspired by the lives of his own parents and starring Nerys Hughes, Nigel Anthony, Sheila Grant and Wendy Richard. 
 
The Trains Don’t Stop Here Any More – 1916. When 18-year-old Letty Edginton goes to work in a munitions factory, she meets and falls for Oliver Hobbs, a young man whose leg was severely wounded at the Somme. Despite their different backgrounds and her snobbish mother’s objections, they marry and set up home – but married life proves more challenging than Letty had expected. 
 
Don’t Talk to Me About Kids! – It’s 1939, and, like so many other Londoners, Letty and Ollie find themselves living through the horrors of another world war. As German bombs begin to fall on the city, their kids Eddie and Mick are evacuated to the countryside, and their eldest son Ron is called up to fight in the Royal Navy. But Letty is determined that whatever troubles and tragedies lie ahead, her family should survive and be reunited. 
 
Down by the Sea – 1963. Letty and Ollie have always dreamed of living by the sea and, having reached their sunset years, they’ve retired to a seaside bungalow bought for them by their children. After a long and happy marriage, they celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary in the company of family and friends, but back at home, they must face the problems of old age alone... 
 
Production credits 
Written by Victor Pemberton 
Pianist: Mary Nash 
 
1. The Trains Don’t Stop Here Any More 
Letty Edginton – Nerys Hughes 
Beatrice, her mother – Sheila Grant 
William, her father – Malcolm Hayes 
Oliver Hobbs – Nigel Anthony 
Violet – Wendy Richard 
Tom – Derek Seaton 
Frank O'Malley – Bill Monks 
Nicky/Bugle Boy – Adam Godley 
Bill Brooks – Kenneth Shanley 
Amy Lyall – Eve Karpf 
Mr Cotton – Eric Allan 
Mr Pearson/Gateman – Robert Trotter 
Directed by John Tydeman 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8 July 1978 
 
2. Don’t Talk to Me About Kids! 
Letty Hobbs – Nerys Hughes 
Oliver Hobbs – Nigel Anthony 
Beatrice – Sheila Grant 
Sam – Philip Sully 
Violet – Wendy Richard 
Ron/Malcolm/Train Guard – Jonathan Tafler 
Florrie – Eva Stuart 
Colonel Meecham – Laurence Payne 
Bill Brooks/Warden – Michael Tudor Barnes 
Tilly Brooks – Emily Richard 
Mother Superior – Julie Berry 
Mick – Rickey Coombes 
Eddie – Nicholas Delve 
Janey/Doreen – Zelah Clarke 
Directed by David Spenser 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 14 January 1989 
 
3. Down by the Sea 
Letty Hobbs – Nerys Hughes 
Oliver Hobbs – Nigel Anthony 
Beatrice – Sheila Grant 
Mick – Spencer Banks 
Eddie – Sean Barrett 
Mary – Karen Archer 
Jonathan – Rory McNicholl 
Bill Brooks – Michael Tudor Barnes 
Tilly Brooks/District Nurse – Emily Richard 
Fred Golding – Norman Bird 
Gladys Golding/Alice – Joan Matheson 
Cypriot man/Newsreader – John Baddeley 
Cypriot woman – Julie Berry 
Reporter/Charlie – Kim Wall 
Doctor/Brian – Steven Harrold 
Guests at the Golden Wedding played by members of the cast 
Dance band: Les Brown Trio 
Directed by David Spenser 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 January 1989 
 
© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Our Family: The Edginton’s Wars

A Full-Cast BBC Radio Drama Trilogy

Rosamunde Pilcher

Rosamunde Pilcher's beloved saga of one family's passions and heartbreaks &ndash; plus an interview with the author&lsquo;A deeply satisfying story written with love and confidence&rsquo; Maeve BinchyRecovering from a heart attack, Penelope Keeling discharges herself from hospital and returns to her cosy Cotswolds cottage. Fiercely self-sufficient, she values her independence above everything &ndash; but fears that others wish to take it from her&hellip;Penelope has one treasured possession &ndash; &lsquo;The Shell Seekers&rsquo;, painted by her artist father Lawrence Stern. A comforting reminder of a precious bygone time, it sparks memories of her bohemian Cornish childhood and her wartime romance with the love of her life. But when her self-centred adult children, Noel and Nancy, find out that Stern&rsquo;s work is now worth a fortune, they urge Penelope to sell up and give the money to them. Only her daughter Olivia &ndash; who has also known love and loss &ndash; respects her mother&rsquo;s freedom to make her own decisions. As Penelope searches her heart, and recalls the passions, tragedies and secrets of her past, she knows what she must do&hellip; but will it rip her family apart?One of the best-selling and most famous sagas of the last four decades, The Shell Seekers is an enduring classic which has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. Set in Gloucestershire, London, Cornwall and Ibiza, and shifting between 1939 and 1985, this poignant drama explores themes of memory, fate, trauma and connection.Also featured is a fascinating episode of Bookshelf, in which Nigel Forde talks to Rosamunde Pilcher about her life and novels.Production creditsWritten by Rosamunde PilcherDramatised by Lin CoghlanDirected by Tracey NealeCastThe Narrator, Rosamunde Pilcher &ndash; Jessica TurnerPenelope &ndash; Emma FieldingOlivia &ndash; Emily BerringtonNancy &ndash; Jasmine HydeYoung Penelope &ndash; Kitty O'SullivanRichard &ndash; Carl PrekoppNoel/Ambrose &ndash; Will KirkCosmo/Mr Brookner/Soldier &ndash; John LightbodyAntonia &ndash; Imogen FrontDanus &ndash; Ian Dunnett JnrLawrence &ndash; Michael BertenshawDoris &ndash; Debra BakerMiss Pawson &ndash; Anna SpearpointMrs Enderby &ndash; Juliana LiskFirst broadcast BBC Radio 4, 14-21 April 2024The Shell Seekers copyright &copy; 1987 Rosamunde Pilcher&copy; 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Shell Seekers

A Full-Cast BBC Radio 4 Dramatisation

"Jack &amp; Millie" is the brainchild of Jeremy Front who, with his sister Rebecca Front had been improvising these two characters for years - and now they've been brought to life in a new show... 
 
The second series of this new comedy show is written by Jeremy Front (writer of the Charles Paris mysteries for Radio 4) and stars Jeremy Front and Rebecca Front as Jack &amp; Millie Lemman - an older couple who are fully engaged with contemporary life whilst being at war with the absurdities of the modern world... 
 
The show also features Millie's frenemy Shirley - played by Tracy-Ann Oberman, Jack's all-too-easygoing friend Harry (Nigel Lindsay), their high-pressure son Melvin (Harry Peacock) and their high-maintenance (and Catholic) (and French) daughter-in-law Delphine (Jenny Bede - most recently heard in Tom Neenan's "The Hauntening" and an episode of "John Finnemore's Double Acts" alongside Mathew Baynton). 
 
In the first episode, Jack &amp; Millie are back and ready to deal with Harry's bongos, Delphine's chicken, Shirley's bombshell and a cleaner with flashbacks, while in episode 2, Jack meets an unwanted old friend, Melvin gets hot under the collar, Delphine makes a French joke and Shirley and Millie get an unexpected buzz... 
 
In episode 3, Jack &amp; Millie's TV binge comes to an abrupt end when they have to face a mindfulness pillow, a Tudor sallet and some hot yoga and in episode 4, Millie feels like a natural woman while Jack feels like a man grappling with a keyboard, a saucepan and some shonky decking... 
 
The show comes from Pozzitive, proud producers of Cabin Pressure, Thanks A Lot, Milton Jones!, Agendum, Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation, The Brig Society, The Castle, Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive, Shush! &amp; Kevin Eldon Will See You Now...

Jack & Millie: Series 2

The BBC Radio 4 Comedy

Patrick O'Brian

BBC Radio productions of the first seven books in Patrick O'Brian's hugely popular Napoleonic naval series - plus bonus material 
 
Widely regarded as the most engaging historical novels ever written, the 21 books in Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey/Maturin series have garnered millions of fans since the publication of the first volume over 50 years ago. Included here are BBC radio adaptations of the first seven thrilling stories. 
 
Master and Commander - Gibraltar, 1800. Newly commissioned Commander Jack Aubrey anxiously awaits the verdict in his court martial for the loss of his ship... Michael Troughton stars as Aubrey, with Nigel Anthony as Stephen Maturin. 
 
Post Captain - 1802. Following the Treaty of Amiens, England is at peace. Returning home for a short spell as country squires, Jack and Stephen meet two beautiful women who will change their lives forever... Read by Patrick Malahide. 
 
HMS Surprise - 1804, and the dauntless duo face sea battles, political intrigue and romantic rivalry, as Aubrey tackles a secret mission. Starring David Robb as Jack Aubrey and Richard Dillane as Stephen Maturin, with other cast including Adjoa Andoh. 
 
The Mauritius Command- 1809. Promoted to Commodore, Jack prepares to lead a squadron of ships against the French. David Robb and Richard Dillane star as Aubrey and Maturin. 
 
Desolation Island - 1811, and Jack Aubrey sets sail for Australia. His mission: to transport a group of convicts to Botany Bay. Starring David Robb and Richard Dillane. 
 
The Fortune of War - 1812. Britain is at war with America and France - and the two friends find themselves caught in the crossfire... David Robb and Richard Dillane star in this 3-part dramatisation of Patrick O'Brian's novel and its sequel The Surgeon's Mate. 
 
Third Ear - Patrick O'Brian talks to fellow novelist Alan Judd about his work and his fascination with the historical novel. 
 
Bookclub: Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander - James Naughtie discusses the novel that sparked the much-loved series with author Allan Mallinson and an audience of invited readers. 
 
Text copyright © The Estate of the late Patrick O'Brian CBE 1970 (Master and Commander), 1972 (Post Captain), 1973 (HMS Surprise), 1977 (The Mauritius Command), 1978 (Desolation Island), 1979 (The Fortune of War), 1980 (The Surgeon's Mate) 
 
Cast and credits 
Written by Patrick O'Brian 
 
Master and Commander 
Dramatised by Roger Danes. Directed by Adrian Bean 
Music by Roger Danes and performed by Trevor Allan Davies 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6 April-11 May 1995 
 
Post Captain 
Read by Patrick Malahide 
Abridged by Roger Danes. Produced by Patrick Rayner 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15-26 February 1999 
 
HMS Surprise 
Produced and directed by Bruce Young 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 8-10 October 2008 
 
The Mauritius Command 
Dramatised by Roger Danes 
Produced and directed by Bruce Young 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3-17 April 2011 
 
Desolation Island 
Dramatised by Roger Danes. Produced and directed by Bruce Young 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21-28 July 2013 
 
The Fortune of War 
Dramatised by Roger Danes 
Produced and directed by Bruce Young 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18 November-2 December 2018 
 
Third Ear 
Presented by Alan Judd 
With Patrick O'Brian 
Produced by Ed Thomason 
First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 10 March 1992 
 
Bookclub: Patrick O'Brian - Master and Commander 
Presented by James Naughtie 
With Allan Mallinson and an invited audience of readers 
Produced by Dymphna Flynn 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7 December 2014 
 
©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Jack Aubrey & Stephen Maturin: Master & Commander & other adventures

A BBC Radio 4 full cast drama collection

Peter Tinniswood

Can Roger keep his home and life together while his wife is in hospital? 
 
Roger is a writer of children's books, and all he wants is a quiet life. But when his wife, Julia, has to stay in hospital, Roger has to deal with his own complications: his difficult mother-in-law, her companion, Otto, and pressures from the publisher about the work he may or may not be about to hand in. It should be easy enough for a grown man to cope at home alone, but no one wants to make it simple for him, whether it's battles to get into Julia's visiting hours or temptations Roger never expected to face at his age... 
 
Written by Peter Tinniswood, who created plays for the National Theatre and the Bristol Old Vic, and whose radio work includes Tales from the Backbench, Tales from the Brigadier, Uncle Mort Adventures and Winston, this beautiful series touches on love, ambition, marriage and families, and stars Keith Barron (Where the Heart Is, Coronation Street) and Liz Goulding (I Didn't Know You Cared, Winston), and is perfect for fans of Conversations from a Long Marriage. 
 
Cast and credits 
 
Roger - Keith Barron 
Julia - Liz Goulding 
Ma-in-'ell - Shirley Dixon 
Taxi Driver - Stephen Thome 
Matron - Kate Binchy 
Otto - Nigel Anthony 
Helena / Receptionist / Doctor - Frances Jeater 
 
Written by Peter Tinniswood 
Produced by John Tydeman 
 
Originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4: 
4 February - 11 March 1998 
 
©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Visiting Julia

A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama

The Archers

The legendary demise of Phil Archer’s first wife is recalled in these archive editions of the much-loved BBC radio serial, plus a unique behind-the-scenes drama about Grace’s death. 
 
The Archers is the longest-running radio drama in the world, and in 1955 the death of Grace Archer became one of the most notorious – and controversial – events in the history of the show. Over 20 million people tuned in to hear the shocking storyline, and the BBC switchboard was jammed with thousands of calls from distraught listeners. 
 
This Archers retrospective includes the omnibus edition from September 1955, featuring the fateful night of Grace's demise, and two editions of Vintage Archers from 1986 and 1987 in which the residents of Ambridge – including Jill, Walter, Tom, Shula and Christine – gather at Christmas and remember events of the past. 
 
Finally, in the 2015 radio play Dead Girls Tell No Tales, the real-life circumstances of Grace's departure from the serial are dramatised by long-term Archers writer Joanna Toye. With a star cast including Eleanor Tomlinson, Simon Russell Beale, Ysanne Churchman, Jon Culshaw, Pam Ferris and Miles Jupp, it delves deep into The Archers' archives to reveal the truth about why Grace had to die. Duration: 3 hours approx.

The Archers: The Death of Grace Archer

BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Sean O'Casey

An unparalleled collection of Full-Cast BBC Drama adaptations of Sean O’Casey’s powerful, poignant works 
 
 One of Ireland’s foremost playwrights, Sean O’Casey is renowned for his groundbreaking plays depicting the lives of poor, working-class Dubliners struggling with social and political upheaval and revolutionary change. This is the first comprehensive audio collection of O'Casey's works, and includes the three masterpieces collectively known as the ‘Dublin Trilogy’, as well as the dark comic satire Cock-a-Doodle Dandy, the one-act Bedtime Story and the anti-war drama The Silver Tassie.The Shadow of a Gunman – Dublin, 1920. With the Irish War of Independence raging, poet Donal Davoren finds himself caught up in danger and violence when he is mistaken for an IRA gunman on the run. Bryan Murray, Alan Devlin and Marcella O’Riordan star in this Radio 4 production of Sean O’Casey’s breakthrough play.Juno and the Paycock – The slum-dwelling Boyle family are blighted by poverty, war and the alcoholism of its feckless patriarch 'Captain' Jack Boyle. Will a surprise legacy transform their lives? Adapted for Radio 3, O’Casey’s classic tragicomedy stars Sorcha Cusack and Stanley Townsend.The Plough and the Stars – Painting a stark portrait of a city and a nation in turmoil, this classic play tells the story of ordinary Dubliners during the Easter Rising of 1916. Introduced by the playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah and starring Elaine Cassidy, Padraic Delaney, Gabrielle Reidy, Finbar Lynch & Matthew McNulty.Cock-a-Doodle Dandy – Rich farmer Michael Marthraun tries to stamp out permissiveness in rural Ireland, but the appearance of a beautifully plumed rooster calls the villagers to love and liberty. Believing the bird to be demonic, Marthraun calls in the priest, Father Domineer… Joseph O’Conor, Stephen Brennan and T. P. McKenna star in this adaptation of O’Casey’s own favourite play.Bedtime Story – Pious young clerk John Joe Mulligan is known to be a pillar of the Church. So why has he invited the seductive Angela back to his room? A concise exploration of morality and religious hypocrisy, this farcical comedy stars John Lynch, Sorcha Cusack and Angela Dearden.The Silver Tassie – A tale of love and the bitter heroics of war, O’Casey’s moving Expressionist play follows young athlete Harry Heegan (Jim Norton) as he leaves the football field for the Western Front.Text copyright © Sean O’Casey 1923 (The Shadow of a Gunman), 1924 (Juno and the Paycock), 1926 (The Plough and the Stars), 1927 (The Silver Tassie), 1949 (Cock-a-Doodle Dandy), 1951 (Bedtime Story)Production creditsWritten by Sean O’CaseyThe Shadow of a GunmanJuno and the PaycockThe Plough and the StarsCock-a-Doodle DandyBedtime StoryThe Silver Tassie© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Dublin Trilogy & more

Six BBC Radio Full-Cast Productions including Shadow of a Gunman & Juno and the Paycock

Peter Ling

Juliet Ace

A very royal saga about The Crown and a very historic house 
 
 
In this story of Crown House, the grand home of the Ministers, the bond is built between the Minister family and the House of Windsor in this tale of changing times and unvarying traditions. This is a tale of two families and a fresh era for the Minsters of Crown House, and the Royal Family of Windsor. 
 
 
The series follow the birth of a royal baby and the growing closeness of William Minster and his wife Alice to the King and Queen. The life of Crown House's staff, as Jenny Webster, the housekeeper's daughter, watches the developments of the beloved Minsters and the saga unfolds between rich and poor, upper-class and lower-, old and young. Both above and below stairs find their lives changed by the passing years, as they are hit by scandal and heartbreak, accidents and loss, love and secrets. 
 
 
Crown House is a moving story of change and upheaval, with an all-star cast including Jane Asher (Brideshead Revisited, Holby City), Martin Jarvis (Just William, Ring for Jeeves), Dinah Sheridan (The Railway Children, Genevieve), Gayle Hunnicutt (A Woman of Substance, Dallas), Richard Pasco (Mrs Brown, A Dance to the Music of Time), Geoffrey Matthews (Coronation Street, The Day of the Triffids) and many more. Written by Juliet Ace (The Archers, Young Victoria) and Peter Ling (The Avengers, Doctor Who) 
 
From Peter Ling's Crown House novels, this drama series shines a light on a very different side of the Windsors, and is just the thing for listeners of Cromwell Vs The Crown, Flying the Flag, and Encounters with Victoria. 
 
Cast and credits 
 
Jenny - Jane Asher 
Old Bea - Margaret Rawlings 
Gina - Gayle Hunnicutt 
Alice - Dinah Sheridan 
Richard - Martin Jarvis 
William - Richard Pasco 
Nicholas - Dominic Rickhards 
Lady Flora Kelso - Margaret Ward 
Sir Charles - Geoffrey Matthews 
Caroline - Cara Kelly 
Edith - Barbara Atkinson 
Polly Harvey - Polly James 
Paul Weyman - John Pullen 
Mrs Webster - Eva Stuart 
Nursemaid - Diana Olsson 
Hawkins - John Samson 
Grace Duncan - Barbara Hunt 
Scott Hanson - Ian Michie 
Grace Duncan - Barbara Leigh-Hunt 
Miranda - Andrea Kealy 
Martin - Henry Power 
Rollo Paton - Norman Bird 
Thelma, Lady Furness - Shelley Thompson 
Louie - Simon Cuff 
Instructor - Philip Sully 
Cockney Girl - Alice Arnold 
Tram conductor - Richard Tate 
Charles Lindbergh - Ed Bishop 
Telephone operator - Caroline Gruber 
Landlady - Zelah Clarke 
Barman - Peter Craze 
W T Carpenter - David Goudge 
Seaman - William Simons 
Radio announcer / Stoker - Michael Tudor Barnes 
 
Written by Peter Ling and Juliet Ace 
Produced by Graham Gauld 
 
Originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4: 
30 October - 18 December 1988 
 
©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Crown House

A BBC Radio 4 Regal Drama

Arline Whittaker

Vintage comedy as class and cultures clash, starring Barbara Windsor and Peter SallisLaugh-out-loud at this vintage radio comedy gem from the BBC archive starring legendary performers Barbara Windsor and Peter Sallis. 
 
Londoner Bill, gave up his beloved Stepney home in order to move to Cheshire. He’s renting the spare room in his son Trevor’s new marital home to help with the mortgage. Local dentist Trevor, is still trying to figure out ‘the nature of wives’ as he embarks upon his new life as a married man with his dad in tow. His wife, Katherine is dismayed at her father-in-law’s uncouth manners which threaten to lower the tone of her pretentious aspirations. 
 
Things go from bad to worse when Bill introduces them to his new girlfriend, Betty. His soon to be ‘live in lover’. Whilst the benefits are clear to Trevor (more rent) and Bill (none of the slap and all of the tickle) Katherine is fuming. What will the neighbours think!? Next door, fierce Muriel has her beady-eye on the unconventional set up. Hilarity ensures when Harold, Muriel’s hen pecked husband and Trevor’s ally, is found in the garden shed with Betty…This is a farcical comedy, very much of its time and packed with witty one-liners and endless innuendo. Filled with high-jinks and bedroom antics this is a must for any listener looking to enjoy an old fashioned, laugh-out-loud comedy. All six episodes of this charming archive gem are available to download in this edition for the first time. A listening treat.Barbara Windsor is perhaps best known for her funny girl roles in the popular Carry On films. She reached a whole new generation of fans as the feisty landlady Peggy Mitchell in BBC1’s EastEnders. Peter Sallis played the character of Cleggy in Last of The Summer Wine for nearly 50 years. He was also the original, much-loved voice, of Wallace in the smash hit animation movies ‘Wallace and Gromit’.Cast and creditsWritten by Arline WhittakerProduced by Mike CraigBetty - Barbara Windsor 
Bill - Glynn Edwards 
Harold - Peter Sallis 
Muriel - Rosalind Knight 
Trevor - Simon Molloy 
Katherine - Diana MatherVince/The Mechanic - Chris Ellison Mrs Brightwell - Rosalie Williams Sergeant Grimshaw - Peter Wheeler First Broadcast BBC Radio 2, 21 December 1986 - 23 January 1987©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Living with Betty

A BBC Radio Comedy

Christopher Reason

Esther Wilson

Roy Williams

Eve Steele

Michael Simmons Roberts

Kathrine Smith

Tom Fry

Sharon Kelly

James O'Neill

Becky Prestwich

Fiona Evans

Glenda Jackson stars in this compelling drama series inspired by Émile Zola's Rougon-Macquart series, highlighting different aspects of contemporary Britain 
 
In 2015, double Oscar winner Glenda Jackson made a triumphant return to acting in Radio 4's Blood, Sex and Money, a radical reimagining of Émile Zola's Rougon-Macquart cycle. Now, she reprises her role as matriarch/narrator in this eclectic mix of dramas inspired by Zola's novels, but set in modern Britain. 
 
Constance is confined to her sick bed and dying of motor neurone disease. Her body is paralysed, but her mind runs free, seeking out stories from the extended family she has long refused to acknowledge. As she delves into their lives, she uncovers dark secrets, lies and deceit. Has bad blood seeped down through the generations to corrupt them all, or is there a chink of light in the familial fault lines, where love and hope can flourish? 
 
In these three series, exploring British society through the lens of money, sex and blood, we meet the members of her flawed clan - from her son Miles, born into wealth and privilege, to her great-great-cousin Hannah and great-niece Natalie, struggling to survive in a world of zero-hours contracts, foodbanks and precarious social housing. Whether rich or poor, all have been shaped by the powerful driving forces of capitalism, desire and DNA... 
 
Written by a host of top dramatists including the award-winning Christopher Reason, Roy Williams, Eve Steele and Michael Symmons Roberts, these intimate, immersive dramas are performed by a stellar cast including Robert Glenister, Gillian Kearney, Don Gilet, Siobhan Finneran, Eleanor Bron and Rudolph Walker. 
 
Produced and directed by Pauline Harris and Gary Brown 
Sound design by Steve Brooke, Sharon Hughes and Simon Highfield 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 16-21 February 2020 (Money), 10-17 October 2020 (Sex), 18-26 January 2022 (Blood) 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Fault Lines: Money, Sex and Blood

A BBC Radio 4 drama series

Vince Powell

All three series of the BBC radio comedy about the turbulent relationship of an odd couple 
 
Dithering undertaker's assistant Bernard Pringle has finally got engaged to his sweetheart, Iris Bickerdyke - but Iris still has to persuade her fiancé to buy her a ring. And goodness knows when he'll manage to get her down the aisle... 
 
The course of their true love runs rather less than smooth in these 20 episodes, as a trip to the cinema turns into an off-screen disaster, Iris faces competition in the shape of new office secretary Crystabelle, and Bernard is all at sea after he's asked to scatter a client's ashes. There are problems with their parents too, as Iris's mum Daisy is conned out of her inheritance and Bernard's dad Wilf is caught with his guard - and his trousers - down. But as father and son stride to the crease in the annual cricket match, Bernard finds himself just 22 yards from glory - can he save the day? 
 
Written by Vince Powell, who scripted a string of successful TV sitcoms including For the Love of Ada, Bless This House and Here's Harry for Harry Worth, this warm-hearted comedy stars Gorden Kaye ('Allo 'Allo!) as Bernard and Su Pollard (Hi-de-Hi!) as Iris. 
 
Written by Vince Powell 
Produced by Mike Craig 
 
Cast 
Iris - Su Pollard 
Bernard - Gorden Kaye 
Wilf - David Ross 
Daisy - Paula Tilbrook/Marlene Sidaway 
Mr Foley/Police Sergeant - Peter Wheeler 
Mr Matthews - John Jardine 
Miss Parker/Myrtle/Doreen/Crystabelle - Julie Higginson 
Tommy/Mr Cameron - Roger John-Lee 
Other parts played by members of the cast 
 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 2, 11 February-1 April 1993 (Series 1), 3 December 1994-12 January 1995 (Series 2), 18 January-22 February 1996 (Series 3)

For Better Or For Worse: The Complete Series 1-3

A BBC Radio comedy drama

A. S. Byatt

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of A.S. Byatt's 'Frederica Quartet', plus selected short stories and a fascinating talk by the author 
 
Inspired by the novels of D.H. Lawrence, particularly The Rainbow and Women in Love, this ambitious quartet from Booker Prize-winning novelist A.S. Byatt charts the lives of the Potter family between 1953 and 1970. Set against the changing social and political landscape of England in the '50s and '60s, it follows the heroine, Frederica, from precocious teenager to TV talk show host, and from her Yorkshire home to the heart of swinging London. 
 
The Virgin in the Garden sees the Potters preparing to celebrate Elizabeth II's coronation, while Frederica auditions for a play about Elizabeth I written by the beautiful Alexander Wedderburn. Will she win the part, and Alexander's heart? In Still Life, Frederica's ambitions - both academic and sexual - come to fruition, as she gains a place at Cambridge University to study English - and men. In Babel Tower, she has given up her carefree, independent lifestyle - but as the Sixties' cultural revolution explodes and the quest for personal and public freedom becomes all-important, will settling down bring her happiness? And in A Whistling Woman, as events build to a tragic climax in Yorkshire, back in London, Frederica is faced with a difficult choice... These acclaimed adaptations star Rosemary Leach, Hannah Watkins and Indira Varma as Frederica. 
 
Also included are four fantastic short stories: 'The July Ghost', dramatised with a star cast including Kate Buffery and Clive Owen; and 'Rose-Coloured Teacups', 'Gode's Story' and 'A Stone Woman', read by Anna Massey, Sheila Mitchell and Penelope Wilton respectively. Plus, in Finding A Voice, A.S. Byatt reflects on her approach to her work, explaining where her desire to write came from and how she honed her craft. 
 
Track listing 
1: Introduction 
2-9: The Virgin in the Garden 
10-16: Still Life 
17-24: Babel Tower 
25-31: A Whistling Woman 
32: The July Ghost 
33: Rose-Coloured Teacups 
34: Gode's Story 
35-37: A Stone Woman 
38: Finding a Voice 
 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
 
Text copyright © AS Byatt 1978 (The Virgin in the Garden), 1985 (Still Life), 1987 ('The July Ghost', 'Rose-Coloured Teacups'), 1994 ('Gode's Story'), 1996 (Babel Tower), 2002 (A Whistling Woman)

The Frederica Quartet: The Virgin in the Garden, Still Life, Babel Tower & A Whistling Woman

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation plus selected short stories

Georgette Heyer

BBC Radio adaptations of three of Georgette Heyer's sparkling Regency romances and a classic comedy thriller 
 
The acknowledged 'queen of Regency romance', bestselling author Georgette Heyer, also penned a dozen delightful mystery novels. Included here are dramatisations of four of her finest stories from both genres, full of her characteristic wit, charm and period detail. 
 
Regency Buck 
Pretty but shrewd Judith Taverner gallops in from the provinces and daringly defies the gaming, drinking and brawling world of Regency London to claim her rights, her fortune - and who knows, perhaps her happiness? Starring Elizabeth Proud as Judith Taverner and Simon Shepherd as Peregrine Taverner. 
 
Friday's Child 
'I'm going back to London! And I'm going to marry the first woman I see!' is the cry of young Lord Sheringham when his proposal of marriage is rejected by Isabella, the Incomparable. True to his word, he takes the even younger Hero Wantage as his bride... Starring James Frain as Viscount Anthony Sheringham and Elli Garnett as Hero Wantage, with Simon Russell Beale as Jasper Tarleton. 
 
Faro's Daughter 
Deborah Grantham's position in a gaming house makes her utterly unsuitable as a wife for a nobleman, so Max Ravenscar determines to rescue his cousin from her clutches. But the bribe he offers does not go down well, and a battle of wits commences... Starring Sylvestre Le Touzel as Deborah Grantham and Nathaniel Parker as Max Ravenscar, with Anna Massey as Lady Bellingham. 
 
Envious Casca 
An English country Christmas in the 1930s, a Tudor manor house decked with holly, a family gathered for seasonal cheer - and a murder. Inspector Hemingway is on the case, but can he shake off amateur sleuths Toby and Jane French? Starring Peter Kelly as Inspector Hemingway, James Fleet as Toby and Helen Baxendale as Jane. 
 
©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Georgette Heyer BBC Radio Drama Collection

Four full-cast dramatisations

Sue Teddern

The complete Series 1-5 of the BBC Radio 4 comedy about parenting in modern times 
 
Tom and Rosie are solo parents living 250 miles apart. Both recently divorced, bruised and lonely, they're looking for a cyber pal who understands what they're going through. So when they log on to a parenting advice website, they make an instant, sparky connection. Gradually, their online friendship becomes something more, and a 'will they/won't they' relationship develops via emails, text, phone calls and the SPP forum. 
 
Following a succession of twists and turns, mistiming's and misunderstandings, they finally meet - only for things get even more complicated. But fortunately, new chatroom buddies and confidants Baz, Tash, Gilly, Scott and Barb are there to provide advice and a shoulder to cry on - as well as chipping in with the latest news on their own tangled love lives... 
 
Written by Sue Teddern, whose credits include Birds of a Feather and My Family, this hit sitcom first aired in the Woman's Hour drama slot under the title Singleparentpals.com, and went on to run for five successful series between 2009 and 2014. Funny, moving and involving, it will strike a chord with single parents everywhere. Maxine Peake and Liz White star as Rosie, with Kris Marshall and Julian Rhind-Tutt as Tom. 
 
Production credits 
Written by Sue Teddern 
Produced and directed by David Hunter 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2-6 November 2009 (Series 1), 23-27 August 2010 (Series 2), 24-28 October 2011 (Series 3), 18 March 2013 (Series 4), 31 March-4 April 2014 (Series 5) 
 
Cast 
Rosie - Maxine Peake/Liz White 
Tom - Kris Marshall/Julian Rhind-Tutt 
Tash/SPP chat room voice - Laura Molyneux/Karina Jones 
Gill - Janice Acquah/Christine Kavanagh/Jane Whittenshaw/Joanna Brooks 
Scott - Matt Addis/David Seddon 
Mark - Matt Addis 
Robin - Malcolm Tierney 
Bazz - Jonathan Tafler/Sam Dale 
Jo-C - Annabelle Dowler 
Lily - Isadora Dooley Hunter 
Calum - Thomas Rolinson/Keaton Lansley/Arthur Hughes 
Barb - Alison Pettitt/Adjoa Andoh 
Waiter/Tony - James Lailey 
Debbie/Lindsey - Philippa Stanton 
Rugby Ryan - David Seddon 
Ginny - Philippa Stanton/Priyanga Burford 
Pat - Carolyn Pickles 
 
 
©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Soloparentpals.com

A BBC Radio 4 comedy

Matthew Broughton

A compelling new thriller from the creator of Tracks 
 
When artist Jess is rescued by a mysterious stranger after collapsing at a protest rally, neither of them know that their lives are about to be transformed forever. The pair swiftly fall in love, but when Dan disappears, Jess realises how little she knows about the man who saved her. 
 
Jess is an aspiring artist with synaesthesia - she sees colours and patterns when she hears certain sounds, and uses her unique ability to connect the unconnected. Searching for answers, she is seduced by a glamorous and shadowy underworld of criminal gangs and a brutal leader with murderous intent. Conflicting perceptions compete as Jess's world begins to spiral out of control in this dark and gripping thriller... 
 
Who is Dan, really? Who can Jess trust, and is the truth what it appears to be? 
 
Senses collide and worlds change in this taut full-cast drama, starring Holli Dempsey as Jess and Josef Altin as Dan. 
 
 
Written by Matthew Broughton and Faebian Averies 
Directed by John Norton, Emma Harding and Philippa Swallow 
Sound Design by Catherine Robinson and Nigel Lewis 
Produced by John Norton, Philippa Swallow and Emma Harding 
 
Cast 
Jess - Holli Dempsey 
Dan - Josef Altin 
Johnny - Tom Byrne 
Melissa - Alexandria Riley 
Petal - Rina Mahoney 
Daisy - Grace Cooper Milton 
Clem - Francois Pandolfo 
Desk Sergeant, Security Guard, Newsreader - Chris Jack 
Security Guard, Janey, Gallery Director - Jasmine Hyde 
Mark, Magner - Neil McCaul 
Ryan - Justice Ritchie 
Ronnie Vaz - Alun Raglan 
Henry - Brendan Charleson 
Mother - Christine Kavanagh 
Molly - Molly Pepper Tuer 
Man - Dean Rehman 
Gina - Suzanne Packer 
Anthony Wheeler - Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong 
Vic - David Sterne 
Maggie - Ashleigh Haddad 
Blue Rider - Olivia Vinall 
 
Series 1 first broadcast BBC Radio 4, February 2022 
Series 2 first broadcast BBC Radio 4, December 2022 
Series 3 first broadcast BBC Radio 4, December 2023 
 
©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Broken Colours: The Complete Series 1-3

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast thriller

G. F. Newman

The fifth and sixth series of the East End family crime saga, starring Toby Jones as Joseph Olinska 
 
1991. Britain and the US are waging war in Iraq, the Soviet Union is breaking up - and Brian Oldman is banged up in Parkhurst, his 30-year sentence restarted. Set on proving his innocence, he studies law from his cell in a bid to win justice at last. But will he ever be released from prison? 
 
Joseph Olinska, meanwhile, seems unstoppable. Now ennobled and on the board of Lehman Brothers, he plans to extend his business interests into Russia - with a little help from Boris Yeltsin and his cronies. He also cultivates the new Prime Minister, John Major: as well as a young centre-left politician named Tony Blair. The only fly in the ointment is his acrimonious divorce from Catherine, who's seeking a multi-million-pound settlement and has engaged top barrister George Carman to get it. And in the meantime, she's airing all Joseph's dirty laundry in court... 
 
With his crimes revealed for all to see, will Joseph finally get his comeuppance? And as a new millennium dawns, whose fortunes will prosper - and who will get their just deserts? 
 
Adapted by double BAFTA-winning writer G. F. Newman (Law and Order, Judge John Deed) from his own hit novels, this compelling tale mingles fact and fiction to shine a light on the corruption woven through the fabric of our society. Toby Jones stars as Joseph, with Joe Armstrong as Brian and Izabella Urbanowicz as Catherine. 
 
NB: Contains violence, scenes of a sexual nature, prejudicial dialogue and attitudes prevalent in the time in which the events depicted took place 
 
Written by G. F. Newman 
Characters based on G. F. Newman's novels 
Produced and directed by Clive Brill 
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4 
 
Cast 
Sir Joseph Olinska - Toby Jones 
Brian Oldman - Joe Armstrong 
Catherine - Izabella Urbanowicz 
Leah Cohen - Jasmine Hyde 
Margaret - Flora Montgomery 
Warder Peters/John Major/Douglas Hurd/Menachem Hayek/Judge Kelman/PO Rogers/Paul Linthwaite/David Blunkett/Robin Bleecher - Paul Kemp 
Asst Governor/Lord Miles/Assistant Governor/Warder Thompson/Mr Justice Balardy - Christian Rodska 
Dr Aziz/Pongo/Bob Reed/John Quayle - Damian Lynch 
Dr Eaves - Felicity Duncan 
Lord Goodman - Edward Max 
Kevin Wheeler/Nurse Moriarty/Reggie Kray - Lucas Hare 
George Carman QC/Tony Blair/Dr Jordan - Nigel Cooke 
The Master/Peter Balladur/Lord Carson/Judge - Jamie Newall 
Jack Braden - John Hollingworth/Jacob Fortune-Lloyd 
Third Doctor/Usher/Secretary/Sonia Hope/Angela/Rita/Audrey/Emma - Sarah Lambie 
Tony Wednesday/Boris Yeltsin/Malcolm Rifkind - Alec Newman 
Eddie Richardson/Tim Listfield/Dietrich Heller/Professor King - Charles Davies 
Chuck Haley - Matt Rippy 
Anatoly Popov - Boris Isarov/Matthew Marsh 
Brad Peterson/FBI Agent Pyke - William Meredith 
2nd Warder/Prisoner/Supervisor/Nikolai Lebedev/Alexei Egorkin/Jodi Monserrat/Prison Doctor- Kieron Jecchinis 
Brian Perry/DAC Henderson - Nicholas Murchie 
John Redvers - Tom York/Arty Froushan 
Sir Ralph Courtney/Magistrate - Nick Sampson 
Alex Murray/Inspector Vallins/Gianni/Technician - John Hastings 
Julian Tyrwhitt - Jonathan Tafler 
Detective Albright/Sir Michael O'Dell/EXO Avedlund - Nigel Pivaro 
Clive Bunter/Justice Deed/Brad Thompson - Matthew Marsh 
Jeremy Corbyn - Christopher Harper 
Pongo/John Quayle - David Ajao 
Mrs Jinks/Marcia Hoffman - Suzan Sylvester 
Hamid Afzal/Mr Kumar - Akbar Kurtha 
Other parts played by members of the cast 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 20 April-1 May 2020 (Series 5), 10-20 May 2021 (Series 6) 
 
'G. F. Newman's powerful story of ambition and crooks' The Times 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

G.F. Newman’s The Corrupted: Series 5 and 6

A BBC Radio full-cast crime drama

Bill Dare

A hilarious BBC Radio sitcom of big dreams, small towns, and rock'n'roll! 
 
When Kenny (Stephen Tompkinson) gives up his life in the geography classroom to join a struggling a capella group with a beautician, a dentist and a boxer, he doesn't realise he'll soon be in the best band on the wedding circuit - and fronting the potential future of rock 'n' roll... 
 
Between trying to manage the band's failing love lives and their battling ambitions, Kenny finds that chaos greets them wherever they go. Arguments about who gets to sing the lead? Check. Rowing about recording contracts? Check. Selling out for a TV talent show? Check. 
 
Even if their only gigs are the engagement parties of their exes and a 'cruise ship' that's really a reconditioned destroyer, it doesn't mean they can't all dream of the big time: wealthy widows, international rock star glamour, private jets. It's just a pity that it looks more like old school reunions and the same old small time rows... 
 
A rib-tickling mixture of music and comedy from the writers of Peep Show, Dead Ringers, and The Now Show, and starring Stephen Tompkinson (Wild at Heart, Drop the Dead Donkey, Brassed Off), Nicola Walker (Last Tango in Halifax, Doctor Who: The Audio Adventures, Unforgotten), Adrian Scarborough (Killing Eve, Crashing, Miranda) and Clive Rowe (The Story of Tracy Beaker, Harry Hill). Also featuring Meera Syal, Henrietta Garden, Dan Strauss, Darren Boyd and Matthew Little. 
 
Written and devised by Bill Dare 
Written by Giles New, Jessie Armstrong and Sam Baine 
Producer Gareth Edwards 
 
Cast 
 
Stephen Tompkinson 
Clive Rowe 
Adrian Scarborough 
Doon Mackichan 
Nicola Walker 
Meera Syal 
Brian Bovell 
Rachel Preece 
Debra Stephenson 
Dave Lamb 
Giles New 
Matthew Little 
Tony Gardner 
Robert Webb 
Bill Dare 
Darren Boyd 
Dan Strauss 
Henrietta Garden 
Stephen Powell 
Raquel Cassidy 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, February-March 2000 and July 2001 
 
 
©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Big Town, All Stars

Peter Flannery

Olivia Poulet

Laurence Dobiesz

Karen Laws

Melanie Harris

Hannah Silva

Dan Rebellato

Tim Dawson

Gemma Bedeau

Ishy Din

Derron Sandy

Kyle Hernandez

Elisha Efua Bartels

Lucy Montague Moffatt

Thirteen plays about human connection, from some of BBC Radio's best writers exploring love, family, romances and life's ups and downs 
 
This diverse collection of stories centres around family dynamics, relationships both romantic and platonic, and the diverse ways ordinary people navigate the vicissitudes of everyday life. 
 
Ranging from modern fairy tales to coming-of-age dramas, they feature a wide variety of styles, and are scripted by an array of writers from award-winning dramatists to first-time authors. Here are stories of meeting and parting; hope and heartbreak; grief and forgiveness; and the endless possibility of change. 
 
We meet the couple racing to secure their IVF treatment; the wide-eyed young Conservative whose awakening is more than just political; the teenager who discovers a secret that threatens his entire extended family; the ex-offender transformed through his friendship with a photographer, and many more captivating characters. These engrossing dramas let us venture into their worlds; giving us an intimate insight into their lives and loves. 
 
Among the casts are Jaime Winstone, Sean Gallagher, Rhea Bailey, Mina Anwar, Ciarán Griffiths and Harry McEntire. 
 
Cast and credits 
All plays are Sparklab productions for BBC Radio 4 and Radio 3. 
Produced by Melanie Harris and Executive Produced by Polly Thomas, Jeremy Mortimer & Jo Meek. 
 
#blessed 
Cast: Olivia Poulet, Laurence Dobiesz, Ayesha Dharker, Valmike Rampersad, Fenella Woolgar 
Written by Olivia Poulet and Laurence Dobiesz. Directed by Susannah Tresilian. 
 
Indigo Children 
Cast: Lizzy Clark, Jaime Winstone, Luke Jerdy, Sylvestra Le Touzel 
Written by Hannah Silva. Directed by Jude Kelly 
 
My Life Is a Series of People Saying Goodbye 
Cast: Sean Gallagher, David Annen, Will Payne, Fenella Woolgar, Frances Grey, Jenny Jules 
Written by Dan Rebellato. Produced and Directed by Polly Thomas 
 
Not for Turning 
Cast Nicola Holt, Henry Devas, Andrew Bentley, Ashley Gerlach, Toby Hadoke 
Written by Tim Dawson. Directed by Lawrence Till 
 
The Ladies Room 
Cast: Rhea Bailey, Lisa Livingstone, Lois Chimimba 
Written by Gemma Bedeau. Directed by Melanie Harris 
 
Whose Baby? 
Cast: Gurjeet Singh, Mina Anwar, Perveen Hussain, George Bukhari, Sid Akbar Ali 
Written by Ishy Din. Directed by Julia Ford. 
 
1963 
Cast: Andy Clark, Curtis Appleby, Ross Waiton, Jill Dellow, Micheal Ajao 
Written by Peter Flannery. Directed by Melanie Harris 
 
Carifesta 2019: Mr Singh 
Cast: Keegan Maharaj, Rhesa Samuel, Idrees Saleem, Tafar Lewis, Khadijah Kirton, Israel Nunes Children from the Quays Foundation, Maloney, Trinidad & Tobago. 
Written by Derron Sandy. Directed by Melanie Harris 
 
Carifesta 2019: Aron 
Cast: Levee Rodriguez, Errol Fabien, Anand Lawkaran, Jayron Remy, Tishanna Williams, Nickolai Salcedo. Written by Kyle Hernandez. Directed by Melanie Harris 
 
Carifesta 2019: Water More Than Flour 
Cast: Mandisa Granderson, Conrad Parris, Kimmy Stoute-Robinson, Arnold Goindham 
Written by Elisha Efua Bartels. Directed by Melanie Harris 
 
Karin and Andrew 
Cast: Eve Shotton, Ciarán Griffiths, Darren Kuppan, Melissa Jane Sinden 
Scripted and directed by Melanie Harris. 
 
In His Kiss 
Cast: Niamh McGowan, Harry McEntire, Kimberly Hart-Simpson 
Written by Lucy Montague Moffatt. Directed by Julia Ford 
 
The Reality Tunnel 
Cast: Sarah Miele, Sam Newton 
Written by Karen Law. Directed by Melanie Harris 
 
© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

#Blessed and other stories of love and friendship

13 BBC Radio Dramas

Jenny Eclair

Julie Balloo

A collection of comedies and dramas about modern women’s lives and loves, starring Jenny Eclair 
 
Jenny Eclair is one of Britain’s most-loved stand-up comedians, and the first woman to win the Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Fringe. She has written several acclaimed books, including the Sunday Times bestseller Older and Wider: A Survivor's Guide to the Menopause, and appeared on numerous TV and radio shows including Grumpy Old Women and Just a Minute. Collected here are some of her finest radio comedies and dramas, centred around women who are at a turning point in their lives. 
 
On Baby Street introduces us to three neighbours discovering the delights of parenthood. Series 1 sees them preparing for their new arrivals; in Series 2, the babies are born and the fun begins; and in Series 3, the children are toddlers, and their parents’ lives are changing. TwilightBaby.com takes a similar comic look at motherhood, as Cass, a 46-year-old with grown-up kids, finds to her shock that she is pregnant again. Over two series, we follow her as she blogs about being an ‘older’ mum, whilst endeavouring to keep the rest of her family in work and out of trouble. Just Juliette sees talk show host Juliette Johnson trying to balance marriage, motherhood and the media. As the two series unfold, she is on the verge of losing her job, her husband and her mind… And in the four-part comedy Dear Jenny, Dear Julie, two long-time pen pals – a Blackpudlian and an Australian – meet for the first time in London, and paint the town red. 
 
The pitfalls of fame are explored in two standalone dramas: Jason’s Mum, about a single mother with a chart-topping son, and The Andy Warhol Syndrome, in which housewife Carol becomes a reality TV celebrity, but has to deal with the aftermath when the cameras stop rolling. And in two dramatic monologues, In Convenience and He’s Leaving His Wife, Jenny Eclair takes us into the worlds of an unhappy wife preparing to host a dinner party on the worst of all possible days, and a mistress waiting on tenterhooks for her lover to tell his wife that their marriage is over. 
 
Written by Jenny Eclair and Julie Balloo, these witty, intimate comedy dramas boast stellar casts, including All Murray, Frances Barber, Kathy Burke, Kevin Eldon, Claire Skinner, Linda Robson, Emerald O’Hanrahan, Peter Sallis, Helen Lederer, Paul Merton, Nicholas Parsons and Ronni Ancona. 
 
 
Cast and credits 
Written by Jenny Eclair and Julie Balloo 
 
On Baby Street 
With Jenny Eclair, Tilly Vosburgh, Keith Allen,Lee Cornes, Caroline Hook, Claire Skinner, Matilda Ziegler, Graham Fellows, Hugh Ross, Frances Barber, Kathy Burke/Linda Robson, Kevin Eldon, Sue Elliot-Nicholls, Eva Stuart, James Sutton, Julie Balloo, Ronni Ancona and Al Murray 
Produced by Jane Berthoud and Helen Williams 
 
TwilightBaby.com 
With Jenny Eclair, Kevin Eldon, Joseph Cohen-Cole, Emerald O'Hanrahan, Felicity Montagu, Philip Fox, Stephen Hogan, Kate Layden, Sean Baker, Christine Kavanagh, Sally Orrock 
Directed by Sally Avens 
 
Just Juliette 
With Jenny Eclair, Jeff Rawle, James Fleet, Annabel Giles, Jan Goodman, Peter Sallis, Sylvia Syms, Robert Duncan, Jane Whittenshaw, Simon Upson, Jon Culshaw, Julie Balloo, Anthony Best, Martin Hyder and Deborah Stevenson 
Produced by Helen Williams and Claire Jones 
 
Dear Jenny, Dear Julie 
With Jenny Eclair, Julie Balloo, Helen Lederer, Nicholas Parsons and Paul Merton 
Produced by Sioned Wiliam 
 
Jason’s Mum 
Starring Linda Robson and Jenny Eclair 
Produced by Jane Berthoud 
 
In Convenience 
Performed by Jenny Eclair 
Directed by Sally Avens 
 
The Andy Warhol Syndrome 
With Jenny Eclair, Ewan Bailey, Jan Goodman, Gerard McDermott, Harry Myers and Ronni Ancona 
Produced by Liz Webb 
 
He’s Leaving His Wife 
Performed by Jenny Eclair 
Directed by Mary Peate 
 
© 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Jenny and Julie’s BBC Radio Dramas

On Baby Street, TwilightBaby.com and more

R.D. Blakemore

Lorna Doone by R.D. Blackmore is a classic Victorian romance set against the rugged backdrop of 17th century Exmoor in Devon. 
 
The novel follows the story of John Ridd, a young farmer who falls deeply in love with Lorna Doone, a member of a notorious outlaw family. Their love faces numerous challenges, including the menacing presence of Carver Doone, a murderer with his own designs on Lorna, and the colourful characters of highwayman Tom Faggus and the miserly Uncle Benn. 
 
This enduring tale of love and adventure, first published in 1869, has captivated readers for generations and is brought to life in this three-part dramatisation by Barry Letts, starring David Schofield and Alison Pettit.

Lorna Doone

A Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisation

Rudyard Kipling

Dramatisations of some of Kipling’s finest fiction for adults, including ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ and The Light That Failed 
 
Well-known for his poems and stories set in India during British Imperial rule, Rudyard Kipling was the first English author to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. He was also offered a knighthood and the Poet Laureateship, but turned down both. His books remain immensely popular today, and this collection showcases a selection of his best adult works. 
 
Set deep in the Hindu Kush mountains, the chilling cautionary tale ‘The Man Who Would Be King’ tells the story of two conmen with an insane and dangerous plan to conquer a remote region of Afghanistan. Blake Ritson, Richard Ridings and Samuel James star in this thrilling drama about friendship and the folly and glory of imperial ambition. 
 
First broadcast in 1994 to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Rudyard Kipling, Kipling in Love comprises eight half-hour dramas based on his short stories – ‘His Wedded Wife’, ‘Lispeth’, ‘Venus Annodomini’, ‘The Courting of Dinah Shadd’, ‘In the Pride of His Youth’, ‘Love O’Women’, ‘Beyond the Pale’ and ‘On Greenhow Hill’. Among the star casts are Jack Klaff, Mamta Kaash, Alex Jennings, Steve Hodson, Frances Jeater, Terry John, Samuel West, Meera Syal, Michael Troughton and Nina Wadia. 
 
Adapted from Kipling’s debut novel, The Light That Failed revolves around war illustrator Dick Heldar, his struggles to become a successful artist and his unrequited love for his childhood sweetheart, Maisie. It stars Steve Hodson, Stuart Organ and Natasha Pyne. Wrapping up this collection is ‘They’, a haunting supernatural tale of a motorist’s mysterious encounters with a group of elusive children. Narrated by Tony Britton, this 1982 World Service production stars Annette Crosbie and Douglas Blackwell. 
 
First published 1888 (‘The Man Who Would Be King’, ‘His Wedded Wife’, ‘Lispeth’, ‘Venus Annodomini’, ‘In the Pride of His Youth’, ‘Beyond the Pale’), 1891 (‘The Courting of Dinah Shadd’, ‘On Greenhow Hill’, The Light That Failed), 1893 (‘Love-o’-Women’), 1904 (‘They’) 
 
Cast and credits 
Written by Rudyard Kipling 
 
The Man Who Would Be King 
 
Kipling in Love 
<ul><li>His Wedded Wife</li><li>Lispeth</li><li>Venus Annodomini</li><li>The Courting of Dinah Shadd</li><li>In the Pride of His Youth</li><li>Love O’Women</li><li>Beyond the Pale</li><li>On Greenhow Hill</li></ul> 
 
The Light That Failed 
They 
 
Copyright © 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Selected works of Rudyard Kipling

11 Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramas

Christopher Denys

Hilarious comedy caper set in Wales during the heyday of the Great British seaside holiday 
Set up the deckchair, pop a hanky on your head and order an ice-cream with a flake, as you settle in for a hilarious trip to Llantwit-on-Sea. It’s the 1950s, the Great British holiday is booming and recently widowed Eirlys Richards runs a lively boarding house in this Welsh seaside town.Wanting to spice up her life, Eirlys welcomes a lover into her holiday haven, however her other three lovers have something to say about this… Pet poodles, passionate chefs, hair-brained business schemes and brass playing bandmasters all vie for the enigmatic Eirlys’s attention in this fast paced and funny comedy drama packed full of charming characters and the laugh-out-loud situations they get themselves into. What did deckchair attendant Cox’n Hughes do to be barred from the local fisherman’s club, will the Punch and Judy auditions go smoothly and when will the lascivious town clerk get his comeuppance…?Written by Christopher Denys and starring Nerys Hughes as Eirlys Richards, best known for her roles in BBC TV series The Liver Birds and The District Nurse, and Russell Boulter (The Bill) as Matthew Dolan, this delightful comedy celebrates the best of Wales with a cast of memorable characters.Promenade Rock is a sunny seaside comedy that will have you in stitches. Listen now to the hilarious complete series, available to download for the time.Cast and creditsWritten by Christopher DenysDirected by Sue WilsonEirlys Richards - Nerys Hughes 
Matthew Dolan - Russell Boulter 
Iorweth Jenkins - Iwan Thomas 
Arnold Pilton - Christopher Scott 
Cox'n Hughes - Andy HockleyOwain Owen - Terry MolloyPC Ianto Evans - David Holt Gwenny Jenkins - Siriol Jenkins Round-the-Bay Baynon - Owen Garmon Griff Gadabout - Keith Drinkel Joyce Pilton - Tracy Wiles 
Newsreader/ Alderman Lloyd-Meredith / Dad - Ian Brooker 
Mother / Theda Pilton - Tina Gray Kalama Attercliffe - Badria Timimi Attercliffe - David Bannerman Voices of Punch and Judy - Guy Higgins Episode 1 – The Landlady and her LoversEpisode 2 – The ChefEpisode 3 – The HotelierEpisode 4 – The Silver GumshoeEpisode 5 – The LongshoremenEpisode 6 – The Punch and Judy ManEpisode 7 – The Town ClerkEpisode 8 – Mister ShowbusinessEpisode 9 – The Holiday-MakerEpisode 10 – Absent Without LeaveFirst Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 17th - 28th March 2003©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Promenade Rock

A BBC Radio Comedy Drama

Steve Waters

A compelling 10-part drama about the founding of Israel, told through the parallel voices of a Jewish immigrant and an exiled Palestinian 
 
1917. As the British enter Palestine with the aim of facilitating a Jewish homeland, young Arab Youssef Bannourah befriends Harry Lister, an English civil servant who has come to live in his village of Deir Yassin. Impressed by Youssef's intelligence, Harry finds him a job working for the British administration. Meanwhile, fleeing Jewish persecution in Russia, Miriam Cohen and her mother Sara set sail for the promised land. On arrival, they move to a newly constructed kibbutz near Jerusalem, where - divided by faith and a fence - Miriam meets Youssef for the first time. 
 
Both dream of a nation where Jews and Arabs can live together in harmony. But their youthful idealism soon turns to disillusionment, and as tensions rise and violence erupts in the holy city, they become embroiled in political upheaval and terrorism. And for naive, well-meaning Harry Lister, Britain's inability to keep the peace - and her promises - will have fateful consequences... 
 
Spanning 31 years from the closing days of the First World War to 1948, this epic, multi-perspectival drama is narrated by an older Miriam and Youssef, who recount the story to their children. Moving seamlessly between past and present, it takes in key figures and pivotal moments in Israel's history, including the Balfour Declaration, the 1930s Arab Revolt, the bombing of the King David Hotel and the UN vote to partition Palestine. 
 
Written by acclaimed playwright Steve Waters, Miriam and Youssef takes a nuanced look at the turbulent chain of events that led to the birth of the State of Israel, shedding fascinating light on the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Among the diverse cast are a host of top Middle Eastern and British actors, including native Israeli Shani Erez as Miriam, Egyptian-born Amir El-Masry as Youssef and Londoner Blake Ritson as Harry Lister. 
 
Production credits 
Written by Steve Waters 
Produced by Radio Drama London for BBC World Service 
Music written and performed by Glenn Sharp 
Sound design: Caleb Knightley 
 
Cast 
Miriam - Shani Erez 
Youssef - Amir El-Masry 
Young Miriam - Ava Merson-O'Brien 
Young Youssef - Rafi Essex/Jo Ben Ayed 
Young Zahra - Nikhita Essex 
Harry Lister - Blake Ritson 
Sara - Jessica Turner 
Abu Khalid - Rami Nasr 
Umm Khalid - Sirine Saba 
Mahmoud/Menachim Begin - Daniel Rabin 
Yehoshua - Philip Arditti 
Ben-Gurion/Rabbi - Elliot Levey 
Mufti - Dana Haqjoo 
Major Dennis/Haganath Major - Clive Hayward 
Zahra - Lara Sawalha 
Judah Magnes/McMasters - Neil McCaul 
Musa Alami - Sargon Yelda 
Mohammed - Ramzi Dehani 
Palestinian woman - Nathalie Armin 
With Heather Craney, Hasan Dixon and Steve Waters 
Other parts played by members of the cast 
 
 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 April-1 July 2020 
 
 
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Miriam and Youssef

A BBC Radio Full cast dramatisation

Humphrey Ker

David Reed

Thom Tuck

Eight swashbuckling tales about the eccentric members of Victorian Britain's greatest aristocratic family 
 
Based on their critically-acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows Aeneas Faversham, Aeneas Faversham Returns and Aeneas Faversham Forever, these action-packed romps chronicle the lives of the Brothers Faversham, nine men who straddled the Victorian era 'like a mighty change-Titan'. In the annals of the British Empire, few names blaze more brightly than theirs - and now, at last, their extraordinary stories can be told. 
 
Beginning in 1834, as deadly adventuress and super-spy Lady Alexandra gives birth to her eldest son, we hear of the rise and fall of these prodigious siblings. Series 1 introduces us to the first four: decorated soldier Horatius; eminent detective Theseus; reckless explorer Leonidas and magician-turned-megalomaniac Augustus. In Series 2, we turn to the younger fraternal quintet: sporting hero Titus; renowned horror writer Maximilian; celebrated actor Marcus and successful twin industrialists Perceus and Lucius. Packed with staggering sketches, bizarre occurrences, curious happenstance and dastardly deeds, the sensational tale of the remarkable Favershams is one you will never forget... 
 
Featuring a brand new introduction, this splendidly melodramatic series is written and performed by debonair, waistcoated comedy trio The Penny Dreadfuls - Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck - and co-stars Ingrid Oliver and Miles Jupp. Brought to you by the Orphans for Cholera Awareness Foundation, this is... The Brothers Faversham! 
 
Credits 
Written by and starring The Penny Dreadfuls: Humphrey Ker, David Reed and Thom Tuck 
Script edited by Richard Turner 
Produced by Julia McKenzie 
 
Cast 
Alexandra Faversham - Ingrid Oliver 
Narrator - Miles Jupp 
First broadcast BBC Radio 7, 11 January-1 February 2008 (Series 1), 5-26 October 2008 (Series 2) 
 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Penny Dreadfuls: The Brothers Faversham

The BBC Radio 4 comedy series

Leo Tolstoy

A brand-new BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation of Tolstoy's epic love story 
 
Beautiful and intelligent young Anna suffers in her loveless marriage, dreaming of the romantic life she should be living, and the love that others around her should be sharing honestly with one another. When she meets the dashing Vronsky he seems to offer everything she has been craving, but the cost she will pay is higher than she could have imagined. 
 
Meanwhile Konstantin Levin, a gentle landowner who shares Anna's belief in sincerity, attempts to channel his beliefs into his land, his family, and his love for beautiful aristocrat Kitty, and must risk everything to discover his capacity for life. 
 
Dramatised by the award-winning Linda Marshall Griffiths, Anna Karenina is a powerful story of passion, infidelity, vengeance and retribution. Starring Kate Phillips (Peaky Blinders), Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter films) and Rory Kinnear (James Bond films), this brand-new adaptation is an epic and compelling production that will stay with each listener for a lifetime. 
 
Written by Leo Tolstoy 
Dramatised by Linda Marshall Griffiths 
 
Cast 
Anna - Kate Phillips 
Vronsky - Alfred Enoch 
Karenin - Rory Kinnear 
Levin - Sacha Dhawan 
Kitty - Anneika Rose 
Stiva - Adetomiwa Edun 
Dolly - Rosalie Craig 
Seryozha - Rafferty Railton 
Countess Vronskaya - Leah Marks 
Kuzma/Priest/Porter - Hasan Dixon 
Princess/Nurse/Madame Kartasova - Georgie Glen 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 30 April - 14 May 2023 
©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Anna Karenina

A BBC Radio Full-Cast Dramatisation

Hugh Walpole

A BBC Radio adaptation of Hugh Walpole's historical novel, set in the Lake District during the 18th Century 
 
1730. Driven by a wild romantic impulse, Francis Herries uproots his family from Doncaster to the lakeland valley of Borrowdale. Accompanied by his housekeeper/mistress, Alice, they settle in his tumbledown ancestral home, Herries, in the shadow of the Cumberland fells. 
 
Proud, stubborn and temperamental, Francis cuts himself off from his brother, spurns his long-suffering wife and becomes embroiled in drink and debauchery. When he sells Alice at Keswick Fair, his reputation is ruined, and the locals dub him 'Rogue' Herries. His fate is sealed when he falls for the flame-haired Mirabelle Starr. They are both vagabonds, both outcasts - but she is thirty years his junior, and does not love him. 
 
As Francis struggles with his feelings for Mirabelle, his son David and daughter Deborah have battles of their own to fight. Meanwhile, the Jacobite rising has begun, and Bonnie Prince Charlie's rebel army is at the gates of Carlisle... 
 
Described by John Buchan as 'the greatest English novel since Jude the Obscure', Rogue Herries is a sweeping family saga full of romance and drama. This powerful adaptation stars Gavin Muir as Francis, Mark Bonnar as David, Jane Slavin as Alice, Deborah Berlin as Mirabelle and Jane Whittenshaw as Deborah, with a full cast including Stephen Thorne, Hugh Dickson and Gerard McDermott. 
 
Written by Hugh Walpole 
Dramatised by Eric Pringle 
Technical presentation by Rosamund Mason, Colin Guthrie and Andy Garrett 
Directed by David Blount 
 
Cast 
Francis - Gavin Muir 
David - Mark Bonnar 
Margaret - Janet Maw 
Deborah - Jane Whittenshaw 
Alice Press - Jane Slavin 
Pomfret/Greenship - Stephen Thorne 
Jannice - Shirley Dixon 
Roche/Harcourt/Whitfield - Hugh Dickson 
Statesman Peel/George Endicott/Harness - Gerard McDermott 
Pedlar/Adam Beatty - Ioan Meredith 
Benjamin/Anthony Thorne - Chris Pavlo 
Young Deborah - Katie Clarke 
Young David - George Maguire 
Razeley - Joseph Head/Robert Harper 
Prince - Robert Harper 
Mirabelle - Deborah Berlin 
Cumberlege - Gordon Reid 
Mrs Cumberledge - Carolyn Jones 
Hetty - Alison Pettitt 
Sunwood/Bann/Reverend - Christopher Scott 
Denburn - Keith Drinkel 
Sarah - Becky Hindley 
Mrs Henny - Linda Polan 
Others parts played by Alex Lowe and members of the company 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 April-11 May 1997 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Rogue Herries

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Gareth Edwards

The complete Series 1 & 2 of the BBC radio sitcom about an artists' colony in Cornwall 
 
Set in the Cornish cultural mecca of St Ives, Artists centres around a close-knit community of artists whose talent is matched only by their dysfunctionality. When they're not bitching about each other's work, they're bickering with one another - but as genius goes hand-in-hand with an artistic temperament, they never take their squabbles too seriously. 
 
Sharing a studio with landscape painter Tamsin are sculptor Dolores, who pushes the boundaries of papier maché; her bank manager partner, Nisha; and laissez-faire installationist Josef, Tamsin's lodger and sort-of boyfriend. Along with pub landlord Marcus, who provides inspiration in alcoholic form, and Tamsin's avuncular agent Gerard, they spend their time searching for their muse, suffering for their art - and making a thorough exhibition of themselves. 
 
In these 10 episodes, Tamsin competes with Josef to create a self-portrait, Marcus goes away for a weekend to save his marriage, Nisha proposes to Dolores - hypothetically, and Gerard takes a cross-Channel booze cruise that almost ends in tragedy... 
 
Written by award-winning radio producer Gareth Edwards, whose credits include That Mitchell and Webb Look and Bleak Expectations, this slow-burning, character-driven comedy features a stellar cast including Vicki Pepperdine, Pauline McLynn, Mina Anwar, Ben Miller, Dave Lamb and Graham Crowden, with guest appearances from Miranda Hart and Bertie Carvel. 
 
Production credits 
Written by Gareth Edwards 
Script editor: Paul Mayhew-Archer 
Produced by Katie Tyrrell 
 
Cast 
Tamsin - Vicki Pepperdlne 
Dolores - Pauline McLynn 
Gerard - Graham Crowden 
Nisha - Mina Anwar 
Josef - Ben Miller 
Marcus - Dave Lamb 
Jake - Dean Johnston 
Lindy - Maria Liberos 
Couple in art gallery - Stephen Critchlow & Caroline Johnson 
Ewan - Giles New 
Pippa - Miranda Hart 
Best Man/Clive - Bertie Carvel 
Cressida - Raquel Cassidy 
Charlotte - Phyllida Hewat 
Sam - Julia Morris 
Lesley/Weinberg - John Rowe 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 March-30 April 2003 (Series 1), 21 April-12 May 2004 (Series 2) 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Artists

biblio.categories.code

biblio.publicationStatus

biblio.brand

biblio.workEditions.format

biblio.ageRange

biblio.series.seriesName

biblio.imprint.description

biblio.type

About us

About Us (Header 4)

Best-Jane-Austen-quotes_Online-Desktop_Penguin

James-Baldwin

Marian-Keyes

haruki-murakami-320×320-1

Richard-Osman

Malorie Blackman

Lisa-Jewell

Charlie-Mackesy

Authors (Header 3)

Children&#039;s

Company

Discover

Fiction

Non-fiction

Penguin Classics

Penguin Shop (Header 5)

Useful links

Work with us

Search Results

Little Black Classics Box Set

Penguin Modern Box Set

Doctor Who: Circuit-Breaker

Frankenstein

Features

25 fans of Anne Tyler for 2025

Reading lists

Reading inspiration from your favourite celebrities

Aerial image of Greek Myths, Sapiens and The Secret to Superhuman Strength laid out on a wooden table surrounded by natural Christmas decorations.

12 Vintage books that make perfect Christmas gifts

Images of cookbook covers on a green and white feathered background.

Books to build your perfect Christmas dinner

A decorative banner with a portrait of David Larbi and small illustrations of everyday sources of comfort like a cup of tea, flowers and a candle.

The Penguin books that helped us through hard times

The book cover for The Body Keeps the Score against a white background with blue and yellow splotches.

The Body Keeps the Score: how a book about trauma is transforming readers’ lives

Interviews

‘I got mad and started this book’: 21 Questions with Bonnie Garmus￼

An illustration of an ice cream van, where books are being given out

What you should read, according to your taste in ice cream

Showing results for: ‘Nigella Lawson’

Filters

Category

Publication Date

Format

Series

Imprint

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter