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

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Dodie Smith

Patricia Hodge stars as Cruella de Vil in this full-cast dramatisation of the much-loved story. Pongo lives happily with his human pets Mr. and Mrs. Dearly in a large house in Regent's Park. When his wife Missis produces a litter of 15 beautiful pups, life seems wonderfully complete. But the mysterious disappearance of the puppies suddenly throws everything into turmoil. Pongo, one of the keenest brains in Dogdom, quickly realises that he and Missis are the only hope for their youngsters' survival. And so the fearless pair set out on a bleak winter's journey into great dangers, helped along the way by the gallant Colonel, a sheepdog of the Old School. Dodie Smith's canine classic brought pleasure to millions as a Disney film. All its original charm and warmth are fully evident here in this full-cast dramatisation which stars Patricia Hodge as Cruella de Vil, along with Joan Sims, Brenda Blethyn, Nicky Henson and Polly James.

The Hundred And One Dalmatians

Philip Pullman

A breathtaking epic, the award-winning His Dark Materials trilogy spans a multitude of worlds. The second instalment, The Subtle Knife, introduces Will Parry – a young boy in search of his long-lost explorer father. Will’s discovery of an extraordinary ‘window in the air’ near the Oxford ring road leads him out of our world and into the strange and unsettling Cittàgazze. There he meets Lyra, a girl who is herself searching for something: the secret of the mystical substance Dust. Moving back and forth through the portal, Will and Lyra join forces in their quest. As they make allies and enemies along the way, they also learn of the subtle knife. An object which many would kill to possess, the knife has incredible powers, and Will finds himself reluctantly in a fight for its possession. Ray Fearon, Emma Fielding, Peter Marinker and Jack Klaff are amongst the cast in this gripping dramatisation.

His Dark Materials Part 2: The Subtle Knife (Radio Full-Cast Dramatisation)

John Meade Falkner

When fifteen-year-old John Trenchard discovers a secret passage into the vault of the powerful Mohune family, his peaceful life in the Dorset village of Moonfleet is at an end. It is said that Captain Mohune, the notorious Blackbeard, haunts the place with wild and bloodcurdling cries, forever seeking his hidden treasure.   As John sets off in a search of that treasure, a fabled diamond, he becomes caught up in the dangerous coastal smuggling runs and is forced to flee the country in the company of Elzevir Block, the man who is to become like a father to him.   From echoing vaults and stormy seas to dank dungeons and deep wells, the suspense of John’s search for hidden treasure is thrillingly evoked in this fully dramatised classic adventure, starring Robert Glenister and James Laurenson.

Moonfleet

Noel Streatfeild

When Sylvia and her old nurse Nana agree to keep house for Gum, they know they will be looking after his fossil collection while his away on his travels. But imagine their surprise when one day he brings them something else - three baby girls whose names all being with 'P'!   Pauline, Petrova and Posy Fossil are not really sisters - even their surname is invented. The girls decide to 'put our name in the history books because it's our very own', and enrol at the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training. Each Fossil uses her individual talents to achieve their joint aim in this captivating story, now a modern children's classic.

Ballet Shoes

Malorie Blackman

A thrilling adaptation of Malorie Blackman's bestselling novel about young love in a dystopian world 
 
Callum and Sephy have known each other since they were babies. His Mum used to work for hers as housekeeper, and they played together and became best friends. Then Callum's mother lost her job, and they had to start meeting in secret. Because Callum is a Nought - a second class citizen - and Sephy a Cross, one of the elite. And Noughts and Crosses can't mix... 
 
In this segregated society, Noughts are nonentities - discriminated against, denigrated, denied decent education. But now Callum's passed the entrance exams and been allowed into Sephy's posh school. Surely this is his first step to a better life, one where he and Sephy can be together? 
 
Only it doesn't work out that way. Instead of acceptance, the couple face opposition, intimidation and violence. They know they're made for each other - but the world keeps tearing them apart. And soon bigger things will prevail. Like the bombing... 
 
Malorie Blackman's groundbreaking book has won a host of awards and become a modern classic, with themes of racism and prejudice that still resonate today. This powerful, hard-hitting dramatisation was written by award-winning playwright Janice Okoh, and stars Zawe Ashton as Sephy, with Rikki Lawton as Callum. 
 
Also included is a bonus episode of Word of Mouth, in which Malorie Blackman talks to Michael Rosen about her lifelong love of reading, the writing that has shaped her, and how she's used language in her own influential work. 
 
 
Cast 
Sephy - Zawe Ashton 
Callum - Rikki Lawton 
Meggie/Jasmine - Adjoa Andoh 
Ryan/Andrew Dorn - Carl Prekopp 
Jude - Alex Lanipekun 
Lynette/Sarah - Tracy Wiles 
Kamal - Jude Akuwudike 
Kelani Adams - Nikki Amuka Bird 
Mr Pingule - Israel Oyelumade 
Mr Stoll/Judge - Richard Pepple 
Soanes/Sgt Collins - Gerard McDermott 
Shania - Victoria Inez Hardy 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 25 February 2012 
 
 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Noughts & Crosses

A BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation

Stephen Wyatt

Lewis Carroll

Ken Campbell, Windsor Davies, John Bird and John Fortune star in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation. 
 
When Alice leans too close to the Looking Glass, she suddenly finds herself in a land of caustic characters and twisted logic – a back-to-front world where flowers can talk, Queens can run and a crown could depend on a game of chess... In her bid to become Queen of the Chess Board, Alice must escape the fearful Jabberwock and get to the eighth square. En route, she takes advice – and sometimes downright criticism – from such peculiar folk as Humpty Dumpty, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the Lion and the Unicorn, and very helpful gnat. 
 
Even when she has passed this test, the ordeal awaits of dinner with the Red and White Queens – and Alice learns an important lesson about not eating food you've been introduced to. 
 
This witty adaptation of Lewis Carroll's enduring children's classic boasts the much-loved Jabberwocky poem amongst its sparkling collection of gems.

Alice Through the Looking Glass

Kenneth Grahame

Richard Briers, Adrian Scarborough and Terence Rigby star in this full-cast dramatisation, narrated by Alan Bennett.When Mole abandons his spring cleaning one morning, he surfaces into the sunlight and encounters the Water Rat. Mole stays with Ratty in his snug waterside home, and soon he meets Ratty’s friends: Badger, who lives in the Wild Wood, and the incorrigible Toad of Toad Hall. This timeless tale of waterside Britain has been loved by generations of children and acclaimed as a classic. The story of Mole, Ratty, Badger and Toad and their escapades never fails to enchant. Many of the original cast from Alan Bennett's acclaimed National Theatre production appear in this Radio 4 dramatisation, including Richard Briers as Rat, Adrian Scarborough as Mole and Terence Rigby as Albert - with Alan Bennett as the narrator.

The Wind In The Willows

Chris Emmett

Five delightful pantomimes featuring musical numbers, silly jokes and fun for all the family! 
 
In Puss In Boots, young Tom dreams of winning the heart of Princess Rose Petal. Can Puss in Boots help Tom defeat Baron Skinflint and his greedy ogre, and win the princess’ heart? 
 
Aladdin is a happy peasant boy. But the wicked Abanazar needs his help, as only Aladdin can enter the secret cave to find a very special lamp… 
 
In Mother Goose, Jack and Jill are in love and want to get married. Will their wish come true, thanks to a magical goose which lays golden eggs? 
 
Dick Whittington has come to London to seek his fortune. It seems his luck is changing – until the evil King Rat threatens everything… 
 
In Sleeping Beauty, the christening of Princess Rosebud is interrupted by the Wicked Fairy Carabosse, who gives the baby a terrible gift. If Rosebud pricks her finger and spills a drop of blood she will fall into a deep sleep… 
 
With stellar casts including Terry Wogan, Maureen Lipman, Anita Harris, June Whitfield, Kenneth Connor and Frank Thornton. 
 
Everyone loves a traditional Christmas pantomime, and with this classic BBC Radio collection you can enjoy the festive fun whenever you wish. With rousing songs, corny jokes and the obligatory Widow Twankey, it’s perfect entertainment for all the family. Oh, yes it is!

The Classic BBC Panto Collection: Puss In Boots, Aladdin, Mother Goose, Dick Whittington & Sleeping Beauty

Five live full-cast panto productions

Johnny Morris

Sixteen more charming animal stories, read by everyone's favourite zookeeper.   The tales are: 1. Winkle, the Zoo Cat, is lost and found. 2. Nibble, the Squirrel, has his revenge. 3. The arrival of Otto, the German Giraffe. 4. Coconut, the Orang-Utan, has fun with the lawn. 5. Otto and Georgina, the Giraffes, give their tongues a rest. 6. Bernard, the Baboon, and clever Little Titch. 7. Side-splitter, the Kookaburra, gives the game away. 8. Fanfare, the Peacock, sounds the alarm. 9. Half-a-tick, the Mongoose, is ‘egged’ on. 10. Dago, the Capybara, becomes established. 11. Ever-so-teeny and Ever-so-weeny, the Harvest Mice. 12. Hilda, the Ostrich, is annoyed. 13. Private Eye, the Vulture, gives a consultation. 14. The Budgerigars’ Record Book. 15. Small Change, the Guinea-pig, tries hard. 16. Trit-Trot, the Pony, over-turns his cart.   Vintage Beeb: classic albums first available as BBC LPs, now reissued on CD as as downloads. Guidance: as this contains archive/offair material the sound quality may vary.

Johnny Morris Reads More Bedtime Stories (Vintage Beeb)

Jacqueline Wilson

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Jacqueline Wilson's favourite character, Tracy Beaker, who lives in a children's home. Ten-year-old Tracy is smart and full of energy but more than anything she wants love. In 'The Story of Tracy Beaker', Tracy doesn't know where her mum lives but that doesn't stop her having long imaginary conversations with her. She's had two foster families before which haven't worked out, but hopes a woman named Cam will be her next foster mum.   In 'The Dare Game' Tracy is now living with Cam and starting a new school. Things seem to be looking up for Tracy - but then the trouble begins. She has a horrible teacher, the other kids laugh at her and things between her and Cam aren't going as well as expected. Tracy's friends, Alexander and Football, are having their own problems too. Then one day, out of the blue, who should appear but Tracy's long-lost mum.   Starring Victoria O'Donnell as Tracy and Rebecca Front as Cam.

The Story Of Tracy Beaker & The Dare Game

Ian Serraillier

A BBC radio full-cast dramatisation of Ian Serraillier’s classic wartime story. 
 
When the Germans march into Poland in 1941, the Balickis’ happy family life is shattered. With their parents taken away by Nazis, Ruth, Edek and Bronia are forced to fend for themselves in the dangerous, war-ravaged city of Warsaw. 
 
When Edek is captured too, the girls are desperate. Then they meet orphaned street urchin Jan, who carries with him a talisman of hope: a silver sword paperknife that they recognise as having belonged to their mother. 
 
Realising that their parents may still be alive, Ruth and Bronia set off on an epic journey to Switzerland to search for them. With Jan by their side, they are determined to reunite the family – and their first step is to find Edek. But the road ahead is full of danger and hardship, and they will facemany challenges along the way... 
 
This moving story of friendship, courage and solidarity brings to life the reality of a Europe laid waste by war. 
 
Cast: 
Ruth - Sarah McDonald Hughes 
Edek - Stephen Hoyle 
Bronia - Hester Cox 
Jan - Aqib Khan 
Margaret/Irka/Mrs Wolff - Maggie Fox 
Joseph/German 1/Mr Wolff - Malcolm Raeburn 
Ivan - David Fleeshman 
Soldier/American GI - Andrew Blake 
Doctor - Lloyd Peters 
Cook/Mrs Borowicz - Szilvi Naray Davey 
The Burgomaster/Captain Malinowski - Jonathan Keeble 
 
Adapted by Chris Wallis. 
Produced and directed by Charlotte Riches.

The Silver Sword

C.S. Lewis

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of the second adventure in C. S. Lewis' classic Narnia series. 
 
When Lucy comes across the old wardrobe standing alone in the spare room, she thinks she has found a good place for hide and seek. But then she tumbles headlong into a magical world of fauns, dwarves, and giants, of animals that talk and horses that fly – the land of Narnia. 
 
It is so extraordinary that at first her brothers and sister don't believe it can be real. Soon, though, Peter, Edmund and Susan find Narnia too and the adventures really begin. Together they must battle against an evil White Witch to break her cruel grip on Narnia, a land she has cast in perpetual winter, without Christmas. Only one thing can hold fast against such wickedness: the mighty Aslan. 
 
The excitement which C. S. Lewis must have felt in creating this enchanted world is conjured up once again in this thrilling dramatisation of one of the best stories ever told. 
 
Starring Maurice Denham as the Professor, Camilla Power as Lucy, Henry Power as Edmund, Neil Jeffrey as Peter, Abigail Docherty as Susan, Rosemary Martin as Jadis and Stephen Thorne as Aslan. 
 
Written by C. S. Lewis 
Dramatised by Brian Sibley 
Produced by Geoffrey Marshall-Taylor 
Music by Elizabeth Parker of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop 
Text ©1950 C.S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. (P)2005 BBC Audiobooks LTD 
Narnia® and The Chronicles of Narnia® are trademarks of CS Lewis Pte Ltd.

The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Philippa Pearce

Peter England, Una Stubbs and Crawford Logan star in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Philippa Pearce’s enchanting time-slip tale. 
 
When his brother catches measles, Tom is sent away to stay with his Aunt Gwen and Uncle Alan, and is thoroughly fed up about it. What a boring summer it’s going to be! But tedium turns to adventure when, lying in bed one night, he hears the old grandfather clock in the hall strike thirteen. What can it mean? As Tom creeps downstairs and opens the door, he finds a beautiful garden, and glimpses a girl in old-fashioned clothing. As he revisits the garden over the next few nights, he watches the seasons change from spring to autumn, and children come and go. But no-one seems to see him – until he meets Hatty, and the two become firm friends. With his new playmate, Tom embarks on the adventure of a lifetime... 
 
This magical drama stars Peter England as Tom, with Una Stubbs as Aunt Gwen and Crawford Logan as Uncle Alan. The wonder and excitement of much-loved children’s classics lives on in BBC Radio’s acclaimed full-cast dramatisations, complete with evocative music and sound effects.

Tom's Midnight Garden

One day in Teletubbyland, Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po sang a song...a lovely song! They sing about a little nut tree and a Hey diddle, diddle rhyme. Teletubbies love to sing and children will love to hear them singing in Teletubbyland...again, again! 
©2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd

Teletubbies Singing In Teletubbyland

Various

Sing and rhyme along with these 26 much-loved nursery rhyme songs! Includes: 'The Wheels on the Bus' / 'Down at the Station, Early in the Morning' / 'Row Row Row Your Boat' / 'The Big Ship Sails on the Alley Alley Oh' / 'London Bridge is Falling Down' / 'Jack and Jill' / 'Hickory Dickory Dock' / 'I'm a Little Teapot' / 'Polly Put the Kettle On' / 'Miss Polly had a Dolly' / 'Pop Goes the Weasel' / 'Five Currant Buns' / 'Ten Fat Sausages' / 'Peter Hammers with One Hammer' / 'The Grand Old Duke of York' / 'Girls and Boys Come Out to Play' / 'I Jump Out of Bed' / 'Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush' / 'Ring a Ring o'Roses' / 'I Hear Thunder, I Hear Thunder' / 'Incy Wincy Spider' / 'Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes' / 'If You're Happy and You Know it Clap Your Hands' / 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' / 'Wee Willie Winkie' / 'Ten in a Bed'. 
 
1 CD. 40 mins.

The Wheels On The Bus

Favourite Nursery Rhymes

Fourteen enchanting animal tales featuring some of Johnny Morris's favourite creatures.   The stories are: ‘Charley and Gladys, the Warthogs’; ‘Lulu, the Baby Seal’; ‘The Kookaburras’; ‘Bubbles the Hippopotamus’; ‘Chatterbox the Budgerigar’; ‘Hooter the Elephant’; ‘Mark and Cark the Jackdaws’; ‘Mark and Cark’s New Nest’; ‘Big Banghead and Little Bumpnut’; ‘Harum Scarum’s Mistake’; ‘Snowdrop the Polar Bear’; 'Toodle-oo Solves the Problem’; ‘Snapper the Crocodile’ and ‘Tubthump the Gorilla’.   Vintage Beeb: classic albums first available as BBC LPs, now reissued. This recording was previously released on LP in 1972.

Johnny Morris, Bedtime Stories With, (Vintage Beeb)

Joan Aiken

BBC Radio full-cast dramatisations of three of the classic novels from Joan Aiken's 'Wolves Chronicles' 
 
One of the finest storytellers of her time, Joan Aiken wrote over 100 books for both adults and children. Among her best-known works are the 'Wolves Chronicles', a sequence of novels set in an alternate 19th century England ruled by Stuart kings. Included here are three tales from that magical, wolf-infested world - The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Black Hearts in Battersea and The Story of Is. 
 
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase - Winter, 1832. The great manor of Willoughby Chase lies blanketed by snow, and predators lurk in the darkness. With the opening of the Channel Tunnel, ravenous wolves have overrun the country, and young Bonnie Green can hear their hideous howling. But she and her cousin Sylvia soon find themselves facing an even greater danger, in the shape of their devious governess, Miss Slighcarp. Aided by their friend Simon, can they foil her evil plan? 
 
Black Hearts in Battersea - Determined to become a painter, Simon sets off to London - but no sooner has he arrived than he becomes caught up in a fiendish Hanoverian plot to overthrow the King. Kidnapped and sent away to sea, he faces shipwreck, assassination plots, attacks by wolves and a hair-raising hot air balloon escape. With the help of fellow orphan Sophie, and the resourceful Dido Twite, will he save the day? 
 
The Story of Is - Sent by King Richard IV to search for his missing son, Dido Twite's sister Isabett takes the Playland Express to the north of a divided England. There, she finds an underground city where children work as slaves in vast coal mines. This is the domain of Gold Kingy, a man who will stop at nothing in his pursuit of power - but he has reckoned without Is and her newfound friends... 
 
These spellbinding adventures feature a star cast, including Gosford Park's Emily Watson, Game of Thrones' Joe Dempsie and legendary actor and comedian Rik Mayall. 
 
Text copyright © Joan Aiken 1962 (The Wolves of Willoughby Chase), 1964 (Black Hearts in Battersea), 1992 (Is) 
Production credits 
Written by Joan Aiken 
 
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase 
Cast: Jane Lapotaire, Emily Watson, Abigail Docherty, John Rowe, John Turner, Gavin Muir, Kristen Milward, Tom Bevan, Jilly Bond, Eva Stuart, David Antrobus, Ian Masters, Derek Waring, George Parsons, Elaine Claxton, Natasha Pyne, Becky Hindley 
Dramatised by Eric Pringle 
Directed by Cherry Cookson 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 December 1994 
 
Black Hearts in Battersea 
Cast: Joe Dempsie, Nicola Miles-Wildin, Emerald O'Hanrahan, John Rowe, Sheila Reid, Ben Crowe, Annabelle Dowler, Rhys Jennings, Tessa Nicholson, Sam Pamphilon, Nigel Hastings, Bruce Alexander, Joseph Cohen Cole, Piers Wehner, Kate Layden, John Biggins, 
Ewan Hooper 
Dramatised by Lin Coghlan. Directed by Marc Beeby 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23-24 December 1999 
 
The Story of Is 
Cast: John Rowe, Alison Pettitt, Rik Mayall, Freddie Jones 
With John Hartley, Gordon Reid, Rachel Atkins, Alastair Danson, Robert Harper, Gerard McDermott, Anthony Ofoegbu, Leila Campbell, George Maguire, Jenny Lee, Stephen Thorne, Carolyn Jones, Iwan Thomas, Christopher Scott, Richard Pearce, Tom Bevan, Brian Parr and children from the Italia Conti School 
Dramatised by Eric Pringle. Directed by David Blount. Music by Neil Brand 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 March-5 April 1998 
 
© 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, Black Hearts in Battersea & The Story of Is

Three BBC Radio Children’s Classic Full-Cast Dramatisations

E Nesbit

Paul Copley and Timothy Bateson star in a BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation of E. Nesbit's enchanting and unforgettable classic. Roberta, Peter and Phyllis lead an ordinary suburban life with Mother and Father, enjoying trips to the zoo and the pantomime. But when Father is mysteriously taken away one night, everything changes. The children must move to the country, to a little white cottage near the railway line, where eventually they find that there are plenty of adventures to be had and friends to be made - including Perks the Porter and the Station Master himself. But the mystery remains - what has happened to Father, and will he come back? The story of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis and their life in the country has never been out of print since it was first published in 1906. Charming, sentimental and unforgettable, the novel retains all its enchantment and enduring appeal in this BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation.

The Railway Children

Michael Bond

Four charming tales starring the marmalade-loving bear from darkest Peru.   The stories are: ‘Please Look After This Bear’, ‘A Bear in Hot Water’, ‘A Disappearing Trick’ and ‘Paddington and the Amateur Dramatics.’   ‘Please look after this bear’ said the label around Paddington’s neck, so the Brown family take him home and do just that. Life with Paddington, however, is full of surprises –as you’ll find out in these four great dramatised stories!

Paddington Please Look After This Bear & Other Stories

Frances Hodgson Burnett

A BBC radio dramatisation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's much-loved children's story 
 
 
Brought from India to chilly, fog-bound London, Sara Crewe is enrolled as a pupil at Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for Young Ladies. Her doting father, Captain Crewe, has provided her with fine clothes and luxuries fit for a princess, and she attracts envious attention. But Sara soon wins friends with her kindness, taking the school's misfits under her wing, and telling them wonderful stories to cheer them up. Yet despite her best efforts, her spiteful classmate Lavinia and mean headmistress Miss Minchin remain determined to dislike her. 
 
Then one day, Sara receives some terrible news. Her father has died, and his fortune is lost. Suddenly penniless, Sara is stripped of all her possessions and forced to become a servant. Banished to the attic with only her dreams to sustain her, will her courage, warm heart and imagination see her through? 
 
First published in 1905, Frances Hodgson Burnett's timeless tale has captured the hearts of generations, and is frequently ranked among the best children's novels of all time. This enchanting adaptation stars Ellie Beaven as Sara, with Julia McKenzie as Miss Minchin and Nicky Henson as Captain Crewe. 
 
Production credits 
Written by Frances Hodgson Burnett 
Dramatised by Dave Simpson 
Directed by Martin Jameson 
Executive producer: Diane Whitley 
Music composed by Robert Rigby 
 
Cast 
Miss Minchin - Julia McKenzie 
Captain Crewe - Nicky Henson 
Sara- Ellie Beaven 
Saeed/Ram Dass - Ravin J Gunatra 
Amelia - Fenella Norman 
Monsieur Dufarge/Mr Carmichael - Timothy Morand 
Mr Barrow/Removal man - Anthony Jackson 
Shop assistant - Jilly Bond 
Maid/Baker woman - Ali Hames 
Becky - Emma Copeland 
Ermengarde - Danielle Nelson 
Lavinia - Lucy Kent 
Jessie - Sasha Hannau 
Lottie - Becky Simpson 
Mr Carrisford - Robert Glenister 
Janet - Sara MacDonald 
Beggar girl - Carla Prosser 
Donald - Max Wrottesley 
 
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 December 1996 
 
 
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

A Little Princess

A BBC Radio 4 children’s classic

Richmal Crompton

A stunning collection of Just William stories, selected and read by Martin Jarvis 
 
'There's nothing to touch them' - Independent on Sunday 
 
Richmal Crompton's stories featuring irrepressible schoolboy William Brown have been firm favourites with both young and old for decades. Perpetually scruffy, mud-stained and mischievous, he is a lovable scamp whose pranks usually end in disaster - for his harassed elders at least. 
 
With friends Ginger, Douglas and Henry (the Outlaws) and the angelic thorn-in-his-side, the lisping Violet Elizabeth Bott, William has rightly joined the literary, and radio, immortals. 
 
Martin Jarvis, who has been hailed as 'the wizard of the talking book' (The Daily Telegraph), has made the voice of William his own, and this collection of 54 laugh-out-loud stories will delight long-standing fans and first-time listeners alike. 
 
Also included are two bonus interviews with Richmal Crompton, recorded in 1965 and 1968. 
 
Musical Theme: Won't You Be My Ginger? composed and performed by Richard Dworsky (piano) (c) 1995 Inner Vista Music (BMI) 
 
The stories included in this collection are: 
 
The Christmas Truce 
Only Just in Time 
The Midnight Adventure of Miss Montague 
William and the Musician 
William Leads a Better Life 
William and the Twins 
William's Birthday 
William and the Little Girl 
The Outlaws and Cousin Percy 
William and the Princess Goldilocks 
The Sweet Little Girl in White 
A Birthday Treat 
The Outlaws and the Triplets 
A Bit of Blackmail 
William Makes a Night of It 
William and the Lost Tourist 
The Leopard Hunter 
The New Neighbour 
William the Philanthropist 
William and the Prize Cat 
William Holds the Stage 
William and the School Report 
All the News 
Aunt Arabelle in Charge 
William's Goodbye Present 
William the Salvage Collector 
William's Day Off 
Entertainment Provided 
William and the Brains Trust 
William and the Bomb 
William Goes Shopping 
Violet Elizabeth Runs Away 
William and the Real Laurence 
The Outlaws and the Hidden Treasure 
William and the Fairy Daffodil 
The Best Laid Plans 
Mrs Bott's Hat 
William Starts the Holidays 
William Plays Santa Claus 
William and the Snowman 
Revenge is Sweet 
William and the Black Cat 
William and the Russian Prince 
William's Busy Day 
William - The Great Actor 
William and the White Elephants 
Finding a School for William 
William Clears the Slums 
Parrots for Ethel 
William's Truthful Christmas 
Boys will be Boys 
William and the Ebony Hair-Brush 
William and the Old Man in the Fog

Just William: A BBC Radio Collection

Classic readings from the BBC archive

Worth his weight in marmalade sandwiches, here’s Paddington in four more favourite adventures. Whether he’s playing in the sand, going to the theatre, picnicking on the river or enjoying Christmas Day, you can be sure life will be full of surprises! The stories are ‘A Day at the Seaside’, ‘Pantomime Time’, ‘A Picnic on the River’ and ‘Paddington’s Christmas.' Introduced by Michael Hordern, who narrated the original BBC TV series Paddington.

Paddington A Day At The Seaside & Other Stories

Susan Cooper

Two magical adventure stories from the queen of fantasy 
 
Immerse yourself in the magical world of Susan Cooper’s imagination. Drawing upon Celtic and Norse mythology and English folklore, Cooper creates worlds like no other. She is best known for her The Dark Is Rising series, the first of which is included in this magical adventure collection, with two tales adapted for radio and brought to life by a full cast. 
 
In Over Sea, Under Stone siblings Simon, Jane and Barney are holidaying with their great-uncle in Cornwall, and make a curious discovery in a cluttered attic. What they expected to be an ordinary summer in the village of Trewissick turns into something very unordinary - and frightening... Starring Ronald Pickup as Great Uncle Merry and Struan Rodger as Hastings. This is the is the first instalment of Cooper’s classic The Dark Is Rising series and a listening treat. 
 
King of Shadows is a magical adventure story set both in the present day and in Elizabethan England. Chosen to play Puck in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at Shakespeare's Globe, young American Nat Field travels to London. Visiting the theatre for the first time, he falls seriously ill. When he awakes, he finds that he has gone back 400 years in time. Will he ever be able to return home… Starring Robert Glenister (Strike, Hustle, Spooks) as Will and Adam Sims (Lost in Space, Band of Brothers) as Nat. 
 
These stunning listens are perfect for fans of His Dark Materials, The Hobbit, CS Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia and Ursula Le Guin’s Earthsea Cycle. These stories are a delight for listeners young and old and not to be missed. 
 
 
Cast and credits 
Written by Susan Cooper 
 
Over Sea, Under Stone 
Dramatised by David Calcutt 
Directed by Nigel Bryant 
Music by Martin Allcock 
 
Great Uncle Merry - Ronald Pickup 
Jane - Naomi Kerbel 
Simon - Ben Gutteridge 
Barney - Edward Clarke 
Hastings - Struan Rodger 
 
First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20th Aug - 10th Sep 1995 
 
King of Shadows 
Written by Susan Cooper 
Dramatised by Beatrice Collin 
Directed by Gaynor MacFarlane 
 
Rachel - Buffy Davis 
Queen Elizabeth - Sally Dexter 
Harry - Tom George 
Will - Robert Glenister 
Doctor - Martin Hyder 
Nat - Adam Sims 
Arby/Richard Burbage - Andrew Woodall 
 
First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20th Mar 2003 
 
©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Over Sea, Under Stone & King of Shadows

Two Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations

BBC Audiobooks Ltd

Sixty much-loved nursery rhymes, sung by Susan Sheridan and Jimmy Hibbert 
 
Join in with Susan Sheridan and Jimmy Hibbert, as they sing along to 60 of their favourite nursery rhymes, complete with wonderful music and sound effects. Perfect for playtime or in the car, these classic counting songs, action songs and lullabies are sure to delight little ones. 
 
Track listing 
1 Sing a Song of Sixpence 
2 Girls and Boys Come Out to Play 
3 London Bridge is Falling Down 
4 Oh, Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone? 
5 Jack and Jill 
6 Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary 
7 Hey Diddle Diddle, the Cat and the Fiddle 
8 I Saw Three Ships 
9 Pease Pudding 
10 Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush 
11 Over the Hills and Far Away 
12 Little Boy Blue 
13 Wee Willie Winkie 
14 One, Two, Buckle My Shoe 
15 Humpty Dumpty 
16 Bye Baby Bunting 
17 One a Penny, Two a Penny 
18 The North Wind Doth Blow 
19 Incy Wincy Spider 
20 See Saw, Margery Daw 
21 The Grand Old Duke of York 
22 Little Tommy Tucker 
23 Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star 
24 Pop Goes the Weasel 
25 Rock-a-Bye Baby on the Tree Top 
26 Oranges and Lemons 
27 I Had a Little Nut Tree 
28 Pussycat, Pussycat 
29 The Farmer's in the Dell 
30 Jack Sprat 
31 Three Blind Mice 
32 Cock-a-Doodle-Doo 
33 Baa Baa Black Sheep 
34 Fly Away, Ladybird 
35 Simple Simon 
36 Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross 
37 Diddle Diddle Dumpling 
38 I Love Little Pussy 
39 Pat-a-Cake, Pat-a-Cake 
40 Little Jack Horner 
41 Who Killed Cock Robin? 
42 This Little Piggy 
43 Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son 
44 Lavender's Blue 
45 Hickory Dickory Dock 
46 Polly Put the Kettle On 
47 Little Bo Peep 
48 There Was a Frog Lived in a Well 
49 There Was a Crooked Man 
50 Rub-a-Dub-Dub 
51 Curly Locks 
52 Doctor Foster Went to Gloucester 
53 Three Little Kittens 
54 London's Burning 
55 Goosey Goosey Gander 
56 Georgie Porgie 
57 Ding Dong Bell 
58 Cuckoo, Cuckoo 
59 Ring a Ring o'Roses 
60 The Muffin Man 
 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Sing a Song of Sixpence

Sixty Favourite Nursery Rhymes

Charles Kingsley

Timothy West, Julia McKenzie and Oliver Peace star in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Charles Kingsley’s classic tale of a chimney sweep who becomes a water baby. 
 
Forced up the chimneys of Hartover Hall by his cruel master, Grimes, young Tom gets lost and comes down the wrong one, frightening little Miss Ellie. In the chase that follows, he is rescued by the fairies and taken to be a water baby under the waves. There, he makes friends with sea creatures such as the Lobster and meets the beautiful, kind fairy Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby and her ugly, unpleasant sister Mrs Bedonebyasyoudid. When he is introduced to the other Water Babies, he is reunited with Ellie, who has also been transformed. With her support, he sets off on a quest to the Other-End-Of-Nowhere. But first he must find Mother Carey’s peace pool – and help out the last person he wants to save: his former master... 
 
Oliver Peace stars as Tom, with Timothy West as Charles Kingsley and Julia McKenzie as Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby and Mrs Bedonebyasyoudid. Dramatised by Berlie Doherty. The wonder and excitement of much-loved children’s classics lives on in BBC Radio’s acclaimed full-cast dramatisations, complete with evocative music and sound effects.

The Water Babies

Whether a long-standing fan or a first time listener, this collection of stories is the ultimate Just William audio experience. With over four hours of laugh-out-loud stories, including two stories performed to a live audience, Just William's Greatest Hits! is the perfect entertainment for the whole family. Boring car journeys are a thing of the past! Along with the live stories are Martin Jarvis's personal reflections of recording Just William, giving the listener a true behind- the-scenes insight into how he brings those marvellous characters to life. This is the perfect gift for the Just William fan, whether young or old. The stories included are: 'The Midnight Adventure of Miss Montague'; 'The Outlaws and Cousin Percy'; 'A Bit of Blackmail'; 'William and the Bomb'; 'William and the Snowman'; 'Violet Elizabeth Runs Away'; 'William and the Real Laurence'; 'Finding a School for William'; 'William's Truthful Christmas'; 'The Haunted House'; 'William and the Begging Letter'; 'William and the Badminton Racket'; 'A Question of Exchange'; 'The Weak Spot'; 'William the Rat Lover'; 'The Sweet Little Girl in White' and 'William and the Princess Goldilocks'. 
 
Musical Theme: Won't You Be My Ginger? composed and performed by Richard Dworsky (piano) (c) 1995 Inner Vista Music (BMI)

Just William's Greatest Hits

The Definitive Collection of Just William Stories

Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Robert Powell stars as the Aviator with Garrett Moore as the Little Prince and Bernard Cribbins as the King in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s popular fable. This poignant dramatisation of the French classic was translated and dramatised by Bonnie Greer. 
 
When he crashes in the Sahara Desert, the Aviator believes he is all alone – until he meets an unusual space traveller: a boy with golden hair who calls himself The Little Prince. As the Aviator repairs his plane, the Little Prince tells him fantastical tales about his amazing interplanetary journey. On his home planet, asteroid B-612, he fell in love with a beautiful rose, but left her to explore the universe. In the course of his travels, he has met people including a King, a drunkard and a lamplighter, as well as a snake and a wise fox – but now he must return home and be reunited with his rose... 
 
A classic story about love, friendship and loss, The Little Prince is one of the most read books in the world. The wonder and excitement of much-loved children’s classics lives on in BBC Radio’s acclaimed full-cast dramatisations, complete with evocative music and sound effects.

The Little Prince

Stan Hayward

Laid-back daydreamer Henry’s Cat gets up to mischief and adventures with the help of his best friend Chris Rabbit. Along with animal friends Mosey Mouse, Douglas Dog, Sammy Snail, Pansy Pig, Denise Duck, Ted Tortoise and Philippe Frog, the gang enjoy all sorts of exciting activities from photography and song-writing to chasing aliens and inventing things! Henry’s Cat spends his days dreaming, having adventures and trying to avoid Constable Bulldog the growling policeman and Farmer Giles who are all too often angered by the gang’s activities. Henry’s Cat loves to sleep and have fun, but most of all he loves to eat! Mike Harding reads these exciting children’s stories written by Stan Hayward. 
 
The Stories are: 
The Letter, The Record, The Restaurant, The Funny Day, The Television Advert, The Magician, The Election, The Photographer, The Cowboy, The Distant Cousin, The Special Treat, A Funny Sort of Christmas, The Superspy, The Extra Special Day (Parts 1, 2 and 3), The Challenge (Parts 1 and 2), The XYZ Files (Parts 1 and 2) and The Treasure Island (Parts 1 and 2).

Henry's Cat (Complete)

A second wonderful collection of Just William stories, selected and read by Martin Jarvis 
 
Richmal Crompton's stories featuring irrepressible schoolboy William Brown have been firm favourites with both young and old for decades. Perpetually scruffy, mud-stained and mischievous, he is a lovable scamp whose pranks usually end in disaster - for his harassed elders at least. 
 
With friends Ginger, Douglas and Henry (the Outlaws) and the angelic thorn-in-his-side, the lisping Violet Elizabeth Bott, William has rightly joined the literary, and radio, immortals. 
 
Musical Theme: Won't You Be My Ginger? composed and performed by Richard Dworsky (piano) (c) 1995 Inner Vista Music (BMI) 
 
The stories in this collection include: 
 
That Boy 
The Bishop's Handkerchief 
William and Uncle George 
The Haunted House 
William and St Valentine 
April Fool's Day 
Not Much 
The Cure 
William's Wonderful Plan 
The Outlaws and the Penknife 
William the Reformer 
William's New Year's Day 
Aunt Florence and the Green Woodpecker 
The Plan that Failed 
William and the Begging Letter 
A Question of Exchange 
William and the Temporary History Teacher 
The Outlaws and the Tramp 
A Few Dogs and William 
The Outlaws and the Missionary 
William the Good 
William and the Young Man 
William and the Spy 
William and the Badminton Racket 
William Turns Over a New Leaf 
William and Dear Little Peter 
William and the Waxwork Prince 
William and the White Cat 
William and Photography 
The Great Detective 
The Fete - and Fortune 
The Weak Spot 
The Outlaws Go a-Mumming 
William's Double Life 
William to the Rescue 
William the Film Star 
William the Rat Lover 
William the Showman 
William And the Monster 
William The Persian 
The New Game 
William and the Love Nest 
The Cat And The Mouse 
Waste Paper Wanted 
William The Globe Trotter 
William And The Prize Pig 
A Present From William 
A Night Of Mysteries 
William and the Chinese God 
William and the League of Perfect Love 
Fireworks Strictly Prohibited 
William the Psychiatrist 
William Joins the Waits 
Violet Elizabeth Takes Control 
William - The Dear Little Boysie 
William's Brilliant Plan 
The Outlaws and Aunt Jo 
Violet Elizabeth's Special Party

Just William: A Second BBC Radio Collection

Harriet Walter and Beryl Reid star in this full-cast adaptation of the much-loved children's classic. When spoilt young orphan Mary Lennox is brought back from India to live in her uncle’s house on the Yorkshire Moors, she finds the blunt ways of the staff at Misselthwaite Manor an unpleasant shock. Bored and miserable, it seems as though life in England will be awful. But Misselthwaite has hidden delights and, when Mary begins to discover them, nothing is the same again. First, there is the secret garden – and with it comes a boy who knows all the wonders of the country. He can even talk to the birds! Then, as the old house gives up its biggest secret, Mary forms a magical friendship. Frances Hodgson Burnett's charming story is played out with all the freshness and warmth of the original novel in this BBC Radio full-cast dramatization.

The Secret Garden

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