Steve Roud was Local Studies Librarian for the London Borough of Croydon and served as Honorary Librarian of the Folklore Society for over fifteen years. He has been researching British folklore for over thirty years and is the joint author of the Oxford Dictionary of English Folklore, plus other books on traditional drama and folk song, and the Penguin Guide to the Superstitions of Britain and Ireland, which won the Katharine Briggs Folklore Award in 2004. His publications include London Lore (2008) and The Lore of the Playground (2010). He also compiles the Folk Song Index and the Broadside Index, two internationally acclaimed computer databases of traditional folk and popular song. He lives in Sussex.

Steve Roud

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E Nesbit

Julia McKenzie and Simon Carter star in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of E Nesbit’s much-loved children’s novel. 
 
‘an enchanting adaptation’ Independent on Sunday 
 
On a hot, Edwardian summer’s day, five children are playing in a gravel pit when they dig up something very peculiar: a funny, furry, fat litte creature with the feet of a monkey and bat’s ears! The Psammead is a magical sand fairy who has the power to grant wishes: but the children can only have one wish a day, and the wishes only last until sunset. As the children try to get their hearts’ desires, things go hilariously wrong, and they have a series of amazing adventures that will change their lives. But their last wish gets them into terrible trouble, and it will take all the Psammead’s powers to put things right... 
 
This delightfully whimsical drama, adapted by Malcolm McKee, stars Julia McKenzie as the older Jane and Mother, and Simon Carter as the Psammead. 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.

Five Children and It

Roger Hargreaves

Mr Funny's car is a shoe! It looks very funny when he drives to the zoo. But can he cheer up the animals? Mr Dizzy always gets things confused, until one day he happens upon a wishing well... Mr Bump tries his hand at many jobs, but keeps getting fired! Will he ever bump into one that's suitable for him? Mr Fussy is a fussy old fusspot who dusts his flowers and irons his shoelaces! So how will he cope with Mr Clumsy? Mr Topsy-Turvy manages to turn a whole town upside down! Mr Small goes job hunting and finds, after all, he's perfect as he is. 
 
1 CD. 44 mins.

Mr Men (Vintage Beeb)

Mr Funny's car is a shoe! It looks very funny when he drives to the zoo. But can he cheer up the animals? Mr Dizzy always gets things confused, until one day he happens upon a wishing well... Mr Bump tries his hand at many jobs, but keeps getting fired! Will he ever bump into one that's suitable for him?   Mr Fussy is a fussy old fusspot who dusts his flowers and irons his shoelaces! So how will he cope with Mr Clumsy? Mr Topsy-Turvy manages to turn a whole town upside down! Mr Small goes job hunting and finds, after all, he's perfect as he is.

Mr. Men

From The BBC TV Series

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)

Ian Fleming

A BBC full-cast dramatisation of Ian Fleming’s much-loved children’s classic, brought to life on radio for the first time. 
 
When the Pott family save Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from the terrible fate of being crushed to the size of a matchbox at the scrapyard, she repays Caractacus, Jeremy and Jemima with the best road trip ever. For Chitty is no ordinary car: she can talk – and float – and fly! 
 
The amazing automobile takes the Potts on a trip to the seaside followed by a fantastic journey across the Channel to France, where two cunning criminals are planning to rob Paris’s most famous chocolatier, Monsieur Bon Bon. Can Chitty and the Potts find the secret hideout of terrifying gangster Joe the Monster and his sidekick, Man-Mountain Fink, and foil their evil plans? 
 
Jump aboard for a magical story full of adventure, fun and excitement, starring Imogen Stubbs as Chitty and Alex Jennings as Caractacus Pott. 
 
Cast: 
Chitty...Imogen Stubbs 
Caractacus Pott...Alex Jennings 
Jeremy Pott...Bertie Gilbert 
Jemima Pott...Kerry Ingram 
Joe the Monster...David Fleeshman 
Lord Skrumshus/Garage Man/ Monsieur Bon Bon/Man-Mountain Fink...Eric Potts

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

A BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation

Richmal Crompton

Described by the Daily Telegraph as ‘the wizard of the talking book’, Martin Jarvis has made the voices of William and his gang of outlaws his own in these marvellous readings. Roar with laughter as the lovable rogue, hampered by the loathsome Violet Elizabeth, wreaks havoc in this hilarious collection. Includes the following stories: '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' and 'William and the Princess Goldilocks'. ‘There’s nothing to touch them’ - Independent on Sunday. 
 
2 CDs. 2 hrs 30 mins.

Just William

Volume 1

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

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

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

J. M. Barrie

When Peter Pan flies into the night nursery of Wendy, John and Michael Darling, he takes them on the journey - and the adventure - of a lifetime. Mermaids, wolves and Indians weave their spell in the magical Never Never Land - where also lurks the wicked Captain Hook.  Relive the wonder and excitement of J.M Barrie's timeless classic in this spectacular, swashbuckling full cast dramatistion, directed by award-winning producer Dirk Maggs.

Peter Pan

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

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)

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

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Rekha Salin

Little Sheku LOVED music. He loved to hear the beautiful sounds that flowed from his cello as his bow danced across the strings. And he loved finding music in unexpected places... 
 
Little Sheku can't wait to play his cello in a concert with the animal orchestra. But when they discover a dragon has stolen the conductor, Little Sheku and the animals must embark on a music-filled adventure to the dragon's cave. Will they rescue the conductor in time to finish the concert? 
 
From globally renowned, award-winning cellist, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, comes this magical, musical picture book adventure that will inspire a love of music in readers of three and up. 
 
Sheku's lyrical writing weaves musicality into every sentence, drawing on his life-long love of the cello to tell his tale. Rekha Salin's stunning illustrations send music springing and singing from every page.

Little Sheku and the Animal Orchestra

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

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

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)

Join Mr Messy, Mr Snow, Mr Daydream, Mr Bounce, Mr Mean and Mr Chatterbox in these six delightful tales for children and adults.   Mr Messy is messy by name and messy by nature - until he meets Mr Neat and Mr Tidy! Mr Snow is magically brought to life by Santa at Christmas - and helps deliver the presents. Mr Daydream takes a daydreaming boy on an amazing adventure. Mr Bounce can't stop bouncing, so can anything help keep his feet on the ground? Mr Mean is so mean he thinks lumps of coal make good presents! Will a wizard teach him not to be so selfish? And Mr Chatterbox won't stop talking - until he's given a magic hat, which grows every time he talks too much!   Vintage Beeb: classic albums first available as BBC LPs, now reissued on CD.

Mr. Men Stories

Volume 2

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.

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