Audiobooks by Jan Etherington

Conversations from a Long Marriage: Series 3: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama

'Sublimely funny, touching series... a work of supreme craftsmanship' Radio Times 'Peppered with nostalgic 60s hits and especially written for the pair, it's an endearing portrait of exasperation, laced with hard won tolerance - and something like love.' The Guardian 'Treasure this one ... this series makes people laugh' Gillian Reynolds, Sunday Times Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return as the married couple who met in the Summer of Love and are still passionate about love, life, music - and each other. With Roger approaching a big birthday, the couple reflect on growing older and all that it entails, from the increasing need to keep active to the ultimate question - to downsize, or not to downsize? However, their progress is hindered by still feeling the same as ever ... even if their friends have replaced technicolour for tweed and have never heard of Stormzy! Along the way, there's also jealousy, talk of affairs, Roger's sleep-talking and the discovery of his 'baby whisperer' abilities - but underlying it all is this couple's long-lasting love for each other. Created by award-winning comedy writer and journalist Jan Etherington, and based on her own long marriage to Gavin Petrie (with whom she wrote the hit radio and TV series Second Thoughts and Faith in the Future), this delightful comedy two-hander will resonate with couples of all ages. Starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam Produced and directed by Claire Jones A BBC Studios production ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Jan Etherington (Author), Joanna Lumley, Roger Allam (Narrator)

Audiobook

Conversations from a Long Marriage: Series 2: A BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

The complete second series of the BBC radio comedy drama about a couple who have been married 'for ever', but are keeping the passion alive 'Sublimely funny, touching series... a work of supreme craftsmanship' Radio Times Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam return as the married couple who met in the Summer of Love and are still passionate about music, life - and each other. Once again, we listen in on their warm, witty 'conversations', which dance around topics big and small: from health scares and jealousy to disagreements about TV viewing and sourdough bread. There's laughter, bickering, banter - and some loving one-upmanship from both parties, as Roger gives Joanna a masterclass in dishwasher stacking, while Joanna instructs him on how to wave goodbye to departing guests. Approaching the end of a particularly turbulent year, Joanna makes a list of New Year's Resolutions - for Roger - and suggests their marriage needs a re-boot. 'Out the door?' is his response: but there's plenty of life left in this long, loving relationship, and many more discussions, questions and confessions yet to come... Created by award-winning writer and journalist Jan Etherington, and based on her own long marriage to Gavin Petrie (with whom she wrote the hit radio and TV series Second Thoughts and Faith in the Future), this sparkling comedy two-hander will resonate with anyone who's ever been in a couple. Starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam Produced and directed by Claire Jones A BBC Studios production

Jan Etherington (Author), Joanna Lumley, Roger Allam (Narrator)

Audiobook

Conversations from a Long Marriage: A BBC Radio 4 comedy drama

All six episodes of the BBC radio comedy drama about a couple who have been married for over 40 years but are still passionate about life, love and each other Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam play a married couple who met in the Summer of Love and have stayed together ever since. Children of the Sixties, they are still free spirits, drawn together by their love for music and one another. We follow their conversations from the café to the kitchen table, taking in everyday chores, dealing with problems with long-held friendships and tackling their frustrations with each other. With warmth, wit and honesty, they talk about the indignities of ageing (he has a dodgy knee and is on statins, she resents her new, tri-focal glasses), their desire to still be seen as attractive and their fears and vulnerabilities around growing older. There’s jealousy and talk of affairs, confessions are made and long-held secrets are unearthed – but underlying it all is their enduring love for each other and their desire to keep the passion alive. Written by award-winning comedy writer and journalist Jan Etherington, and based on her own 35-year marriage, this gentle comedy will ring a bell with couples of all ages.

Jan Etherington (Author), Joanna Lumley, Roger Allam (Narrator)

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The Change: A BBC Radio Sitcom: The Complete Series 1-3

All three series of the BBC radio comedy about a troubled wife and a transvestite husband Now that their children have left home, George and Carol finally have time for themselves again. Carol's looking forward to it being just the two of them. George, however, thinks the time is right to finally be honest with his wife - and introduces her to his alter ego Georgina... As Carol tries to come to terms with this shock announcement, she and George have some work to do if they want to save their marriage. Can George bear to get rid of his entire wardrobe of women's clothes - even his favourite tiara? What will his friends and family say when they find out his secret? Scripted by award-winning husband-and-wife writing duo Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie (Second Thoughts, The Other Man), this cross-dressing comedy about midlife crises, surprises, silk underwear and Laura Ashley stars Lynda Bellingham as Carol and Chris Ellison and Philip Jackson as George. Production credits Written by Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie Produced by Maria Esposito (Series 1) and Elizabeth Freestone (Series 2 and 3) First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 November-20 December 2001 (Series 1), 7 February-14 March 2003 (Series 2), 3 November-8 December 2004 (Series 3) Cast Carol - Lynda Bellingham George - Chris Ellison/Philip Jackson Violet - Sylvia Syms/Marcia Warren Maureen - Maureen Beattie Dave - Mark Powley Ken - James Vaughan Jerry - Kevin Bishop/Richard Standing/Barnaby Kay Sonia - Emma Kennedy Man/Linda - Andrew Westfield Herself- Diana Aitchison Amanda/Cassandra - Paul Chadhidi Doctor/Nurse/Donna/Researcher - Rosie Armstrong Herself - Jenni Murray

Gavin Petrie, Jan Etherington (Author), Chris Ellison, Lynda Bellingham, Philip Jackson (Narrator)

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The Other Man: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama

Julian Rhind-Tutt stars as Travis, the ‘other man’ in love with a married woman, in this six-part romantic comedy Travis meets Grace, the woman of his dreams. But she has one fatal flaw – a husband. And Travis and Grace aren’t the only people with complicated love lives – there’s also Travis's brother Charlie, Charlie's ex-girlfriend Alice and Travis's not-so-secret admirer Serena. As Travis and Grace try to get their illicit affair underway, events seem to be conspiring against them and their plans are continually thwarted. When they are nearly caught out twice, Travis begins to wonder if he’s really cut out for infidelity – especially when he meets the other ‘other man’ in Grace’s life: her son. Meanwhile, the Serena/Charlie/Alice love knot shows no signs of untangling – so Alice decides to take matters into her own hands. Events finally come to a head for all the star-crossed lovers with a date, a declaration, some poetry and a proposal... Created by award-winning husband-and-wife writing team Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie (Second Thoughts, Faith in the Future) this delightful comedy drama stars Julian Rhind-Tutt as Travis, with Charlotte Randle as Grace. Written by Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie Produced by Elizabeth Freestone First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 March-19 April 2006 Cast Travis……………………Julian Rhind-Tutt Grace……………………Charlotte Randle Charlie……………………Paul Reynolds Serena……………………Alice Lowe Alice……………………Clare Cathcart George……………………Russell Bentley Ian/Goosey/Cyrano……………………Andrew Westfield Annie/Miss Lambourne……………………Harvey Virdi Miles……………………Charlie Hicks

Gavin Petrie, Jan Etherington (Author), Alice Lowe, Charlotte Randle, Julian Rhind-Tutt (Narrator)

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Second Thoughts: Series 1-4 of the BBC Radio 4 sitcom

All four series of the BBC radio comedy drama about a couple experiencing love for the second time – plus special festive episode The Fight Before Christmas Bill and Faith are both divorcees, late in love but new to each other. As they battle to forge a relationship together, they discover that the course of true love doesn’t always run smoothly. In these 31 episodes, they move in together, plan a wedding and deal with the challenges of married life – all the while trying to balance the demands of Gavin’s ex-wife, Liza, and her teenage children, Hannah and Joe. From bickering about the kids to worrying about money, trying to find time for romance and dealing with feelings of jealousy, the duo’s relationship comes under fire from all sides. Can they make love work the second time around? Inspired by the real lives of its writers, husband and wife Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie, this funny, bittersweet sitcom was adapted for ITV where it ran for five seasons and was followed by an equally successful sequel, Faith in the Future. It stars Lynda Bellingham as Faith and James Bolam as Bill. Written by Jan Etherington and Gavin Petrie Produced by Pete Atkin (Series 1), Sioned Wiliam (Series 2) and Paul Schlesinger (Series 3 and 4 and The Fight Before Christmas) First broadcast BBC Radio 4: 3 November-22 December 1988 (Series 1), 31 October-19 December 1989 (Series 2), 9 April-28 May 1991 (Series 3), 18 June-23 July 1992 (Series 4), 25 December 1992 (The Fight Before Christmas) Cast Faith……………………Lynda Bellingham Bill……………………James Bolam Hilary……………………Celia Imrie/Geraldine Fitzgerald Liza……………………Belinda Lang Hannah……………………Kelda Holmes/Emma Gregory/Julia Sawalha Joe……………………Mark Denham Grace/Jill……………………Moir Leslie Alex……………………John Samson/Mark Straker Ray……………………Nicholas Courtney/Ian Lindsay Ted/Mr Burrows……………………Norman Bird Treadwell……………………Richard Tate Christian/Gideon/Waiter……………………Ian Targett Richard……………………John Moffatt/Christopher Good/Geoffrey Whitehead Steve……………………Guy Brougham Rachel……………………Rebecca Front Police Officer……………………Deborah Rowbottom Dennis……………………Brian Bowles Mr Roper……………………Danny Schiller Marjorie……………………Jo Kendall Registrar……………………John Baddeley Video Man……………………Richard Tate Cabbie……………………Ben Onwukwe Gina……………………Danielle Allen Kevin……………………Mark Straker/David Learner Karel Cerny……………………Nigel Carrington Clayton……………………David Learner Chris……………………Peter Gunn Louise……………………Melanie Hudson Course Leader/Duncan……………………Nick Murchie

Gavin Petrie, Jan Etherington (Author), Belinda Lang, Celia Imrie, James Bolam, Lynda Bellingham (Narrator)

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