Audiobooks narrated by Alison Steadman

Out of Character: From Abigail’s Party to Gavin and Stacey, and everything in between

The first memoir from the national treasure, critically acclaimed actress and much-loved Gavin and Stacey star. Candice Marie in Nuts in May. Beverly in Abigail’s Party. Mrs Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. Betty in Fat Friends. Sue in Here We Go and Pamela in Gavin & Stacey – we can all name a beloved, iconic character brought to life by the magnificent Alison Steadman. Growing up in post-war, working-class Liverpool, the young Alison – ever the entertainer – would address the world from the stage of her bedroom window, until she got a taste for performing in front of an actual audience at her progressive 1960s drama school. By the time she left, her mind was made up: she was going to be an actress! If only she could conquer the onstage giggling … Always pushing boundaries – reclining naked on a sofa in her first role, embracing groundbreaking female characters from day one – Alison has deservedly found acclaim and recognition, succeeding in her TV and theatre career while juggling family life – a difficult feat for any working mother, but particularly for an actress in the twentieth century. From the nervy Mrs Bennet to the robo-dancing Pam-el-aah, Alison has proved herself again and again to be a comedy genius. Here, with her distinctive warmth and humour, she vividly recalls all the must-read moments of a life spent in and out of character.

Alison Steadman (Author), Alison Steadman (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Long Hot Satsuma: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Produced by Dirk Maggs

Fresh and funny comedy performed by an all-star cast This hilarious, fast paced, parody sketch show sends up classic BBC radio shows, travels through time and brings you Shakespeare as you've never heard it before. Tune in to Desert Island Discs with a twist, appreciate an orange-inal version of Hamlet and discover Tolstoy with a peel good factor. A spoof show like no other, The Long Hot Satsuma is a laugh out loud comedy packed with quick witted lines and the trademark dry humour of veteran comedians Alison Steadman, Barry Cryer and Graeme Garden. Action packed episodes include a high court judge-cum-plumber, a BBC announcer with the pips, an alien takeover and some unique royal commentary. A smooth blend of cleverly crafted comedy and pitch perfect parody, this show is full of juicy bits and will have you rolling with laughter. Keep listening, the zest is yet to come! Recorded in front of a live audience, Olivier award winning and BAFTA nominated actor Alison Steadman (Abigail's Party, Gavin and Stacey) performs with radio comedy legend Barry Cryer (I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue) and TV and radio star Graeme Garden (The Goodies). Their unmistakable voices and wit make this classic sketch show as fresh and funny today as it was when first recorded. Listen to all eight episodes now in this a-peeling new download only edition. Cast and credits Produced by Dirk Maggs Featuring an ensemble cast Graeme Garden Barry Cryer Alison Steadman Paul B. Davies Julia Hills First Broadcast BBC Radio 2, May-July 1989 ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden, Martin Booth, Paul B. Davies (Author), Alison Steadman, Barry Cryer, Graeme Garden, Julia Hills, Paul B. Davies (Narrator)

Audiobook

Tweet of the Day: A Year of Bird Lovers

Bird lovers including Will Young, Samuel West, Dermot O'Leary, Greta Scacchi and Sue Perkins introduce us to their favourite birds - plus, Alison Steadman presents The Twelve Tweets of Christmas Since 2013, Tweet of the Day has been a daily delight for early risers, with its 90 seconds of beautiful birdsong and fascinating ornithological stories. But what of the people who tune in to this avian chorus? In this collection, we bring to the airwaves the conversational voices of an array of wildlife enthusiasts, all eager to recount their encounters with birds - among them 'Birdgirl' Mya-Rose Craig, writers Joe Harkness, Amy Liptrot, Melissa Harrison and Mark Cocker, Springwatch host Lindsey Chapman and the staff at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, the RSPB, BirdLife International and the British Trust for Ornithology. Together, they guide us through the year, from May to March, and introduce us to the birds that have inspired them. We also hear from some unexpected celebrity sources, who share stories of the birds that catch their eyes - and their ears. Will Young tells us about seeing a Woodland Kingfisher as a child in South Africa; Sue Perkins recalls coming face to face with a Great Horned Owl and Greta Scacchi reveals her fondness for the magnificent Goldfinch. Other famous names include Samuel West, who counts the turkey-like Capercaillie and the dapper, white-bibbed Dipper among his ten picks; and Dermot O'Leary, whose five choices include 'the Alsatian of the skies', the Greater Black-Backed Gull. Jimi Goodwin, the lead singer in Doves, swerves his band's titular bird in favour of the Cuckoo and the Mallard; while musician Fyfe Dangerfield celebrates the two birds that gave his bands their names - Guillemots and Gannets - along with eight others, and uses his own birdsong recordings to experiment in music. Also featured is The Twelve Tweets of Christmas, in which Alison Steadman provides a selection of festive editions inspired by the well-known carol 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'. Production credits Produced by Maggie Ayre, Miles Warde, Tom Bonnett, Eliza Lomas, Mark Ward, Karen Gregor, Tim Dee, Sarah Blunt and Andrew Dawes © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Chris Packham, Dermot O’leary, Michael Morpurgo, Monty Don, Sue Perkins, Will Young (Author), Alison Steadman, Chris Packham, Dermot O’leary, Greta Scacchi, Michael Morpurgo, Monty Don, Samuel West, Sue Perkins, Various, Will Young (Narrator)

Audiobook

All Creatures Small and Great: How Insects Make the World

“George McGavin is a rarity” Sir David Attenborough Entomologist and broadcaster Dr George McGavin presents All Creatures Great and Small: How Insects Make the World, an Original Audiobook Production by W F Howes If you are at all interested in life on our planet, then you need to know about insects. They are the most successful group of animals ever to have lived on Earth. Making up three quarters of all animal species, insects conquered the planet long ago. They were among the very first animals to appear on land and were the first to take to the air. Their total biomass is at least ten times that of all humans and our livestock combined. This world is not ours alone. We are newcomers on a planet made and maintained by insects. If we are going to appreciate the massive part that insects play in the ecology of our planet we need to understand where they came from and how they became so successful. The survival of insects is key to our own survival. Join Dr George McGavin on an exciting audio journey to help us understand the fascinating world of insects. Along the way we are transported from bee-filled meadows to the forest floor, following Dr McGavin as he meets national treasures Sir David Attenborough, Alison Steadman and Jane Horrocks, and a range of experts such as Professors Stephen Simpson, Helen Roy, Phil Stevenson and Erica McAlister to understand more about their passion for these incredible creatures. All Creatures Small and Great is an important and timely work to engage people with wildlife, when the world is rapidly losing its biodiversity. Features bonus audio content including full-length interviews and immersive binaural nature sounds for focus and relaxation. Dr George McGavin is a regular TV and radio presenter for the BBC and others. He is an Honorary Research Associate at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History and a Research Associate of The Department of Zoology of Oxford University as well as a Senior Principal Research Fellow of Imperial College. George’s work has taken him from the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea to the caves of Thailand and from the jungles of Belize to the savannas of Tanzania. Dr George McGavin has several insect species named in his honour and hopes they survive him. “In this remarkable audiobook George McGavin combines his comprehensive understanding of the biology of insects with his own personal tales and those of experts to explain the extraordinary success of the insects, and to show their fundamental importance to life on earth - past, present and future. This audiobook is a paean to insects and a salutary story for our times. McGavin speaks with a passion that is founded in deep expertise of these small creatures but with an eye to the big picture.” PROFESSOR STEPHEN SIMPSON Guest contributors include: Sir David Attenborough – Broadcaster and Natural Historian Alison Steadman – Actress and Ambassador for the London Wildlife Trust Dr Erica McAlister – Senior Curator, Natural History Museum Professor Philip C. Stevenson – Kew Gardens Professor Stephen Simpson – Biologist and Biomedical Scientist Professor Helen Roy – President of the Royal Entomological Society Professor Karim Vahed – Entomologist specializing in insect behaviour Anne Riley – President of the Wharfedale Naturalists’ Society Jane Horrocks – Actress and co-host of the podcast Queen Bees

Dr George Mcgavin, Dr. George Mcgavin (Author), Alison Steadman, David Attenborough, Dr George Mcgavin, Dr. George Mcgavin, Jane Horrocks (Narrator)

Audiobook

Skeletons in the Cupboard: The Complete Series 1 and 2: A BBC Radio 4 black comedy

Alison Steadman, Morwenna Banks and Nigel Planer star in this tale of two sisters - and a mysterious stranger. Not long after their mother's death, sisters Maureen and Lesley are packing up their family home. It's a painful duty, with Maureen trying to control the worst of Lesley's projectile lamenting. Then a strange man knocks at the door and introduces himself as David Johnson, a friend of Maureen's neighbour. He'd like to view the house if they are thinking of selling - which Maureen definitely is. But Lesley has other ideas and, behind Maureen's back, offers David their mother's old bedroom as a pied-a-terre. Gradually, he forces his way into the sisters' lives, turning up at inopportune moments and constantly getting in their hair. As they both become increasingly fed up with him, Maureen and Lesley put aside their differences and unite to try and find out exactly who this David Johnson is, and what he is hiding. But when his secret is finally revealed, the sisters are in for a shock. The situation is about to get really out of hand... Created by acclaimed writer and broadcaster Sue Limb, of Gloomsbury fame, this blackly comic sitcom stars Alison Steadman as Maureen, Morwenna Banks as Lesley and Nigel Planer as David. Cast Maureen........................Alison Steadman Lesley........................Morwenna Banks David........................Nigel Planer Written by Sue Limb Produced and Directed by Jamie Rix Production Coordinator: Frances Tott Studio Manager: Simon Couzens Executive Producer: Clive Brill A Little Brother production for BBC Radio 4 First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18 October-8 November 2019 (Series 1) and 15 January-5 February 2021 (Series 2) ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Sue Limb (Author), Alison Steadman, Morwenna Banks, Nigel Planer (Narrator)

Audiobook

Gloomsbury: The complete series 1-5 of the hit BBC Radio 4 comedy

Miriam Margolyes, Alison Steadman and Nigel Planer star in Sue Limb's comedy parodying the arty and adulterous adventures of the Bloomsbury Group. A stellar cast, including Roger Lloyd-Pack, Morwenna Banks, Jonathan Coy and John Sessions, join in this affectionate send-up of the infamous Bloomsbury literary group, who dominated the English cultural scene in the early 20th Century.

Sue Limb (Author), Alison Steadman, John L. Sessions, Jonathan Coy, Miriam Margolyes, Morwenna Banks, Nigel Planer, Roger Lloyd Pack (Narrator)

Audiobook

Skeletons in the Cupboard: A BBC Radio 4 Comedy Drama

Alison Steadman, Morwenna Banks and Nigel Planer star in this tale of two sisters - and a mysterious stranger Not long after their mother's death, sisters Maureen and Lesley are packing up their family home. It's a painful duty, with Maureen trying to control the worst of Lesley's projectile lamenting. Then a strange man knocks at the door and introduces himself as David Johnson, a friend of Maureen's neighbour. He'd like to view the house if they are thinking of selling - which Maureen definitely is. But Lesley has other ideas and, behind Maureen's back, offers David their mother's old bedroom as a pied-a-terre. Maureen is annoyed by Lesley's initiative, but David is oblivious to the tension he has caused. Gradually, he forces his way into the sisters' lives, turning up at inopportune moments and constantly getting in their hair. As they both become increasingly fed up with him, Maureen and Lesley put aside their differences and unite to try and find out exactly who this David Johnson is, and what he is hiding. But when his secret is finally revealed, the sisters are in for a shock... Created by acclaimed writer and broadcaster Sue Limb, of Gloomsbury fame, this delightful sitcom stars Alison Steadman as Maureen, Morwenna Banks as Lesley and Nigel Planer as David. Cast Maureen........................Alison Steadman Lesley........................Morwenna Banks David........................Nigel Planer Written by Sue Limb Produced and Directed by Jamie Rix Production Coordinator: Frances Tott Studio Manager: Simon Couzens Executive Producer: Clive Brill A Little Brother production for BBC Radio 4 First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 18 October-8 November 2019

Sue Limb (Author), Alison Steadman, Morwenna Banks, Nigel Planer (Narrator)

Audiobook

Miranda Hart's Joke Shop: The Complete BBC Radio Comedy Series

The complete BBC Radio 4 collection by the BAFTA nominated and NTA award winning Miranda Hart. Miranda is an unconventional woman. She's six feet tall, self-conscious and posh. And is frequently mistaken for a man. She's also invested her inheritance in a joke shop that she runs with her friend Stevie while trying to deal with her outrageously embarrassing mother. Though surrounded by chocolate willies, Miranda is determined to suss out what it takes to be a girly girl and to not look a complete idiot every time she meets the gorgeous Gary. Starring Miranda Hart, Sarah Hadland, Patricia Hodge and Tom Ellis. This collection also includes the previously unavailable pilot episode where Alison Steadman played Miranda's mother Penny, and Morwenna Banks was Stevie. Miranda Hart's Joke Shop - first broadcast on BBC Radio 2 - is written by Miranda Hart (Hyperdrive, Absolutely Fabulous, Lead Balloon), with James Carey (My Family, Think the Unthinkable) and Simon Dean (Not Going Out). It was the inspiration behind the hit TV show.

James Cary, Miranda Hart, Simon Day (Author), Alison Steadman, Miranda Hart, Morwenna Banks, Patricia Hodge, Sarah Hadland, Tom Ellis (Narrator)

Audiobook

Blood, Sex and Money: A BBC Radio 4 serialisation of Zola's epic saga

Glenda Jackson stars in this award-winning BBC Radio series, inspired by literature's greatest ever whistleblower, Émile Zola, and his epic saga of the Rougon-Macquart family 'Unmissable' Daily Telegraph First published between 1870 and 1893, Émile Zola's 20-book cycle chronicling four generations of the Rougon-Macquarts was a shocking exposé of the decadence, degradation and moral decay of 19th-century France. It included some of his greatest novels, among them his masterpiece, Germinal. These innovative, ambitious dramas, first broadcast on Radio 4 over 24 hours in 2015-16, is a radical reimagining of Zola's classic series, introducing us to 104-year-old matriarch, Dide, imprisoned in an asylum in southern France. Trapped, but omniscient, she broods over her 'family of wolves'. As a young woman, she gave birth to two dynasties that exemplified French society. One legitimate - rich, powerful, obsessive and corrupt. The other illegitimate - poor, vulnerable, weak and depraved. In these three seasons, themed around blood, sex and money, we come to know the members of her extended family intimately - the good, the bad and the misguided. As we follow their highs and lows, we are taken deep into the heart of France's 'Second Empire' and drawn into the tragic, farcical reign of Napoleon III as it marches forward towards a modern, industrialised society. This groundbreaking series won Best Drama at the BBC Radio and Music Awards 2016 and Best Adaptation at the BBC Audio Drama Awards 2017, and boasts a star cast including Robert Lindsay, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Holliday Grainger, Samuel West, Anna Maxwell Martin, Paul McGann, Georgina Campbell, Jack Lowden and Alison Steadman. Also included is a 30-minute bonus programme, The Life and Work of Émile Zola, in which Glenda Jackson travels to Paris to discover how Zola's experience and the physical and cultural landscape in which he lived influenced his great novels.

Emile Zola (Author), Alison Steadman, Angela Griffin, Anna Maxwell Martin, David Schofield, Emma Rigby, Fenella Woolgar, Georgina Campbell, Glenda Jackson, Holliday Grainger, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Paul Mcgann, Robert Lindsay, Samuel West (Narrator)

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Gloomsbury: Series 5: The hit BBC Radio 4 comedy

The complete fifth series of Sue Limb's satirical send-up of the Bloomsbury Group. In this fifth series, our arty, adulterous Bohemians are creating havoc at home and abroad. Henry is hoping to ignore his fiftieth birthday - but Vera has organised a surprise party. When Venus sneaks in uninvited and makes a nuisance of herself in the bushes, Henry wants to head for the hills. Fortunately, a lecture tour of America beckons... In the USA, Vera meets Dorothy Barker at the Algonquin, while Henry rubs shoulders with Al Padrone en route to Chicago. Meanwhile, a cottage on the Sizzlinghurst estate has become vacant, and everybody wants it. Returning from the States, Henry seeks election as a Labour Party candidate, while Ginny talks socialism with George Gurnard Shaw. Vera decides she wants another child, but Henry whisks her off to Paris for a fling before the war starts. Accompanied by Ginny and Lionel, they are enjoying a last-minute whirlwind of pleasure in the City of Love when Venus arrives with some dreadful news... Miriam Margolyes, Alison Steadman, Nigel Planer, Morwenna Banks, Jonathan Coy and John Sessions star in these six episodes of the superbly funny literary sitcom star in these six episodes of the superbly funny literary sitcom star in these six episodes of the superbly funny literary sitcom. '... one of the funniest, slyest, most naughtily inventive and brilliantly performed shows on the air' Gillian Reynolds, The Daily Telegraph 'A gloriously silly show' The Lady

Sue Limb (Author), , Alison Steadman, John L. Sessions, John Sessions, Jonathan Coy, Miriam Margolyes, Morwenna Banks, Nigel Planer (Narrator)

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The Charles Dickens BBC Radio Drama Collection: 15 BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations

Riveting radio dramatisations of Charles Dickens' fifteen full-length novels.Charles Dickens is one of the most renowned authors of all time, and this digital volume of the dramatised canon of his work includes fifteen of his most popular novels.This collection includes the episodic adventure Nicholas Nickleby, comic tale The Pickwick Papers, poignant melodrama The Old Curiosity Shop, the much-loved Oliver Twist. Plus, the gripping historical novel Barnaby Rudge, picaresque comedy Martin Chuzzlewit and bittersweet tale of family relationships Dombey and Son. Also included is the epic masterpiece David Copperfield, described by Dickens as his ‘favourite child'; suspenseful mystery Bleak House; Dickens' most openly political novel, Hard Times and Little Dorrit, a sweeping tale of imprisonment, poverty and riches. Plus A Tale of Two Cities, set during the French Revolution; coming-of-age novel Great Expectations; sweeping satire of wealth and corruption Our Mutual Friend and Dickens' final, unfinished story The Mystery of Edwin Drood.With their compelling plots, larger-than-life characters and vivid descriptions of Victorian life, Dickens' stories have captivated generations of readers. These radio adaptations bring out all the hope and happiness, pathos and tragedy, satire and social realism of his seven classic masterpieces.Among the star cast are Anna Massey, Alex Jennings, Phil Daniels, Julia McKenzie, Tim McInnerny, Robert Glenister, Robert Lindsay, Honeysuckle Weeks, Kenneth Cranham, Sir Ian McKellen, Alison Steadman, Geraldine McEwan, Andrew Scott and Ian Holm, these radio adaptations bring Dickens' imaginative world to colourful, captivating life.

Charles Dickens (Author), , Alex Jennings, Alison Steadman, Andrew Scott, Anna Massey, Geraldine Mcewan, Ian Holm, Ian Mckellen, Indira Varma, Julia Mckenzie, Kenneth Cranham, Phil Daniels, Robert Glenister, Robert Lindsay, Tim Mcinnerny (Narrator)

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The Charles Dickens BBC Radio Drama Collection: The Later Years: Eight BBC Radio full-cast dramatisa

Enthralling radio dramatisations of eight of Charles Dickens' much-loved novels.Charles Dickens is one of the most renowned authors of all time, and this second digital volume of the dramatised canon of his work includes eight of his classic novels.This collection includes the epic masterpiece David Copperfield, described by Dickens as his ‘favourite child'; suspenseful mystery Bleak House; Dickens' most openly political novel, Hard Times and Little Dorrit, a sweeping tale of imprisonment, poverty and riches. Also included are A Tale of Two Cities, set during the French Revolution; coming-of-age novel Great Expectations; sweeping satire of wealth and corruption Our Mutual Friend and Dickens' final, unfinished story The Mystery of Edwin Drood.With a star cast including Robert Glenister, Robert Lindsay, Honeysuckle Weeks, Kenneth Cranham, Sir Ian McKellen, Alison Steadman, Geraldine McEwan, Andrew Scott and Ian Holm, these radio adaptations bring Dickens' imaginative world to colourful, captivating life.

Charles Dickens (Author), , Alison Steadman, Andrew Scott, Geraldine McEwan, Geraldine Mcewan, Ian Holm, Ian Mckellen, Indira Varma, Kenneth Cranham, Robert Lindsay (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Alison Steadman