Audiobooks narrated by Amanda Root

Ivan Turgenev: A BBC Radio Full-Cast Drama Collection: First Love, Father and Sons, A Month in the C

Nine classic works by the Russian literary giant, adapted for BBC Radio Ivan Turgenev stands alongside Tolstoy and Dostoevsky as one of the three great Russian novelists of the 19th century. He was also a consummate short story writer, poet and playwright, and the first Russian author to become popular in the West. This specially curated collection showcases his key works, from the most celebrated to the undeservedly underrated. Described as ‘one of the most perfect things ever written’, the lyrical novella First Love tells the story of 16-year-old Vladimir, whose longing for the capricious Zinaida informs his whole life. Dramatised for Radio 4, it stars Simon Cadell, Rosalind Ayres and Bill Nighy. Succeeding it is Turgenev’s masterpiece, Fathers and Sons, an exploration of the eternal conflict between the reactionary older generation and the revolutionary younger one. John Castle stars as youthful nihilist Bazarov, with Maurice Denham as his father Nikolai. First published in 1855 as Two Women, Turgenev’s best-known play A Month in the Country centres around a landowner’s wife who finds herself attracted to her son’s tutor. Translated by Isaiah Berlin, our Radio 3 version stars Maureen O’Brien and Gerard Murphy. Written a few years before A Month in the Country, the little-known play The Poor Gentleman is an emotional comedy about an elderly man’s devotion to a daughter he can never recognise publicly. It stars Frank Finlay, Morag Hood and Colin Baker. Next up is Smoke, Turgenev’s only novel not to be set in Russia. Baden Baden is the setting for a tale that blends poignant love story and searing political satire, starring Garard Green, Rachel Gurney and Patricia Leventon. Meanwhile, in the short story ‘The Dog’, a mild Hussar (Timothy West) is the subject of a bizarre haunting… Turgenev’s debut novel, Rudin, features that archetypal character in Russian literature, the ‘superfluous man’. Ian Holm stars as the eponymous hero, an idealistic intellectual who is incapable of taking action: and suffers for it. Set just before the Crimean War, the romantic novella On the Eve has passion and patriotism as its themes. Amanda Root stars as the upper-class Elena, who embarks on a doomed affair with Bulgarian revolutionary Insarov (Philip Franks). We conclude as we began, with a tale of first love – Spring Torrents, one of Turgenev’s greatest and most autobiographical novellas. Adapted for Radio 4’s ‘Book at Bedtime’, it is read by David Horovitch. First published 1848 (The Poor Gentleman), 1855/1872 (A Month in the Country), 1857 (Rudin), 1860 (First Love, On the Eve), 1862 (Fathers and Sons), 1866 (‘The Dog’), 1867 (Smoke), 1872 (Spring Torrents) Production credits Written by Ivan Turgenev With thanks to Keith Wickham Contents List First Love Fathers and Sons A Month in the Country The Poor Gentleman Smoke The Dog Rudin On the Eve Spring Torrents © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Ivan Turgenev (Author), Amanda Root, Bill Nighy, David Horovitch, Full Cast, Hugh Dickson, Ian Holm, Maureen O'brien, Norman Shelley, Patrick Troughton, Rosalind Ayres, Tim Pigott-Smith, Timothy West (Narrator)

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Nancy Mitford: Pursuit of Love, Love in a Cold Climate & More: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast drama collect

BBC Radio adaptations of Nancy Mitford's most famous novels and acclaimed biography of Madame de Pompadour plus bonus programmes The eldest of the notorious Mitford sisters, Nancy Mitford was renowned for her comic novels of upper-class life. An aristocrat and socialite, she mingled with the 'Bright Young Things' in interwar London, and went on to satirise their foibles in razor-sharp, wickedly funny prose. Collected here are adaptations of her two bestsellers, the semi-autobiographical The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate; her delightful biography of Louis XV's chief mistress; and a pair of fascinating programmes exploring her own unconventional life. The Pursuit of Love This bittersweet tale follows the fortunes of Fanny Logan and her eccentric aristocratic cousins, the Radletts, as they embark on disastrous love affairs and misconceived marriages while searching for Mr Right. Cast Lord Radlett - Rolf Lefebvre Lady Radlett - Joan Matheson Fanny - Susan Maudslay Linda - Jane Knowles Matt - Brian Hewlett Captain Davey Warbeck - Godfrey Kenton Emily - Joan Hart Tony Kroesig - Michael Spice Lord Merlin - John Rye Bessie - Olwen Griffiths Mrs Fletcher - Barbara Mitchell The Bolter - Cecile Chevreau Other parts played by Sion Probert, George Raistrick, Alan Rowe and William Sleigh. Adapted by Alan Melville. Produced by Norman Wright. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 February 1974 Love in a Cold Climate A glamorous invitation to a grand party at Hampton - home of the fantastically rich Montdores and their beautiful daughter Polly - brings Fanny into the world of 1920s high society: and in and out of love when the temperature drops... Amanda Root stars in this sparkling sequel to The Pursuit of Love. Cast Fanny - Amanda Root Lady Montdore - Barbara Jefford Polly - Teresa Gallagher Veronica - Jenny Howe Uncle Davey - Jon Strickland Aunt Emily - Patience Tomlinson Aunt Sadie - Tessa Worsley Uncle Matthew - Ioan Meredith Boy Dougdale - Stephen Critchlow Jassy - Sarah-Jane Holm Victoria - Tilly Gaunt Cedric - William Hope Alfred - Tom Beard Dramatised by Claire Luckham. Directed by Marion Nancarrow. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3 May 1999 The King's Favourite Based on Mitford's Madame de Pompadour, this three-part drama vividly evokes the colourful atmosphere of 18th Century Versailles, and Louis XV's tempestuous relationship with his adored mistress, Jeanne Antoinette Poisson, Marquise de Pompadour. Cast Narrator - Alan Melville Duc d'Orléans - Patrick Tull Madame de Ventadour - Katherine Parr Infanta Maria of Spain - Elizabeth Proud Louis XV (as a youth) - Nigel Anthony Duc de Bourbon - James Thomason The Queen - Pauline Letts Louis XV - Edward de Souza Lebel, concierge - Robin Browne Marquise de la Ferté - Margot Boyd Monsieur Poisson - Harold Kasket Madame d'Etioles - Moira Lister Monsieur d'Etioles - John Gabriel Lasmartre, a huntsman - David Timson Lady of the Court - Olwen Griffiths Produced by Norman Wright. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 10-24 December 1971 Dearest Evelyn, Darling Nancy Adapted from the witty correspondence of lifelong literary friends Evelyn Waugh and Nancy Mitford, this entertaining, gossipy 'conversation in letters' stars Timothy West and Prunella Scales. Cast Evelyn Waugh - Timothy West Nancy Mitford - Prunella Scales Adapted by Alan Bell. Produced by Pete Atkin. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 December 1993 Greatest Lives - Nancy Mitford Grace Dent loves Nancy Mitford for her wit, and for the way in which she showed women that it was possible to live your life fully and unconventionally. Matthew Parris asks what it is about Nancy that so inspires Grace, with the aid of Mitford biographer Lisa Hilton. Produced by Beth O'Dea. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 22 January 2013 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Nancy Mitford (Author), Amanda Root, Edward De Souza, Elizabeth Proud, Full Cast, Jane Knowles, Pauline Letts, Prunella Scales, Teresa Gallagher, Timothy West (Narrator)

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Barbara Pym: A BBC Radio drama collection: Some Tame Gazelle, No Fond Return of Love, Crampton Hodne

Dramatisations and a reading of selected novels by Barbara Pym - plus bonus material Barbara Pym is one of the 20th Century's wittiest, and most underrated, novelists. Her perceptive comedies of manners, centred around the domestic lives and loves of unassuming middle-class Englishwomen, won her many devoted readers and saw her hailed as a modern-day Jane Austen. Yet she spent 15 years out of print in the 1960s and '70s, until Philip Larkin championed her work in the Times Literary Supplement. Her seventh novel was subsequently shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and writers from Jilly Cooper to Alexander McCall Smith continue to laud her talent today. Included in this collection are the BBC Radio dramatisations of some of her most beloved books, including her debut Some Tame Gazelle; her second novel Crampton Hodnet, published posthumously in 1985; and its sequel Jane and Prudence. Alongside them are her fifth and sixth novels, A Glass of Blessings and No Fond Return of Love; and a comic spy thriller, So Very Secret. Adapted by actress and writer Elizabeth Proud, they feature stellar casts including Miriam Margolyes, Hannah Gordon, Samantha Bond, Rebecca Front, Joanna David, Penny Downie and Amanda Root. Her best-known novel, Excellent Women, about a clergyman's daughter whose life is disturbed by anthropologists and a handsome naval officer, is read by One Foot in the Grave star Annette Crosbie. It is followed by a bonus biographical drama, The Resurrection of Miss Pym, starring Penelope Wilton and Bill Wallis and telling the story of Barbara Pym's warm friendship with Philip Larkin, her years in the publishing wilderness, and her eventual triumphant rediscovery. And in the fascinating radio talk Finding a Voice, we hear from the author in her own words as she analyses her inspiration, influences, literary style and why she kept on writing 'even in the face of discouragement'. Cast and credits Written by Barbara Pym Copyright © Barbara Pym 1950 (Some Tame Gazelle), 1953 (Jane and Prudence), 1958 (A Glass of Blessings), 1961 (No Fond Return of Love), 1987 (So Very Secret) Crampton Hodnet copyright © Barbara Pym, Hilary Walton 1985, Hazel Holt 2004 With thanks to the British Library for the sourcing of Crampton Hodnet Contents Some Tame Gazelle Crampton Hodnet Jane and Prudence A Glass of Blessings No Fond Return of Love So Very Secret Excellent Women The Resurrection of Miss Pym Finding a Voice ©2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

BBC Radio (Author), Amanda Root, Annette Crosbie, Hannah Gordon, Miriam Margolyes, Penelope Wilton, Penny Downie, Rebecca Front, Samantha Bond (Narrator)

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Wally K. Daly: The Scream Trilogy & other sci-fi dramas: Six BBC Radio 4 full-cast productions

Wally K. Daly's acclaimed trilogy about alien invasion, plus three more gripping sci-fi thrillers Wally K. Daly was a prolific, award-winning dramatist, whose writing credits included Casualty, Juliet Bravo and Doctor Who. He wrote 38 radio plays during his 30-year career, across a range of genres including comedy, horror and science fiction. This collection includes his best-known SF serial, The Scream Trilogy, and three other thrilling sci-fi dramas. The Scream Trilogy - In Before The Screaming Begins, Tom Harris is abducted by aliens on his wedding anniversary, and returned with new, frightening mental powers. The Silent Scream sees the alien invasion gathering pace, and humanity struggling to fend off enemies from without and within. And in With a Whimper to the Grave, the nations of Earth have formed a World Council to combat the threat they face. As the invaders' sinister plans are revealed, the Council takes action... Starring James Laurenson, Donald Hewlett, Patrick Troughton and John Shrapnel. Nightmare World - When a worldwide power failure brings confusion and terror to Earth, one town in every country undergoes a strange and startling transformation. James Laurenson and Nigel Anthony star. 2004 - Written in 1995, this dystopian vision of the new millennium imagines a chaotic Britain consumed by lawlessness and violence. Into this troubled landscape steps a new Prime Minister, with a high-tech plan to eliminate crime... Starring Bill Nighy. 625Y - In this intriguing two-part drama, research scientist Kate Brown stumbles upon a gene that could determine human lifespan - but when news of her discovery leaks out, events spiral out of control... Amanda Root stars as Kate. NB: Due to the off-air nature of the recordings, the sound quality may vary Production credits Written by Wally K. Daly Produced and directed by Martin Jenkins (The Scream Trilogy), David Hitchinson (Nightmare World, 2004) and Gordon House (625Y) Audio for The Scream Trilogy from Wally K. Daly's own collection, reversioned into three parts by BBC Radio 4 Extra © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Wally K. Daly (Author), Amanda Root, Bill Nighy, Donald Hewlett, Full Cast, Geoffrey Whitehead, James Laurenson, John Shrapnel, Nigel Anthony, Patrick Troughton (Narrator)

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If You're So Clever, Why Aren't You Rich?: A BBC Radio 4 comedy

Richard E Grant, Peter Capaldi and Amanda Root are among the stars of this BBC radio sitcom about three promising graduates still underachieving in their 30s Flatmates Judith, Giles and David once had it all: youth, optimism, ambition, and degrees from one of the country's best universities. In their 20s, they were full of potential, but ten years later, they're simply might-have-beens. Stuck in Streatham and strapped for cash, they're forced to mooch off their more successful mates just to get by... Wannabe actress Judith is searching for her big break, but all she finds are unsuitable men (and one equally unsuitable woman...) Could a baby be the answer to her unfulfilled yearnings - or maybe marriage to ex-lover Giles? Nerdy David is also hopelessly in love with Judith, but knows he doesn't have a chance. Will he ever meet a potential girlfriend who isn't in his cycling club? And for dissolute ex-public-schoolboy Giles, recently returned from 'finding himself' in Kathmandu, anything's preferable to going back to Norfolk and becoming a solicitor... As they battle with life, love, themselves and each other, can the not-so-young hopefuls finally find their focus and get to grips with adulthood? First broadcast in 1995, this fresh, funny series still feels real and relevant today, and features a stellar cast including Richard E Grant, Douglas Hodge and Tony Slattery as Giles, Peter Capaldi and Paul Bigley as David and Amanda Root as Judith. Production credits Written by Paul Shearer and Richard Turner Produced by Paul Schlesinger and Claire Jones Music by Pete Baikie Cast Giles - Richard E Grant/Douglas Hodge/Tony Slattery Judith - Amanda Root David - Peter Capaldi/Paul Bigley Mr Horrocks - Geoffrey Whitehead Mrs Horrocks - Tina Gray/Jillie Meers With Christopher Rozycki, Amerjit Deu, Kay Stoneham, Alexander Armstrong, Richard Turner, Eva Stuart, Peter Yapp, Simon Greenall, Annabel Mullion, Alex Lowe, Phil Nice, Siriol Jenkins, Paul Shearer, Abigail Cruttenden, Jane Slavin, Alice Arnold, Christian Rodska, Dominic Letts, Felicity Montagu, Gavin Muir, Colleen Prendergast, Stephen Critchlow, Abigail McKern, Nick Holder, Colin McFarlane, Hugh Bonneville, Margaret Robertson, Philip Glenister, Jonathan Kydd, Jane Whittenshaw, Sam Dastor, Peter Wingfield, Caroline Strong, Caroline Langrishe, Jacqueline Beatty, Pip Torrens, Patience Tomlinson, David Timpson, Kerry Shale, Debra Stephenson, Fiona Allen, Janet Ellis, Nina Wadia, Sue Elliot Nichols, Barbara Murray First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 10 January-14 February 1995 (Series 1), 6 June-11 July 1996 (Series 2), 28 May-18 June 1998 (Series 3)

Paul Shearer, Richard Turner (Author), Alex Lowe, Alexander Armstrong, Amanda Root, Douglas Hodge, Hugh Bonneville, Peter Capaldi, Richard E. Grant, Tony Slattery (Narrator)

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HER Story: Women’s Untold Histories: 10 BBC Radio full-cast dramas

10 dramas focusing on women's untold stories from history. This diverse, eclectic collection of plays explores an array of social, political and historical events from a female point of view. In these captivating dramas, we see the world through their eyes, giving us a fresh perspective on a female history that is too often unrecorded, misrepresented or misunderstood. Featuring a multiplicity of styles and genres, and written by a wide variety of authors, they range from comedy dramas themed around the Bayeux Tapestry and the 1962 Cheltenham Literary Festival, to award-winning, thought-provoking tales of Nigerian teenagers kidnapped by Boko Haram. A contemporary version of the heroines from Greek mythology, Persephone and Demeter; Profumo affair from a female perspective, Britain's last witch (Helen Duncan); a legendary ballerina (Margot Fonteyn); a little sister (Dious, sibling of St Anthony) and a youngest daughter (Judith Shakespeare). Embroidering the Truth Queen Edith - Katy Brand Bishop Odo - Charlie Anson Other cast, Katy Sobey, Lisa Zahra, Jonny Holden, Rosie Cavaliero, Tracy Wiles. Written by Abigail Youngman. Produced by Mary Ward-Lowery. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 17 October 2019 Girls Tisana - Amaka Okafor Ruhab - Faith Alabi Haleema - Joan Iyiola Written by Theresa Ikoko. Directed by Abigail Gonda. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 14 July 2017 The Bulbul Was Singing Laura - Rebecca Humphries Ariman - Shaniaz Hama Ali Other Cast: Paul Hickey, Jonny Holden, Saya Zahawi, Catherine Cusack, Shaun Mason, Debbie Korley, Chris Pavlo Written by Judy Upton. Directed by Emma Harding. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 August 2019 Seven Pomegranate Seeds Performed by Niamh Cusack, Ruth Bradley and Leah McNamara Written by Colin Teevan. Produced and directed by Allegra McIlroy. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7 January 2020 Festival Elizabeth Jane Howard - Melody Grove John Moore - Tony Gardner Kingsley Amis - Jonathan Forbes Other cast: Will Howard, Emma Handy, John Lightbody. Written by Sarah Wooley. Directed by Gaynor Macfarlane. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 31 July 2018 Well, He Would, Wouldn't He? Mandy (younger) - Aimee-Ffion Edwards Christine Keeler - Lyndsey Marshal 'Pops' Murray - Stephen Marzella Stephen Ward/Peter Rachman - Ewan Bailey Other cast: Adrian Schiller, Alex Dower, Anthony Courier. Written by Charlotte Williams. Directed by Kate McAll. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 February 2013 Tony's Little Sister and the Paradox of Monasticism Anthony - Duncan Preston Dious - Samantha Spiro Satan - Tim McMullan Other cast Ben Crowe, Rachel Bavidge. Written by David and Caroline Stafford. Produced by Marc Beeby. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6 August 2007 Judith Shakespeare Judith Shakespeare - Amanda Root William Shakespeare - Michael Pennington Henry, Earl of Southampton - Anton Lesser Other Cast, Andrew Wincott, Melinda Walker, Thomas Connor, Stephen Critchlow, Ann Beach, Colleen Prendergast, Jillie Meers Written by Nan Woodhouse. Directed byTracey Neale. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 25 April 1996 An Unchoreographed World Margot Fonteyn - Sophie Jerrold Constant Lambert - Richard McCabe Other cast Oliver Millingham, Kate Littlewood Chorus - Anne-Marie Piazza, Maria Askew, Ffion Jolly, Ben Ashton & Coen de Groot Written by Frances Byrne. Produced and directed by Mark Smalley. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 22 May 2008 The Last Witch Trial Lucy - Indira Varma Margo - Lyndsey Marshal Other Cast: Joanna Monro, Vineeta Rishi Sam Dale, Michael Shelford, Keely Beresford Written by Melissa Murray. Directed by Marc Beeby. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4 June 2010 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Various (Author), Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Amaka Okafor, Amanda Root, Anton Lesser, Full Cast, Indira Varma, Katy Brand, Niamh Cusack, Rebecca Humphries (Narrator)

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Northanger Abbey: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

In this BBC radio full-cast dramatisation of one of Jane Austen's most beloved works, Catherine Morland's overactive imagination makes her life more complicated than she would have wished... Catherine is obsessed with Gothic novels, often getting swept up by her taste for the dramatic and tragic. Did Mrs Tilney really die nine years previously, or has she been murdered or imprisoned in her chambers this whole time? Meanwhile she is torn between two suitors, the handsome and clever Henry Tilney and the arrogant John Thorpe.... Published over 200 years ago, Northanger Abbey remains one of the British nation's favourite novels. Among the star cast in this radio production are Amanda Root, David Harewood, Julia McKenzie, and Jenny Agutter. This title is part of the BBC's Jane Austen collection. © 2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Jane Austen (Author), Amanda Root, David Harewood, Full Cast, Jenny Agutter, Julia Mckenzie (Narrator)

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Tsar: An epic chronicle of the Russian leaders: Eleven BBC Radio 4 dramas

Eleven compelling BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramas telling the stories of the Russian tsars Broadcast to mark the centenary of the Russian revolution, this extraordinary drama cycle by Mike Walker comprises eleven ambitious plays spanning over 400 years, exploring the lives of Russia's key rulers from Ivan the Terrible to Vladimir Putin. Ivan the Terrible: Absolute Power - The rise and fearsome reign of the first Tsar of All Russia. Starring David Threlfall as Ivan IV. Boris Godunov: Ghosts - Did Boris Godunov have Ivan the Terrible's son killed? And what happened when the murdered boy came back from the dead - leading an army? Starring Shaun Dooley as Boris Godunov. Peter the Great: The Gamblers - Moscow, 1682 and two joint tsars rule: one, Ivan, is feeble-minded and the other is Peter, a child of ten years old. Starring Will Howard as Peter. Peter the Great: Queen of Spades - Distracted by his new capital, St Petersburg, and wife Catherine, Peter ignores his opponents: until his own son Alexei declares his colours. Starring Elliot Cowan as Peter. Catherine the Great: Husbands, Lovers and Sons - Did Catherine foresee the consequences of staging a coup d'état against her husband the Tsar? Or did she want him dead from the start? Starring Samantha Spiro as Catherine II. Alexander I: Into the Woods - The story of the reluctant Tsar who took on the greatest threat Russia had ever faced - Napoleon Bonaparte - and won. Starring Joel MacCormack as Alexander I. Alexander II: The People's Will - Revolutionary terrorist cell The People's Will is determined to assassinate the Tsar. But in the struggle between autocracy and socialism, there can be only one winner. Starring Joseph Millson as Alexander. Nikolai II: Three Hundred Years - In 1913, the Romanov dynasty celebrated three hundred years on the Russian throne. But a mere four years later, Tsar Nikolai II was forced to abdicate. Starring Raymond Coulthard as Nikolai II. Lenin: Tears - As the Soviet era begins, Lenin joins the provisional government, but soon becomes set on seizing complete power for his Bolsheviks. Starring Paul Ritter as Lenin. Joseph Stalin: The Last Bolshevik - In 1941, the Soviet Union was invaded by the Nazis - and Joseph Stalin retired to his dacha, seemingly defeated... Starring Brian McCardie as Stalin. The Shield and the Sword - Thirteen interconnected stories about the enigmatic Russian President, Vladimir Putin. Starring Nicholas Murchie as VV. Written by Mike Walker Produced and directed by Sasha Yevtushenko and Alison Hindell

Mike Walker (Author), , Amanda Root, Anton Lesser, David Threlfall, Full Cast, Hattie Morahan, Hugo Speer, Paul Ritter, Raymond Coulthard, Samantha Spiro (Narrator)

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Pride and Prejudice: (Dramatisation)

Samantha Spiro, David Troughton and Amanda Root are among the cast of this new BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of Jane Austen’s famous novel.Mrs Bennet is determined to see her five daughters married off and secure a future for them all. When the wealthy Mr Bingley arrives in the neighbourhood, Mrs Bennet wastes no time in making his acquaintance. His friend Mr Darcy, however, discourages Mr Bingley from marrying Jane Bennet, and also appears to snub her sister Elizabeth.When Elizabeth hears that Mr Darcy himself is of poor character, her innate prejudice of him is merely reinforced, and she roundly refuses his proposal of marriage. But then, when she discovers that she was misinformed, Elizabeth wonders if she can ever hope to see Mr Darcy again…Published over 200 years ago, Pride and Prejudice remains one of the British nation’s favourite novels. Among the starring cast in this radio production are Pippa Nixon as Elizabeth and Jamie Parker as Mr Darcy.

Jane Austen (Author), , Amanda Root, David Troughton, Samantha Spiro (Narrator)

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Letters from a Lost Generation: First World War letters of Vera Brittain and four friends

A selection of the powerful and poignant wartime letters of Vera Brittain and her friends.‘If war spares me,’ wrote Vera Brittain to her brother Edward in 1916, ‘it will be my one aim to immortalise in a book the story of us four.’ Seventeen years later, Vera was to achieve her aim with the acclaimed Testament of Youth.This series of letters was the inspiration behind Testament. Written between Vera, her brother, her fiancé Roland Leighton and their two best friends Victor Richardson and Geoffrey Thurlow, they give a unique perspective on the most horrifying conflict the world has ever seen. They show the heartbreaking disillusionment of an idealistic public-school generation, raised on ideas of patriotism and duty, as the reality of war emerged. Yet they also give a fascinating insight into the era as a whole: their generation’s literary tastes and the place of women in society. Read by Amanda Root, Jonathan Firth, Rupert Graves, James Wallace and Robert Portal, and first heard on BBC Radio 4, these deeply moving letters let us hear for ourselves the voices of Vera Brittain’s lost generation.

Alan Bishop, Mark Bostridge (Author), , Amanda Root, Jonathan Firth (Narrator)

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The Barchester Chronicles: The Complete

One of the most respected, successful chroniclers of nineteenth-century life, Anthony Trollope is still widely-read and much-loved today, and The Barchester Chronicles - witty moral comedies with a wonderful range of characters - are among his most popular tales. The first in the series, The Warden, finds Rev. Harding forced to question the moral basis of the life he is leading; and in the sequel, Barchester Towers, the Reverend is now plain Mr Harding, bound up in a tale of intrigue, hypocrisy and ambition that will delight the listener. Dr Thorne is a gripping drama of wealth and wedlock; while Framley Parsonage tells the story of a naive, ambitious young clergyman whose unwise associations bring him to the brink of ruin. The Small House at Allington explores the power of devotion, in the form of Lily Dale’s love for self-seeking Adolphus Crosbie. Finally, The Last Chronicle of Barset sees the most popular characters from Trollope’s earlier novels, including the Proudies, Lily, Mr Harding and Archdeacon Grantly, reunited in a moving tale of honesty triumphing over hypocrisy. Nearly twenty hours of ironic, witty and wonderfully written drama is contained in this box set. With a star cast including Brenda Blethyn, Eleanor Bron, Kenneth Cranham, Anna Massey, Leo McKern, Simon Russell Beale and Amanda Root, it is guaranteed to appeal to all fans of Trollope’s comic masterpieces.

Anthony Trollope (Author), Alex Jennings, Amanda Root, Anna Massey, Brenda Blethyn, David Haig, Eleanor Bron, Emma Fielding, Full Cast, Kenneth Cranham, Leo Mckern, Rosemary Leach, Simon Russell Beale (Narrator)

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Mansfield Park

Fanny Price, the timid eldest daughter of a large and struggling family, is nine years old when she is sent to live with her aunt and uncle, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, at Mansfield Park. At first homesick, Fanny is no match for three of her witty and vivacious cousins, but finds friendship with the fourth, Edmund. In time Fanny's steadfast and purposeful character makes her an indispensable member of the household. But when Sir Thomas is away on a lengthy journey to the West Indies the Bertram children indulge in 'theatricals' and romantic flirtations which ultimately lead them into a web of intrigue. Fanny, by now in love with Edmund, is dismayed to find him enraptured by their cousin Mary Crawford, whilst Mary's brother Henry has himself become besotted with Fanny, whose hopes of finding love with Edmund seem ever more unlikely. Amanda Root, Jane Lapotaire and Louise Jameson are among the cast in this warmly perceptive story of 19th Century morals and manners.

Jane Austen (Author), , Amanda Root, Hannah Gordon, Michael Williams (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Amanda Root