Audiobooks narrated by Blake Ritson

Miriam and Youssef: A BBC Radio Full cast dramatisation

A compelling 10-part drama about the founding of Israel, told through the parallel voices of a Jewish immigrant and an exiled Palestinian 1917. As the British enter Palestine with the aim of facilitating a Jewish homeland, young Arab Youssef Bannourah befriends Harry Lister, an English civil servant who has come to live in his village of Deir Yassin. Impressed by Youssef's intelligence, Harry finds him a job working for the British administration. Meanwhile, fleeing Jewish persecution in Russia, Miriam Cohen and her mother Sara set sail for the promised land. On arrival, they move to a newly constructed kibbutz near Jerusalem, where - divided by faith and a fence - Miriam meets Youssef for the first time. Both dream of a nation where Jews and Arabs can live together in harmony. But their youthful idealism soon turns to disillusionment, and as tensions rise and violence erupts in the holy city, they become embroiled in political upheaval and terrorism. And for naive, well-meaning Harry Lister, Britain's inability to keep the peace - and her promises - will have fateful consequences... Spanning 31 years from the closing days of the First World War to 1948, this epic, multi-perspectival drama is narrated by an older Miriam and Youssef, who recount the story to their children. Moving seamlessly between past and present, it takes in key figures and pivotal moments in Israel's history, including the Balfour Declaration, the 1930s Arab Revolt, the bombing of the King David Hotel and the UN vote to partition Palestine. Written by acclaimed playwright Steve Waters, Miriam and Youssef takes a nuanced look at the turbulent chain of events that led to the birth of the State of Israel, shedding fascinating light on the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Among the diverse cast are a host of top Middle Eastern and British actors, including native Israeli Shani Erez as Miriam, Egyptian-born Amir El-Masry as Youssef and Londoner Blake Ritson as Harry Lister. Production credits Written by Steve Waters Produced by Radio Drama London for BBC World Service Music written and performed by Glenn Sharp Sound design: Caleb Knightley Cast Miriam - Shani Erez Youssef - Amir El-Masry Young Miriam - Ava Merson-O'Brien Young Youssef - Rafi Essex/Jo Ben Ayed Young Zahra - Nikhita Essex Harry Lister - Blake Ritson Sara - Jessica Turner Abu Khalid - Rami Nasr Umm Khalid - Sirine Saba Mahmoud/Menachim Begin - Daniel Rabin Yehoshua - Philip Arditti Ben-Gurion/Rabbi - Elliot Levey Mufti - Dana Haqjoo Major Dennis/Haganath Major - Clive Hayward Zahra - Lara Sawalha Judah Magnes/McMasters - Neil McCaul Musa Alami - Sargon Yelda Mohammed - Ramzi Dehani Palestinian woman - Nathalie Armin With Heather Craney, Hasan Dixon and Steve Waters Other parts played by members of the cast First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 April-1 July 2020 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Steve Waters (Author), Amir El-Masry, Ava Merson-O'brien, Blake Ritson, Full Cast, Jo Ben Ayed, Nikhita Essex, Rafi Essex, Shani Erez (Narrator)

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Sense and Sensibility: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

In this BBC radio full-cast dramatisation of one of Jane Austen's most beloved works, the devoted Dashwood sisters are forced by tragic circumstances to set about the delicate task of finding suitable husbands... John Willoughby quickly and seemingly irreversibly captures Marianne's heart. Her sister Elinor finds few suitors, and even fewer reasons to open up in a society fuelled by social status... Published over 200 years ago, Sense and Sensibility remains one of the British nation's favourite novels. Among the star cast in this radio production are Amanda Hale, Olivia Hallinan, Deborah McAndrew, and Blake Ritson. 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 Hale, Blake Ritson, Full Cast, Olivia Hallinan (Narrator)

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A Trespasser's Guide to the Classics: The Complete Series 1 and 2

Comedy troupe Peepolykus star in their own BBC Radio 4 sketch show, creating eight riotous reboots of literary classics 'In comedy terms, what Peepolykus can do is limitless ' Variety Peepolykus (pronounced 'people-like-us') have toured their irreverent brand of comic theatre in over 100 towns across four continents. Now they've taken to the airwaves, hijacking the great works of fiction to hilarious effect. Assuming the roles of minor characters in major works, they derail the plots through their own hapless buffoonery, and from Madame Bovary to Macbeth, familiar stories take an unexpected turn. Two painter/decorators do irreparable damage to the portrait of a certain Mr Gray. An early plastic surgeon has her work cut out when she meets a Frenchman with the most wonderfully large nose. A pair of sailors, hiding out on a deserted island, are discovered by a long-forgotten castaway and his Spanish manservant. And a Whitby magician, preparing to compete with Harry Houdini, notices strange bite marks on the neck of a woman he has just met... Anarchic, ridiculous and uproariously funny, A Trespasser's Guide to the Classics is written and performed by John Nicholson, Richard Katz and Javier Marzan. Production credits Written and performed by John Nicholson, Richard Katz and Javier Marzan Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko (The Nose directed by Emma Harding and produced by Sasha Yevtushenko) Peepolykus is produced by Eleanor Lloyd Productions Episode Titles: Series 1 1 - Mr Gray's Decorators 2 - The Rat-Catchers of Yonville 3 - A Fistful of Sand 4 - Tell Me a Story Series 2 1 - The Neck 2 - The Nose 3 - The Prophecy 4 - The Auction

Javier Marzan, John Nicholson, Richard Katz (Author), Blake Ritson, Emma Fielding, Georgie Glenn, Hattie Morahan, Javier Marzan, John Nicholson, Richard Katz, Richard Wilson (Narrator)

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The H G Wells BBC Radio Collection: Dramatisations and readings including The Time Machine, The War

BBC radio productions of H. G. Wells' finest fiction - plus hear H G Wells in his own words in a selection of original radio broadcasts from the 1930s and 40s H. G. Wells is one of the founding fathers of science fiction, renowned for his futuristic tales in which he predicted space travel, lasers, the atomic bomb and wireless communication. But in addition to his 'scientific romances', he also wrote numerous ghost stories, domestic comedies and Utopian novels espousing his ideals of socialism and feminism. This collection features a selection of his best works from across these genres. Here are dramatisations of his sci-fi and fantasy classics, The Time Machine, The Wonderful Visit, The Island of Dr Moreau, The War of the Worlds and The First Men in the Moon, with stellar casts including Robert Glenister, Bernard Cribbins, Garard Green, Blake Ritson and Hywel Bennett, as well as a reading by Stephen Murray of The Invisible Man. Wells' comic novels of lower middle-class life are represented by Love and Mr Lewisham (read by Paul Daneman), and adaptations of Kipps, Tono-Bungay and The History of Mr Polly, starring Mark Straker, Neil Dudgeon and Christopher Guinee. Also included is a dramatisation of his 'New Woman' novel Ann Veronica, with Amy Hoggartas the eponymous heroine and Bill Nighy as the Narrator. One of Wells' most famous supernatural short stories, The Inexperienced Ghost, is dramatised with a full cast including Donald Houston and Christopher Guard, and four further short tales - In the Abyss, The Sea Raiders, A Dream of Armageddon and The New Accelerator - are read by Timothy Keightley and Robert Bathurst. In the fascinating documentary H G Wells: The Invisible Author, Brian Morton asks whether the focus on Wells' science fiction has overshadowed his other authorial achievements. And we hear Wells in his own words as he discusses topics as diverse as world politics, the history of the printing press, the possibilities of technology and the shape of things to come... Lastly, Martyn Wade's original drama The Wells Way brings H. G. Wells and George Gissing together at crisis points in their lives, as each tries to be more like the other. Julian Rhind-Tutt stars as Wells, with Joseph Millson as Gissing. Contents: The Time Machine The Wonderful Visit The Island of Dr Moreau The Invisible Man The War of the Worlds Love and Mr Lewisham The First Men in the Moon Kipps Tono-Bungay Ann Veronica The History of Mr Polly In the Abyss The Sea Raiders A Dream of Armageddon The New Accelerator The Inexperienced Ghost H G Wells: The Invisible Author Radio speeches by H G Wells The Wells Way by Martin Wade With thanks to Keith Wickham

H.G. Wells (Author), Amy Hoggart, Bernard Cribbins, Bill Nighy, Blake Ritson, Full Cast, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Paul Daneman, Robert Bathurst, Robert Glenister, Stephen Murray (Narrator)

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The Stuarts: The epic BBC Radio 4 Drama

Eleven BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramas telling the stories of Mary Queen of Scots and the Stuart royals Under the Stuarts, Britain entered the modern world. But with great change came turmoil, and for 111 years, the Stuart monarchs faced dynastic struggles, religious conflict, the rise of parliamentary democracy - and civil war. These dramas chart that turbulent epoch through its royal family, from Mary, Queen of Scots to the 'last Stuart', Bonnie Prince Charlie's daughter Charlotte. It Came In with a Lass - 1561. Arriving in mist-shrouded Scotland, Queen Mary must quickly distinguish her friends from her enemies. Starring Jeany Spark as Mary. To Make the Plough Go Before the Horse - James I's life and reign told through his relationships, from his first love, Esme to his last favourite, George Villiers. Starring Bill Paterson as James I and VI. A World of Fools and Knaves - Henrietta Maria, Charles I's Catholic queen, watches her husband fail to keep hold of the reins of government. Starring Julian Rhind-Tutt as Charles I. This War Without an Enemy - Only on the morning of his execution can Charles I begin to understand the events that brought him to to the scaffold. Starring Julian Rhind-Tutt as Charles I. Charles II, Part One: Through the World in Various Fortune - When news of Oliver Cromwell's death reaches Brussels, the exiled Charles II plots his return. Starring Jamie Parker as Charles II. Charles II, Part Two: The Long Lease of Pleasant Days- Charles II plots to confound parliamentary reformers and secure the throne for his brother. Starring Pip Torrens as Charles II. James II: The Storms of this Deceitful World- 1688. After just four years as King, James II flees England in the Glorious Revolution. How did it all go so wrong? Starring James Fleet as James II. William III and Mary II: To Have and To Hold- Dutch William marries his Stuart cousin for reasons of politics, not passion - but their partnership proves crucial when it comes to ruling England. Starring Mark Edel-Hunt as William III and Elaine Cassidy as Mary. Queen Anne: Myself Alone- Queen Anne must abandon long-held allegiances to command parliament's loyalty and rule with authority. Starring Fenella Woolgar as Queen Anne. Bonnie Prince Charlie: Who Dares to Be Free- Charles Edward Stuart, the 'Young Pretender', risks everything for the Stuart name. Starring Blake Ritson as Charles. Charlotte Stuart: The Last Stuart - Is Charlotte Stuart as driven as her predecessors, or the last victim of the Stuart curse? Starring Kate O'Flynn as Charlotte. Produced and directed by Jessica Dromgoole, Sasha Yevtushenko, Marc Beeby and Gemma Jenkins.

Mike Walker (Author), Anton Lesser, Bill Paterson, Blake Ritson, Brian Cox, Fenella Woolgar, James Fleet, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Kate O'flynn, Pip Torrens (Narrator)

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The Man Who Would Be King: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Kipling's chilling adventure about two men who set out to be kings of a remote region of Afghanistan. Kipling, our narrator, tells this strange story: he was running a newspaper in a big Indian city. In the hot stillness of one night when he was putting the paper to bed, two men come into his office. They are red-bearded giant Daniel Dravot and his friend Peachy Carnehan. These two 'gentlemen at large' as they call themselves, lately of the British army, have put together an insane and dangerous plan: they want to be Kings of Kafiristan, a mountainous region of Afghanistan. Three years later, a crippled man in rags comes into Kipling's office. He is Peachy Carnehan, and he relates the chilling story of their adventure. A thrilling and haunting story about the folly and glory of imperial ambition, yet at its heart this is also a story of friendship. Cast Rudyard Kipling - Blake Ritson Daniel Dravot - Richard Ridings Peachey Carnehan - Samuel James Timuk - Peter Polycarpou Tribesmen - Joseph Ayre, Stephen Hogan, Ryan Early, Ryan Whittle Young woman/Bride - Lauren Cornelius Wounded man - John Lightbody Produced by Abigail le Fleming

Rudyard Kipling (Author), , Blake Ritson, Peter Polycarpou, Richard Ridings, Samuel James (Narrator)

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The War of the Worlds: BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

A brand new BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of HG Wells’s famous story of the brutal Martian invasion of Earth. When strange explosions are observed on the surface of Mars, excitement spreads among the scientific community. Surrey astronomer Ogilvy invites his friend Robert to the observatory to witness the turbulence on the red planet. Ten days later, Ogilvy discovers a strange projectile on Horsell Common – with something inside. Robert rushes to view the craft, and is present when Martians emerge and turn their heat rays on the locals, who are waving white flags. It is the beginning of a merciless invasion… As Robert flees in search of safety, accompanied by a young curate, young soldier Billy experiences the chaos happening in London. As the Martians take control, transforming the landscape and decimating the population, is this the end for the human race? Wells’s terrifying science fiction tale, first published in 1898, is both a reflection of Victorian fears of a coming apocalypse and a critique of British imperialism. This enthralling dramatisation asks how humankind would fare if colonised by a vastly superior technological invader. It stars Blake Ritson as Robert, with Samuel James as Billy and Carl Prekopp as the Curate. Duration: 2 hours approx.

H G Wells, H.G. Wells, HG Wells (Author), , Blake Ritson, Full Cast, HG Wells, Samuel James (Narrator)

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Stardust: BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation

Matthew Beard and Sophie Rundle star in a brand new BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of the bestselling novel by Neil Gaiman, narrated by Eleanor Bron. Challenged to retrieve a fallen star, Tristran Thorn leaves the sleepy English village of Wall and crosses into the land of Faerie and the realm of Stormhold. Locating the star, he discovers it is no meteorite, but a young woman, Yvaine. When Yvaine evades him and escapes, Tristran discovers he is not the only one in pursuit of the star: there are dark forces in this magical land, and he must find Yvaine before she falls into their clutches. As he does so, Tristran will uncover the secret to his own identity and a fate beyond his wildest dreams. Directed by Dirk Maggs and Heather Larmour, and featuring over 20 minutes of unbroadcast material, this stunning new dramatisation boasts an extensive cast including Frances Barber, Maggie Steed, Nicholas Boulton, Blake Ritson, Bryan Dick, Charlotte Riley, Aisling Loftus, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Alex Macqueen. There are also cameo appearances by Tori Amos and Neil Gaiman. Duration: 2 hours 30 mins approx.

Neil Gaiman (Author), , Aisling Loftus, Alex Macqueen, Blake Ritson, Bryan Dick, Charlotte Riley, Frances Barber, Full Cast, Maggie Steed, Matthew Beard, Neil Gaiman, Nicholas Boulton, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Sophie Rundle, Tori Amos (Narrator)

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The Divine Comedy: Inferno; Purgatorio; Paradiso

Blake Ritson, David Warner, Hattie Morahan and John Hurt star in this BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of Dante's epic poem.Inferno: Thirty-five year old Dante finds himself in the middle of a dark wood, in extreme personal and spiritual crisis. Hope of rescue appears in the form of the venerable poet Virgil, now a shade himself, who offers to lead Dante on an odyssey through the afterlife, beginning in the terrifying depths of Hell.Purgatorio: Dante is led up Mount Purgatory by his guide. They encounter numerous souls who have embarked on the same difficult journey - one that will eventually lead to their spiritual salvation. Paradiso: Dante's journey comes to a glorious conclusion as he is led by Beatrice, through the spheres of Paradise and into the presence of God himself. As they ascend, they encounter a number of souls who have also achieved blessedness.Many years later, the older Dante reflects on the episodes from his life that have inspired his great poem.

Dante Alighieri, Stephen Wyatt (Author), , Blake Ritson, David Warner, Hattie Morahan, John Hurt (Narrator)

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Leverage (BBC Radio 4: The Saturday Play)

A fast-paced psychological thriller from BBC Radio 4's 'Saturday Play' slot, originally broadcast 26 March 2011. A city banker is found dead in an opulent apartment. At the funeral, his former girlfriend Helen is unexpectedly questioned about when she last saw him. Did he mention computer files, or give her anything as a keepsake? Helen's suspicions mount as she retraces his last movements. Her discoveries put her in the firing line' A taut, character-driven conspiracy thriller, writhing with twists and heavy on menace, by one of radio's leading writers of thrillers, Simon Passmore. 'Leverage' stars Claire Foy, Blake Ritson, Charlie Cox, Sally Orrock, Joanna Monro, Nyasha Hatendi and Sean Baker.

Simon Passmore (Author), , A Full Cast, Blake Ritson, Charlie Cox, Claire Foy (Narrator)

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The Far Pavilions

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of M.M. Kaye's epic novel of love and war. M.M. Kaye's masterwork is a vast, rich and vibrant tapestry of love and war that spans over twenty years, moving from the foothills of the Himalayas, to the burning plains, to the besieged British Mission in Kabul. It begins in 1857 when, following the Indian Mutiny, young English orphan Ashton is disguised by his ayah Sita as her Indian son, Ashok. As he forgets his true identity, his destiny is set... A story of divided loyalties and fierce friendship; of true love made impossible by class and race; a critique of the imperialist adventure; and an examination of the cultural and spiritual clash between East and West, 'The Far Pavilions' is a searing insight into the human heart. Vineeta Rishi ('The Last Detective') stars as Sita and the Narrator, with Blake Ritson as Ashok/Ashton and Ayesha Dharker as Anjuli.

M.M. Kaye (Author), Blake Ritson, Full Cast (Narrator)

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Unauthorised History: The Killing: A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation by Michael Butt about the death of the poet and playwright Christopher Marlowe, originally broadcast in the 'Afternoon Play' slot on 17 August 2010. In May 1593, the playwright Christopher Marlowe was killed. Apparently, it was because of an argument over a bill. Michael Butt's innovative drama dons the cloak of documentary to re-examine the unsolved case. Starring Paul Rhys as the narrator, Blake Ritson as Thomas Walsingham, Harry Lloyd as Thomas Kyd and Burn Gorman as Robert Poley. Also included in the cast are Tim McMullan, Christine Kavanagh, Tony Bell, Sam Dale, Sean Baker and Lloyd Thomas. Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko.

Michael Butt (Author), Blake Ritson, Burn Gorman, Christine Kavanagh, Harry Lloyd, Lloyd Thomas, Paul Rhys, Sam Dale, Sean Baker, Tim Mcmullan, Tony Bell (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Blake Ritson