Audiobooks narrated by Brian Blessed

Sounds Natural: A BBC Radio 4 nature series

Derek Jones meets celebrities with a love of wildlife in these 38 episodes from the classic nature-themed interview show Between 1970 and 1980, broadcaster Derek Jones invited a host of famous names to chat about their enthusiasm for nature and their encounters with animals. Delving into the BBC Sound Archive to select some of their favourite natural history recordings, they reveal their hitherto unknown passions – from birds and butterflies to the countryside and conservation. In these specially selected shows, Brian Blessed talks about his fascination with dinosaurs, keeping big cats and overcoming his fear of mountaineering, Bing Crosby tells us about wildfowling, ‘Mister Meadowlark’, naming racehorses and landing salmon; distinguished actress Dame Flora Robson speaks of her years in Hollywood, and her worries that the Los Angeles smog is killing the local flora and fauna; and Goon Show stars Harry Secombe and Spike Milligan let us in on their love for travel and wildlife photography (Harry) and ridiculous animal noises and names (Spike). Many of Jones’ guests share an interest in twitching, including Eric Morecambe, who relates how his curiosity about birds began when he went fishing with his father in Morecambe Bay, and Bobby Charlton, who developed his bird-spotting hobby while becoming a Manchester United legend. Humphrey Lyteltton reminisces about observing birds on holidays in North Wales, on tour with the band and in his back garden, and Peter Cushing recalls rescuing red shanks and watching oystercatchers and whimbrels on the Kent estuary with his late wife Helen. And, thirty years before Springwatch was a twinkle in Auntie’s eye, Bill Oddie confesses that when he wasn’t busy being a Goodie, he was busy birdwatching. Whether they’re mad about ornithology or hooked on angling, every one of the celebrities featured has a wealth of compelling personal stories to share, and fascinating insights to impart. Part natural history show, part nostalgic memoir, this wonderfully entertaining series is sure to inspire and delight. Cast and credits Presented by Derek Jones Produced by John Burton and Michael Bowen Guests in episode order: Robert Dougall, Cyril Fletcher, Nigel Stock, Kenneth Allsop, Humphrey Lyttelton, Percy Edwards, Peter Cushing, Barbara Mullen, Virginia McKenna & Bill Travers, Spike Milligan, Bernard Cribbins, Marghanita Laski, Adam Faith, Roger Whittaker, Flora Robson, Derek Nimmo, James Robertson Justice, Bobby Charlton, Bill Oddie, Susan Hampshire, Brian Blessed, Derek Waring, Sir Martin Furnival-Jones, Eddie Braben, Eric Morecambe, Henry Longhurst, Harry Secombe, Lord Home of The Hirsel, Bing Crosby, Eva Rueber-Staier, Esmond Knight, Andrew Sachs, Frank Thornton, Dulcie Gray, Norman Thelwell, HRH Prince Bernhard of The Netherlands, The Marquess of Bath, Windsor Davies First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 from 3 May 1971 to 10 December 1980. © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Derek Jones (Author), Andrew Sachs, Bill Oddie, Bing Crosby, Bobby Charlton, Brian Blessed, Derek Jones, Spike Milligan, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

Buy Me Up TV: A BBC Radio Sitcom

The BBC Radio 2 comedy inspired by every shopping channel you’ve ever seen, and every product you never wanted Buy Me Up TV is a live, 24-hour cable channel, described by its CEO, Jacky Tanner, as ‘the crop of the top of the television shops’. Its perky presenters Angela and Bob are experts at flogging you everything you could possibly want for your home, wardrobe and lifestyle – and if the price isn’t right, the Bargain Bee will sting it right down. From ceramic hammers and a home Satanist test, to Robert Mugabe beach towels and a guitar bra (with matching banjo briefs), it’s all on special offer for a limited time only – buy now, while stocks last… In these five episodes, we go behind the scenes at the chaotically-run TV station and eavesdrop on the farcical goings-on, as the on-screen kitsch merchants and back-office crew become ever more unhinged by the demands of high-pressure selling. There’s trouble in store when Jacky decides the channel needs younger, sexier talent; an animal charity telethon sparks allegations of fraud; a jam-addicted Tanner ruffles some presenter feathers; and a team-building day out is scuppered by a self-help guru with plans for world domination. And when a computer virus sends out kinky adult emails to all the station’s customers, Tanner makes a surprising discovery that could set the channel on a whole new path… Written by Justin Edwards and James Eldred, this lively, satirical sitcom stars Justin Edwards, Alex Macqueen, Ewen MacIntosh, Mike McShane, Katherine Jakeways and Greg Proops, with an array of stellar special guests including Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Madoc, Rich Hall, Brian Blessed, Aled Jones and Sir Terry Wogan. Production credits Written by Justin Edwards and James Eldred Produced by Lucy Armitage Cast Bob Norton – Justin Edwards Giles – Alex Macqueen Ewen – Ewen MacIntosh Tanner – Mike McShane Angela Basset – Katherine Jakeways Jacky Tanner – Greg Proops With Doon Mackichan, Rosie Wilkinson and Colin Hoult, and special guests Eamonn Holmes, Ruth Madoc, Rich Hall, Brian Blessed, Aled Jones and Sir Terry Wogan First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 19 May 2007 (Pilot), 8-29 March 2008 (Series 1) © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. ? 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

James Eldred, Justin Edwards (Author), Aled Jones, Alex Macqueen, Brian Blessed, Colin Hoult, Eamonn Holmes, Ewan Macintosh, Full Cast, Greg Proops, Justin Edwards, Katherine Jakeaways, Mike Mcshane, Rich Hall, Ruth Madoc, Terry Wogan (Narrator)

Audiobook

Tales from the Perilous Realm: Four BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations

Four BBC radio dramatisations starring Michael Hordern as Tolkien – plus a special archive compilation exploring Tolkien’s life and workThe tales in this collection all reflect an aspect of what Tolkien himself called ‘the perilous realm of Faerie’. Adapted for radio by Brian Sibley, co-writer of the acclaimed BBC radio production of The Lord of the Rings, they are rich in myth, magic and adventure. Among the supporting cast are Brian Blessed, Nigel Planer, Sorcha Cusack, Paul Copley and James Grout.In Farmer Giles of Ham, having accidentally shot a giant, Farmer Giles’ brave reputation is tested by Chrysophylax the dragon. In Smith of Wootton Major, a young boy eats a piece of cake containinga silver star, and is granted access to the magical land of Fäerie. Leaf by Niggle is a thought-provoking allegory of the creative process, and The Adventures of Tom Bombadil features Tom and the Hobbits in scenes from The Lord of the Rings which were not included in the BBC Radio 4 dramatisation.Also included is J R R Tolkien: An Audio Portrait, in which Brian Sibley draws together interviews from radio and television programmes featuring the author himself, his original publisher Rayner Unwin, his biographer Humphrey Carpenter and many others torelate the story of both Tolkien the man and the worlds he created.Duration: 5 hours 50 mins

Brian Sibley, J. R. R. Tolkien (Author), , Alfred Molina, Brian Blessed, Brian Sibley, Full Cast, James Grout, Michael Hordern, Nigel Planer (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Panther In My Kitchen: My Wild Life With Animals

Brian Blessed has a lifelong love of animals and over the years has rescued cats and dogs, horses and ponies, and even a very ungrateful fighting cock. All were characters in their own right, such as Jessie, a dog left languishing for a year at the local RSPCA, who ruled the entire household with a rod of iron, when she wasn't out harassing the local vicar. Then there was Bodger, an abused terrier cross breed, who was nursed back to health by Brian and his wife, and Peppone, a stray cat and notorious thief, who was responsible for a crime epidemic in the Bagshot area. Most of all there was Misty, a soul mate and the first Jack Russell Brian met who didn't take an instant dislike to him. Over the years Brian has encountered more exotic animals too, from Kali the black panther who had free run of his kitchen and the gentle boa constrictor Bo Bo who went for walks with him in Richmond Park to the female gorillas who found him incredibly attractive. Written with all of Brian's ebullience, The Panther in My Kitchen is a laugh-out-loud, life-affirming book about the joy animals bring and why we should care for them.

Brian Blessed (Author), Brian Blessed, Hildegard Neil (Narrator)

Audiobook

Absolute Pandemonium: My Louder Than Life Story

There is no one quite like Brian Blessed. He's an actor, film star, trained undertaker, unlikely diplomat, secret romantic, martial artist and mountaineer. He's also a brilliant storyteller who will - and you must brace yourself - simply leap out of the pages at you. Ready? Then open Absolute Pandemonium and you'll be taken on a riotous journey from his childhood, growing up the son of a miner in Goldthorpe, to finding fame in Z-Cars. You'll see Brian falling for Katharine Hepburn on the set of The Trojan Women, suffering wires strapped round his wotsits as he was hoisted into the heavens on Flash Gordon, almost causing an international incident when meeting the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and winning round George Lucas to get the role of Boss Nass on Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Along the way he takes secret revenge on headmistress Mrs Jarman and her very big bottom, punches Harold Pinter, loves and hates Peter O'Toole, woos his beautiful wife Hildegard Neil and braves the shocking death toll on cosy TV drama My Family and Other Animals. Crammed with anecdotes from his illustrious career, this is a funny, warm-hearted, life-affirming, LOUD and unique memoir from a much-loved figure.

Brian Blessed (Author), Brian Blessed (Narrator)

Audiobook

George And The Dragon

Children can enjoy their favourite story time and time again with this audio download. Far, far away in the high, high mountains in a deep, deep valley in a dark, dark cave - there lived a mighty dragon.He was an awesome and frightening creature, terrorising whole armies, destroying castles, demolishing forests and kidnapping princesses. But this mighty dragon had a deep, dark secret . . .

Christopher Wormell (Author), Brian Blessed (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Brian Blessed