Audiobooks narrated by Ian Hislop

Ian Hislop’s Oldest Jokes: A BBC Radio 4 Series

Ian Hislop takes a hilarious look at some of Britain's oldest jokes The British are rather proud of their sense of humour - but where has that pride come from and what makes it unique? With the help of contemporary comedians, scholars and an appetite for enduring humour, Ian Hislop tracks down the earliest examples of enduring British comedy tropes and jokes, and guides us through some of the vital elements that make up that most curious thing: the British sense of humour. Join Ian as he begins his quest in the dark ages, admittedly not known as a well-spring of comic opportunity. Nevertheless, in the pages of the Venerable Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England, there is wordplay potent enough to have a part in the naming of a nation. How his fellow monks must have laughed. Travelling across the UK, Ian admires the Bishop's seat and discovers the filth hidden behind the Double entendre of the Exeter Book of Riddles. He looks for the earliest examples of visual humour under the seats of New College Oxford Chapel, and wooden carvings that suggest those who made them were never happier than when making people laugh. He discovers the set of a 15th century entertainer who performed for audiences in Nottinghamshire at the time of the Wars of the Roses, and the famous medieval Bestiary which describes the Bonnacon, a mythical beast that appears to have no biblical message beyond its capacity to make the reader laugh. Ian delves into Geoffrey Chaucer's 14th century humble-brag parody, the Tale of Sir Topaz, before arriving in the 17th century, when printing and changes in censorship laws ushered in a new and energetic form of comedy. Finally, Ian explores satirical cartoons and a collection of comic songs with hilarious consequences. This is a must listen for anyone who loves a good belly laugh. Presenter and writer Ian Hislop is perhaps best known for his appearances on the satirical news quiz Have I Got News for You, and he has been the editor of Private Eye since 1986. He’s presented many shows on television and radio and is the author of several books. This series also features contributions from Nina Conti, Paul Whitehouse, comedy song writing duo Jo and Joan and parodist Craig Brown. Written and presented by Ian Hislop Produced by Tom Alban First broadcast 22 January-2 February 2024 ©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Ian Hislop (Author), Ian Hislop (Narrator)

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Room 101: Highlights from the Classic BBC Radio 5 Comedy Series

Nick Hancock finds out what people, places and pop songs his celebrity guests would consign to oblivion Room 101 is the anti-Desert Island Discs. Instead of picking the tracks, books and luxuries they love, guests are invited to banish their least favourite things to Orwell's eponymous chamber of horrors. Twenty-seven episodes of the show were broadcast on Radio 5 between 1992 and 1994, and it went on to run for 18 hit series on BBC TV before relaunching on Radio 4 in 2023. This specially-curated collection contains 16 of the very best editions of the original radio series. Included are the first ever show, in which Paul Merton reveals his aversion to Northanger Abbey, the city of Edinburgh and Kenneth More's laugh, and the final one from 1994, which sees Andy Hamilton hoping to rid the world of Look Back in Anger, 'Long Haired Lover from Liverpool' and Field of Dreams. Among the other famous names discussing their bugbears and bête noires are Helen Lederer, Trevor and Simon, Caroline Quentin, Tony Hawks, Kevin Day, Maria McErlane and Mark Lamarr. Weighing up their arguments (and adding a few prejudices of his own) is host Nick Hancock, who has the final say on what stays and what goes. Will he let Arthur Smith put Barbara Cartland into Room 101? What has Jenny Eclair got against 'My Little Pony' videos? Why does Ian Hislop detest 'We Are The Champions'? And why does Steve Punt think Platform 5 at East Croydon station is the worst place in the world? All will be revealed in these bright and breezy shows, as some of our favourite celebrities share their peeves, pet hates and personal stories. Production credits Presented by Nick Hancock Produced by Lissa Evans and Phil Clark First broadcast on BBC Radio 5 on the following dates: Paul Merton 9 January 1992 Jenny Eclair 16 January 1992 Arthur Smith 30 January 1992 Steve Punt 6 February 1992 Ian Hislop 14 August 1992 John Walters 4 September 1992 Helen Lederer 11 September 1992 Donna McPhail 2 October 1992 Trevor Neal and Simon Hickson 3 September 1993 Caroline Quentin 10 September 1993 Tony Hawks 17 September 1993 Kevin Day 15 October 1993 Maria McErlane 22 October 1993 Mark Lamarr 29 October 1993 Nick Revell 27 February 1994 Andy Hamilton 25 March 1994 © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Nick Hancock (Author), Arthur Smith, Caroline Quentin, Helen Lederer, Ian Hislop, Jenny Eclair, Mark Lamarr, Nick Hancock, Paul Merton, Steve Punt, Tony Hawks, Various (Narrator)

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Just a Minute: The Very Best of Vintage: A Timeless Collection of Classic Episodes

A bumper collection of vintage episodes of the award-winning panel game Just a Minute is BBC Radio 4's longest-running panel show, and a national treasure. Since 1967, it has welcomed an array of stellar guest players to demonstrate their verbal dexterity, wicked wit and brilliant banter, as they attempt to speak for 60 seconds on a given subject without hesitation, repetition or deviation. This extensive, wide-ranging box set brings together 32 of the finest episodes from the programme's history, including 24 taken from the previously published releases Another Classic Collection; A Further Classic Collection; The Golden Collection; Through the Years and A Vintage Collection; as well as 6 shows from The Classic Collection that have never before been available to download. Spanning over four decades, from 1973 to 2005, they chart the evolution of the nation's best-loved radio comedy, showcasing some of the best and funniest panellists including Sheila Hancock, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo, Tim Rice, Paul Merton, Tony Hawks, Wendy Richard, Jenny Eclair, Graham Norton and Sue Perkins - and, on one notable occasion, Nicholas Parsons. Packed with fast-paced, irreverent fun and ferocious competition, this fabulous collection features more than 14 hours of non-stop laughter, as these talented talkers battle it out in a bid to secure that most elusive of prizes - a perfect, uninterrupted minute. NB: Contains mild innuendo. The humour in these programmes sometimes reflects the era in which they were first broadcast. Due to the archive nature of some of the episodes, the sound quality may vary. Cast and credits Devised by Ian Messiter Produced by Simon Brett, John Lloyd, John Browell, David Hatch, Pete Atkin, Edward Taylor, Anne Jobson, Sarah Smith, Chris Neill and Claire Jones Featuring Sheila Hancock, Peter Jones, Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams, William Rushton, Nicholas Parsons, Magnus Pike, Ray Alan, Tim Rice, Brian Johnston, John Junkin, Gyles Brandreth, Martin Jarvis, Barry Cryer, Ian Hislop, Paul Merton, Richard Murdoch, Wendy Richard, Richard Stilgoe, Tony Hawks, Jeremy Hardy, Jenny Eclair, Kit Hesketh-Harvey, Lee Simpson, Graham Norton, Linda Smith, Steve Frost, Stephen Frost, Sue Perkins, Ross Noble, Fred MacAulay, Maria McErlane and Nick Revell Chairman: Nicholas Parsons and (on 12 January 1977) Ian Messiter First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: 6 August 1973, 23 December 1975, 15 December 1976, 12 January 1977, 16 March 1977, 20 April 1977, 20 February 1979, 15 January 1980, 12 February 1980, 20 February 1982, 29 October 1983, 28 July 1984, 3 April 1985, 18 January 1986, 18 April 1987, 4 April 1989, 28 April 1990, 23 February 1991, 7 January 1995, 28 January 1995, 11 February 1995, 18 February 1995, 18 January 1999, 1 February 1999, 19 July 1999, 2 August 1999, 25 February 2002, 4 March 2002, 26 January 2004, 31 January 2005, 21 February 2005 and 7 March 2005. © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Tbd (Author), Barry Cryer, Derek Nimmo, Graham Norton, Gyles Brandreth, Ian Hislop, Ian Messiter, Jenny Eclair, Kenneth Williams, Martin Jarvis, Nicholas Parsons, Paul Merton, Sheila Hancock, Sue Perkins, Tim Rice, Tony Hawks, Various (Narrator)

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Chain Reaction: The Complete BBC Radio 4 Hostless Chat Show

The tag-team interview show where the celebrity guest becomes the interviewer A complete collection of the talk show with a twist - the guest each week becomes the interviewer in the following episode. Focusing on the career and passions of a figure in the entertainment world whose work they admire, each interviewer gets to delve into the life of their hero as well as revealing hidden aspects of themselves. Featuring great British comedians, award-winning actors, and iconic musicians and writers, Chain Reaction serves you double helpings of amazing individuals like Johnny Vegas, Barry Cryer, Lenny Henry, David Tennant, Eddie Izzard, Lee Mack, Ruby Wax, Stephen Merchant, Caitlin Moran, Frankie Boyle, Bob Mortimer, Vic Reeves, Olivia Colman, Katherine Ryan, Ian Hislop, Victoria Coren-Mitchell, Joe Lycett, Sara Pascoe, Tim Vine, and many, many more. Production credits Produced by Tilusha Ghelani, Sam Bryant, Lianne Coop, Ed Morrish, Carl Cooper, Charlie Perkins, Richard Morris and Adnan Ahmed With: Jenny Éclair, Jimmy Carr, Matt Lucas, Johnny Vegas, Stewart Lee, Alan Moore, Brian Eno, Jo Brand, Barry Cryer, Mark Thomas, Alexei Sayle, Lenny Henry, Bill Bailey, Simon Pegg, Marcus Brigstocke, Clive Anderson, John Lloyd, Phill Jupitus, John Hegley, Jack Dee, Jeremy Hardy, Catherine Tate, David Tennant, Richard Wilson, Arabella Weir, Paul Whitehouse, Robert Llewellyn, Dave Gorman, Frank Skinner, Eddie Izzard, Alastair Campbell, Alistair McGowan, Simon Callow, Ronni Ancona, Lee Mack, Ade Edmondson, Ruby Wax, Harry Shearer, Stephen Merchant, Jarvis Cocker, Rhys Thomas, Simon Day, Peter Hook, John Cooper Clarke, Kevin Eldon, Mark Steel, Barry Davies, Jeremy Front, Rebecca Front, Chris Addison, Derren Brown, Tim Minchin, Caitlin Moran, Jennifer Saunders, Terry Christian, Kevin Bridges, Frankie Boyle, Grant Morrison, Neil Innes, Graham Linehan, Adam Buxton, Reece Shearsmith, Bob Mortimer, Vic Reeves, Olivia Colman, Sharon Horgan, Dennis Kelly, Ed Byrne, Al Murray, Ian Hislop, Victoria Coren-Mitchell, Sandi Toksvig, Roy Hudd, Alison Steadman, Sara Cox, Joe Lycett, Katherine Ryan, Sara Pascoe, Harry Hill, Tim Vine, Ken Dodd First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 30 December 2004 - 27 March 2017 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Various (Author), Caitlin Moran, Eddie Izzard, Frankie Boyle, Ian Hislop, Jo Brand, Joe Lycett, Johnny Vegas, Katherine Ryan, Sara Pascoe, Various (Narrator)

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This Union: A BBC Radio 4 series exploring the history and future of the U.K.

A BBC Radio 4 season exploring the history and future of the United Kingdom In this remarkable collection exploring the state of the United Kingdom and the future of its union, five presenters examine the identities, history and struggles of the nations, and ask what keeps them together as a united country. In the first episode, Jonathan Freedland and a team of historians and BBC correspondents take The Long View of the Union of the United Kingdom, at the constitutional, economic and cultural bonds between the nations, particularly after Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, and at three moments in the UK's history when its future was under similar scrutiny. In A Sea Between Us, Andrea Catherwood looks back at the Ireland she left, when the the IRA was still active, the prospect of a united Ireland seemed remote, and unionist parties enjoyed a comfortable majority at the polls. Now, she meets voices from Belfast's unionist community, looks at the Northern Ireland Protocol's potential damage to Northern Ireland's place in the UK, and talks to those from a traditionally pro-union background, who now say they're agnostic about their country's place in the UK. The Ghost Kingdoms of England sees Ian Hislop telling the stories of the four great Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms - East Anglia, Northumbria, Mercia and Wessex - celebrating their golden ages and trying to understand their journey from groupings of North Sea peoples to powerful kingdoms, and eventually a single entity. He talks to such varied experts as curator of Medieval coinage Gareth Williams, head of archeology at Durham University Sarah Semple, writer Bernard Cornwell, and art historian Janina Ramirez, as he uncovers how the regional identities have left their mark, and how the nations stabilised into becoming 'England'. In Two Kingdoms, Allan Little presents the epic story of how and why Scotland entered into union with England, why that Union endured for so long, and the historic changes that have brought Scotland closer to independence than it's been since 1707. This is a story about the emergence of a powerful partnership forged in Empire, industry and war, and Allan asks what happens when their values diverge and then clash, with profound consequences for millions of people on both sides of the border. The final episodes, Being Welsh, see Jeremy Bowen examine what it means to be Welsh, taking in Welsh politics, language, history and culture from the starting point of a Cardiff Stadium rugby match. With contributions from Jac Larner, Martin Johnes, and Siân James, as well as Rhys Jones, Rebecca Thomas, and Uzo Iwobi, Being Welsh investigates the distinct identities across the country, the construction of modern Wales, and the complicated relationship between Wales and England. 'Sensitive but to the point... clear and fair' Guardian Presented by Jonathan Freedland, Andrea Catherwood, Ian Hislop, Allan Little and Jeremy Bowen Produced by Mohini Patel, Conor Garrett, Tom Alban, Jonathan Brunert, Caitlin Smith and Glyn Tansley The Long View Produced by Mohini Patel First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2021 A Sea Between Us Produced by Conor Garrett First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2021 The Ghost Kingdoms of England Produced by Tom Alban First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2021 Two Kingdoms Produced by Jonathan Brunert and Caitlin Smith First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2021 Being Welsh Produced by Glyn Tansley First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January and February 2022 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Allan Little, Allan Little And Jeremy Bowen Ian Hislop Andrea Catherwo, Andrea Catherwood, Ian Hislop, Jeremy Bowen (Author), Allan Little, Andrea Catherwood, Ian Hislop, Jeremy Bowen, Jonathan Freedland (Narrator)

Audiobook

The News Quiz: Vintage Treasures: Classic highlights from the topical BBC Radio 4 panel show

Almost as breathtaking as the treasures from Sutton Hoo, 14 archive episodes of the long-running topical Radio 4 panel show, chaired by Barry Took, Bill Tidy, Simon Hoggart and Sandi Toksvig. Now on display for the first time, these valuable editions can be dated to between 1980 and 2012 and tell us much about the headline-grabbing issues, incidents and individuals of yesteryear. Joining regular panellists Alan Coren, Richard Ingrams, Jeremy Hardy and Andy Hamilton are a treasure trove of guest players including Nigel Dempster, Ian Hislop, Michael Grade, Rory Bremner, Linda Smith, Sue MacGregor, Armando Iannucci, Fred MacAulay, Francis Wheen, Sue Perkins, Josie Long, Hugo Rifkind, Miles Jupp, Sarah Millican, Paul Sinha, John Craven, Gay Search, Tom Wrigglesworth, Susan Calman and many more. Alongside the regular programmes are three bejewelled editions of News Quiz of the Year, from 1987 and 1991, plus the Millennium Special edition first broadcast on New Year's Eve 1999. This release contains adult language and references that reflect the era in which it was first broadcast. Episode selection by Michael Stevens (P) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

BBC Audio (Author), Barry Took, Bill Tidy, Full Cast, Ian Hislop, Miles Jupp, Sandi Toksvig, Sarah Millican, Simon Hoggart, Susan Calman, Various (Narrator)

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I've Never Seen Star Wars Series 4, Complete

In this fourth series, Marcus Brigstocke invites his guests to try things they've never done before. Whether the experiences are banal or profound, the show is all about getting out of our comfort zones and embracing the new. Brigstocke's guests in Series 4 are Ian Hislop, Frank Skinner, Alan Davies, Giles Coren, Kathy Burke and Sarah Millican.

Marcus Brigstocke (Author), Alan Davies, Alan Davies, Frank Skinner, Giles Coren, Ian Hislop, Kathy Burke, Marcus Brigstocke, Sarah Millican (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Ian Hislop