Audiobooks narrated by Paul Copley

Men, Martians and Machines: A BBC Radio Sci-Fi Collection: 10 Full-Cast Dramas including Earthsearch

A collection of full-cast sci-fi dramas from the late, great James Follett, introduced by Follett himself and featuring his bestselling series Earthsearch Novelist, playwright and screenwriter James Follett wrote over 25 novels, more than 50 radio dramas and numerous TV scripts, including several episodes of Blake’s 7. He was one of the most borrowed authors in UK libraries, and his works have been translated into over a dozen languages. This anthology includes his finest radio plays and series – including many that have never previously been available before. Framing the collection is the special BBC7 programme Men, Martians and Machines, in which Follett himself introduces us to several of his most popular pieces, providing fascinating behind-the-scenes back stories and tracing the origins of Earthsearch through the evolution of his radio work. Described by Follett as ‘probably the quirkiest thing I've ever written’, The Devil to Pay features a driver who crashes his car in the desert, and a camper who pulls him from the wreckage. Norman Rodway and Derek Seaton star in this short playlet with a wicked twist. In The Man Who Invented Yesterday, starring Alan Rowe, a scientist is delighted when his DNA experiments come to fruition. In The Destruction Factor, a corporation’s new plant strain mutation escapes the lab and causes havoc. Starring T P McKenna, Paul Copley, Rosalind Adams and Clifford Rose. Next up are Follett’s acclaimed space dramas Earthsearch and Earthsearch II, charting the adventures of the crew of the starship Challenger. Among the ensemble cast are Sean Arnold, Amanda Murray, Kathryn Hurlbutt and Haydn Wood. The Bionic Blob and its sequel The Bionic Blob and the Stolen Wavelengths tell the story of a ‘Thing’ from outer space who becomes the unlikely sidekick to a private eye on Earth. Sandra Dickinson and Ed Bishop star. The Doppelganger Machine, set in 1933 and starring Peter Pratt and Hector Ross, sees a plane flying Christmas mail from France to England landing at an unexpected airport – and decade. In The Twisted Image, a dead woman is found in the boot of a Rolls-Royce, but the clues don’t add up... Douglas Blackwell and Peter Wickham star in this futuristic whodunit. In the post-apocalyptic disaster thriller Ice, starring Sean Barrett, Carol Drinkwater and Anthony Hyde, a giant iceberg breaks away from the Antarctic and drifts inexorably towards New York. Can the US military avert disaster? NB: Due to the age of some of the recordings, the sound quality may vary © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

James Follett (Author), Amanda Murray, Derek Seaton, Douglas Blackwell, Ed Bishop, Full Cast, Norman Rodway, Paul Copley, Sandra Dickinson, Sean Arnold, Sean Barrett, T. P. Mckenna (Narrator)

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Blade of the Poisoner: A BBC Radio Full-Cast Fantasy Adventure plus bonus story Penelope’s Pendant

Embark on a perilous quest into a magical realm where a young boy must do battle with monsters and demons in order to survive. Immerse yourself in an epic fantasy adventure, based on the book by the hugely popular science fiction writer Douglas Hill, and brought to life in this full-cast performance. When his village is destroyed by the evil Prince Mephtik, young Jarral Gullen must search for answers. With the help of his three friends Archer, Scythe and the Lady Mandragorina - a band of magically talented adventurers - Jarral must make a terrifying journey into the unknown. Only then will he be able to answer the questions that haunt him. Will he be able to discover what strange talents he possesses? And why does the spectre known as the Poisoner want to hunt him down? Marked with the tainted sword of Prince Mephtik, Jarral is doomed to die a terrible death unless both the blade and the prince are destroyed by the next full moon. The band of friends must complete their treacherous quest to Mephtik's demon-guarded fortress - but can Jarral connect with his power in time, and will he live long enough to use it? This exclusive edition includes a bonus fantastical story of magic and mayhem - Penelope's Pendant. When eleven-year-old Penny finds a pendant on the beach she discovers that it gives her the power to move herself and other objects through space. But when the pendant's maker comes to claim it, Penny doesn't want to let it go. Starring Bridgerton's Adjoa Andoh alongside James Holland, Eric Allen, Elizabeth Bell, Ben Onwukuwe, Susan Sheridan and Hugh Dixon, these adventures will delight fans of Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea novels and J.R.R. Tolkien's Tales from the Perilous Realm. Blade of the Poisoner Written by Douglas Hill Dramatised by Wally K Daly Produced by Peter Fozzard Music by Peter Howells Special Effects by Dick Mills Jarral the Man - Eric Allen Jarral the boy - James Holland Archer - Elizabeth Bell Carver - Ben Onwukwe Dorrina - Adjoa Andoh Mandra - Susan Sheridan Prince Mephtik - Hugh Dixon Yorrold - David Bannerman Soldiers - Nigel Carrington, Charles Millom and Neil Roberts Cryltor Tabatang - James Thomason Flammarock - Bret Usher Whiney - Richard Pierce Innkeeper - Anne Windsor Other parts played by Auriol Smith and Charles Millom First Broadcast BBC Radio 5, July 1991 Penelope's Pendant Written by Douglas Hill Adapted by Paul Copley Penelope - Keeley Forsyth Trish - Vicky Fox Alan - Jason Lowe Ralph - Jonathan Tristram Tony - Matthew Raybould Errol - Richard Redpath Gummy - James Buckley Mother - Joanna Myers Narrator - Paul Copley Glumdole - Barry Kaylor First Broadcast BBC Radio 5, 2 April 1991 ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Douglas Hill (Author), Adjoa Andoh, Ben Onwukwe, Elizabeth Bell, Eric Allen, Full Cast, Hugh Dixon, James Holland, Keeley Forsyth, Paul Copley, Susan Sheridan (Narrator)

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E. Nesbit: A BBC Radio Collection: The Railway Children, Five Children and It, The Phoenix and the C

A BBC Radio collection of dramatisations of E. Nesbit's finest children's books with extra magical readings plus an original drama by Martin Jameson E Nesbit is widely regarded as the first modern children's writer. Her ground-breaking novels have influenced authors from Oscar Wilde to Jacqueline Wilson, and over 100 years after their first publication, they remain perennially popular. This wide-ranging collection comprises some of her very best children's fiction, commencing with her timeless tale The Railway Children. Starring Victoria Carling, Daniel Eyssen and Kate McEnery, Frances Jeater this enchanting dramatisation tells the story of three suburban children forced to move to the countryside after their father is mysteriously taken away. Martin Jameson's sequel Roberta, Peter and Phyllis revisits them 13 years later, in 1919, to reveal how their lives have changed. Fiona Clarke, James Alper and Emma Hughes-Jones star as the titular siblings. Also included is Nesbit's classic 'Psammead' trilogy. In Five Children and It, Five children are granted a series of wishes by a sand fairy - but inevitably, things do not go to plan... Cast includes Julia McKenzie, Simon Carter, James Richard, Justyn Towler. Patricia Hodge reads the second book in the series, The Phoenix and the Carpet, in which the discovery of a mysterious egg in an old carpet heralds the start of a magical adventure. And in The Story of the Amulet, a full-cast dramatisation the children voyage through history on a quest for an ancient lucky charm. Featuring the same cast as Five Children and It Penelope Keith stars as E Nesbit in The House of Arden, a time-travelling fantasy tale about the hunt for a lost family treasure; Other cast includes Timothy Spall and Kelly Bright. Prunella Scales reads five stories from Nesbit's delightful compendium The Book of Dragons: 'Last of the Dragons', 'Kind Little Edmond', 'The Deliverers of their Country', 'The Book of Beasts' and 'The Dragon Tamers'. Concluding this anthology are two fantastic feline fables from Cat Tales, co-written by Nesbit and her adopted daughter Rosamund E Bland: 'The White Cat', read by Jenny Agutter, and 'Too Clever by Half', read by Helen Clapp. Cast and credits Written by E Nesbit Cat Tales written by E Nesbit and Rosamund E Bland Roberta, Peter and Phyllis written by Martin Jameson First published 1901 (The Book of Dragons), 1902 (Five Children and It), 1904 (The Phoenix and the Carpet, Cat Tales), 1906 (The Story of the Amulet, The Railway Children), 1908 (The House of Arden) The Railway Children Dramatised by Marcy Kahan. Produced by John Taylor First broadcast BBC Radio 5, 3-24 January 1991 Roberta, Peter and Phyllis Produced and directed by Gary Brown First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4 January 2005 Five Children and It Dramatised by Malcolm McKee. Directed by Rosemary Watts First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 31 August 1998 The Phoenix and the Carpet Abridged by Penny Leicester. Produced by Marion Nancarrow First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 March-1 April 1994 The Story of the Amulet Dramatised by Malcolm McKee. Directed by Rosemary Watts First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 30 August 1999 The House of Arden Dramatised by Chris Curry. Produced by Mary Kalemkarian First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 23 April-25 June 1989 The Book of Dragons First broadcast BBC Radio 5, 7-11 December 1992 Cat Tales The White Cat First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 3 January 2000 Too Clever by Half First broadcast BBC Sounds, 23 July 2019 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Edith Nesbit, Martin Jameson, Rosamund E. Nesbit Bland (Author), Frances Jeater, Full Cast, Jenny Agutter, Julia Mckenzie, Patricia Hodge, Paul Copley, Penelope Keith, Prunella Scales, Timothy Spall, Victoria Carling (Narrator)

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The Elizabeth Gaskell Collection: A BBC Drama collection including North and South, Wives and Daught

A collection of BBC Radio dramatisations of Elizabeth Gaskell's well loved novels - plus bonus material Elizabeth Gaskell was one of Victorian England's pre-eminent female novelists. Admired by Charles Dickens, who described her as his 'dear Scheherazade', she mingled storytelling and social realism to superb effect in her highly acclaimed fiction. This comprehensive collection comprises dramas and readings of her finest works and some lesser-known pieces. Among the adaptations are her final, unfinished novel Wives and Daughters, her debut novel Mary Barton and her only historical novel, Sylvia's Lovers; as well as the 1851 novella Mr Harrison's Confession (a prequel to Cranford), and her great novel of industrialisation, female independence and identity, North and South. All feature star casts including Emerald O'Hanrahan, Sue Johnston, Jodie Comer, Emily Mortimer, Rod Hudd, David Threlfall, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Also included are readings of Mrs Gaskell's chilling supernatural tale 'The Old Nurse's Story', her much-loved novel of life in a small town and its female inhabitants, Cranford, and her festive short story 'Christmas Storms and Sunshine'. Based on true events, Stephen Wakelam's detective drama Death at the Bed End, starring Kenneth Cranham, explores the controversy surrounding Elizabeth Gaskell's biography of Charlotte Brontë and the libel threat that followed its publication also included is Mrs Gaskell: Portrait of a Victorian Novelist by Barry Campbell, which is inspired by the author's letters. And in Great Lives: Elizabeth Gaskell, historian Amanda Vickery and biographer Jenny Uglow discuss Mrs Gaskell's life, work and achievements with presenter Francine Stock. Credits Written by Elizabeth Gaskell Written by Stephen Wakelam Mary Barton Dramatised by Lavinia Murray. Produced and directed by Claire Grove and Tracey Neale First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 15 September-9 November 2001 Mr Harrison's Confessions Adapted for radio by Jeremy Front. Produced and directed by Sally Avens. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 June 1988 The Old Nurse's Story Produced by Kay Patrick. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 24-25 May 1984 North and South Dramatised by Charlotte Keatley. Directed by Michael Fox. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 June 1997 Sylvia's Lovers Dramatised by Ellen Dryden. Produced and directed by Pauline Harris. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 6-13 March 2016 Wives and Daughters Dramatised by Theresa Heskins. Produced and directed by Peter Leslie Wild First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 29 November-10 December 2010 Cranford Produced by Julian Wilkinson. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1 November 2019 Christmas Storms and Sunshine Produced by Simon Richardson. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 December 2018 Death at the Bed End Written by Stephen Wakelam. Directed by Janet Whitaker. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 4 December 2004 Mrs Gaskell: Portrait of a Victorian Novelist Written by Barry Campbell based on 'Elizabeth Gaskell: A Biography' by Winifred Gérin. Permission granted by Oxford Publishing Ltd (Academic), Oxford University Press (via PLSclear).Produced by James Runcie. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 21 August 1983 Great Lives: Mrs Gaskell Presented by Francine Stock, Amanda Vickery and Jenny Uglow. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 20 May 2005 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Amanda Vickery, Barry Campbell, Elizabeth Gaskell, Jenny Uglow, Steve Wakelam (Author), David Threlfall, Emily Mortimer, Jodie Comer, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Kenneth Cranham, Paul Copley, Rebecca Front, Sue Johnston (Narrator)

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The Winter's Tale: BBC Radio Shakespeare

Eve Best, Danny Sapani and Shaun Dooley star in this modern, riveting and magical production of The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare The Winter's Tale treads new dramatic ground embracing tragedy, poetry, folklore, magic realism, music, comedy and the infamous stage direction 'exit pursued by a bear'. One of Shakespeare's mesmerising later productions, often considered a 'problem play' as it starts with a tragedy and ends in a romance The story starts with the consuming jealousy of King Leontes of Sicilia towards his wife Hermione and his childhood friend King Polixenes of Bohemia. Believing they are lovers and the child she is carrying is illegitimate, Leontes begins a destructive path: the breaking of his marriage and the abandonment of his child What seems hopeless, tragic and irreconcilable changes in Act 2 where jealousy and actions arouse a passionate sense of honour, love, justice and self-sacrifice in members of his court and family. The baby, Perdita, is raised by a shepherd, unaware of her royal heritage. It seems she will never discover the truth of her birth, but when Prince Florizel sees her and falls in love, it seems fate has other ideas.... This production brings together a star cast and includes an original folk music score by award-winning musicians Lisa Knapp and Tim Van Eyken Production Credits Written by William Shakespeare Music composed by Tim Van Eyken and singer Lisa Knapp Director: David Hunter First Broadcast BBC Radio 3 on the 1st May 2016 as part of The Shakespeare Sessions series Cast List Leontes ... Danny Sapani Hermione ... Eve Best Polixenes ... Shaun Dooley Camillo... Karl Johnson Paulina... Susan Jameson Shepherd... Paul Copley Perdita... Faye Castelow Autolycus... Tim Van Eyken Florizel... Will Howard Mamillius... Charlie Brand Archidamus...Sean Baker Antigonus... Brian Protheroe Clown...Sam Rix Emilia...Scarlett Brookes Cleomenes...Richard Pepple Dion...Nick Underwood First Lady...Adie Allen Mopsa...Nicola Ferguson First Lord.. James Lailey Mariner...Sargon Yelda Officer...Ewan Bailey

William Shakespeare (Author), Danny Sapani, Eve Best, Full Cast, Karl Johnson, Paul Copley, Shaun Dooley, Susan Jameson (Narrator)

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The Destruction Factor: A BBC Sci-Fi Drama from the creator of Earthsearch

A dangerous mutant plant causes chaos in this science fiction thriller Scientist Ralph Exon, working for an international fertiliser corporation, has created a new strain of soya bean: a mutation which he hopes will help eliminate Third World famine. But in that plant, known as the Exon strain, there lurks the Destruction Factor. As it rapidly grows – shooting up from six inches to two feet in mere hours – the plant produces oxygen at massively increased levels, sparking uncontrollable fires. And when its seeds escape from the laboratory and are distributed throughout the country, Exon’s colleague Max Flinders realises that if left unchecked, the plants’ oxygen output will destabilise the atmosphere to such an extent that human life could become extinct. After an emergency vent of the biodome causes an explosion that brings down a jumbo jet, the UN become involved. They issue the British government with an ultimatum: track down and destroy the Exon strain, or they will carpet-bomb the entire country with deadly defoliants... Written by James Follett, creator of the acclaimed Earthsearch, this dark, sinister radio drama stars T P McKenna, Paul Copley, Rosalind Adams and Clifford Rose. First broadcast as two 90-minute plays on BBC Radio 4 in 1978

James Follett (Author), Clifford Rose, Full Cast, Paul Copley, Rosalind Adams, Tp Mckenna (Narrator)

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Everyone Quite Likes Justin: The Complete Series 1-2

In one version of his life, Justin is a well-known local Manchester radio DJ who is successful, funny, and stopped in the street by adoring fans. He's the man who has everything. In another version he's a DJ in a slightly shabby local radio station who gets hassled by the occasional oddball on the street. And he's the man who hopes for everything. The truth lies somewhere in between. And at home? Well, naturally, his private life is chaotic. His wife has left him, taking custody of his 8-year-old son Justin jnr, and is in the process of taking him to the cleaners. So he's back on the market. As is his house - so he's currently living in his father-in-law's spare room in Bury. The only person who understands him is his Gran, living in luxury in an old folk's home in Warrington. Oh, and his producer Bryn but this might not be a good thing. Despite all this mess, Justin always remains positive. Every new day is a new opportunity, 'When life throws you lemons, make lemonade'. This complete collection of Everyone Quite Likes Justin, Justin is played by Justin Moorhouse, Gran by Anne Reid, Ray by Paul Copley and Lisa by Christine Bottomley. There's a satisfyingly high gag hit-rate for this new comedy about a radio presenter - The Guardian Producer: Steven Canny

Jim Poyser, Justin Moorhouse (Author), Anne Reid, Full Cast, Jim Poyser, Justin Moorhouse, Paul Copley (Narrator)

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Sons and Lovers

Penguin Classics presents D. H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers, adapted for audio and available as a digital download as part of the Penguin English Library series. Read by Paul Copley. ''She was a brazen hussy.' 'She wasn't. - And she was pretty, wasn't she?' 'I didn't look ... And tell your girls, my son, that when they're running after you, they're not to come and ask your mother for you - tell them that - brazen baggages you meet at dancing classes'' The marriage of Gertrude and Walter Morel has become a battleground. Repelled by her uneducated and sometimes violent husband, delicate Gertrude devotes her life to her children, especially to her sons, William and Paul - determined they will not follow their father into working down the coal mines. But conflict is evitable when Paul seeks to escape his mother's suffocating grasp through relationships with women his own age. Set in Lawrence's native Nottinghamshire, Sons and Lovers is a highly autobiographical and compelling portrayal of childhood, adolescence and the clash of generations. Part of a series of vintage recordings taken from the Penguin Archives. Affordable, collectable, quality productions - perfect for on-the-go listening.

D. H. Lawrence, D.H. Lawrence (Author), Paul Copley (Narrator)

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The Railway Children

Paul Copley and Timothy Bateson star in a BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation of E. Nesbit's enchanting and unforgettable classic. Roberta, Peter and Phyllis lead an ordinary suburban life with Mother and Father, enjoying trips to the zoo and the pantomime. But when Father is mysteriously taken away one night, everything changes. The children must move to the country, to a little white cottage near the railway line, where eventually they find that there are plenty of adventures to be had and friends to be made - including Perks the Porter and the Station Master himself. But the mystery remains - what has happened to Father, and will he come back? The story of Roberta, Peter and Phyllis and their life in the country has never been out of print since it was first published in 1906. Charming, sentimental and unforgettable, the novel retains all its enchantment and enduring appeal in this BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation.

Edith Nesbit (Author), Daniel Ison, Kate Mcenery, Paul Copley, Timothy Bateson, Victoria Carling (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Paul Copley