Audiobooks narrated by Robin Ince

Writing the Universe: A BBC Radio 4 Science Series

Robin Ince explores how authors, artists and astronomers have told the story of the cosmos From Shakespeare and Milton to Alan Moore and Douglas Adams, writers have striven to convey the enormity and wonder of our universe. In this enlightening three-part series, Robin Ince, aided by special guests including his fellow Infinite Monkey Cage presenter Brian Cox, appraises the great communicators past and present, who have captured our imagination and advanced our knowledge. Beginning with the birth of the universe, he reveals that Fred Hoyle’s famous phrase ‘the big bang’ was actually a derogatory expression, coined to satirise a theory he didn’t believe in. Now, it is part of our everyday language – but how helpful is it in explaining how the cosmos came about? Physicist Carlo Rovelli uses metaphor to clarify this mind-bending concept, while for cosmologist Carlos Frenk, the time before time existed is best illustrated by Dalí’s melting clocks. Investigating the mysteries of black holes, Robin looks at how they have inspired science fiction authors and filmmakers. First conceived of by Einstein in 1915, these vast tears in the fabric of spacetime exist at the centre of every galaxy: and thanks to Nobel Prize-winning author Kip Thorne (who consulted on the movie Interstellar), we have an idea of what they might actually look like. But what of the ultimate destiny of the universe? Will it end in a ‘big crunch’, a ‘big rip’, heat death or vacuum decay? And as they speculate around the fate of the cosmos, how careful do scientists and writers have to be to avoid arousing anxiety and bringing on ‘cosmological vertigo’? Contemplating the final chapter of the universe’s story, Robin wonders whether their predictions will be accurate – or whether there will be a twist in the tale... Production credits Presented by Robin Ince Produced by Marijke Peters and Adrian Washbourne Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem Soundscape Designer: Jane Watkins With contributions from: Brian Cox, Sean Carroll, Katie Mack, Carlos Frenk, Carlo Rovelli, Janna Levin, Paul Murdin, Kip Thorne, Paul Franklyn, Fay Dowker, Paul Sutter, Louisa Buck, John Lloyd, Adam Riess and Mike Turner First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 10-24 June 2024 © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Robin Ince (Author), Brian Cox, Robin Ince, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

We’ve Been Here Before: The Complete Series 1 and 2: The BBC Radio Comedy Panel Show

Clive Anderson and guests poke fun at the past in this panel show with a yesteryear twist Originally broadcast on Radio 4 in 2003-4, We’ve Been Here Before is the topical, satirical, historical panel game that aims to show beyond all doubt that there’s nothing new in the news. Hosted by award-winning comedian, broadcaster and Whose Line Is It Anyway? star Clive Anderson, it takes a wry, witty look at long-gone days through a present-day lens, as the panellists battle it out to discover who’s got the best memory for detail when it comes to raking up the past. Gyles Brandreth, Jimmy Carr, Chris Addison, Mark Steel, Natalie Haynes, Richard Herring, Robin Ince and Steve Punt are among the stellar guests striving to identify news clips from years gone by, and to spot the parallels with contemporary events. From reality TV, BBC-bashing and striking unions to celebrity American presidential hopefuls, European referendums and Prime Ministers under pressure, they find that the stories they sift through sound strangely familiar. Still funny and relevant over 20 years after it first aired, this entertaining series is the ultimate proof that what goes around comes around. It’s a blast from the past with a modern perspective – and any similarity to current events is entirely the idea... Production credits Presented by Clive Anderson Reader: Lewis MacLeod Produced by Adam Bromley (Series 1) and Ed Morrish (Series 2) Series 1 featuring: Gyles Brandreth, Jimmy Carr, John O'Farrell, David Quantick, Jon Holmes, Simon Brett, Lewis Shaffer, Steve Punt, Robin Ince, Maureen Lipman, Simon Brett Series 2 featuring: Gyles Brandreth, John O'Farrell, Arthur Smith, Arabella Weir, Natalie Haynes, Richard Herring, Mark Steel, David Quantick, Chris Addison, Nick Revell, Helen Atkinson-Wood First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 1-29 August 2003 (Series 1), 11 June-2 July 2004 (Series 2) © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Clive Anderson (Author), Arthur Smith, Chris Addison, Clive Anderson, David Quantick, Gyles Brandreth, Jimmy Carr, John O'farrell, Lewis Macleod, Maureen Lipman, Natalie Haynes, Richard Herring, Robin Ince, Simon Brett, Steve Punt, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

Mitch Benn’s Crimes Against Music: The Complete Series 1-3: A BBC Radio Comedy Series

Music, mayhem and madness from Mitch Benn and Robin Ince There can be only one parody musical master, and Mitch Benn thinks it’s him. Although Richard Stilgoe may have something to say about that… Laugh out loud as Mitch sets out on a musical journey through the showbiz glitz and backstage litter of pop music. Teaming up with Mitch is comedian Robin Ince, and between them they delve into the world of super fans, the glamorous trappings and excesses of pop-star life and its highs and lows. Along with special guest presenters, they wonder if you really can manufacture greatness, why pop stars need fans, and the art of self-promotion. Can death revive a rock star's career? How many people does it take to make something a music 'scene'? And is heavy metal getting soft? Mitch’s music-master credentials are tested in every episode as he performs a newly written song, hoping to prove he is indeed the world’s greatest musical satirist. Robin Ince’s trademark cynicism and occasional appearances as Satan make this a fast-paced, hilarious show full of musical mastery, mayhem and laughs. When, in search of global superstardom, the duo try and take their show on a world tour, things only get funnier. Mitch Benn has been a regular voice on BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show and has toured extensively as a comedian in the UK and internationally. Co-writer Robin Ince is a comedian and radio presenter, perhaps best known for his comedy science radio show The Infinite Monkey Cage, which he presents with Professor Brian Cox. If you’re a fan of Alex Horne Presents The Horne Section or Mark Watson Makes The World Substantially Better, you’ll love this anarchic mix of music and comedy. Listen for the first time to all three series – you won’t be able to resist tapping your foot to the beat… Written by Mitch Ben and Robin Ince Produced by Adam Bromley Featuring: Mitch Benn Robert Ince Alfie Joey Tash Baylis Kirsty Newton Jane Perry Craig Campbell Tom Price Lloyd Langford Steven Kynman Brendon Burns With special guest: Richard Stilgoe First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 February 2004 – 4 July 2006 ©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Mitch Benn, Robin Ince (Author), Mitch Benn, Robin Ince, Various (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Personality Test: The complete BBC Radio 4 comedy quiz series

The comedy panel game where all the questions are about the guest host Welcome to The Personality Test, the panel show in which a brand new host takes the chair for every episode to present a quiz entirely themed around themselves. Each gets to run the show by their own rules, devising topics and queries based on their life, whims, fancies and past glories. Among the showbiz celebrities in the hot seat are Gyles Brandreth, Jennie Bond, Antony Worrall Thompson, Esther Rantzen, Janet Street-Porter and Edwina Currie, while the rounds include Love It Or Hate It, True or False, That Special Day and Life's a Pitch. Is John Sergeant a fan of Julia Roberts? Would Greg Dyke give Radio 4 just a minute, or leave it on a desert island? And does Claire Rayner have a penchant for jelly babies? Having spent a week swotting up on their host, the contestants must tackle these questions and more, as they do their best to amuse, entertain, charm, flatter - and occasionally, flirt outrageously - in a bid to chalk up the points and win the game. Battling it out are regular panellists and comedy heavyweights Alan Carr, Sue Perkins, Robert Ince, Lucy Porter, Will Smith and Carrie Quinlan. Intriguing and challenging, riotous and revealing, this unique panel show shines a fascinating spotlight on the interests and enthusiasms of your favourite personalities - and keeps you laughing along the way. Production credits Written by Richard Turner, Simon Littlefield and Kieron Quirke Devised and produced by Aled Evans Series 1 presented by: John Sergeant, Greg Dyke, Gyles Brandreth and Jennie Bond With Sue Perkins, Alan Carr, Lucy Porter, Will Smith, Robin Ince and Natalie Haynes Series 2 presented by: Roy Hattersley, Rick Wakeman, Adam Hart-Davis, Antony Worrall Thompson, Claire Rayner and Esther Rantzen With Sue Perkins, Lucy Porter, Robin Ince, Mark Dolan and Will Smith Series 3 presented by: Janet Street-Porter, Lorraine Kelly, Andrew Neill, Edwina Currie, Toyah Willcox and Eve Pollard With Sue Perkins, Will Smith, Nick Doody, Lucy Porter, Robin Ince, Carrie Quinlan and Dan Tetsell First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12 July-2 August 2006 (Series 1), 7 December 2006-11 January 2007 (Series 2), 5 July-9 August 2007 (Series 3) © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Adam Hart-Davis, Alan Carr, Antony Worrall-Thompson, Edwina Currie, Esther Rantzen, Greg Dyke, Gyles Brandreth, Janet Street-Porter, Jennie Bond, John Sergeant, Lorraine Kelly, Lucy Porter, Robin Ince, Roy Hattersley, Sue Perkins (Author), Alan Carr, Caroline Quinlan, Dan Tetsell, Lucy Porter, Natalie Haynes, Robin Ince, Sue Perkins, Various, Will Smith (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Infinite Monkey Cage: Series 22-25

Four more series of the multi-award-winning science/comedy show Celebrating the wonders of the universe since 2009, The Infinite Monkey Cage combines wit and wisdom to explore scientific concepts in an entertaining, accessible way. In these four series, physicist Brian Cox and comedian Robin Ince are back to 'put a smile on the face of science' (The Independent). They're joined by a wealth of boffins, brainiacs and celebrity science enthusiasts, all keen to share their hard facts, soft theories and bold comic deviations. Beginning with the end of the universe, they tackle topics including black holes, the human brain, Neanderthals and the science of cooking - and attempt to answer profound philosophical questions such as 'What is life, and how did it start?', 'Is time an illusion?' and ''What is reality?' There's also an astronaut's guide to isolation, featuring Helen Sharman, Chris Hadfield, Nicole Stott and Apollo 9's Rusty Schweickart; a look back at 60 years of chimpanzee research with Jane Goodall; and a history of rock (not in the Rolling Stones sense, but actual rolling stones). Plus, the duo play Animal Top Trumps to find out whether we should prefer beautiful bats to much-maligned flies; travel deep below the ocean waves to see what lies beneath; discover how trees communicate using the Wood Wide Web; and learn why two brains are definitely better than one... Among their special guests are Eric Idle, Steve Martin, Matt Lucas, Tim Minchin, Bill Bailey, Mark Gatiss, Steve Jones, Ross Noble, Sara Pascoe, Prof Alice Roberts, Carlo Rovelli, Harold McGee, Dr Janna Levin, Dave Gorman, Brendan Hunt and Katy Brand. Production credits Presented by Brian Cox and Robin Ince Producer: Alexandra Feachem © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Brian Cox, Robin Ince (Author), Brian Cox, Robin Ince (Narrator)

Audiobook

Bibliomaniac: An Obsessive's Tour of the Bookshops of Britain

A unique, funny picture of Britain... A love letter to bookshops and the vagaries of public transport.' Richard Osman Why play to 12,000 people when you can play to 12? In Autumn 2021, Robin Ince's stadium tour with Professor Brian Cox was postponed due to the pandemic. Rather than do nothing, he decided instead to go on a tour of over a hundred bookshops in the UK, from Wigtown to Penzance; from Swansea to Margate. Packed with witty anecdotes and tall tales, Bibliomaniac takes the reader on a journey across Britain as Robin explores his lifelong love of bookshops and books - and also tries to find out just why he can never have enough of them. It is the story of an addiction and a romance, and also of an occasional points failure just outside Oxenholme.

Robin Ince (Author), Robin Ince (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Importance of Being Interested: Adventures in Scientific Curiosity

Robin Ince (Author), Robin Ince (Narrator)

Audiobook

Life: An Idiot’s Guide: The Complete Series 1-3: BBC Radio 4 stand up comedy

Stephen K Amos and the comedy circuit's best stand-ups attempt to unravel the knotty problems of life Award-winning jokesmith and self-confessed idiot Stephen K Amos teams up with some of the world's sharpest comic minds to compile a dummies' guide to being a modern human. From raising children and having a mid-life crisis, to first impressions and facing your fears, who better than a bunch of comedians to lead us through life's existential maze? In these 17 episodes, Stephen and friends take us on a journey of self-discovery through observational comedy - with help from a live studio audience, who provide their own tips, stories and experiences. They share their unique perspectives on topics including dishonesty, technology, medicine, multiculturalism, religion and austerity, as well as helping us deal with the ultimate scary subject: mortality. Featuring a wealth of superb stand-ups including Sara Pascoe, Susan Calman, Lucy Porter, Ava Vidal, James Acaster, Boothby Graffoe, Marlon Davis, Richard Herring, Nish Kumar, Shazia Mirza, Alfie Moore, Andy Zaltzman, Tom Allen and Robin Ince, this hilarious show may not show you the meaning of life, but it will make you laugh about it. Cast and credits Hosted by Stephen K Amos Additional material by Christine Rose, Hugh Sington and Stephen Grant Produced by Colin Anderson Pilot special guests: W Kamau Bell, Susan Calman, Tim FitzHigham, Josie Long and Simon Munnery Series 1 special guests: Sara Pascoe, Matt Forde, Carey Marx, David O'Doherty, Miss London, Jess Fostekew, Craig Campbell, Ava Vidal, Howard Read, Andy Wilkinson, Lucy Porter, Maeve Higgins, Tom Allen, Phil Nichol Series 2 special guests: Sarah Kendall, Gráinne Maguire, James Acaster, Michael Redmond, Holly Walsh, Boothby Graffoe, Marlon Davis, Jarlath Reagan, Lloyd Langford, Alfie Moore, Ava Vidal, Richard Herring, Fred MacAulay, Angela Barnes, Greg Proops, Paul Sinha, Andre Vincent, John Hegley Series 3 special guests: Stephen Grant, Nish Kumar, Andrew Maxwell, Susan Murray, Tom Craine Josie Long, Wil Hodgson, Gavin Webster, Shazia Mirza, Mae Martin, Travis Jay, Dan Antopolski, Suzi Ruffell, Tom Rhodes, Andy Zaltzman, Jason Cook, Brendon Burns, Robin Ince First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 23 August 2011 (Pilot), 7-28 March 2012 (Series 1), 17 January-21 February 2013 (Series 2). Series 3 first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Extra, 12 May-16 June 2014 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Stephen K Amos (Author), Alfie Moore, Full Cast, James Acaster, Nish Kumar, Richard Herring, Robin Ince, Sara Pascoe, Stephen K Amos, Susan Calman, Tom Allen (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Examined Mind: A BBC radio collection exploring the history, philosophy and science of self-help

This collection brings together history, science, philosophy and comedy to explore our age-old search for meaning. We live in an age of self-improvement and self-examination - lifehacking, wellbeing, self-care, mindfulness retreats - but this seemingly very modern phenomenon is a pursuit that dates back for millennia. Join comedian Robin Ince to explore how the ancient Greeks aimed to get happier, healthier and richer. Will Self asks some of Britain's key scientists, philosophers and faith leaders to share their conclusions on the meaning of our existence. Historian Kate Williams investigates the Grandfather of Self-Help, Samuel Smiles' 1859 book Self Help, and its lasting influence. In 'Hell is Other People', performer Byron Vincent attempts to overcome his paralysing fear of social situations. Emma Barnett traces the multi-billion dollar mindfulness industry to its Buddhist roots to discover whether it's just another health fad. Comedian Felicity Ward tries to solve her mental health issues, one app at a time. Sian Williams presents a practical guide to boosting brain power through exercise, relaxation, stimulation, sleep and diet. From the ancient Greeks to the present day and even into the future, The Examined Mind provides an unique insight into our constant quest to be better people.

Byron Vincent, Emma Barnett, Felicity Ward, Kate Williams, Robin Ince, Will Self (Author), Bryon Vincent, Emma Barnett, Felicity Ward, Kate Williams, Robin Ince, Sian Williams, Will Self (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Infinite Monkey Cage: Series 18-21 plus Apollo Special

Four more series of Brian Cox and Robin Ince’s multi award-winning science/comedy show – including the 100th episode and The Infinite Moonkey Cage, a special hour-long episode celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo moon landings One of BBC Radio 4’s most popular programmes, The Infinite Monkey Cage sees physicists Robin Ince and Brian Cox taking a witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes. Aided by guests from the worlds of science, academia and entertainment, they delve into a variety of topics in a quest to explore the quirks and wonders of the universe. In these 25 episodes, they celebrate their 100th show with some very special appearances from Monkey Cage alumni including Brian Blessed, Eric Idle and Andy Hamilton; talk cryptography and codebreaking at GCHQ; look at the origin of numbers; and learn how to build a bionic human. There’s also a discussion about dinosaurs; a sleepy look at the science of dreaming; and a Brits in Space special featuring astronauts Tim Peake and Helen Sharman – plus The Infinite Moonkey Cage, a 60-minute episode in which they are joined by some of the key players involved in landing the first men on the moon on July 20th 1969. Among the many other guests featured in these four series are Neil deGrasse Tyson, Danny Wallace, Shappi Khorsandi, Beardyman, Ed Byrne, Chris Addison, Jo Brand, Rufus Hound, Bridget Christie and Mark Steel. Producer: Alexandra Feachem

Brian Cox (Author), Brian Cox, Full Cast, Robin Ince (Narrator)

Audiobook

Think the Unthinkable: The Complete Series 1-4

All four series of the Sony Award-winning radio sitcom Meet the hapless management consultants of Unthinkable Solutions – idealistic team leader Ryan, sociopathic Sophie and hippy-dippy Daisy. Enthusiastic and enterprising, they’re strong on jargon (and always ready to ‘imaginate, reincentivise and skin the leopard’), but short on practical ideas – unfortunately for the unsuspecting corporations that come to them for help. Aided by morally dubious IT expert Owen, and fellow member of the Fraternity of the Sacred Goat, Jed, the team get proactive with clients including a bank, a struggling high street retailer, an inner city school, the Post Office, a zoo, an ailing hospital and the MoD. Over 21 episodes, Unthinkable Solutions prove that there is no 'i' in team – but there is one in 'incompetent'. Brought in by Barrington Council to rationalise refuse services (ie sack people), Ryan and Daisy decide to take the binmen on a weekend in the Cairngorms instead; and in a bid to revitalise London’s transport system, the consultants put a bus driver in charge while the chief executive is sent back to driving tube trains. Plus, the team get to the bottom of a scam at an electricity company, face the tricky task of making cuts at the firm that insures Ryan’s flashy new car, and set out to smooth the path for Superco, a Megastore that wants to expand into a Terrastore. Created by acclaimed comedy writer James Cary, this witty, satirical sitcom won the Sony Silver Award for Comedy. It stars Marcus Brigstocke as Ryan, with Emma Kennedy and Beth Chalmers as Sophie, Catherine Shepherd as Daisy, David Mitchell as Owen and Robin Ince as Jed.

James Cary (Author), David Mitchell, Emma Kennedy, Marcus Brigstocke, Robin Ince (Narrator)

Audiobook

Act Your Age: The Complete BBC Radio panel game show

The BBC Radio 4 comedy panel show that pits three comic generations against each other, presented by Simon Mayo Simon Mayo hosts a comedic battle between three teams to find out which is the funniest generation. Will the Up and Comers, the Current Crop or the Old Guard be crowned as the Golden Age of Comedy? In these eighteen episodes, the contestants share their favourite jokes, trade comedic banter and go up against each other in quickfire rounds including 'Generation Why', in which they use stand-up to point out the shortcomings of their generation, 'Against the Clock', where two comedians compete against each other to get their laughs in the shortest time and 'Dear Simon', which sees the panellists turn agony aunt (or uncle) to try and solve a listener's problem. Team captains include Jon Richardson, Holly Walsh, Lucy Porter, Rufus Hound, Roy Walker, Adrian Walsh, Johnnie Casson, Tom O'Connor and Ted Robbins, while among the guest panellists are Barry Cryer, Sarah Millican, Milton Jones, Josie Long, Ed Byrnes, Russell Kane, Jack Whitehall, Cannon and Ball and Norman Lovett. Presented by Simon Mayo Programme consultants: Jed Parsons, Stephen Carlin, John-Luke Roberts, Lee Stuart Evans, Lucy Clarke, Will Ing Devised and produced by Ashley Blaker and Bill Matthews Panellists: Series 1 Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter, Roy Walker, Josh Howie, Stephen K Amos, Barry Cryer, Sarah Millican, Milton Jones, Adrian Walsh, Josie Long, Ed Byrne, Mick Miller, Justin Moorhouse, Holly Walsh, Johnnie Casson, Russell Kane, Phil Nichol, Stephen Hall, Rhod Gilbert, Stan Boardman Series 2 Jon Richardson, Lucy Porter, Adrian Walsh, Johnnie Casson, Kevin Bridges, Jason Byrne, Holly Walsh, Jack Whitehall, Sarah Kendall, Ronnie Golden, Ed Byrne, Jared Christmas, Mark Watson, Eddie Large, Mike Wozniak, Robin Ince, Ted Robbins, Tom Wrigglesworth, John Bishop, Tom O'Connor, Roy Walker, Hills Barker, Rufus Hound, Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball Series 3 Holly Walsh, Lucy Porter, Tom O'Connor, Henry Paker, Miles Jupp, Duggie Brown, Jon Richardson, Andi Osho, Rufus Hound, Andrew Maxwell, Ted Robbins, Roger De Courcey, Nookie Bear, Sean Walsh, Hal Cruttenden, Dave Spikey, Tom Deacon, Henning Wehn, Billy Pearce, Carl Donnelly, Justin Edwards, Norman Lovett, Andrew Lawrence, Paul Foot, Stew Francis First broadcast BBC Radio 4: 27 November 2008-1 January 2009 (Series 1), 19 January-23 February 2010 (Series 2), 23 March-27 April 2011 (Series 3)

BBC Audio (Author), Full Cast, Jack Whitehall, Robin Ince, Rufus Hound, Russell Kane, Sarah Kendall, Sarah Millican, Simon Mayo, Stephen K Amos, Stephen K. Amos (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Robin Ince