Audiobooks narrated by Sean Baker

‘An exquisitely-written, generous, funny, thoughtful book about the everyday joys of being alive. I love it.’ Dolly Alderton ‘J. B. Priestley is one of our literary icons of the 20th Century and it is time that we all became re-acquainted with his genius.’ Dame Judi Dench ‘My apology, my little bit of penitence, for having grumbled so much, for having darkened the breakfast table, almost ruined the lunch, nearly silence the dinner party, for all the fretting and chafing, grousing and croaking, for the old glum look and the thrust-out lower lip. So my long-suffering kinsfolk, my patient friends, may a glimmer of that delight which has so often possessed me, but perhaps too frequently in secret, now reach you from these pages.’ There are times when there doesn’t seem much to smile about. And for those times, there is this book. J. B Priestley’s 1949 classic teaches us that joy may be found in even the simplest things, and that we all have the capacity to appreciate them. Delight comprises a series of short essays, all focussing on a single simple pleasure, from reading detective stories in bed to smoking a pipe in the bath; from ‘Cosy planning’ to the earliest summer mornings; and from mineral water in the bedrooms of foreign hotels to the smell of bacon in the morning. Combining poignant memories of his childhood with glimpses of his interior world, panoramas of life abroad with thoughts about writing, music, theatre – some strictly personal, some universal –this highly readable book bursts with humour and literary flare on every page.

J. B. Priestley (Author), Sean Baker (Narrator)

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English Journey

‘The finest book ever written about England and the English’ Stuart Maconie ‘J. B. Priestley is one of our literary icons of the 20th Century and it is time that we all became re-acquainted with his genius.’ Dame Judi Dench Three years before George Orwell made his expedition to the far and frozen North in The Road to Wigan Pier, celebrated writer and broadcaster JB Priestley cast his net wider, in a book subtitled ‘a Rambling but Truthful Account of What One Man Saw and Heard and Felt and Thought During a Journey Through England During the Autumn of the Year 1933.’ Appearing first in 1934, it was a huge and immediate success. Today, it still stands as a timeless classic: warm-hearted, intensely patriotic and profound. An account of his journey through England – from Southampton to the Black Country, to the North East and Newcastle, to Norwich and home – English Journey is funny and tender. But it is also a forensic reading of a changing England and a call to arms as passionate as anything in Orwell’s bleak masterpiece. Moreover, it both captured and catalysed the public mood of its time. In capturing and describing an English landscape and people hitherto unseen, writing scathingly about vested interests and underlining the dignity of working people, Priestley influenced the thinking and attitudes of an entire generation and helped formulate a public consensus for change that led to the birth of the welfare state. Prophetic and as relevant today as it was nearly ninety years ago, English Journey is an elegant and readable love letter to a country Priestley finds unfathomable.

J. B. Priestley (Author), Sean Baker (Narrator)

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Shardlake: The Complete BBC Radio Collection: Six BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations

The complete collected dramatisations of C. J. Sansom's historical mystery series Set during the reign of Henry VIII, these six stunning dramas follow the adventures of hunchbacked lawyer-detective Matthew Shardlake as he navigates the dangerous world of Tudor England, solving crimes and seeking out murderers. Dissolution - Winter, 1537. When a King's Commissioner is brutally murdered at Scarnsea monastery, Thomas Cromwell sends Shardlake to investigate. Can he catch the killer before he strikes again? Dark Fire - Summer, 1540, and Shardlake is embroiled in two urgent cases: tracking down a batch of Greek Fire, an ancient weapon of mass destruction, and defending an orphan girl accused of murder. Accompanied by Cromwell's man, Barak, he must race against time to save Elizabeth's life - and Cromwell's skin. Sovereign - Autumn, 1541. As the King embarks on a Royal Progress to York, Shardlake and Barak arrive in the city on a secret mission for Archbishop Cranmer. But soon they are caught up in a murder investigation - and a daring plot to bring down the royal family... Revelation - Spring, 1543. With London rocked by religious turmoil, Shardlake must complete two vital assignments: help a teenage boy imprisoned in Bedlam for his heretical ravings, and prevent a serial killer from completing his unholy mission. Heartstone - Summer, 1545, and Shardlake and Barak are drawn into two murky mysteries: one involving 'monstrous wrongs' committed against a ward of the court, the other involving the troubled past of Bedlam inmate Ellen Fettiplace. Meanwhile, across the Channel, the French fleet is preparing to attack... Lamentation - 1546. Henry VIII lies dying, and his Protestant and Catholic factions are vying for power. As heretics are burned at the stake, the Queen rashly decides to write a compromising confessional book - and when it is stolen, she turns to Shardlake. His investigations lead him from London's backstreet print shops to the heart of the royal court... Jason Watkins and Justin Salinger star as Shardlake, with Bryan Dick as Barak, Mark Bonnar and Robert Glenister as Cromwell, Sam Dale and Sean Baker as Cranmer, and Emily Wachter and Jessica Hardwick as Queen Catherine Parr. Written by C. J. Sansom Dramatised by Colin MacDonald Produced and directed by Kirsteen Cameron, David Jackson Young and Bruce Young © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Cj Sansom (Author), Bryan Dick, Emily Wachter, Jason Watkins, Jessica Hardwick, Justin Salinger, Mark Bonnar, Robert Glenister, Sam Dale, Sean Baker (Narrator)

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How to Build a Supertower: A BBC Radio 4 full-cast thriller

Robert Glenister stars in this compelling corporate thriller about a self-made property tycoon who sets out to build a brand new London skyscraper Property magnate Max Silver is in trouble. His West End properties are starting to crumble, his assets are turning into liabilities and his business empire's on the rocks. With the company in danger of going under, he shakes up his property portfolio, ditches his shiftless partner, Larry, and brings his brother Teddy and daughter Zara on board. Then the Lord Mayor of London asks him to build an iconic skyscraper in the heart of the capital - a 1000ft, state-of-the-art tower that will show off London to the world, and be a defiant new national symbol. With an eye to his family's future - and his personal legacy - Max agrees, and with the help of high-profile architect Katalina, the Hourglass is born. But it soon begins to look as if this prestigious project will never get off the ground. From planning permission to political opposition, the obstacles pile up - and when his legitimate funding is suddenly withdrawn, Max is left at the mercy of shadowy forces. As old scores are settled, and new enemies emerge, he will need all his charm, ruthlessness and deal-making skills to avoid the many traps put in his path by big business - and by sheer human folly... Written by acclaimed dramatist Paul Sellar, this gripping full-cast drama takes you on a roller-coaster ride through the cut-throat world of international commerce, via corruption, intrigue, dodgy finance, kidnapping and intimidation. It stars Robert Glenister as Max, with Catherine Cusack, Katherine Press and Sean Baker. Written by Paul Sellar Directed by Jessica Dromgoole, Jonquil Panting and Sasha Yevtushenko Cast Max Silver - Robert Glenister Carol - Catherine Cusack Teddy - Sean Baker Zara - Katherine Press Katalina - Daphne Alexander Kolo - Buom Tihngang Larry/Kevin - Paul Hickey John/Gavin - Shaun Mason Maryam - Susan Jameson Sasha - Andrew Byron Clem - Vineeta Rishi Angus - Nicholas Murchie Asha - Nokukhanya Masango Fadi - Alexander Devrient Rory - Jonny Holden Jack - Ben Crowe Zoe - Tife Kusoro Sunil - Bhasker Patel DK - Sagar Radia Karakas - Chris Pavlo First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2-5 September 2019 © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Paul Sellar (Author), Catherine Cusack, Katherine Press, Robert Glenister, Sean Baker (Narrator)

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More BBC Classics: Wuthering Heights, Silas Marner, Ethan Frome & Orlando

Unabridged readings of four fictional masterpieces Contained in this collection are four more enduring classics, read in full by some of the very best audiobook narrators. With over 32 hours of irresistible storytelling, tracked by chapter for ease of navigation, this is the perfect way to immerse yourself in these iconic works. Wuthering Heights Emily Brontë's tempestuous tale of passions, betrayal and retribution on the wild Yorkshire moors. Read by Susan Jameson. Silas Marner George Eliot's heart-warming tour de force about a lonely weaver's search for redemption and hope. Read by Sean Baker. Ethan Frome Edith Wharton's powerful, affecting novella about a poverty-stricken young man attempting to escape a loveless marriage. Read by Joseph Ayre. Orlando Virginia Woolf's comic biography of a time-travelling hero whose adventures through the centuries include transforming into a heroine... Read by Clare Corbett. Credits: Wuthering Heights Read by Susan Jameson Produced by Ross Burman First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 24 August 2019 Silas Marner Read by Sean Baker Produced by Martha Littlehailes First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 22 August 2019 Ethan Frome Read by Joseph Ayre Produced by Julian Wilkinson First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 1 November 2019 Orlando Read by Clare Corbett Produced by Simon Richardson First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 1 November 2019 (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltdribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Edith Wharton, Emily Bronte, George Eliot, Virginia Woolf (Author), Clare Corbett, Joseph Ayre, Sean Baker, Susan Jameson (Narrator)

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BBC Classics: Suspense Collection: Frankenstein, A Christmas Carol, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll an

Unabridged readings of four spine-tingling stories This suspenseful anthology collects together four gripping tales of gruesome scientific experiments and chilling supernatural events - all read in full by some of the very best voice actors. With over 18 hours of electrifying listening, tracked by chapter, these classic tales will have you on the edge of your seat. Frankenstein Mary Shelley's Gothic masterpiece about young scientist Victor Frankenstein, whose quest to create new life has horrific consequences... Read by Shaun Mason. A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens' timeless classic about a bitter old miser who has a Christmas epiphany when he is visited by four spirits. Read by Sean Baker The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novella about a doctor who experiments with the duality of human nature - and in doing so creates a monster. Read by Sam Dale. The Turn of the Screw Henry James' terrifying tale of a governess sent to look after two children in a haunted country house. Read by Sam Dale and Clare Corbett. Credits: Frankenstein Read by Shaun Mason Produced by Martha Littlehailes First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 24 August 2019 A Christmas Carol Read by Sean Baker Produced by Anne Bunting First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 22 August 2019 The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Read by Sam Dale Produced by Julian Wilkinson First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 22 August 2019 The Turn of the Screw Read by Sam Dale and Clare Corbett Produced by Julian Wilkinson First broadcast on BBC Sounds, 1 November 2019 (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Charles Dickens, Henry James, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Robert Louis Stevenson (Author), Clare Corbett, Sam Dale, Sean Baker, Shaun Mason (Narrator)

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Windover: A Ghost Story

This ghost story is set on the wild Atlantic coast of North Devon and told through the eyes of Jenny, a girl of nearly nineteen, whose recently deceased grandmother Mary has bequeathed her Windover, the cottage where she is staying with her father and his girlfriend during summer vacation.Before long, Jenny is troubled by visions of two teenage girls and learns from a photograph taken in 1934 that these girls are her grandmother Mary and Mary's friend Cathy. As the days go by, Jenny finds herself drawn into tragic events that occurred nearly eighty years earlier.

Brita Bradbury (Author), A Full Cast, Emma Kelly, Full Cast, Full Cast, Sean Baker (Narrator)

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The Sleeper and the Spindle

A full cast audio production performed by Julian Rhind-Tutt, Lara Pulver, Niamh Walsh, Adjoa Andoh, Peter Forbes, John Sessions, Michael Maloney, Sean Baker, Jane Collingwood, Clare Corbett, Allan Corduner, Katherine Kingsley, and Daniel Weyman. It was the closest kingdom to the queen's, as the crow flies, but not even the crows flew it. You may think you know this story. There's a young queen about to be married. There are some good, brave, hardy dwarfs; a castle shrouded in thorns; and a princess cursed by a witch, so rumor has it, to sleep forever. But no one is waiting for a noble prince to appear on his trusty steed here. This fairy tale is spun with a thread of dark magic, which twists and turns and glints and shines. A queen might just prove herself a hero if a princess needs rescuing....

Neil Gaiman (Author), Adjoa Andoh, Jane Collingwood, John Sessions, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Lara Pulver, Michael Maloney, Niamh Walsh, Peter Forbes, Sean Baker (Narrator)

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Sparkling Cyanide

'There's Rosemary, that's for remembrance.' Published in 1945, Sparkling Cyanide is all about remembrance. It begins with six characters recalling the horrific death of Rosemary Barton, a beautiful but shallow young heiress poisoned by a cyanide-spiked glass of champagne whilst celebrating her birthday at a smart London restaurant. Rosemary haunts all six characters, each of them a suspect, throughout the story - and it's not until her killer is found and her ghost laid to rest that the group can move on, though they will never forget. With a distinguished cast including Naomi Frederick, Peter Wight and Sean Baker, this wonderfully entertaining production retains the thrill of Agatha Christie's clever, compulsive story.

Agatha Christie (Author), Full Cast, Naomi Frederick, Peter Wight, Sean Baker (Narrator)

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Small Acts Of Kindness: A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

A BBC Radio 4 semi-autobiographical play by BAFTA award-winning writer Trevor Preston, telling the story of Charlie, who suddenly re-discovers the passion and energy of his youth. 'Small Acts of Kindness' was originally broadcast as the 'Afternoon Play' on 15 March 2011. In the late 1950s Charlie was a violent and uncontrollable entrant to art school. His teacher changed the course of his life. 'Small Acts of Kindness' catches up with Charlie as his mentor's death shifts everything once more. In his late sixties and with his writing career all but dried up, Charlie starts to paint again. Invigorated, he spends his free time supporting his contemporaries who have found themselves alienated and impoverished by modern life. Soon it is not just his desire to paint that is revived... Starring Stephen Greif as Charlie, and also featuring Ann Beach, Susan Penhaligon, Joanna Monro, Sean Baker, Gethin Anthony, Sally Orrock and Christine Kavanagh amongst the cast.

Trevor Preston (Author), Ann Beach, Christine Kavanagh, Gethin Anthony, Joanna Monro, Sally Orrock, Sean Baker, Stephen Greif, Susan Penhaligon (Narrator)

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Ten Lessons In Love: A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

Ten short BBC Radio 4 plays from an eclectic mix of writers, including Josie Long, Nick Warburton and Tim Key, exploring one of the most important human emotions. 'Ten Lessons in Love' was originally broadcast as the 'Afternoon Play' on 25 April 2011.This accumulation of mini-plays encompasses romance, heartbreak and some adult themes; each play offering a very different perspective on love. David uses 'the machine' to revisit his old memories - he wants to pinpoint the exact moment he fell in love. But when it malfunctions, it catapults us into the stories of a variety of people, all of whom are attempting to make sense of love...The 'Ten Lessons in Love' of which this collection is comprised are: 'You Never Know When You're Going to Fall in Love', 'More Often than Not, Your Dream Date Will be a Nightmare', 'Beware of Skeletons in the Closet', 'Remain Interested; Don't Yawn at Least', 'When Your Heart Freezes it's Time to Leave the Building', 'Love is Fickle', 'Being Alone Doesn't Have to Mean Being Lonely', 'Love's Worth Fighting For', 'Love Can't be Pinned Down' and 'Ignore All Previous Lessons'.Starring Sean Baker as David, the cast also includes Nyasha Hatendi and Alex Tregear.

Various (Author), Alex Tregear, Daniel Rabin, Femi Oyeniran, Jane Wittenshaw, Josie Long, Nyasha Hatendi, Sally Orrock, Sean Baker, Stuart Mcloughlin, Zawe Ashton (Narrator)

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The Bat Man: A BBC Radio 4 dramatisation

A BBC Radio 4 'Afternoon Play' starring Bill Nighy as widower Christopher, originally broadcast on 20 April 2011.When his wife died three years ago, Christopher fled London for a simpler existence in Cornwall, where he has settled on bat protection as his mission. Colette and her noisy daughters rent the holiday cottage next door and disturb the peace - both his and that of his beloved bats.'The Bat Man' stars Bill Nighy, Katherine Parkinson, Jenny Agutter, Sean Baker, Lauren Mote and Georgia Groome.

Amelia Bullmore (Author), Bill Nighy, Georgia Groome, Jenny Agutter, Katherine Parkinson, Lauren Mote, Sean Baker (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Sean Baker