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The Plays of J. B. Priestley: A BBC Radio Collection of 13 Full-Cast Productions
13 plays and dramatisations of the works of the influential playwright, novelist and essayist J. B. Priestley - plus bonus programmes J. B. Priestley was one of Britain's most significant writers. His output was prodigious: in his lifetime, he penned 26 novels, 39 plays and hundreds of essays. He enjoyed great success on stage, notably with Dangerous Corner, Time and the Conways and An Inspector Calls, which experimented with narrative structure and unorthodox theories of time. Included here are some of his most esteemed works, adapted for radio and brought together in one statement collection. We begin with Priestley's most famous play, An Inspector Calls, which sees Inspector Goole arriving unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home. Their celebratory dinner is shattered by his startling revelations about the death of a young woman. Next is Time and The Conways, telling the story of one family in several scenes set over 19 years, and When We Are Married, in which three couples receive a rude shock during their joint silver wedding party. In I Have Been Here Before, a group of strangers who meet at a remote Yorkshire inn discover that they are all interdependent - have they met before? A happy gathering of friends discover that their relationships aren't what they seem in Dangerous Corner and, in Eden End, an elderly Yorkshire GP finds himself coming to the end of an era. The Linden Tree is set in England 1947, where rationing and austerity have fostered opportunism, escapism - and confrontation - within the Linden family. The Good Companions, J. B. Priestley's classic story of a 1929 concert party tour, is followed by The Demon King, in which a Boxing Day panto is set to be a flop - until the Demon King comes on. In Lost Empires, Richard Hemcastle leaves his dead-end job to join his Uncle Nick in the glamour of the music halls, while in Bright Day, a chance encounter prompts a disillusioned scriptwriter to rediscover his past. Extraordinary and magical things happen on one elusive day in The Thirty-First of June, and in The Grey Ones, a patient fears evil is at work in the shape of a sinister conspiracy. Will his psychiatrist be able to help? Among the array of stars in these stunning dramas are Toby Jones, Frances Barber, Harriet Walter, Alan Bennett, Brenda Blethyn, Lesley Nicol, Morvern Christie, Alun Armstrong, Roy Hudd, Tom Baker, Jack Shepherd, Geoffrey Palmer, Amaka Okafor, Martin Jarvis and Joan Plowright. Also included are two fascinating documentaries: Postscripts: J. B. Priestley, a five-part series of wartime observations originally broadcast in 1940 and read by Patrick Stewart, and Great Lives: J. B. Priestley, which sees Barry Cryer discussing his friend and fellow Yorkshireman with Martin Wainwright and Matthew Parris. First published 1929 (The Good Companions), 1932 (Dangerous Corner), 1934 (Eden End), 1937 (Time and the Conways, I Have Been Here Before), 1938 (When We Are Married), 1945 (An Inspector Calls), 1946 (Bright Day), 1947 (The Linden Tree), 1953 (The Grey Ones), 1961 (The Thirty-First of June), 1962 (The Demon King), 1965 (Lost Empires) Production credits Written by J. B. Priestley Contents List An Inspector Calls Time and The Conways When We Are Married I Have Been Here Before Dangerous Corner Eden End The Linden Tree The Good Companions The Demon King Lost Empires Bright Day The Thirty First of June The Grey Ones Postscripts: J. B. Priestley Great Lives: J. B. Priestley © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
J. B. Priestley (Author), Alan Bennett, Brenda Blethyn, Full Cast, Harriet Walters, Henry Goodman, Jack May, Lesley Nicol, Martin Jarvis, Toby Jones, Tony Britton (Narrator)
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A W.M. Thackeray: A BBC Radio Drama Collection: Vanity Fair, Barry Lyndon, The Newcomes, Pendennis &
Five BBC Radio adaptations of the works of William Makepeace Thackeray - plus bonus features Best known today for his comic masterpiece, Vanity Fair, W. M. Thackeray was regarded in his time as the only rival to his contemporary, Charles Dickens. This collection includes a selection of his finest satirical fiction, as well as two fascinating programmes exploring his life and writings. Vanity Fair - Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, Thackeray's deliciously ironic tale of passion and ambition follows the fortunes of penniless, social-climbing Becky Sharp and her wealthy, sweet-natured best friend, Amelia Sedley. Starring Stephen Fry as the Narrator, with Emma Fielding as Becky, Katy Cavanagh as Amelia and Toby Jones as Jos. Barry Lyndon - Forced to leave his native Ireland after an unfortunate duel, young Redmond Barry embarks on a series of adventures that take him from the battlefields of the Seven Years War to the highest courts of Europe and the drawing rooms of English society. Gerard McSorley and Andrew Scott star in Thackeray's picaresque classic alongside Shelia Hancock and Kenneth Cranham The Yellowplush Papers- Adam Buxton stars in these five comic tales about the rise and fall of canny Regency footman Charles Yellowplush. Pendennis - Thackeray's semi-autobiographical coming-of-age tale charts the youthful exploits of handsome, impoverished Arthur Pendennis as he leaves his home in the country to make his way in London society. Dominic Guard stars as Arthur, with Hugh Dickson as The Writer. The Newcomes- Featuring characters from Vanity Fair and narrated by Arthur Pendennis, this epic saga tells the story of several generations of a respectable English family, centring around Colonel Thomas Newcombe and his artist son, Clive. Starring Simon Lack, Carleton Hobbs and Nigel Grahame. Al Murray on Thackeray - Comedian Al Murray talks about his great-great-great-grandfather, William Makepeace Thackeray, and why he thinks Vanity Fair is still relevant today. Andrew Davies/William Thackeray - James Naughtie and a group of readers chat to Andrew Davies about Thackeray's classic novel, Vanity Fair, which he adapted for BBC TV in 1998. NB: Due to the age and nature of some of the recordings, the sound quality may vary First published 1837 (The Yellowplush Papers), 1844 (The Luck of Barry Lyndon), 1848 (Vanity Fair), 1849-50 (Pendennis), (1855 The Newcomes) Cast and credits Written by W. M. Thackeray With thanks to Keith Wickham Contents List Vanity Fair Barry Lyndon The Yellowplush Papers Pendennis The Newcomes Al Murray on Thackeray Andrew Davies on William Thackeray © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
William Thackeray (Author), Adam Buxton, Andrew Scott, Emma Fielding, Maureen Lipman, Sheila Hancock, Stephen Fry, Toby Jones (Narrator)
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G.F. Newman’s The Corrupted: Series 1 and 2: A BBC Radio full-cast crime drama
The first two series of the epic saga plotting the course of one family against the backdrop of a revolution in crime 'Magnificently detailed' The Stage 1951. With the Festival of Britain in full swing, the country is looking forward to a brighter, more prosperous future. But young Brian Oldman cannot forget the past. Traumatised by a murder he witnessed when he was just six, he holds a terrible secret; but there is a more devastating secret he has yet to discover. Falling under the spell of his mother, Cath, he is drawn into London's criminal underworld, where territory battles are raging between the old guard and the new. Brian idolises his uncle, Jack Braden, who dreams of becoming a boxing champion. But when his ambition is thwarted by the army and the Kray twins, Jack's bitterness and anger turns him towards crime. Meanwhile, the head of the family, Joey Oldman - a Russian Jew with a talent for business and a love of money - is building an empire. Growing rich with the help of venal bankers, he and Cath join Macmillan's Conservative Party, and move in increasingly influential circles. They try in vain to keep their son Brian away from Jack, who has taken the 'firm' from running illicit clubs to armed robbery. Battling to escape the law, the Krays and their rivals the Richardsons, Joey finds himself so steeped in depravity, even his lawyer struggles to help him survive... Adapted by award-winning writer G. F. Newman (Law and Order, Judge John Deed) from his own bestselling books, this thrilling series spans six decades, following the fortunes of the Oldmans as they are sucked into a web of corruption reaching to the heart of the Establishment. Weaving fiction with real historical characters, it reveals the nexus of crime, business and politics woven through the fabric of 20th and 21st century greed. Toby Jones stars as Joey, with Denise Gough as Cath, Tom Weston-Jones as Jack, Joe Armstrong as Brian and Ross Kemp as the Narrator. NB: Contains violence, scenes of a sexual nature, prejudicial dialogue and attitudes prevalent in the time in which the events depicted took place Created by G. F. Newman Characters based on G. F. Newman's novels Produced and directed by Clive Brill A Pacificus production for BBC Radio 4 Cast Narrator - Ross Kemp Joey Oldman - Toby Jones Cath Oldman - Denise Gough Young Brian - Rory McMenamin Brian - Joe Armstrong Jack Braden - Tom Weston-Jones/Luke Allen Gale Gracie Braden/Violet Kray - Ruth Gemmell Billy Hill/Keffo - Robert Glenister Bobby Brown/Eddie Richardson/Selwyn Carruthers/Lambert/John Bindon - Charles Davies Watling/Mr Thompson/Tom Driberg - Nigel Cooke Win Booker - Lotte Rice Frank Cockain/Tiger Braden/Tinkerbell - Michael Eaves Spotty/Sammy Cohen/Capt Tyrwhitt - Jonathan Tafler DI Drury - Tom Weston-Jones Ronnie Kray/Mr Booker/CSM/Basil Jones/Harold Wilson/Alfie - Lewis MacLeod Bank Manager/DI Bulmer - Matthew Townshend Stephen Ward/Shop Owner/Policeman/Fenwick/John Bloom/Paul Raymond - Theo Fraser Steele Alice/Gladys Brown - Catherine Henderson Driver/Charlie Richardson/Dealer - Oliver Mawdsley DI Drury/Fat Cecil/Rikki the Malt - Matthew Marsh Leah Cohen - Jasmine Hyde Joshua/Pongo - Chinna Woddu Ruth Sutton/Martha Baines/Student - Kellie Shirley Arnold Goodman - Edward Max Tony Wednesday - Petrice Jones Judge Stevenson - David Shaw Parker Other parts played by members of the cast First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 21 October-1 November 2013 (Series 1), 19-30 January 2015 (Series 2) © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
G. F. Newman (Author), Denise Gough, Joe Armstrong, Ross Kemp, Toby Jones, Tom Weston-Jones (Narrator)
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G.F. Newman’s The Corrupted: Series 3 and 4: A BBC Radio full-cast crime drama
The third and fourth series of the criminal family saga, based on G. F. Newman's bestselling novels 'Terrific listening' The Independent 1971. As Ted Heath's government presides over the collapse of Rolls Royce, and Britain goes over to decimalisation, Brian Oldman is locked up in Brixton Prison. Joseph Oldman pulls every corrupt string in a desperate attempt to get him released; yet no sooner is Brian out, than he finds himself back inside. Joseph, however, is on the up: expanding his business through dodgy deals with a Colombian drug cartel, and making friends in high places, including Lord Goodman and Margaret Thatcher. Entering the murky world of politics, he becomes an MP, and reverts to his old surname, Olinska. But just as he is about to receive a knighthood, putting the final seal on his acceptance into the Establishment, he receives news that could ruin everything. Brian, facing a life sentence for a murder he didn't commit, is launching an appeal. He knows who the real guilty party is - Joseph - and he's determined to prove it... Blending fact and fiction to gripping effect, The Corrupted charts the story of the Oldman family against a backdrop of a revolution in crime, as the underworld extends its reach into the highest echelons of society. Adapted by award-winning writer G. F. Newman (Law and Order, Judge John Deed) from his own acclaimed books, it stars Toby Jones as Joseph, with Izabella Urbanowicz as Cath, Joe Armstrong as Brian and a full cast including Jasmine Hyde, Richard Wilson and Steve Nallon. NB: Contains violence, scenes of a sexual nature, prejudicial dialogue and attitudes prevalent in the time in which the events depicted took place Created by G. F. Newman Characters based on G. F. Newman's novels Produced and directed by Clive Brill A Brill production for BBC Radio 4 Cast Joseph Oldman/Olinska - Toby Jones Brian Oldman - Joe Armstrong Cath - Izabella Urbanowicz Jack - Jacob Fortune-Lloyd Tony Wednesday/Michael O'Dell - Alec Newman Margaret Courtney - Flora Montgomery Leah Cohen - Jasmine Hyde Lord Goodman/Gerald Ronson - Edward Max DCI Fenwick - Theo Fraser Steele Ken Drury/Sir Donald/Warder DeWitt - Matthew Marsh Sir Ralph Courtney - Nick Sampson Margaret Thatcher/Denis Thatcher - Steve Nallon Bobby Brown/John Bindon/Warder Shenton - Charles Davies Charlie Peck/Terry Parrish- Patrick Marlowe Terry Lynch/Terry Bishop - Sam Donnelly DCS Slipper - Mark Perry John Redvers - Joseph Kloska Senor Ortega/Jose Picado/Mr Wilkes - Will Harrison-Wallace Pongo - David Ajao Mo Thompson/Doreen/Sonia - Suzanne Proctor Sonia/Doreen - Lotte Rice Julian Tyrwhitt - Jonathan Tafler Yvonne/Clair Hamil - Susie Emmett DCI Robertson/Kevin Wheeler - Lucas Hare Sir Robert Mark - Patrick Cremin Franco/Simon Hatfield - Joshua Akehurst Claude Dobbs/Airey Neave - Jonathan Rigby Lionel Smith/Andrew McDowell - Kieron Jecchinis Martha - Serena Jennings Girls - Matilda & Bethany Suett DC Baldwin - Tom Dawze Judge Melford Stevenson - Richard Wilson George Carman QC/Hank Nolan/AC Roland - Nigel Cooke AC Jennings/Brian Perry/Ernest Saunders/Dr Rickard - Nicholas Murchie Robert Gallo - William Meredith Harding/Commissionaire - Simon Pontin Jack Lynn/Bobby Mark - Ben Jacobson Paul Newman - David John Sir Roger Berry - Jamie Newall Donnie James - John Hollingworth Other parts played by members of the cast First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 9-20 January 2017 (Series 3), 25 June-6 July 2018 (Series 4) © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
G. F. Newman (Author), Izabella Urbanowicz, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Jasmine Hyde, Joe Armstrong, Richard Wilson, Steve Nallon, Toby Jones (Narrator)
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G.F. Newman’s The Corrupted: Series 5 and 6: A BBC Radio full-cast crime drama
The fifth and sixth series of the East End family crime saga, starring Toby Jones as Joseph Olinska 'G. F. Newman's powerful story of ambition and crooks' The Times 1991. Britain and the US are waging war in Iraq, the Soviet Union is breaking up - and Brian Oldman is banged up in Parkhurst, his 30-year sentence restarted. Set on proving his innocence, he studies law from his cell in a bid to win justice at last. But will he ever be released from prison? Joseph Olinska, meanwhile, seems unstoppable. Now ennobled and on the board of Lehman Brothers, he plans to extend his business interests into Russia - with a little help from Boris Yeltsin and his cronies. He also cultivates the new Prime Minister, John Major: as well as a young centre-left politician named Tony Blair. The only fly in the ointment is his acrimonious divorce from Catherine, who's seeking a multi-million-pound settlement and has engaged top barrister George Carman to get it. And in the meantime, she's airing all Joseph's dirty laundry in court... With his crimes revealed for all to see, will Joseph finally get his comeuppance? And as a new millennium dawns, whose fortunes will prosper - and who will get their just deserts? Adapted by double BAFTA-winning writer G. F. Newman (Law and Order, Judge John Deed) from his own hit novels, this compelling tale mingles fact and fiction to shine a light on the corruption woven through the fabric of our society. Toby Jones stars as Joseph, with Joe Armstrong as Brian and Izabella Urbanowicz as Catherine. NB: Contains violence, scenes of a sexual nature, prejudicial dialogue and attitudes prevalent in the time in which the events depicted took place Written by G. F. Newman Characters based on G. F. Newman's novels Produced and directed by Clive Brill A Brill production for BBC Radio 4 Cast Sir Joseph Olinska - Toby Jones Brian Oldman - Joe Armstrong Catherine - Izabella Urbanowicz Leah Cohen - Jasmine Hyde Margaret - Flora Montgomery Warder Peters/John Major/Douglas Hurd/Menachem Hayek/Judge Kelman/PO Rogers/Paul Linthwaite/David Blunkett/Robin Bleecher - Paul Kemp Asst Governor/Lord Miles/Assistant Governor/Warder Thompson/Mr Justice Balardy - Christian Rodska Dr Aziz/Pongo/Bob Reed/John Quayle - Damian Lynch Dr Eaves - Felicity Duncan Lord Goodman - Edward Max Kevin Wheeler/Nurse Moriarty/Reggie Kray - Lucas Hare George Carman QC/Tony Blair/Dr Jordan - Nigel Cooke The Master/Peter Balladur/Lord Carson/Judge - Jamie Newall Jack Braden - John Hollingworth/Jacob Fortune-Lloyd Third Doctor/Usher/Secretary/Sonia Hope/Angela/Rita/Audrey/Emma - Sarah Lambie Tony Wednesday/Boris Yeltsin/Malcolm Rifkind - Alec Newman Eddie Richardson/Tim Listfield/Dietrich Heller/Professor King - Charles Davies Chuck Haley - Matt Rippy Anatoly Popov - Boris Isarov/Matthew Marsh Brad Peterson/FBI Agent Pyke - William Meredith 2nd Warder/Prisoner/Supervisor/Nikolai Lebedev/Alexei Egorkin/Jodi Monserrat/Prison Doctor- Kieron Jecchinis Brian Perry/DAC Henderson - Nicholas Murchie John Redvers - Tom York/Arty Froushan Sir Ralph Courtney/Magistrate - Nick Sampson Alex Murray/Inspector Vallins/Gianni/Technician - John Hastings Julian Tyrwhitt - Jonathan Tafler Detective Albright/Sir Michael O'Dell/EXO Avedlund - Nigel Pivaro Clive Bunter/Justice Deed/Brad Thompson - Matthew Marsh Jeremy Corbyn - Christopher Harper Pongo/John Quayle - David Ajao Mrs Jinks/Marcia Hoffman - Suzan Sylvester Hamid Afzal/Mr Kumar - Akbar Kurtha Other parts played by members of the cast First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 20 April-1 May 2020 (Series 5), 10-20 May 2021 (Series 6) 'G. F. Newman's powerful story of ambition and crooks' The Times © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
G. F. Newman (Author), Flora Montgomery, Izabella Urbanowicz, Jasmine Hyde, Joe Armstrong, Toby Jones (Narrator)
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The Complete Earthsea Series & The Left Hand of Darkness: 3 BBC Radio full cast dramatisations
The dazzling BBC Radio adaptations of Ursula K. Le Guin's famous fantasy saga and her ground-breaking science fiction masterpiece - plus bonus material Ursula K. Le Guin was one of the most revered and influential writers of the 20th Century. Her 'Earthsea' books have sold millions of copies and been translated into numerous languages, while her trailblazing novel The Left Hand of Darkness was a landmark in feminist science fiction and ranks among the greatest SF novels of all time. This BBC collection brings together the magical radio retellings of both these seminal classics. Set on an immense archipelago where magic is a part of life, Earthsea tells the stories of Ged, a young, reckless wizard, and Tenar, taken from her home as a child to become Arha, guardian priestess of the ominous Tombs of Atuan. Meeting for the first time deep within the tombs, their destinies become intertwined, and they unite to bring peace to their troubled world. Years later, their paths have diverged - but when Ged returns to Tenar's island on a dragon's back, they are caught up in an epic battle for the future of Earthsea itself. Starring James McArdle, Shaun Dooley and Robert Glenister as Ged, and Aysha Kala, Vineeta Rishi and Nina Wadia as Tenar with Toby Jones and Noma Dumezweni. The Left Hand of Darkness takes place on an alien world in the grip of an Ice Age. Genly Ai has been sent from Earth on a mission to persuade Gethen to join a planetary union, the Ekumen. But his task is fraught with difficulty. For this is a world whose people have no fixed gender, and Genly's encounters with the natives are marked by mutual incomprehension and mistrust. In coming to terms with their otherness and their sameness Genly must let go of his fixed ideas about identity, and embark on a dangerous journey across the snow plains with his only ally, First Minister Estraven. The stakes are high to save a world from war. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith stars as Genly, with Lesley Sharp as Estraven. Also included Ursula Le Guin at 85, in which novelist Naomi Alderman interviews Le Guin, with contributions from Neil Gaiman, David Mitchell and Karen Joy Fowler. Production credits Written by Ursula K.Le Guin Adapted by Judith Adams Earthsea Ged - James McArdle/Shaun Dooley/Robert Glenister Tenar - Aysha Kala/Vineeta Rishi/Nina Wadia Young Ged - Kasper Hilton-Hille Young Tenar - Nishi Malde Ogion - Paul Hilton/Michael Bertenshaw Manan - Zubin Varla Cob - Toby Jones Nilgu - Noma Dumezweni Other Cast: Souad Faress, David Hounslow, Adam Thomas-Wright, Mark Edel-Hunt, Jessica Turner, Lucy Hutchinson, Stephen Critchlow, Sam Dale, Ayesha Antoine, Richard Linnell, Jack Kane, David Acton, Chris Pavlo, Will Featherstone, Jude Akudwudike, Laura Elphinstone, Rosie Boore, Elizabeth Counsell, John Lightbody, Ryan Early, Stephen Hogan, Sean Murray, Emma Handy, Lauren Cornelius, Kerry Gooderson, Ryan Whittle, Steven Robertson, Joseph Ayre, Narinder Samra, Tom Vanson, Sabrina Sandhu Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko Original music by Jon Nicholls. Sound design by Caleb Knightley. First broadcast BBC Radio 4 Extra, 27 April-5 May 2015 (Series 1), 15-22 October 2018 (Series 2) The Left Hand of Darkness Genly Ai - Kobna Holdbrook-Smith Estraven - Lesley Sharp Argaven - Toby Jones Other Cast: Louise Brealey, Noma Dumezweni, Ruth Gemmell, Adjoa Andoh, Stephen Critchlow, David Acton, David Hounslow, Rhiannon Neads, Sam Dale, Ayesha Antoine Directed by Allegra McIlroy. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 12-19 April 2015 Ursula Le Guin at 85 Presented by Naomi Alderman With Ursula K. Le Guin, David Mitchell, Neil Gaiman and Karen Joy Fowler Reader: Ayesha Antoine Produced by Allegra McIlroy. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 9 April 2015 ©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Ursula.K.Le Guin (Author), Adjoa Andoh, Full Cast, James Mcardle, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Lesley Sharp, Noma Dumezweni, Robert Glenister, Sam Dale, Toby Jones (Narrator)
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Silverview: The Sunday Times Bestseller
Brought to you by Penguin. Julian Lawndsley has renounced his high-flying job in the City for a simpler life running a bookshop in a small English seaside town. But only a couple of months into his new career, Julian's evening is disrupted by a visitor. Edward, a Polish émigré living in Silverview, the big house on the edge of town, seems to know a lot about Julian's family and is rather too interested in the inner workings of his modest new enterprise. When a letter turns up at the door of a spy chief in London warning him of a dangerous leak, the investigations lead him to this quiet town by the sea . . . Silverview is the mesmerising story of an encounter between innocence and experience and between public duty and private morals. In this last complete masterwork from the greatest chronicler of our age, John le Carré asks what you owe to your country when you no longer recognise it. © The Literary Estate of David 2021 (P) Penguin Audio 2021
John Le Carré (Author), Toby Jones (Narrator)
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The Art of Innovation: How art and science have inspired each other, a Radio 4 and the Science Museu
The landmark BBC series exploring science in art, developed by Radio 4 in partnership with the Science Museum - with an introduction read by Toby Jones 'A real treat' The Spectator Art and science are often considered to be in conflict, with art dealing in creativity and science in cold, hard facts. But the two disciplines have always been interconnected, taking inspiration from each other and shaping each other's worlds. In this fascinating 20-part series, Sir Ian Blatchford, Director of the Science Museum, and Dr Tilly Blyth, the Science Museum's Head of Collections, reveal how science's ingenuity has been incorporated into artistic expression - and how art's creativity has stimulated scientific progress and technological change. Beginning with the Enlightenment and concluding with our modern-day Age of Ambivalence, they take a chronological journey through 250 years of British history, looking at the often surprising relationships between iconic works of art and key scientific objects and ideas. Among the pieces they analyse are Philippe Jacques de Loutherbourg's theatrical portrayal of the Industrial Revolution, Coalbrookdale by Night; Constable's cloud paintings; John Nasmyth's extraordinarily detailed photographs of the Moon; Roy Nockolds' Supersonic, the first abstract image to show the breaking of the sound barrier; and Longplayer, a 1000-year-long musical composition created by computer algorithm. From Joseph Wright's 1776 painting A Philosopher Giving A Lecture On The Orrery, illuminating a new scientific age of wonders, to Cornelia Parker's Einstein's Abstracts and Cold Dark Matter, shining cosmological light on what is yet to be known, we see that science and art are part of the same rich culture, engaged in an ongoing dialogue driven by mutual curiosity, creativity and imagination. Presented by Sir Ian Blatchford and Tilly Blyth Introduction read by Toby Jones Readers: Shaun Mason, Katherine Cusack and Sean Baker Music composed by Mark Russell Produced by Adrian Washbourne, in partnership with The Science Museum Group © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates: The Scientific Sublime 23 September 2019 Masters of Spectacle 24 September 2019 Satirizing Science 25 September 2019 Observing the Air 26 September 2019 Tracking Progress 27 September 2019 Plants on Paper 30 September 2019 Reaching for the Moon 1 October 2019 Dyeing to Display 2 October 2019 Capturing Time 3 October 2019 Celebrating Speed 4 October 2019 Art as Protest 7 October 2019 Humans in the Industrial Machine 8 October 2019 Forms of Knowledge 9 October 2019 Supersonic 10 October 2019 Patterns from Atoms 11 October 2019 Wonder Materials 14 October 2019 Polaroid Perceptions 15 October 2019 Protecting the Earth 16 October 2019 Patterns of Thought 17 October 2019 Imagining Matter 18 October 2019
Ian Blatchford, Tilly Blyth (Author), Ian Blatchford, Tilly Blyth, Toby Jones (Narrator)
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Behind the Author's Desk: Dramas of Famous Writers' Real Lives: A BBC Radio 4 drama collection
18 biographical dramas based on the lives and loves of celebrated writers These surprising, revealing dramas take a behind-the-scenes look at some of our best-loved authors, mingling fact and fantasy to explore their extraordinary hidden lives. From love affairs, friendships and family relationships to traumas, tragedies and journeys of self-discovery, we glimpse the unwritten worlds that shaped their unforgettable fiction. Among the star casts are Andrew Scott, Toby Jones, Richard Dormer, Glenda Jackson, Bella Ramsey, Julia Davis, Ian McDiarmid, Haydn Gwynne, David Threlfall, Alistair McGowan, Tom Goodman-Hill, Hattie Morahan, Rosie Cavaliero, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Paul Ritter and Lia Williams Jane and Tom - Writing to her sister, Jane Austen describes her love for Tom Lefroy - a love that would lead to Pride and Prejudice. When Fanny Met Germaine - A delightful romp through the passionate, scandalous friendship between two 18th Century writers: Fanny Burney and Mme de Stael. Comrade Ackland - Dorset, 1936. Newly returned from an illicit trip to Civil War Spain, Sylvia Townsend Warner and her lover Valentine Ackland have an unexpected visitor.... Tongues of Fire - 1913. When a Nobel laureate visits Dublin's Abbey Theatre, fireworks erupt between WB Yeats and Sean O'Casey. A Year at the Races - Approaching the end of his career, Groucho Marx meets a wisecracking fan determined to teach him new comedy tricks. Spike and the Elfin Oak - A comic fantasy inspired by Spike Milligan's madcap attempts in the mid-1960s to preserve a curious sculpture in Kensington Gardens. Everybody's Got Conditions - Casting Bette Davis in his play The Night of the Iguana proves the biggest mistake in Tennessee Williams' career... I Believe I Have Genius- Humble and obscure, young Charlotte Brontë travels to Brussels to study at a girls' school. Marian and George - Marian Evans (aka George Eliot) must choose between her adored brother and the love of her life... Lying Low - An intriguing drama imagining what happened to Samuel Beckett during his mysterious three weeks in Folkestone in 1961. A Terrible Beauty - WB Yeats travels to France to propose to beautiful Maud Gonne, soon after her husband's execution in the 1916 Easter Rising. The Watcher on the Wall - Dramatised from his letters, this is the story of Louis MacNeice's transatlantic love affair and the poetry it inspired. Edith Sitwell in Scarborough - Returning to her birthplace, Edith Sitwell sets out to wreak revenge. Mrs Tolstoy - A five-part drama charting the tempestuous marriage between Leo and Sofya Tolstoy. The 'B' Word - The opening night of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion causes a scandal and sparks a passionate love/hate triangle... The Rules of Palship - The young Noël Coward demanded fierce loyalty from his friends - but did he live up to his own high standards? The Lost Road - A playful tribute to the long friendship between CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien and how it influenced their respective masterpieces. Luxembourg Gardens - Re-imagined from Katherine Mansfield's stories, letters and journals, this Mansfieldesque play explores her last day in Paris, where she is dying of consumption aged 34. Copyright © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Alistair Mcgowan, Anna Linstrum, David Pownall, Elizabeth Lewis, Frances Bingham, Ian Billings, Jonathan Tafler, Judith Adam, Katie Hims, Lucy Caldwell, Mary Cooper, Robin Brooks, Sarah Wooley, Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre, Stephen Wakelam (Author), Alistair Mcgowan, Andrew Scott, Glenda Jackson, Hadyn Gwynne, Ian Mcdiarmid, Paul Ritter, Richard Dormer, Toby Jones, Tom Goodman-Hill (Narrator)
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Tom Stoppard: A BBC Radio Collection: 14 full-cast productions
The collected BBC radio productions of the internationally renowned playwright Tom Stoppard One of the giants of British theatre, Sir Tom Stoppard has been writing for the stage and screen for over 50 years. Full of wit, verbal brilliance and big ideas, his plays appeal to critics and audiences alike and are among the most studied works of the last century. Our collection contains the masterpiece, Arcadia, which won him an Olivier Award for Best Play and transferred to radio with the cast of the award-winning National Theatre production. It is followed by two of his most famous and best-loved dramas: the hilarious spoof whodunnit The Real Inspector Hound and the play that made Stoppard's name, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Also included is the bittersweet drama Dalliance, based on Arthur Schnitzler's play Liebelei. The troubled history of Stoppard's home country, Czechoslovakia, is explored in two thought-provoking plays. Rock 'n' Roll, about love, loyalty, compromise and music, was specially adapted for radio by Stoppard himself, with a new final scene and a soundtrack featuring artists such as, U2, Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett, Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys and The Velvet Underground. Its themes of resistance to totalitarianism are echoed in Professional Foul, dramatised by Stoppard from his award-winning BBC TV play and set in communist Prague. Stoppard also wrote numerous original radio plays, eight of which are featured here including; The Prix Italia-winning Albert's Bridge; In the Native State (later adapted as the stage play Indian Ink) and Darkside, based on the themes of Pink Floyd's classic album The Dark Side of the Moon. Among the multitude of stars in these dazzling dramas are Hugh Grant, Rufus Sewell, Bill Nighy, Felicity Kendal, Harriet Walter, Amaka Okafor, Emma Fielding, Bill Paterson, John Hurt, Bertie Carvel, Toby Jones, Penelope Keith, John Le Mesurier, Penny Downie, Anna Massey, Ron Cook, Ronny Jhutti, Mathew Baynton, Peggy Ashcroft and Timothy West. Production credits Written by Tom Stoppard Text copyright 1964 (The Dissolution of Dominic Boot; M is for Moon Among Other Things), 1966 (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead; If You're Glad, I'll Be Frank), 1967 (Albert's Bridge), 1968 (The Real Inspector Hound), 1970 (Where Are They Now?), 1977 (Professional Foul), 1982 (The Dog It Was That Died), 1986 (Dalliance), 1991 (In the Native State), 1993 (Arcadia), 2006 (Rock 'n' Roll), 2013 (Darkside) All rights reserved Arcadia Directed by David Benedictus Original music composed by Jeremy Sands The Real Inspector Hound Directed by Gordon House Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead Directed by Emma Harding Music arranged and performed by Clare Salaman, Philip Hopkins and Amelia Shakespeare from The Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments Albert's Bridge Produced and directed by Charles Lefeaux Where Are They Now? Produced by John Tydeman If You're Glad, I'll Be Frank Produced by John Tydeman The Dissolution of Dominic Boot Directed by Glyn Dearman The Dog It Was That Died Produced by John Tydeman Rock 'n' Roll Directed by Alison Hindell Darkside Produced by James Robinson Professional Foul Directed by Gordon House Dalliance Directed by Jeremy Howe Based on a play by Arthur Schnitzler Piano played by Steve Edis M is for Moon Among Other Things Directed by Paul Schlesinger In the Native State Produced by John Tydeman Excerpt from Up the Country by Emily Eden read by Auriol Smith
Tom Stoppard (Author), Bill Nighy, Felicity Kendal, Full Cast, Harriet Walter, Harriet Walters, Hugh Grant, Peggy Ashcroft, Penelope Keith, Rufus Sewell, Timothy West, Toby Jones (Narrator)
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Go back in time with No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams for a whizz-bang epic adventure of action, laughter and secret plots – and the extraordinary friendship between a little boy and a huge gorilla that just might save the day… 1940. Britain is at war with Nazi Germany. Eleven-year-old Eric spends his days at the place that makes him most happy: London Zoo. And there’s one animal in particular he loves: Gertrude the gorilla. With bombs falling all over London, Eric must rescue Gertrude. Together with his Uncle Sid, a keeper at the zoo, the three go on the run. But while hiding out at the seaside they uncover a top-secret Nazi plot… Join David Walliams on this action-packed, laugh-out-loud adventure for all the family!
David Walliams (Author), Adjoa Andoh, Genevieve Gaunt, Nina Wadia, Nitin Ganatra, Peter Serafinowicz, Sarah Alexander, Toby Jones, Wayne Forester (Narrator)
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The Evelyn Waugh BBC Radio Drama Collection: Decline and Fall, Brideshead Revisited and other full-c
Evelyn Waugh is one of the pre-eminent English novelists of the 20th Century. This collection comprises six of his finest works, dramatised by award-winning writer Jeremy Front. Decline and Fall Paul Pennyfeather, an earnest, scholarly Oxford student, knows nothing of 1920's high-life – until one night he encounters The Bollinger Club... This darkly comic romp set in the early Jazz Age stars Kieran Hodgson, John Sessions, Emilia Fox and Tom Hollander. Brideshead Revisited During the Second World War, a disillusioned Captain Charles Ryder finds himself posted to Brideshead Castle: the scene of the happiest years of his life and the beginnings of his friendship with Sebastian Flyte. A classic tale of life, love and a forgotten era, starring Ben Miles, Jamie Bamber, Anne-Marie Duff and Toby Jones. Scoop Hapless journalist William Boot is mistakenly sent to report on a war in Africa, where he finds love and ends up in the middle of a revolution... Waugh’s celebrated satire of newspaper life stars Rory Kinnear and Tim McInnerny. Sword of Honour (The Waugh Trilogy) This three-part dramatisation of Waugh’s satirical masterpiece follows the comic adventures of Guy Crouchbank during World War II. In Men at Arms, Guy is scarred by a broken marriage and searching for a purpose to live. When war breaks out, he feels he may have at last found a cause worth fighting for. Officers and Gentlemen sees Guy sent home in disgrace following a misbegotten raid in Dakar. But his next posting takes him somewhere totally unexpected… In Unconditional Surrender, Guy is beginning to lose his idealism about the war – but his military career is revived with selection for a mission to Italy. Winner of Best Audio Drama (Adaptation) at the 2014 BBC Audio Drama Awards, this moving trilogy stars Paul Ready as Guy with Tim McInnerny as the Narrator, Tim Pigott-Smith as Brigadier Ritchie-Hook, Lee Ingleby as Trimmer and Lydia Leonard as Virginia. Text copyright © Evelyn Waugh 1928 (Decline and Fall), 1938 (Scoop), 1945 (Brideshead Revisited), 1952 (Men at Arms), 1955 (Officers and Gentlemen), 1961 (Unconditional Surrender). All rights reserved. Dramatised by Jeremy Front First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 October-10 November 2013
Evelyn Waugh, Jeremy Front (Author), Anne-Marie Duff, Ben Miles, Emilia Fox, Kieran Hodgson, Paul Ready, Rory Kinnear, Tim Mcinnerny, Toby Jones, Tom Hollander (Narrator)
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