Audiobooks narrated by Various

Just a Minute 2024: The Complete Series 92 & 93 Plus Edinburgh Specials: The BBC Radio 4 Comedy Pane

A complete collection of episodes of the iconic comedy panel show from 2024. Radio 4's longest-running panel show, in which contestants are challenged to speak on a on a given topic for 60 seconds without hesitation, deviation or repetition, returns with Sue Perkins at the helm for this complete collection of episodes from 2024. Featuring quickfire improvisation, inspired ad-libbing and spontaneous hilarity - as well as a live studio audience - join Sue Perkins and her guests as they battle for points, glory and the perfect, uninterrupted minute.

Just A Minute (Author), Sue Perkins, Various (Narrator)

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The News Quiz 2024: The Complete Series 113, 114 and 115: The Topical BBC Radio 4 Panel Show

A complete collection of every 2024 series of the topical BBC panel show The News Quiz. With its brilliant blend of the silly, the serious and the satirical, The News Quiz has been a must-listen for comedy fans since it started 46 years ago. Recorded in front of an audience, these three series see Andy Zaltzman presiding over a motley crew of comedians and journalists as they trawl through the biggest (and smallest) news stories of 2024 to provide comedy, commentary, irony and irreverence.

The News Quiz (Author), Andy Zaltzman, Various (Narrator)

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Sounds Natural: A BBC Radio 4 nature series

Derek Jones meets celebrities with a love of wildlife in these 38 episodes from the classic nature-themed interview show Between 1970 and 1980, broadcaster Derek Jones invited a host of famous names to chat about their enthusiasm for nature and their encounters with animals. Delving into the BBC Sound Archive to select some of their favourite natural history recordings, they reveal their hitherto unknown passions – from birds and butterflies to the countryside and conservation. In these specially selected shows, Brian Blessed talks about his fascination with dinosaurs, keeping big cats and overcoming his fear of mountaineering, Bing Crosby tells us about wildfowling, ‘Mister Meadowlark’, naming racehorses and landing salmon; distinguished actress Dame Flora Robson speaks of her years in Hollywood, and her worries that the Los Angeles smog is killing the local flora and fauna; and Goon Show stars Harry Secombe and Spike Milligan let us in on their love for travel and wildlife photography (Harry) and ridiculous animal noises and names (Spike). Many of Jones’ guests share an interest in twitching, including Eric Morecambe, who relates how his curiosity about birds began when he went fishing with his father in Morecambe Bay, and Bobby Charlton, who developed his bird-spotting hobby while becoming a Manchester United legend. Humphrey Lyteltton reminisces about observing birds on holidays in North Wales, on tour with the band and in his back garden, and Peter Cushing recalls rescuing red shanks and watching oystercatchers and whimbrels on the Kent estuary with his late wife Helen. And, thirty years before Springwatch was a twinkle in Auntie’s eye, Bill Oddie confesses that when he wasn’t busy being a Goodie, he was busy birdwatching. Whether they’re mad about ornithology or hooked on angling, every one of the celebrities featured has a wealth of compelling personal stories to share, and fascinating insights to impart. Part natural history show, part nostalgic memoir, this wonderfully entertaining series is sure to inspire and delight. Cast and credits Presented by Derek Jones Produced by John Burton and Michael Bowen Guests in episode order: Robert Dougall, Cyril Fletcher, Nigel Stock, Kenneth Allsop, Humphrey Lyttelton, Percy Edwards, Peter Cushing, Barbara Mullen, Virginia McKenna & Bill Travers, Spike Milligan, Bernard Cribbins, Marghanita Laski, Adam Faith, Roger Whittaker, Flora Robson, Derek Nimmo, James Robertson Justice, Bobby Charlton, Bill Oddie, Susan Hampshire, Brian Blessed, Derek Waring, Sir Martin Furnival-Jones, Eddie Braben, Eric Morecambe, Henry Longhurst, Harry Secombe, Lord Home of The Hirsel, Bing Crosby, Eva Rueber-Staier, Esmond Knight, Andrew Sachs, Frank Thornton, Dulcie Gray, Norman Thelwell, HRH Prince Bernhard of The Netherlands, The Marquess of Bath, Windsor Davies First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 from 3 May 1971 to 10 December 1980. © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Derek Jones (Author), Andrew Sachs, Bill Oddie, Bing Crosby, Bobby Charlton, Brian Blessed, Derek Jones, Spike Milligan, Various (Narrator)

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The Million Pound Radio Show: The Complete Series 1-5: A BBC Radio 4 Sketch Comedy

Vintage sharp-edged comedy from Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell – including the famous pirate sketch Expensive, expansive, fun-filled and frantic, cult classic The Million Pound Radio Show ran for 11 years between 1985 and 1992, and won the 1991 British Comedy Award for Best Radio Comedy. Included here are all five series and six Specials, featuring a feast of quick-fire gags, stinging satire, comic chat and snappy sketches. Get ready to chuckle as Captain Blackskull faces up to his mutinous crew; Snow White runs into a few problems with the Seven Dwarves; 007 makes a few lifestyle changes and a chatty stegosaurus wonders where all the other dinosaurs have disappeared off to. Plus, a determined GP attempts to break the world speed record for examining patients, a mafia Don tries to teach his son-in-law about family business, and a double agent gets confused about whose side he’s really on. You’ll hear the hilarious history of Ancient Rome, science and the animal kingdom; find out how to become a successful politician and discover some diabolical ways to make money – as well as taking a twisted look at Gardeners’ Question Time, Desert Island Discs and Doctor Who… And there’s much more than just sketches to enjoy – Nick and Andy also poke fun at a host of well-known ‘80s and ‘90s personalities, conduct a host of side-splitting spoof interviews and bowl us over with their lively banter. Written by and starring Nick Revell and Andy Hamilton, with co-stars including Harry Enfield, Felicity Montagu and Morwenna Banks, this sparkling comedy show won’t make you a millionaire – but it will make you laugh out loud. NB: Some of the language and humour on this recording reflects the era in which it was first broadcast. Cast and credits Written by and starring Andy Hamilton and Nick Revell With Amanda Swift, Jasper Jacob, Penelope Nice, Felicity Montagu, Harry Enfield, Morwenna Banks, Lesley Sharp and Nigel Pegram Produced by Paul Mayhew-Archer First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 20 July-17 August 1985 (Series 1), 29 August-11 October 1986 (Series 2), 3 October-7 November 1987 (Series 3), 18 March-22 April 1989 (Series 4), 28 December 1989 (Christmas Special), 23 June 1990 (World Cup Special), 27 July-31 August 1991 (Series 5), 9 April 1992 (Election Special), 13 October 1992 (Columbus Special), 1 January 1994 (State of the Nation Special), 11 April 1996 (Millennium Special) © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. ? 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Andy Hamilton, Nick Revell (Author), Andy Hamilton, Felicity Montagu, Harry Enfield, Jasper Jacob, Lesley Sharp, Morwenna Banks, Nick Revell, Penelope Nice, Various (Narrator)

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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)

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Sue Perkins: Nature Table: Series 1-4 of the BBC Radio 4 Comedy Show

Sue Perkins presents the 'Show and Tell' series that celebrates the natural world in alll its weird and wonderful eccentricity The world of wildlife is full of surprising and magical quirks - and Sue Perkins - comedian, broadcaster and Just a Minute host - is on a mission to discover them all. In this fantastic series, recorded at ZSL London Zoo and the Eden Project, she's joined by a diverse group of comedians and natural history experts for some entertaining sessions of 'Show and Tell'. Her special guests all bring along their amazing objects from the wild world and the stories that go with them - sparking lively, enlightening and hilarious discussion. There are also fun games and challenges, and in the episodes not recorded during lockdown, we hear from members of the public and staff as they share their own intriguing items, fascinating facts and amusing anecdotes. Among the celebrities taking part are zoologists Lucy Cooke and Billy Heaney, naturalist Nick Baker, actress Sally Phillips, and comedians Felicity Ward, Jessica Fostekew, Lucy Porter, Sindhu Vee, Desiree Burch, Josie Long and Shaparak Khorsandi. Their show and tell delights include a porcupine's spine, the jaw of a tiger shark, the fossilised eardrum of a whale, a beaver's anal gland, the feather of a lesbian albatross - and a head of broccoli from Tesco... And in an extended Christmas Special, actor Stephen Mangan helps Sue make sense of the gifts brought to her by presenters Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan and ethnobotanist James Wong - including reindeers, robins, turtle doves, holly and partridges. Find out why geckos have dispensed with the patriarchy, why menopausal orcas are so aspirational, why male redback spiders somersault during mating, how ergot could have caused the Salem Witch Trials, how the giant water lily changed the face of modern architecture - and more. You'll learn about our planet's astonishing flora and fauna, while at the same time having a giggle - so gather round the nature table and prepare to be amazed... Production credits Presented by Sue Perkins Written by Catherine Brinkworth, Kat Sadler, Jon Hunter, Jenny Laville and Nicky Roberts Music by Ben Mirin Sound Recordist & Editor: Jerry Peal Additional sounds provided by The Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Produced by Simon Nicholls © 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Catherine Brinkworth, Jenny Laville, Jon Hunter, Kat Sadler, Nicky Roberts (Author), Sue Perkins, Various (Narrator)

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Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare (Author), Various (Narrator)

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Cymbeline

Cymbeline was first printed in 1623, at the end of the First Folio, among the tragedies, and under the title. The Tragedie of Cymbeline. The text was taken from a prompt-book copy, and was divided into acts and scenes; but it was so carelessly printed that it is full of obscure and perplexing readings. In this play Shakespeare seems to have had the assistance of a coadjutor, who was responsible for the Vision of Posthumus in Act V, which is not an integral part of the action, and perhaps for portions of the Belarius plot. The play was probably first produced in 1610; in style, diction, and versification it resembles the two romantic comedies, The Winter's Tale and The Tempest, which appeared in 1610 and 1611, respectively. Dr. Simon Forman, astrologer, quack, and theatregoer, who in his Book of Plays kept a record of the plays he attended, gives a synopsis of the plot of 'Cimbalin' in an undated entry which follows an entry dated May 15, 1611, recording a performance of 'The Winters Talle at the glob.' On January 1, 1633/4, 'Cymbeline was acted at court by the King's players. Well likte by the Kinge.'[

William Shakespeare (Author), Various (Narrator)

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King Lear

King Lear is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. It is loosely based on the mythological Leir of Britain. King Lear, in preparation for his old age, divides his power and land between his daughters Goneril and Regan, who pay homage to gain favour, feigning love. The King's third daughter, Cordelia, is offered a third of his kingdom also, but refuses to be insincere in her praise and affection. She instead offers the respect of a daughter and is disowned by Lear who seeks flattery. Regan and Goneril subsequently break promises to host Lear and his entourage, so he opts to become homeless and destitute, and goes insane. The French King married to Cordelia then invades Britain to restore order and Lear's rule. In a subplot, Edmund, the illegitimate son of Gloucester, betrays his brother and father. Tragically, Lear, Cordelia and several other main characters die.

William Shakespeare (Author), Various (Narrator)

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Crucial Instances

Edith Wharton (January 24, 1862 – August 11, 1937) was an American writer and designer. Wharton drew upon her insider's knowledge of the upper-class New York 'aristocracy' to portray, realistically, the lives and morals of the Gilded Age. In 1921, she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction, for her novel, The Age of Innocence. She was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, in 1996

Edith Wharton (Author), Elizabeth Klatt, Various (Narrator)

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All's Well That Ends Well

William Shakespeare (Author), Various (Narrator)

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The Duchess of Padua: (Dramatized Version)

Oscar Fingal O'Fflahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 1854 – 30 November 1900) was an Irish poet and playwright. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of the most popular playwrights in London in the early 1890s. He is best remembered for his epigrams and plays, his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, and his criminal conviction for gross indecency for homosexual acts. Wilde's parents were Anglo-Irish intellectuals in Dublin. In his youth, Wilde learned to speak fluent French and German. At university, he read Greats; he demonstrated himself to be an exceptional classicist, first at Trinity College Dublin, then at Magdalen College, Oxford. He became associated with the emerging philosophy of aestheticism, led by two of his tutors, Walter Pater and John Ruskin. After university, Wilde moved to London into fashionable cultural and social circles.

Oscar Wilde (Author), Various (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by Various