Lysander loves Hermia, but Hermia is to be married to Demetrius, who is still the apple of Helena's eye. Hermia and Lysander plan to elope so they tell Helena, who warns Demetrius. Demetrius follows Hermia into the woods, then Helena follows Demetrius. When Oberon, king of the fairies, uses his magic to cast a spell on the four runaway lovers in a midsummer wood outside Athens, chaos ensues. This wonderful production is performed by Roy Hudd, Amanda Root, and the Arkangel cast.

A full-cast dramatisation of Neil Gaiman's magical retellings of the Norse myths, inviting us into a world of gods and monsters, tricks and trust, fiery endings and new beginnings Winner of The London Book Fair CAMEO Award 2020 for Book to Audio adaptation. 'And the game begins anew...' Meet the trickster god Loki and his astonishing children - the giant wolf Fenrir, Jormungundr the snake that encircles the world, and Hel, the little girl who grows up to be Queen of the dead. Here, too, is Odin the all-father, who sacrificed his eye to see the future; Thor the thunderer, who defends Asgard with his fearsome strength and mighty hammer; and Freya the understandably angry, most beautiful of the gods and always being gambled for by unwanted suitors. From the beginning of the universe in fire and ice, to the very end of the world, Ragnarok, these enthralling tales of gods, goddesses, dwarves and giants bring the ancient myths to vigorous life. Diana Rigg, Derek Jacobi, Colin Morgan, Natalie Dormer and Neil Gaiman himself are among the stellar cast in these spellbinding stories of old betrayals - and new hope.

The industry-leading Folger Shakespeare Library brings "Othello" to life with this new full-cast dramatic recording of its definitive Folger Edition.
In "Othello, " Shakespeare creates powerful drama from a marriage between the exotic Moor Othello and the Venetian lady Desdemona. Shakespeare builds many differences into his hero and heroine, including race, age, and cultural background. Yet most audiences believe the couple's strong love would overcome these differences were it not for Iago, who sets out to destroy Othello.
This new full-cast recording--based on the most respected version of Shakespeare's classic--expertly produced by the Folger Theater, is perfect for students, teachers, and the everyday listener.

Kevin McNally stars in five brand new recordings of original Hancock's Half Hour scripts by Ray Galton and Alan Simpson. Whilst Hancock's Half Hour was an enormously popular radio sitcom in the 1950s, many of the episodes were not retained in the BBC Sound Archive and are believed to be lost. Now, five of them have been recreated by BBC Radio 4, with Kevin McNally taking the role made famous by Tony Hancock. Among the supporting cast are Simon Grenall, Kevin Eldon and Robin Sebastian.

Four charming tales starring the marmalade-loving bear from darkest Peru. The stories are: 'Please Look After This Bear', 'A Bear in Hot Water', 'A Disappearing Trick' and 'Paddington and the Amateur Dramatics.' 'Please look after this bear' said the label around Paddington's neck, so the Brown family take him home and do just that. Life with Paddington, however, is full of surprises -as you'll find out in these four great dramatised stories! 1 CD. 50 mins.

When Lucy comes across the old wardrobe standing alone in the spare room, she thinks she has found a good place for hide and seek. But then she tumbles headlong into a magical world of fauns, dwarves and giants, of animals that talk and horses that fly - the land of Narnia. It is so extraordinary that at first her brothers and sister don't believe it can be real. Soon, though, Peter, Edmund and Susan find Narnia too and the adventures really begin.Together they must battle against the evil White Witch to break her cruel grip on Narnia, a land she has cast in perpetual winter, without Christmas. Only one thing can hold fast against such wickedness: the mighty Aslan. The excitement which C.S. Lewis must have felt in creating this enchanted world is conjured up once again in this thrilling dramatisation of one of the best stories ever told. 2 CDs. 1 hr 55 mins.

'To begin at the beginning: it is spring, moonless night in the small town, starless and bible-black...' When Richard Burton breathed the opening words of Under Milk Wood into a microphone, broadcasting history was made. For this 'play for voices' conjures up the intimate dreams and waking lives of the inhabitants of a Welsh seaside village in a remarkable way. It is bawdy and beautiful; its colourful characters lust and love, gossip and fantasise. Through the magic of language, Under Milk Wood creates a rich modern pastoral which, once heard, touches the listener with its poetry and haunts the imagination for ever. This radio drama is the completed version broadcast in 1963 which includes several passages that were omitted from the first recording in 1954. 2 CDs. 1 hr 41 mins.

A triple bill of archive BBC radio dramas, believed lost for over half a century and only recently rediscovered. Butter in a Lordly Dish, written specially for radio in 1948, features Richard Williams as Sir Luke Enderby KC, whose infidelities lead him into trouble when he goes to meet his latest flame. Williams also stars as Hercule Poirot in Murder in the Mews, a 1955 adaptation of a short story. A young woman is found dead in her flat, the day after Guy Fawkes night. Did she die by her own hand, or someone else's? In Personal Call, also written specially for radio by Agatha Christie, a disturbing telephone call from a woman named Fay has consequences for both Richard Brent and his wife Pam. This 1960 production stars Ivan Brandt and Barbara Lott.

Twelve classic Christie short stories are given a modern spin in these BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations. Agatha Christie is the acknowledged 'Queen of Crime', and these twelve short stories showcase her skilful plotting and talent for producing compelling mysteries. First broadcast in the early 2000s, the stories were adapted and brought up-to-date for a contemporary audience. Among the star cast are Tom Hollander, Emilia Fox, Patricia Routledge, Julia McKenzie, Neil Dudgeon, Richard Griffiths, Rebecca Front and Andrew Sachs. Unconventional detective Parker Pyne features in two of the stories, all twelve of which are infused with Agatha Christie's trademark tension and suspense. These tantalising tales of revenge, jealousy, love and death will thrill her many fans. The stories are: Philomel Cottage Swan Song Magnolia Blossom Witness for the Prosecution The Gates of Baghdad The Hound of Death In a Glass Darkly The Dressmaker's Doll The Case of the Perfect Carer The GBP199 Adventure The Gypsy The Last Seance Duration: 5 hours 30 mins approx.

Worth his weight in marmalade sandwiches, here's Paddington in four more favourite adventures. Whether he's playing in the sand, going to the theatre, picnicking on the river or enjoying Christmas Day, you can be sure life will be full of surprises! The stories are 'A Day at the Seaside', 'Pantomime Time', 'A Picnic on the River' and 'Paddington's Christmas.' Introduced by Michael Hordern, who narrated the original BBC TV series Paddington. 1 CD. 1 hr.

Linnet Ridgeway has led a charmed life. Blessed with beauty, enormous wealth and a devoted husband, she has everything anyone could wish for. But as the happy couple set out on an idyllic honeymoon cruise on the Nile, storm clouds are gathering... Linnet's former friend, Jacqueline de Bellefort, follows her and Simon wherever they go and Linnet senses she is in danger. At first her fears seem groundless. But an attempt is made first on her life and then on her husband's. Eventually the killer is successful, and Linnet is found horribly murdered. With an obvious suspect who cannot possibly have committed the crime, it is up to Hercule Poirot to probe the depths of a remarkable criminal mind and discover the dark secret behind what is only the first in a series of inexplicable deaths. 2 CDs. 2 hrs 20 mins.

Don't panic! This brand new collector's edition box set contains the only audiobooks you'll ever need on your galactic travels - the complete BBC radio productions of Douglas Adams's legendary saga. Included are: The two original series, the Primary and Secondary Phases, remastered by Dirk Maggs with vibrant sound and music and including a 55-minute feature programme, Douglas Adams's Guide tothe Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and a fascinating 50-minute interview with Douglas Adams Extended editions of the Tertiary, Quandary and Quintessential Phases, directed by Dirk Maggs and featuring over 11/2 hours of material not heard on BBC Radio 4 The concluding Hexagonal Phase, with a further 50 minutes of extra unbroadcast content A special bonus disc featuring Douglas Adams's appearance on BBC Radio 4's Bookclub, in which he talks to James Naughtie and a group of readers about comedy, sci-fi, the creation of his characters and his influences Grab your towel, pour yourself a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster and get set for over 20 hours of unmissable radio adventure!

At bedtime, in the car or just for fun! This enchanting collection brings to life eight traditional fairy tales as full-cast recordings. Created with music, sound effects and all the expertise of the BBC, these much-loved stories will thrill a new generation of children. The classic stories in this collection are: Sleeping Beauty A princess sleeps for a hundred years Jack and the Beanstalk A magic beanstalk just keeps on growing Hansel and Gretel Two children lost in the forest Little Red Riding Hood A cunning wolf gets up to some nasty tricks The Ugly Duckling A young bird surprises everyone The Little Mermaid A mermaid falls in love with a prince The Emperor's New Clothes One small boy speaks his mind The Tinder Box A soldier meets a dog with huge eyes Encourage your child's enjoyment of listening and comprehension with BBC Audio. Produced by Colin Smith

When Peter Pan flies into the night nursery of Wendy, John and Michael Darling, he takes them on the journey - and the adventure - of a lifetime. Mermaids, wolves and Indians weave their spell in the magical Never Never Land - where also lurks the wicked Captain Hook. Relive the wonder and excitement of J.M Barrie's timeless classic in this spectacular, swashbuckling full cast dramatistion, directed by award-winning producer Dirk Maggs.

Hercule Poirot, along with three other luminaries from the world of crime detection, is invited to dinner by the renowned London socialite Dr Shaitana. Also on the guest list are four members of what Shaitana calls his Black Museum - a collection of murderers who have each succeeded in 'getting away with it'. An elegant dinner is followed by a game of bridge, in which Shaitana himself does not participated. But just after midnight, when the guests prepare to leave, they make a terrible discovery. Their host is dead in his armchair, stabbed in the chest. The four sleuths are thus faced with one murder and a quartet of likely suspects. Working both together and independently, they investigate the pasts of the Black Museum's finest in order to determine the most likely killer. Poirot finds that many hindrances and distractions are thrown in his way, as he attempts to read the meaning of the cards which each suspect has placed on the table. Agatha Christie's intriguing mystery is dramatised with a full cast including Stephanie Cole and Donald Sinden. 2 CDs. 1 hr 30 mins.

Charles Paris returns in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of Simon Brett's humorous theatrical mystery, starring Bill Nighy. A job in pantomime seems the perfect way to spend the Christmas season for Charles, but the cast of Cinderella are a motley crew from reality TV and Charles finds himself having to explain the traditions of panto to their baffled American star whose career is on a downward trajectory. When the star is shot dead, and Charles finds the body, he finds himself under suspicion. As the slapstick makes way for a murder investigation, he decides to clear his name by doing some sleuthing of his own. With a host of suspects and the body count rising, the line 'they're behind you' soon begins to take on a very sinister meaning indeed... Bill Nighy (Love Actually, Skylight, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel) stars as Charles Paris, with Suzanne Burden as his wife Frances, in this funny and fast-paced dramatisation by Jeremy Front. Written by Jeremy Front, based on the novel by Simon Brett. Duration: 2 hours approx.

'It's very easy to kill - so long as no one suspects you.' So says Miss Pinkerton when ex-policeman Luke Fitzwilliam meets her on a train. Luke doesn't take much notice of this little old lady's story about a serial killer on the loose in her village - until her predictions start to come true, when he feels compelled to check it out. Very soon the race is on to prevent any more murders... Dramatised by Joy Wilkinson, and with a distinguished cast including Patrick Baladi, Lydia Leonard, Michael Cochrane and Marcia Warren, this is a gripping BBC Radio dramatisation of one of Agatha Christie's most ingenious detective stories. 2 CDs. 1 hr 30 mins.

The Birling family are spending a happy evening celebrating the engagement of Sheila Birling to Gerald Croft - a marriage that will result in the merging of two successful local businesses. Yet just when everything seems to be going so well, they receive a surprise visit from an Inspector Goole who is investigating the suicide of a young girl. As the Inspector reveals more about the circumstances that led to the death of Eva Smith, each member of the family comes under the spotlight, and questions of guilt and responsibility are raised... Toby Jones, David Calder, Frances Barber and Morven Christie are amongst the cast in this BBC Radio 4 production from 2010. The Classic Radio Theatre range presents notable radio productions of much-loved plays by some of the most renowned playwrights, and starring some of our finest actors. 2 CDs. 1 hr 30 mins.

Thrilling full-cast radio dramatisations of three of Charles Dickens' classic novels. Charles Dickens is one of the most renowned novelists of all time, and this second volume of the dramatised canon of his work includes the gripping historical novel Barnaby Rudge, picaresque comedy Martin Chuzzlewit and bittersweet tale of family relationships Dombey and Son. Barnaby Rudge Against the background of the anti-Catholic riots of the 1780s, young Barnaby Rudge becomes entangled with the fanatical George Gordon and his campaign for 'No Popery'. But mob violence, the burning of Newgate Prison and the shadow of murder put his life in danger... Martin Chuzzlewit Disinherited by his wealthy grandfather because of his love for the beautiful Mary, Martin Chuzzlewit sets sail for America to seek his fortune. Dombey and Son Wealthy Paul Dombey is desperate for a male heir to continue the family business, and neglects his six-year-old daughter Florence. Then, at last, the longed-for son is born - but Dombey's hopes for him go unfulfilled... With a star cast including Simon Cadell, Bill Nighy, Alex Jennings, Robert Glenister, Geraldine James and Pam Ferris, these BBC radio adaptations bring out all the suspense, adventure, satire and social realism of Dickens' three classic masterpieces. Duration: 19 hours approx.

Young Gwenda Reed arrives in England from New Zealand, travelling ahead of her husband Giles and charged with the task of finding the perfect place to make their base. In the quiet village of Dilmouth, she finds a house with immediate appeal. A few renovations will convert it into her ideal home. Then things get very strange indeed. Wanting porch stairs, Gwenda hires a builder to put them in - only to find some old steps, covered up by bushes. She decides on a connecting doorway between the drawing-room and the dining-room, but discovers one already there, now plastered over. When she opens the painted-over doors of an old cupboard to find wallpaper exactly the same as she had imagined, she begins to wonder if she is going mad. Is her mind playing tricks on her, or does she unconsciously know how the house used to look? It takes Miss Marple to realise that an unsolved murder is behind Gwenda's apparent intuition - but even she does not suspect the murderer will strike again... Agatha Christie's final Marple mystery is dramatised with a full cast including Julian Glover and Carolyn Pickles. 2 CDs. 1 hr 30 mins.

The TARDIS materialises on a planet where the age of prosperity comes often, and precious jewels line the streets like litter. Overseeing the citizens is the bombastic Captain, half human and half machine. Lurking in shadows are the Mentiads, mysterious cowled figures who set their sights on certain individuals and claim them for their own. As the Doctor, Romana and K9 become entangled in local events they are caught between the apparently insane Captain and apparently sinister Mentiads. But then the Doctor makes a terrible discovery beneath the surface of the planet, and realises the true nature of the Captain's operations. Soon yet another planet comes under threat from the Captain, one which the Doctor knows well: Earth. Can he manage to save it from a terrible fate? John Leeson narrates this classic full-cast TV adventure, written by Douglas Adams (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy), and in a special bonus interview he recalls his time as the Voice of K9 in the BBC TV series. Also included are colour PDF files of the original TV camera scripts. 2 CDs. 2 hrs 4 mins.

When the Doctor and his companions Ian, Barbara and Vicki enter a museum on the planet Xeros, they are astonished to find themselves displayed as exhibits! The TARDIS has jumped a 'time track' and offered them a glimpse of what the future could hold... The native Xerons are planning a rebellion against the occupying force of the Moroks who have invaded their world. The Doctor and his friends struggle not only to survive in the midst of battle, but to help change the future sufficiently to ensure their own freedom! Maureen O'Brien, who played Vicki in the story, provides linking narration for this intriguing 1965 BBC TV adventure. In a bonus interview she also recalls her time as a regular companion in Doctor Who. 2 CDs. 2 hrs 3 mins.

A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatization of Agatha Christie s darkly suspenseful psychological thriller.

Agatha Christie wrote "Endless Night" in 1967, and it is one of her greatest and most unusual novels. Creepy, malevolent, and claustrophobic, it is a story about choices, the nature of good and evil, and grim retribution.

Mike Rogers had a childhood fantasy about what life would be like as an adult; he d have a beautiful wife, they would live in a beautiful home, and this would be a peaceful and deserved reward for a turbulent early life. When he meets Ellie Gutman at a lovely, remote spot known as Gypsy s Acre, suddenly it is all within his grasp. However, things are not as idyllic as they seem local legend has it that the land is cursed, and several terrible accidents have occurred there.

Mike and Ellie pay no attention to these tales: but when they move into their new home, the curse suddenly seems to come to life and they find themselves in grave danger.

Starring Jonathan Forbes and Lizzie Watts, this is a menacing drama that perfectly evokes the atmosphere of Agatha Christie s brooding, malevolent tale, infused with passion, hauntings, and grim retribution."

Ireland is neither cursed with snakes, nor blessed with nightingales, and the characters in Maeve Binchy's fiction occupy the same middle ground. These five stories, specially dramatised for BBC Radio 4, feature modern Irishwomen emerging from a culture where they knew their place into a more hazardous, but more rewarding light. In 'The Night People Came in for Something that was No Trouble', Cara's envy of another couple's disingenuous ease at giving dinner parties spurs her to plan the perfect 'casual' evening down to the last detail - but things don't go as she'd intended. 'The Stepson' sees Clare walking on eggshells, taking great care not to try to replace her stepson Simon's dead mother: until she finally attempts to break through his hostile diffidence. 'Decisions at Sea' finds Tessa, an overlooked but good-tempered secretary, heading out on a cruise, where she faces a big decision. In 'The Answer Machine', Biddy reasons that her family need an answer machine for Christmas, and gives it to them early - but, by Christmas, she is beginning to regret the whole idea. And in 'By The Time We Get to Clifden', Nessa and her husband Harry are planning their annual break to Clifden when neighbour Melly seeks their help, and ends up changing their itinerary and their lives. Featuring a full cast including Niamh Cusack, Sam Dale and Harry Towb, these five Maeve Binchy stories are all typically warm, wry and witty. 1 CD. 1 hr 15 mins.

In this delightful tale, an Eastern Prince arrives in England with some family jewels which he's having reset as a gift for his fiancee. However, the Prince also has a mistress. She asks to wear one particularly enchanting piece that features a huge ruby, and then promptly disappears with it. Poirot discovers a connection with a house party at the home of Colonel and Mrs Lacey and, in order to pursue his investigation, an invitation is procured for him to the Laceys', ostensibly to enjoy an old-fashioned Christmas. With deft skill and the workings of his little grey cells, Poirot brings this case to a satisfying and festive conclusion. Starring John Moffat as Hercule Poirot, with Donald Sinden and Sian Phillips as Colonel and Mrs Lacey. 1 CD. 45 mins.