Albert Camus (1913-60) grew up in a working-class neighbourhood in Algiers. He studied philosophy at the University of Algiers, and became a journalist. His most important works include The Outsider, The Myth of Sisyphus, The Plague and The Fall. After the occupation of France by the Germans in 1941, Camus became one of the intellectual leaders of the Resistance movement. He was killed in a road accident, and his last unfinished novel, The First Man, appeared posthumously.

Albert Camus

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Spike Milligan

The Dreaded Batter Pudding Hurler of Bexhill-on-Sea: No fewer than 38 Batter Puddings have been hurled at Minnie Bannister, the world famous poker player. (Give her a good poker and she'll play any tune you like.) A madman is at large so it's time to call in Scotland Yard! The Histories of Pliny the Elder: The mighty Julius Caesar has invaded Ancient Briton, only to be greeted by none other than Eccles. Undeterred, Caesar and the might of the Roman army prepare for battle, while the Britons prepare for a game of football. However, Caracticus Seagoon will never surrender to Rome - he will fight them up the hill and down Mrs Dale. Vintage Beeb: classic albums first available as BBC LPs, now on CD and download for the first time ever. 
 
1 CD. 56 mins.

Goon Show Classics Volume 1 (Vintage Beeb)

Jimmy Perry

David Croft

Diehard Dad's Army fan Phill Jupitus has selected four of his favourite episodes from the sitcom that captured the heart of a nation. As Jupitus says, 'There are episodes here you will be familiar with and some you may never have heard, but what I can promise is that they are all achingly funny.' 'The Man and the Hour' is the first ever episode of the series, in which Mainwaring barks out, 'Come on Adolf, we're ready for you!'; 'My British Buddy' finds Mollie Sugden guest starring as a Walmington inhabitant besotted with the new GIs in town; 'Time on My Hands' finds a German airman snagged by his parachute on the town hall clock; and in 'A Soldier's Farewell' Mainwaring dreams he is Napoleon at Waterloo, with Wilson an elegant Duke of Wellington... Providing stalwart support to the stars are John Laurie, James Beck, Arnold Ridley, Ian Lavender and Bill Pertwee. 
 
2 CDs. 1 hr 53 mins.

Dad's Army: The Very Best Episodes

Volume 1

John Masefield

When Kay Harker meets a mysterious Punch and Judy man on his way home for Christmas, he little realizes that he is about to be plunged into adventure. The old man entrusts Kay with a strange puzzle box - the Box of Delights - before suddenly disappearing. Kay soon discovers two things: the box can transport him through time and space, and there is a plot to steal it. He must battle heroically against terrifying forces of evil in order to win the day... This thrilling BBC Radio adaptation boasts a stellar cast, including Donald Sinden, Lionel Jeffries, Spike Milligan and Celia Imrie. 
 
3 CDs. 3 hrs.

The Box Of Delights

Andy Stanton

The third barking bonkers Mr Gum story, read by author Andy Stanton with music and sound effects. A fantastic book for boys and girls aged 7-10 years old 
 
‘It’s hilarious, it’s brilliant… Stanton’s the Guv’nor. The Boss.’ Danny Baker 
‘They’re the funniest books … I can’t recommend them enough’ Stephen Mangan 
‘They are brilliant’ Zoe Ball, BBC Radio 2 
 
Good evening, brave listener. But are you brave enough to join Polly and Friday as they climb Goblin Mountain to battle the forces of evil? 
 
For be warned. This audiobook is full of swords and trolls and witches and a thing that looks like a gherkin. And somehow that old roo-de-lally Mr Gum is all mixed up in it too. Shabba me whiskers, it’s a burpin’ epic! 
 
Mr Gum and the Goblins is the third in the internationally bestselling series by Andy Stanton, which has won everything from the Blue Peter Book Award (twice) to the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Red House Children’s Book Award.The books have been translated into over 25 languages worldwide, and have sold over 4 million copies. 
 
“Good evening. This is Andy Stanton, professional children’s author and part-time marshmallow. Hey, do you like hearing ‘Mr Gum’ read out loud by a complete idiot? Well, then, you’re in luck, because – for your entertainment, amusement and annoyance - every single word of these audio books is spoken by ME! And not only that, but these recordings are absolutely JAM-PACKED with silly voices, weird sound effects and utterly ridiculous songs (sorry about my singing, by the way, it’s appalling). So there you have it – what are you waiting for? GET LISTENING, YOU NIBBLEHEADS!”

Mr Gum and the Goblins: Children’s Audio Book

Performed and Read by Andy Stanton (3 of 8 in the Mr Gum Series)

Kenneth Grahame

'There is nothing, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.' When the Water Rat invites the unassuming Mole to spend his first day ever in a boat on the river, and wise Badger comes along for the ride as well, so begins a marvellous season of adventure for the three friends. Mr Toad (he of Toad Hall) completes a happy foursome, but his tendency to get into hot water leads him into some rather hair-raising scrapes of his own. From an idyllic riverside picnic to a snowy encounter in the Wild Woods, and from poop-pooping in Toad's shiny new motor car to fighting against the massed ranks of Stoats, Weasels and Ferrets in a battle for Toad Hall, there's never a dull moment when they are all together! In his own inimitable style, Alan Bennett gives voice to each and every character in Kenneth Grahame's beguiling novel. 
 
3 CDs. 3 hrs.

Wind In The Willows - Reading

Richmal Crompton

Described by the Daily Telegraph as ‘the wizard of the talking book’, Martin Jarvis has made the voices of William and his gang of outlaws his own in these marvellous readings. Roar with laughter as the lovable rogue, hampered by the loathsome Violet Elizabeth, wreaks havoc in this hilarious collection. Includes the following stories: 'The Christmas Truce'; 'Only Just in Time'; 'The Midnight Adventure of Miss Montague'; 'William and the Musician'; 'William Leads a Better Life'; 'William and the Twins'; 'William’s Birthday'; 'William and the Little Girl'; 'The Outlaws and Cousin Percy' and 'William and the Princess Goldilocks'. ‘There’s nothing to touch them’ - Independent on Sunday. 
 
2 CDs. 2 hrs 30 mins.

Just William

Mr Gum is back and as nasty as ever in this second hilarious story, read by the author and with music and sound effects. A fantastic book for boys and girls aged 7-10 years old 
 
‘Wickedly entertaining’ The Bookseller 
‘They’re the funniest books … I can’t recommend them enough’ Stephen Mangan 
‘They are brilliant’ Zoe Ball, BBC Radio 2 
‘It’s hilarious, it’s brilliant…Stanton’s the Gov’nor, the Boss.’ – Danny Baker, BBC Radio London 
 
Good evening. OK, this book’s a bit hard to describe. There’s this gingerbread man with electric muscles, see? And he’s rich as a mushroom, right? And Mr Gum and Billy William are planning to get the cash, yeah? And it’s up to Polly to save the day. 
 
And there’s a funfair and hot dogs, and Friday O’Leary shouts out some crazy stuff, and... hey, that wasn’t so hard to describe after all! See ya! 
 
Mr Gum and the Biscuit Billionaire is the second in the internationally bestselling series by Andy Stanton, which has won everything from the Blue Peter Book Award (twice) to the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Red House Children’s Book Award. The books have been translated into over 25 languages worldwide, and have sold over 4 million copies. 
 
“Good evening. This is Andy Stanton, professional children’s author and part-time marshmallow. Hey, do you like hearing ‘Mr Gum’ read out loud by a complete idiot? Well, then, you’re in luck, because – for your entertainment, amusement and annoyance - every single word of these audio books is spoken by ME! And not only that, but these recordings are absolutely JAM-PACKED with silly voices, weird sound effects and utterly ridiculous songs (sorry about my singing, by the way, it’s appalling). So there you have it – what are you waiting for? GET LISTENING, YOU NIBBLEHEADS!”

Mr Gum and the Biscuit Billionaire: Children’s Audio Book

Performed and Read by Andy Stanton (2 of 8 in the Mr Gum Series)

The fifth fabulously funny Mr Gum story by Andy Stanton, read by the author and with music and sound effects. A fantastic book for boys and girls aged 7-10 years old 
 
‘Worryingly splendid’ The Guardian 
They’re the funniest books … I can’t recommend them enough’ Stephen Mangan 
‘They are brilliant’ Zoe Ball, BBC Radio 2 
‘It’s hilarious, it’s brilliant…Stanton’s the Gov’nor, the Boss.’ – Danny Baker, BBC Radio London 
 
Good evening. Do you like bears called Padlock? Course you do. Do you like hot-air balloons? Course you do. Do you like tall sailing ships with mad sea captains, and horrifying old villains and words like ‘wab!’, ‘tungler’ and ‘kelp’? COURSE you do! 
 
Well, guess what, you lucky little nibbleheads? This book’s got all of those things – and a lot more besides. It’s a rollicker! It’s a frolicker! It’s a fun-time sun-time yollicker! So what you waiting for? GET LISTENING! 
 
Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear is the fifth in the internationally bestselling series by Andy Stanton, which has won everything from the Blue Peter Book Award (twice) to the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Red House Children’s Book Award. The books have been translated into over 25 languages worldwide, and have sold over 4 million copies. 
 
“Good evening. This is Andy Stanton, professional children’s author and part-time marshmallow. Hey, do you like hearing ‘Mr Gum’ read out loud by a complete idiot? Well, then, you’re in luck, because – for your entertainment, amusement and annoyance - every single word of these audio books is spoken by ME! And not only that, but these recordings are absolutely JAM-PACKED with silly voices, weird sound effects and utterly ridiculous songs (sorry about my singing, by the way, it’s appalling). So there you have it – what are you waiting for? GET LISTENING, YOU NIBBLEHEADS!”

Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear: Children’s Audio Book

Performed and Read by Andy Stanton (5 of 8 in the Mr Gum Series)

The eighth exceptionally entertaining Mr Gum story, read by the author and with music and sound effects. A fantastic book for boys and girls aged 7-10 years old 
 
‘They’re the funniest books … I can’t recommend them enough’ Stephen Mangan 
‘They are brilliant’ Zoe Ball, BBC Radio 2 
‘It’s hilarious, it’s brilliant…Stanton’s the Gov’nor, the Boss.’ – Danny Baker, BBC Radio London 
 
Good evening. Talking parrots in the rooftops? A giant cactus on the high street? Mosquitoes so nasty that even their own friends don’t like them? Something’s gone terribly wrong in Lamonic Bibber… and Mr Gum is nowhere to be found. 
 
Yes, folks, Polly and Friday are facing their biggest challenge yet. So strap yourselves in, cry ‘HI-HO-WEIRDY!’ and get ready for an adventure so crazy your feet will melt with happiness! And I’m not just saying that, I’ve actually seen it happen. HOORAY! 
 
Mr Gum and the Secret Hideout is the eighth in the internationally bestselling series by Andy Stanton, which has won everything from the Blue Peter Book Award (twice) to the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Red House Children’s Book Award. The books have been translated into over 25 languages worldwide, and have sold over 4 million copies. 
 
“Good evening. This is Andy Stanton, professional children’s author and part-time marshmallow. Hey, do you like hearing ‘Mr Gum’ read out loud by a complete idiot? Well, then, you’re in luck, because – for your entertainment, amusement and annoyance - every single word of these audio books is spoken by ME! And not only that, but these recordings are absolutely JAM-PACKED with silly voices, weird sound effects and utterly ridiculous songs (sorry about my singing, by the way, it’s appalling). So there you have it – what are you waiting for? GET LISTENING, YOU NIBBLEHEADS!”

Mr Gum and the Secret Hideout: Children’s Audio Book

Performed and Read by Andy Stanton (8 of 8 in the Mr Gum Series)

A. A. Milne

Alan Bennett reads A.A. Milne's much-loved stories about a small bear and his friends.   What is the connection between a bear of very little brain and a honey pot? Usually it's the very sticky paw of Winnie the Pooh, as he takes a break between adventures for a little something.  In these five stories, taken from the book 'Winnie-the-Pooh', Pooh goes visiting and gets into a tight place, Eeyore loses a tail, Piglet meets a Heffalump, Eeyore has a birthday and gets two presents, and an expedition is mounted to the North Pole!  As usual they are accompanied by Kanga, Roo, Rabbit and Owl - to say nothing of Pooh's very clever young human friend, Christopher Robin.   Now with a musical introduction, Alan Bennett's delightful readings bring each and every character in the forest to life.

Winnie The Pooh

You lucky little peanuts, it’s the seventh superb Mr Gum story, read by the author and with music and sound effects. A fantastic book for boys and girls aged 7-10 years old. 
 
‘Mad, bad – and very funny’ Booktrust 
‘They’re the funniest books … I can’t recommend them enough’ Stephen Mangan 
‘They are brilliant’ Zoe Ball, BBC Radio 2 
‘It’s hilarious, it’s brilliant…Stanton’s the Gov’nor, the Boss.’ – Danny Baker, BBC Radio London 
 
Good evening and welcome to a tale of forests! Of dreadful villains! Of caterpillars called Graham! And of a great big BEEFER of a cherry tree! 
 
But what dark secrets are hidden in that tree, where the leaves grow thick and green? Polly intends to find out, and she intends to find out by finding out. What will she find out? Find out by listening to this audiobook, and you’ll find out! NEEEEIIIIGGGGH! 
 
Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree is the seventh in the internationally bestselling series by Andy Stanton, which has won everything from the Blue Peter Book Award (twice) to the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Red House Children’s Book Award. The books have been translated into over 25 languages worldwide, and have sold over 4 million copies. 
 
“Good evening. This is Andy Stanton, professional children’s author and part-time marshmallow. Hey, do you like hearing ‘Mr Gum’ read out loud by a complete idiot? Well, then, you’re in luck, because – for your entertainment, amusement and annoyance - every single word of these audio books is spoken by ME! And not only that, but these recordings are absolutely JAM-PACKED with silly voices, weird sound effects and utterly ridiculous songs (sorry about my singing, by the way, it’s appalling). So there you have it – what are you waiting for? GET LISTENING, YOU NIBBLEHEADS!”

Mr Gum and the Cherry Tree: Children’s Audio Book

Performed and Read by Andy Stanton (7 of 8 in the Mr Gum Series)

Sebastian Baczkiewicz

How did Claudius become the man he is in Shakespeare's Hamlet? What were the real reasons behind the murder of his brother? How does he really feel about his nephew? These questions will be answered in this drama spiced with ghosts, pirates, magic and political skulduggery. 
 
Set in an alternative Europe in the 1930s, Elsinore is a prequel to Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This compelling new drama imagines the turbulence of the Danish court, in a world where Denmark is a powerful, militarised country with a small empire around the Baltic that it is fighting hard to maintain. There is more than a hint of totalitarianism in the air. 
 
In this uneasy setting, Elsinore delves into the troubled, not to say murderous relationship between King Hamlet and his brother Claudius: one of the most interesting characters in the Shakespearean canon. Realism meets with moments of otherworldliness as the story unravels, taking in pirates and magic, rebellion and betrayal. 
 
A dark, exciting drama that touches on the events and people in Shakespeare's play, and brings us to the moment where Hamlet begins. 
 
From the extraordinary imagination of Sebastian Baczkiewicz, writer of the successful Pilgrim series. 
 
Duration: 3 hours approx.

Elsinore: Hamlet. Claudius. The Beginning. The Truth.

A BBC Radio 4 Drama

Shabba me whiskers! It’s that bestselling and award-winning first ever Mr Gum story, read by the author and with music and sound effects. A fantastic book for boys and girls aged 7-10 years old 
 
‘They’re the funniest books … I can’t recommend them enough’ Stephen Mangan 
 
‘They are brilliant’ Zoe Ball, BBC Radio 2 
 
‘It’s hilarious, it’s brilliant…Stanton’s the Gov’nor, the Boss’ Danny Baker, BBC Radio London 
 
 
Good evening. Mr Gum is a complete horror who hates children, animals, fun and corn on the cob. This book’s all about him. 
 
And an angry fairy who lives in his bathtub. And Jake the dog, and a little girl called Polly and an evil, stinky butcher all covered in guts. And there’s heroes and sweets and adventures and EVERYTHING. 
 
You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum! is the first in the internationally bestselling series by Andy Stanton, which has won everything from the Blue Peter Book Award (twice) to the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Red House Children’s Book Award. The books have been translated into over 25 languages worldwide, and have sold over 4 million copies. 
 
“Good evening. This is Andy Stanton, professional children’s author and part-time marshmallow. Hey, do you like hearing ‘Mr Gum’ read out loud by a complete idiot? Well, then, you’re in luck, because – for your entertainment, amusement and annoyance - every single word of these audio books is spoken by ME! And not only that, but these recordings are absolutely JAM-PACKED with silly voices, weird sound effects and utterly ridiculous songs (sorry about my singing, by the way, it’s appalling). So there you have it – what are you waiting for? GET LISTENING, YOU NIBBLEHEADS!”

You’re a Bad Man, Mr Gum!: Children's Audio Book

Performed and Read by Andy Stanton (1 of 8 in the Mr Gum Series)

Lou Wakefield

Carole Hayman

When Irene Spencer meets Vera Small at her daughter Lesley’s wedding reception, they embark upon a correspondence that is quite unlike any other in the history of letter-writing. Both Irene and Vera are happily widowed and endowed with errant offspring. They live in a world of church fêtes and amateur dramatics, but love nothing more than dipping their pens in the vitriol pot – while remaining the firmest of pen-pals. Feisty, naughty and endlessly funny, Ladies of Letters provides a hilarious insight into suburban friendships as they really are! ‘Quite honestly as I laid the last letter aside I felt a better person for having glimpsed behind the net curtains of Mrs Small’s and Mrs Spencer’s life.’ - Sue Townsend. 
 
1 CD. 1 hr 30 mins.

Ladies Of Letters

Shabba me whiskers! It’s the fourth fantastic Mr Gum story, read by the author and with music and sound effects. A fantastic book for boys and girls aged 7-10 years old 
 
‘Smooky Palooki! This book is well brilliant!’ Jeremy Strong 
‘They’re the funniest books … I can’t recommend them enough’ Stephen Mangan 
‘They are brilliant’ Zoe Ball, BBC Radio 2 
‘It’s hilarious, it’s brilliant…Stanton’s the Gov’nor, the Boss.’ – Danny Baker, BBC Radio London 
 
Good evening, children, on this dark and windy night. Now, come gather round the fireplace, for ‘tis time for strange tales to be spun. 
 
Like the tale of Polly and that old tumbledown windmill by the riverside. But just what is the windmill’s terrible secret? Why is Mr Gum lurk-lurk-lurkin’ about? And how much does Old Granny know? 
 
Gather closer, children, for all shall be revealed… BRRR! SPOOKY! 
 
Mr Gum and the Power Crystals is the fourth in the internationally bestselling series by Andy Stanton, which has won everything from the Blue Peter Book Award (twice) to the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and the Red House Children’s Book Award. The books have been translated into over 25 languages worldwide, and have sold over 4 million copies. 
 
“Good evening. This is Andy Stanton, professional children’s author and part-time marshmallow. Hey, do you like hearing ‘Mr Gum’ read out loud by a complete idiot? Well, then, you’re in luck, because – for your entertainment, amusement and annoyance - every single word of these audio books is spoken by ME! And not only that, but these recordings are absolutely JAM-PACKED with silly voices, weird sound effects and utterly ridiculous songs (sorry about my singing, by the way, it’s appalling). So there you have it – what are you waiting for? GET LISTENING, YOU NIBBLEHEADS!”

Mr Gum and the Power Crystals: Children’s Audio Book

Performed and Read by Andy Stanton (4 of 8 in the Mr Gum Series)

BBC Radio Comedy

Four laughter-filled editions of the long-running and much-loved BBC Radio 4 panel game chaired by Nicholas Parsons 
 
In this selection of episodes, the entertaining players brave enough to employ their wits and ingenuity against both the clock and their competitors are Paul Merton, Julian Clary, Sheila Hancock, Josh Widdicombe, Gyles Brandreth, Fern Britton, Jenny Eclair and Kerry Godliman. 
 
As always, the name of the game is to speak for one minute on a given subject without falling foul of hesitation, repetition or deviation. 
 
Why is Josh known as the Beast of Dartmoor? What is Julian’s morning routine? Does Sheila have a party trick, and when exactly did the last century begin? When should Gyles use the ‘historical present’, and will Fern ever get to tell her story about dinner in Venice? 
 
Fingers on buzzers please, as we play Just a Minute!

Just a Minute: Best of 2019

4 episodes of the much-loved BBC Radio comedy game

Roger Hargreaves

Mr Funny's car is a shoe! It looks very funny when he drives to the zoo. But can he cheer up the animals? Mr Dizzy always gets things confused, until one day he happens upon a wishing well... Mr Bump tries his hand at many jobs, but keeps getting fired! Will he ever bump into one that's suitable for him? Mr Fussy is a fussy old fusspot who dusts his flowers and irons his shoelaces! So how will he cope with Mr Clumsy? Mr Topsy-Turvy manages to turn a whole town upside down! Mr Small goes job hunting and finds, after all, he's perfect as he is. 
 
1 CD. 44 mins.

Mr Men (Vintage Beeb)

Four of the funniest recent episodes from the much-loved BBC Radio 4 panel game chaired by Nicholas Parsons 
 
Among the talented and humorous players in this sparkling quartet are Paul Merton, Gyles Brandreth, Jo Caulfield, Julian Clary, Stephen Fry, Jan Ravens, Rebecca Front, Marcus Brigstocke, Sheila Hancock, Fern Britton and Graham Norton. 
 
Did Nicholas know Boudicca? What dish was to be served after the Royal Wedding? When did Gyles meet Fanny Cradock, and is he really getting married in the morning? What does Sheila know of George Orwell, and what are her views on ripped jeans? Should Paul be challenged for being out of tune? 
 
Answers to these and many more tantalising questions can be answered, without hesitation, deviation or repetition, after listening to this quartet of instalments! 
 
Duration: 2 hours approx.

Just a Minute: Best of 2018

Maeve Binchy

Maeve Binchy is one of Britain’s most popular and bestselling authors, and this collection of four stories from the BBC Radio 4 archive shows her at her most insightful and imaginative. In The Garden Party, Helen envies her neighbour Debbie Kennedy’s garden – and her life – but discovers that things are not always as they seem; while The Special Sale sees lonely Yvonne arranging a special lunch for her friend Frank and his children on the day after Christmas. The Sensible Celebration finds Lorna about to throw a small party to celebrate the decade gone by: but as she plans, she starts to think about her life, and her marriage. Finally, in Dolly’s Mother, the beauty, grace and efficiency of her perfect parent have always made Dolly feel inferior – until the day of her sixteenth birthday. These four stories, never collected together in book form and unique to audio, are read by acclaimed actors Niamh Cusack, Dervla Kirwan, Doreen Hepburn and Stella McCusker. 
 
1 CD. 57 mins.

Garden Party, The & Other Stories

Bert Coules

Clive Merrison and Andrew Sachs star in seven original BBC Radio 4 full-cast adventures for Holmes and Watson. 
 
How many times did Dr John Watson tantalise us with passing references to a mystery which his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, never wrote about in full? In these original adventures Bert Coules, the chief dramatist of BBC Radio 4’s celebrated Sherlock Holmes canon, has imaginatively fleshed out seven such unrecorded cases. 
 
The Determined Client: Miss Addleton engages Holmes to save her father's good name. 
The Striking Success of Miss Franny Blossom: Holmes investigates a respectable gambling club. 
The Thirteen Watches: Bizarre events on an express train brings a railway baron to Baker Street. 
The Ferrers Documents: A slum landlord and a missing witness figure in a dark tale of hatred and revenge. 
The Remarkable Performance of Mr Frederick Merridew: A night at the music hall ends in tragedy. 
The Eyes of Horus: A priceless Egyptian artefact vanishes from a locked casket in a locked vault. 
The Marlbourne Point Mystery: Holmes and Watson discover death, treachery and betrayal on an isolated coastal headland.

The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: Collection 2

Seven BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramas

Four of the funniest recent episodes from the topical comedy show, presented by Miles Jupp 
 
2017 marked the 40th anniversary of The News Quiz, ‘the finest topical comedy panel game known to radio’ and a guaranteed provider of headlines, punchlines and sparkling satirical wit. 
 
These four shows from Series 92 and 93 take a tongue-in-cheek look at current events, with chairman Miles Jupp presiding over a pack of keen newshounds including Jeremy Hardy, Zoe Lyons, Susan Calman, Charlie Higson, Andy Hamilton, Vicki Pepperdine, Helen Lewis, Sarah Kendall, Lucy Porter, Mark Steel, Hugo Rifkind, Rich Hall and Katy Brand. 
 
The panellists find the funny in topics ranging from Donald Trump to Morris dancing, and from by-elections to pie selections, taking in Brexit, Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn, urban foxes and an unorthodox lifeguard recruitment drive – not to mention the small matter of a UK General Election. To add to the hilarity, newsreaders Alan Smith, Corrie Corfield and Kathy Clugston read a selection of humorous press cuttings contributed by listeners. 
 
So sit back and enjoy the highlights of a news-packed year in the company of some of the best and brightest commentators. 
 
Duration: 2 hours approx.

The News Quiz: The Best of 2017

The topical BBC Radio 4 comedy panel show

J.R.R. Tolkien

Broadcast to mark the 3000th programme of the much-loved children's series Jackanory, The Hobbit was transmitted over two weeks and 10 episodes in 1979. It told the gripping story of Bilbo Baggins and his band of dwarves, who are on a quest for the treasure guarded by the fearsome dragon Smaug. As he leaves his cosy hobbit-hole and travels into the wild, Bilbo's adventures begin. On his journey, he will encounter trolls, goblins, elves and giant spiders - as well as a mysterious and magical ring and a strange, sinister creature named Gollum... Read by Bernard Cribbins, Jan Francis, Maurice Denham and David Wood, this rare audio soundtrack is sure to offer a treat for all fans of J. R. R. Tolkien. 
 
2 CDs. 2 hrs 28 mins.

The Hobbit: Jackanory

Patricia Highsmith

Five gripping full-cast adaptations of Patricia Highsmith's bestselling 'Ripley' series - plus bonus material 
 
Charming, cultured and clever, Tom Ripley has a taste for the finer things in life. And he is determined to get them, by any means necessary... 
 
These five plays - The Talented Mr Ripley, Ripley Under Ground, Ripley's Game, The Boy Who Followed Ripley and Ripley Under Water - chart Tom's journey from impoverished conman to wealthy bon viveur and serial killer. His homicidal adventures begin when he befriends shipping heir Dickie Greenleaf: he wants money, success, and he's willing to kill for it. But when he attains the luxurious lifestyle he craves, he is always on the edge of being discovered. Will his shadowy past finally catch up with him? 
 
BAFTA-winning actor Ian Hart stars as Ripley in these tense, thrilling dramas. Also included are two bonus documentaries: Looking for Ripley, in which crime writer Mark Billingham unravels the mystery behind our lasting fascination with Tom Ripley, and A Passionate Affair, presented by Marcel Berlins, who asks whether Patricia Highsmith fell in love with her suave, amoral anti-hero. 
 
Text © 1993 by Diogenes Verlag AG Zurich, all rights reserved. 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Complete Ripley: The Tom Ripley thrillers

Five BBC Radio full-cast dramatisations

Four sparkling episodes of the much-loved BBC Radio 4 panel game chaired by Nicholas Parsons 
 
One of the longest-running and most popular radio comedy shows of all time, Just a Minute celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017. 
 
Here are four of the finest episodes from this milestone year, featuring veteran panellist Paul Merton and a host of other regulars including Pam Ayres, Gyles Brandreth, Marcus Brigstocke, Julian Clary, Jenny Eclair, Sheila Hancock, Josie Lawrence and Graham Norton, as well as relative newcomers Tom Allen, Zoe Lyons and Al Murray. 
 
Attempting to talk for sixty seconds without repetition, hesitation or deviation, they are faced with subjects including Anne Boleyn, dust sheets, the tube and pick n’ mix. We hear what Paul Merton considers to be the 8th Wonder of the World, find out what isn’t Gyles Brandreth’s cup of tea, and discover what Jenny Eclair thinks about a dog’s dinner. Plus, there are three uninterrupted minutes: but who scores them, and on what topic? 
 
Presided over by the charming Nicolas Parsons with a stopwatch that takes no prisoners, 
these four shows from Series 77 and 78 are a brilliant collection of the best of 2017. 
 
Duration: 1.5 hours

Just a Minute: Best of 2017

4 episodes of the much-loved BBC Radio 4 comedy game

What is the connection between a Bear of Very Little Brain and a honey pot? Usually it's the very sticky paw of Winnie-the-Pooh, as he takes a break between adventures for 'a little something'. Alan Bennett gives A.A. Milne's characters the voices you felt they were always meant to have in this collection of stories about Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore and Owl. Hear all about the fun they have as they lay a Heffalump trap, celebrate Eeyore's birthday, invent the game of Poohsticks and welcome Kanga and Baby Roo to the forest - among many other entertaining escapades. 
 
6 CDs. 6 hrs.

Winnie The Pooh - The Collection

Ian Messiter

Just as uproariously funny - and terrifically popular - today as when it first began on BBC Radio 4 in 1967, Just a Minute challenges contestants to speak for one minute on a given subject without repetition, hesitation or deviation. Its mix of irreverent fun and ferocious competition has always attracted stellar names from the world of comedy and theatre, all of whom pit their wits - and their wit - against regular players including Kenneth Williams, Derek Nimmo, Clement Freud and Peter Jones. Nicholas Parsons, who has been at the helm of the series since it began, as chairman and occasionally as player, introduces this sparkling quartet of editions and provides fascinating background information on the game. 
 
2 CDs. 2 hrs.

Just A Classic Minute

Volume 3

Agatha Christie

The Unexpected Guest begins on a foggy night at a lonely country house, where a woman with a gun in her hand is quietly surveying the dead body of her husband. It looks like a straightforward case of murder. Or is it? As the ghosts of an old wrong begin to emerge from the past, the case begins to look anything but straightforward, and it is up to Sergeant Cadwallader and Inspector Thomas to discover the unexpected truth... In The Pale Horse, a dying woman gasps out her bizarre story to Catholic priest Father Gorman - but no sooner has he written it down than he is violently killed. The only clue he leaves is a twisted scrap of paper on which are written nine names. On the trail of these names Inspector Lejeune, together with academic Mark Easterbrooke and his crime writer friend Ariadne Oliver, are led inexorably to The Pale Horse Inn, in the village of Much Deeping. The three women who live there - a psychic, a medium and a witch - all seem to have some link to Father Gorman’s death. And each of them has their own secrets... These two Agatha Christie stories, each with a twist in the tale, are dramatised with full casts including Siôn Probert and Stephanie Cole. 
 
2 CDs. 2 hrs.

The Unexpected Guest & The Pale Horse

Arthur Conan Doyle

When a country doctor comes to Sherlock Holmes with a far-fetched tale of a sudden death, a devil dog and an ancient curse, Holmes is sceptical. Could the demise of Sir Charles Baskerville really have been caused by the gigantic ghostly hound which is said to have haunted his family for generations? Arch-rationalist Sherlock Holmes characteristically dismisses the theory as nonsense. Claiming to be immersed in another case, he sends Watson to Dartmoor to protect the Baskerville heir and to observe the suspects at close hand. But soon events take a dangerous turn, and it seems that the legend may be real... With Watson in dreadful peril, can Holmes uncover the terrible truth about the hound of the Baskervilles? 
 
6 CDs. 6 hrs.

Sherlock Holmes: The Hound Of The Baskervilles

David Attenborough

One of the nation’s most popular presenters examines twenty marvels of the natural world from his extraordinary and pioneering experiences. How did Sir David track down a giant Earthworm? Why does he respect Rats? What was the first bribe in nature? Why do well known foods often have two names? And where can you see evidence of the earliest life on Earth? His enthusiasm is as infectious as ever, and conveys a unique fascination on topics as diverse as the Kiwi, Hummingbirds, Monsters, Butterflies, Chimps, Cuckoos, Fireflies and Elsa, the famous lioness. So listen to these stories to find out why Rats should be respected and which insects emerge from the ground only once every 17 years. Includes detailed programme notes inside the booklet. 
 
3 CDs. 3 hrs 15 mins.

David Attenborough New Life Stories

A suspenseful full-cast BBC radio adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's classic psychological thriller 
 
When Guy Haines meets Charles Bruno in the dining car of a Texas-bound train, they share their secrets in the way that only strangers can. Charles confides his hatred for his controlling father, Guy confesses that he is divorcing his unfaithful wife. As the drink flows and the conversation turns darker, Charles proposes the perfect solution to both their problems - a murder swap - and Guy laughingly agrees. 
 
Back home, he quickly forgets their drunken pact: but Charles does not. Soon Guy is facing a nightmarish choice - fulfil his part of the bargain, or be framed for a murder he didn't commit... 
 
Dramatised for radio by award-winning playwright Craig Warner, this disturbing tale of obsession, blackmail, guilt and fear stars Michael Sheen (Good Omens, Staged) as Guy Haines and Anton Lesser (Game of Thrones, Endeavour) as Charles Bruno. 
 
Credits 
Written by Craig Warner, based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith 
Original music by Craig Warner 
Directed by Andy Jordan 
 
Cast 
Charles Bruno........................Anton Lesser 
Guy Haines........................Michael Sheen 
Anne........................Saskia Reeves 
Gerard........................Bill Nighy 
Elsie Bruno........................Jane Whittenshaw 
Alex........................Denys Hawthorne 
Myers........................Roger May 
Treacher........................Stephen Critchlow 
Cop........................John Hartley 
Frear........................Andrew Branch 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 25 January 1996 
 
Strangers on a Train © 1993 by Diogenes Verlag AG Zurich, all rights reserved. 
© 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Strangers on a Train

A BBC Radio full-cast dramatisation

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