Books in BBC Radio 4 Dramas series

Nineteen Eighty–Four is George Orwell's terrifying vision of a totalitarian future in which everything and everyone is slave to a tyrannical regime. Christopher Eccleston, Tim Pigott–Smith and Pippa Nixon star in this new BBC radio dramatization of Orwell's classic novel.Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth in London, chief city of Airstrip One. Big Brother stares out from every poster and the Thought Police uncover each act of betrayal. When Winston finds love with Julia, he discovers that life does not have to be dull and deadening and awakens to new possibilities. Despite the police helicopters that hover and circle overhead, Winston and Julia begin to question the Party. Yet Big Brother will not tolerate dissent—even in the mind. For those with original thoughts they invented Room 101...

"The BBC TV soundtrack of the acclaimed "Jackanory "multivoice reading of "The HobbitBroadcast to mark the three thousandth program of the much-loved children s series "Jackanory," "The Hobbit" was transmitted over two weeks and ten 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 cozy 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 soundtrack is sure to offer a treat for all fans of J. R. R. Tolkien."

"The BBC TV soundtrack of the acclaimed "Jackanory "multivoice reading of "The HobbitBroadcast to mark the three thousandth program of the much-loved children s series "Jackanory," "The Hobbit" was transmitted over two weeks and ten 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 cozy 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 soundtrack is sure to offer a treat for all fans of J. R. R. Tolkien."

A brand new BBC Radio 4 full cast dramatized adaptation of Agatha Christie's novel, known to be a favorite among her own works. When Doctor Calgary visits the Argyle family, he believes he brings good news. He is there to clear the name of Jacko, who was convicted of the murder of his own mother, Rachel. But the doctor's news is not greeted with the enthusiasm he expects, and the family seems intent on resisting both his help and the investigations of Inspector Huish.When a further murder is committed, it becomes apparent that a killer is among the gathered party. With almost everyone having a motive and the means for murder, they must all be on their guard.Eschewing the traditional detective format Ordeal by Innocence examines how the innocent suffer more than the guilty when a crime goes unsolved. Along with Crooked House, it was Agatha Christie's favorite of her own works.Cast & Credits:Calgary: Mark Umbers / Gwenda: Jacqueline Defferary / Kirsten: Wanda Opalinksa / Hester: Phoebe Waller-Bridge / Jacko, Constable: Arthur Hughes / Leo: Sean Murray / Mickey: Joel MacCormack / Tina: Carys Eleri / Philip: John Norton / Mary: Priyanga Burford / Marshall: David Seddon / Huish: Michael Bertenshaw / Doctor: Harry Jardine / Hotel Receptionist, Maureen: Georgie FullerDramatized by Joy Wilkinson, from the novel by Agatha Christie / First broadcast by BBC Radio 4, March 17-31, 2014 / Directed by Mary Peate

A BBC Radio 4 dramatization of the powerful novel set during the First World War, from the author of "War Horse"This is the story of Thomas Tommo Peaceful, a young soldier who finds himself in Belgium, in the trenches of the First World War, with his brother Charlie. It is also the story of Tommo s life, growing up in Devon with his brothers, and of his love for Molly, the beautiful girl he met on his first day at school.As the story unfolds, from past to present, so approaches the hour when Tommo and Charlie will be separated forever. The horrors of the First World War, and the injustice meted out to the soldiers who fought in it, are movingly described.Recorded on location in Iddesleigh, the Devon village where the book is set, this radio dramatization features among its cast Paul Chequer, Nicholas Lyndhurst, and author Michael Morpurgo himself."

Hannah Gordon, Amanda Root, and Michael Williams star in this sparkling BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatizationFanny Price, the timid eldest daughter of a large and struggling family, is nine years old when she is sent to live with her aunt and uncle, Sir Thomas and Lady Bertram, at Mansfield Park. At first homesick, Fanny is no match for three of her witty and vivacious cousins but finds friendship with the fourth, Edmund.In time, Fanny s steadfast and purposeful character makes her an indispensable member of the household. But when Sir Thomas is away on a lengthy journey to the West Indies, the Bertram children indulge in theatricals and romantic flirtations, which ultimately lead them into a web of intrigue. Fanny, by now in love with Edmund, is dismayed to find him enraptured by their cousin, Mary Crawford, while Mary s brother, Henry, has himself become besotted with Fanny, whose hopes of finding love with Edmund seem ever more unlikely.Amanda Root, Jane Lapotaire, and Louise Jameson are among the cast in this warmly perceptive study of nineteenth-century morals and manners."