Prunella Scales has narrated 16 audiobooks on Listento.it by 17 authors, with an average listener rating of 3.6★ across 82 ratings. The most-rated is Wives and Daughters.
Wives and Daughters
Summary
Exclusively from Audible Molly Gibson, the only daughter of a widowed doctor in the small provincial town of Hollingford, lost her mother when she was a child. Her father remarries wanting to give Molly the woman's presence he feels she lacks. To Molly, any stepmother would have been a shock, but the new Mrs. Gibson is a self-absorbed, petty widow, and Molly's unhappiness is compounded by the realisation that her father has come to regret his second marriage. Although Molly resents her stepmother, she befriends her new step-sister, Cynthia, who is loveable, but worldly and troubling. The audiobook chronicles their maturation into womanhood within the confines of the gossiping and watchful society of Hollingford. As Molly matures and falls in love she learns to judge people for what they are, not what they seem. Through Molly, the social values and changes of early 19th-century England are brought to life in this timeless representation of human relationships. The audiobook is more than just a nostalgic story of village life, it offers an ironic critique of mid-Victorian society. Known as her last, longest, and perhaps finest work, it was not quite complete when Gaskell died suddenly in 1865. The last section was written by Frederick Greenwood. Narrator Biography Prunella Scales is a classically trained stage actress but is best known for her role as Sybil Fawlty in the BBC comedy Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) and for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in A Question of Attribution (1991) for which she was nominated a BAFTA. Her film appearances have included Stiff Upper Lips (1997), Howard's End (1992), and Wolf (1994). She was awarded the CBE for her services to drama in 1992 and the Patricia Rothermere Award for her contributions to British Theatre in 2001. More recent appearances have included the mini-series The Shell Seekers (2006), a production of Carrie's War at the Apollo Theatre (2009), Horrid Henry: The Movie (2013) and a guest appearance in the popular BBC radio comedy Cabin Pressure (2013). Julian Barnes' The Lemon Table and Anne Fine's Charm School are among the many audiobooks Prunella Scales has narrated.
Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
The Foundation Trilogy (Dramatized)
Summary
The opening episode begins on Trantor, capital of the Galactic Empire, with the meeting of Seldon and Dornick, their trial, and their exile to Terminus. The action then jumps forward 50 years, to the first Seldon Crisis, where the repercussions of the recent independence of the Four Kingdoms of the Periphery are being felt on Terminus, and are handled by the first Mayor, Salvor Hardin. The scene then moves forward a further 20 years, as Mayor Hardin faces down the domination of the nearby and most powerful Kingdom, Anacreon. The Merchant Princes One-hundred-fifty years after the Foundation was established, the now powerful trading nation faces its greatest threat to date, guided by master trader Hober Mallow. The GeneralTwo hundred years after its creation, the Foundation battles Bel Riose, the last powerful General of the dying Galactic Empire. The Mule A further hundred years have passed, and the Foundation is challenged by an unexpected threat named The Mule. Flight from the Mule During the war against The Mule, with things going badly for the Foundation, some key figures under the leadership of the Foundation's greatest scientist, Ebling Mis, flee Terminus in search of the Second Foundation, to warn it of the danger from The Mule. The Mule Finds The Mule attempts to find and overthrow the Second Foundation. Star's End Sixty years later, and a teenage girl is at the center of the Foundation's renewed search for the Second Foundation. Changes from the written Trilogy: The conflict between The Foundation and Anacreon takes place 70 years into the Foundation era; in the novels it occurs at 80 F.E. A small segment in Foundation titled "Traders" has been removed entirely. General editing for time has been done throughout. A large, rather comedic section on farming on Rossem has been added to "The Mule Finds". Please note: This is an historical broadcast recording, produced by the BBC in 1973. The audio quality represents the technology of the time when it was produced.
©2011 ABN (P)2011 ABN
Classic Radio Theatre: The Importance of Being Earnest (Dramatised)
Summary
Algernon Moncrieff, a bachelor-about-town, has invented an invalid friend called Bunbury in order to get out of tiresome family engagements. At the same time, his friend Jack Worthing has invented a wicked brother called Ernest to disguise his own misdemeanours. When Algernon poses as Ernest to win the heart of Cecily Cardew, confusion reigns, and it takes the discovery of an old black handbag to reveal the truth...
Oscar Wilde's dazzling comedy about mistaken identities and secret engagements still delights audiences over a century after its first performance in 1895. This BBC Radio production, first broadcast in 1977, features Jeremy Clyde as Algernon, Richard Pasco as Worthing, Prunella Scales as Cecily and Maurice Denham as the Rev. 'Canon Chasuble' is the first broadcast of the original four-act version of the play.
"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.
Public Domain (P)2010 BBC Audiobooks Ltd
Summer at Fairacre
Summary
Summer at Fairacre charmingly recounts this bright, bustling season and the problems and possibilities that unfold against the backdrop of roses, skylarks and bees... Joseph Coggs finds a temporary home in the schoolhouse while his mother is in the hospital. Miss Read’s friend Amy mysteriously disappears. And, perhaps most difficult of all, Mrs. Pringle, the grumpy school cleaner, is unable to work because of her ‘bad leg’. Still, the sounds of children playing and the fragrance of summertime flowers fill the air, as Miss Read shepherds her students and friends through the warm season.
©1984 Miss Read (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
Shakespeare: The Complete Works
Summary
William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present Argo Classics, a historic catalogue of classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly remastered stories are now available to download for the first time. For the first time, the complete works of Shakespeare are available to download as one. This collection includes all 37 plays, four narrative poems and the sonnets. Performed by an incredible array of the 20th century’s greatest actors, Ian McKellen, Timothy West, Diana Rigg, Derek Jacobi, Roy Dotrice, Prunella Scales and many others can be heard in these recordings. All of the Shakespeare plays within the Argo Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. The Marlowe was founded in 1907 with a mission to focus on effective delivery of verse, respect the integrity of texts and rescue neglected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and the less performed plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has performed annually at Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936 and continues to produce some of the finest actors of their generations.
Public Domain (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Love's Labour's Lost
Summary
Complete and unabridged version of Shakespeare's comedy performed by a full cast including Derek Godfrey, Prunella Scales, and Diana Rigg.
©2013 Saland Publishing (P)2013 Saland Publishing
Richard III
Summary
William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present Argo Classics, a historic catalogue of classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly remastered stories are now available to download for the first time. ‘Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York.’ Richard III completes the cycle of plays covering the Wars of the Roses. It’s the story of Richard, duke of Gloucester’s villainous plan to take the throne. It is a tale of jealousy, manipulation and deceit based on Sir Thomas More's unfinished - and largely untrue - History of King Richard III. All of the Shakespeare plays within the Argo Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. The Marlowe was founded in 1907 with a mission to focus on effective delivery of verse, respect the integrity of texts and rescue neglected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and the less performed plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has performed annually at Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936 and continues to produce some of the finest actors of their generations. Thurston Dart, professor of music at London University and a fellow of Jesus College Cambridge, directed the music for this production. The full cast includes: Richard Wordsworth; David Dickinson; Patrick Garland; Patrick Wymark; John Shrapnel; David Rowe-Beddoe; John Tracy-Phillips; William Squire; John Hopkins; Corin Redgrave; Denis McCarthy; Terrence Hardiman; George Rylands; John Shearer; Roger Croucher; Peter Orr; David Buck; David King; John Tydeman; Margaretta Scott; Mary Morris; Beatrix Lehmann; Prunella Scales; Freda Dowie.
Public Domain (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Twelfth Night
Summary
Shakespeare's comedy is performed by a cast including Derek Godfrey, Patrick Garland, Prunella Scales and Peter Pears.
©2011 Saland Publishing (P)2011 Saland Publishing
Henry V
Summary
William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present Argo Classics, a historic catalogue of classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly remastered stories are now available to download for the first time. ‘All things are ready, if our mind be so.’ Henry V covers events during the Hundred Years' War, immediately before and after the Battle of Agincourt (1415). After an insult from the French Dauphin, King Henry V of England invades France to claim the throne he believes should be his. Henry stops an assassination plot, gives powerful speeches and wins battles against the odds. In the end, he woos and marries the princess of France, linking the two nations. All of the Shakespeare plays within the Argo Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. The Marlowe was founded in 1907 with a mission to focus on effective delivery of verse, respect the integrity of texts and rescue neglected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and the less performed plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has performed annually at Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936 and continues to produce some of the finest actors of their generations. Thurston Dart, professor of music at London University and a fellow of Jesus College Cambridge, directed the music for this production. The full cast includes: William Squire; Gary Watson; Julian Curry; Ian McKellen; Denis McCarthy; John Tracy-Phillips; Peter Orr; Donald Beves; John Barton; John Perceval; Peter Foster; Giles Slaughter; David Rowe-Beddoe; Philip Strick; Trevor Nunn; Dudley Jones; Andrew Parkes; Michael Burrell; Tony Church; John Sharpe; Terrence Hardiman; Anthony White; George Rylands; John Tracy-Phillips; Derek Jacobi; Corin Redgrave; Frank Duncan; Corin Redgrave; Corin Redgrave; Roger Hammond; Frank Duncan; Suzanne Fuller; Micheline Samuels; Prunella Scales; Vivienne Chatterton.
Public Domain (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Heroes and Villains (and True Love Conquers All) (Dramatised)
Summary
The world of Victorian melodrama, of wilting heroines, brave and handsome heroes, horrible foreign villains, and powerful action with a host of scenes from the best plays of the period; acted, amusingly explained, and related to the development of the English-speaking theatre.
©1975 Ronald Hayman (P)1975 Ivan & Inge Berg
Marriage Lines: The Complete Series 1 and 2
Summary
All 26 episodes of the much-loved 1960s sitcom, as heard on BBC radio.
Kate and George Starling are just beginning their lives as young newlyweds and are already experiencing the frustrations, as well as the joys, of marriage. But although they have their ups and downs, their mutual love and mistrust gets them through.
In these two series, they experience the downsides and delights of domesticity: from getting locked out of their new flat, sparring over nights out and coping with the next-door neighbours, to planning a holiday together and looking forward to a new arrival. Parenthood brings further challenges – including organising baby Helen’s christening and finding a family home – but a job abroad could offer new opportunities for the Starlings....
Originally broadcast on BBC TV between 1963 and 1966, this absorbing comedy by Richard Waring was so popular that it was adapted on radio for the BBC Light Programme. It stars Richard Briers as George and Prunella Scales as Kate, with guest stars including Heather Chasen, Derek Waring, Joan Sanderson, Wallas Eaton and Derek Fowlds.
Written by Richard Waring.
Produced by Charles Maxwell.
Recorded at the BBC Paris Studio in London.
First broadcast BBC Light Programme: 21 May-13 August 1965 (Series 1), 19 March-11 June 1967 (Series 2).
Cast:
George – Richard Briers
Kate – Prunella Scales
Norah – Heather Chasen
Peter – Geoffrey Matthews
John – David Morton
Miles – Rodney Diak/Derek Waring
Ossie – David Graham
Mr Reynolds – Leon Thau
Ronald – Terence Alexander
George’s father– Geoffrey Sumner
Kate’s mother– Joan Sanderson
Mr Cartwright – Wallas Eaton
Mr Renfrew Smith – Felix Felton
Arthur – Frederick Treves
Denis – Peter Hawkins
Jeanie – Audrey Nicholson
Murray – Penny Morrell
Mother – Diana King
Pauline – Rosalind Knight
Ronald – William Fox
With John Baddeley, Norma Ronald, Philip Guard, Isabel Rennie, Elizabeth Morgan, Jo Kendall, Nigel Graham, John Graham, Charlotte Mitchell, Rosemary Miller, Peter Gilmore, James Taylor, Clive Morton, Noel Hood, Edward de Souza, Beth Boyd, Carol Marsh, Wilfred Babbage, Pearl Hackney, Ronald Hines, Fraser Kerr, Carole Boyd, Robert McBain, Lockwood West, Tim Barrett, Doris Rogers, Anna Gilchrist, Derek Fowlds, Gretchen Franklin, Alec Bregonzi.
©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
A Closed Eye
Summary
Born to elegant but frivolous parents, Harriet grows up ignored and unguided, and retains a curious innocence that neither her marriage to Freddie Lytton, nor her friendship with the beautiful Tessa can dispel. Freddie is far older than she is - a companion rather than a lover - and slightly disapproving of Tessa and her irresponsible, attractive husband, Jack. Yet all four are bound together: by their backgrounds, their children, by Harriet’s unspoken feelings for Jack and by the tragedy that lies in wait for all of them.
©1991 Anita Brookner (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
Space Hacks: The Complete Series 1 and 2
Summary
The BBC Radio 7 sci-fi comedy, starring Dan Mersh, Tim Key, Prunella Scales and Dan Tetsell. Reporters Charlie Palmer and Moog Johnson are supposed to be exploring the galaxy in search of unimaginable news. But the beauty of an infinite universe is that if everything possible happens somewhere, there's no need to actually go there to check. So they may as well stay where they are - parked on Clapham Common disguised as a hedge - and simply make up their stories instead. Unfortunately, their terrifying boss at Inter-Galactic News, Korg, is on to them and won't tolerate their fake news any longer. From now on, they have to provide real reports - or he'll have their spleens in a box.... Aided by onboard computer Mother, who provides them with Bakewell tarts and Jammy Dodgers (her baking programme has overwritten pretty much all her other software), the duo prepare to take the IGN Indolent on a variety of perilous missions, including locating a missing ambassador, babysitting Korg's nephew, tracking down Mad Captain Pendulum and finding the perfect present for Mother's birthday. Can they avoid having their ship captured by pirates? Will they survive a messy meeting with the Emperor of the Toilet People? And when an evil planet tries to take over the universe while Mother's away, who will come to their rescue? Written by Stuart Sumner and Ian Simons, this light-hearted space comedy stars Dan Mersh as Charlie, Tim Key as Moog, Prunella Scales as Mother and Dan Tetsell as Korg. Guest stars include The IT Crowd's Chris O'Dowd and Geoffrey McGivern, who played Ford Prefect in the original radio production of The Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy. Produced by Victoria Lloyd. Original music by Ben Walker, with additional music by George Corporal. First broadcast BBC Radio 7, 10th February-3rd March 2007 (Series 1), 1st-22nd March 2008 (Series 2). Cast Charlie - Dan Mersh Moog - Tim Key Mother - Prunella Scales Korg - Dan Tetsell Fluffy/Claude/Postmaster General - Jot Davies Yecch - Margaret Cabourn-Smith Captain Grey/Sprout-Bunge- Colin Holt Captain Pendulum - Chris O'Dowd Aunty Genocide/Sam - Anna Bengo Eddie Chessington - Geoffrey McGivern Ben - Gus Brown
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Smelling of Roses: The Complete Series 1-4
Summary
Prunella Scales stars in this BBC Radio comedy following the trials and tribulations of Rosie Burns and her Brighton-based events management company. Events manager Rosie Burns is used to coping with the unexpected, at work and at home. When her daughter, Kate, accidentally became a teenage mum, Rosie stepped in, raising her granddaughter, Jo, so that Kate could pursue her career in international banking. Now Jo works in the family firm alongside accountant Bob (who's nursing an unrequited love for Rosie) and Tess (whose love life never ceases to amaze). Things are ticking along nicely, until Rosie gets a phone call out of the blue - after 15 years working abroad, Kate's lost her job and is coming home.... In these four series, Rosie's life is shaken up as her dysfunctional family and recalcitrant clients cause problems on both the personal and the professional front. Confusion reigns when the company tackles a fundraiser for the Afghans, organising a town twinning causes complications, and, attempting to organise a literary prize, Rosie finds that not everything goes by the book.... Meanwhile, Kate's angling for a position at a major finance company, Jo's got man trouble - and there's a potential romantic interest in the cards for Rosie. Created by award-winning author Simon Brett, whose sitcom credits include After Henry and No Commitments, this hilarious cross-generational comedy stars Prunella Scales as Rosie, with Arabella Weir as Kate, Rebecca Callard as Jo, Duncan Preston as Bob and Annette Badland as Tess. Produced by Maria Esposito. Cast Rosie - Prunella Scales Kate - Arabella Weir Jo - Rebecca Callard Bob - Duncan Preston Tess - Annette Badland With Michael Fenton Stevens, Stephen Thorne, Jon Glover, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Will Ing, Alison Skilbeck, Kerry Shale, Debbie Norman, Alan Cowan, Lee Simpson, Chris Pavlo, David Holt, Joanna Monro, Celia Imrie, Owen Brenman, Simon Greenall, Rachel Atkins, David Wood, James Vaughan, Jim North, Stefan Abingdon, Alice Connor, Edward de Souza, Gillian Hanna, Simon Trinder, Bill Wallis, Natalie Walter, Ben Aris, Felicity Goodson, Jeremy Clyde, Kenny Blyth, Lee Dolan, Timothy Alcock, Sheila Mitchell, Chris Emmett, Lorelei King, Gideon Turner, Rebecca Front, Colin Sell, Timothy West, Richenda Carey, Bruce Alexander, James Ellis, Victoria Donavan, Colin Stinton, Suzanne Jameson, George Leyton, Mary Wimbush, Benjamin Whitrow and Rowland Davies. First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3rd May-7th June 2000 (Series 1), 27th June-1st August 2001 (Series 2), 31st July-4th September 2002 (Series 3), 4th August-8th September 2003
©2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Rumpole: The Primrose Path & Other Stories
Summary
Timothy West takes on the role of Rumpole in these four delightful dramas featuring the wily barrister.
Rumpole and the Primrose Path
Rumpole exposes criminal practices at the nursing home where he was sent to recuperate after a heart attack, leaving him in dire need of claret, cheroots and good company.
Rumpole and the Scales of Justice
When Rumpole defends a senior policeman in court, his love for Shakespeare’s Othello, and his old acquaintances in the south London criminal fraternity prove very useful.
Rumpole and the Vanishing Juror
Rumpole’s admiration for the integrity of the Old Bailey jury is legendary – but he is mystified when his most promising juror in a murder trial suddenly disappears....
Rumpole Redeemed
Invited to dinner at his local prison, Rumpole, solves the conundrum of whether an ex-con can be reformed – while also seeking redemption himself.
Timothy West stars as Rumpole, with Prunella Scales as Hilda, Michael Cochrane as Sam Ballard, Nigel Anthony as Claude Erskine-Brown, and Sophie Thompson as Luci Gribble.
©2019 BBC Studios (P)2019 BBC Studios
Fawlty Towers: The Complete Collection
Summary
John Cleese’s special introductions to each episode are included in this collection of all 12 TV soundtrack episodes. Welcome to Fawlty Towers, where attentive hotelier Basil Fawlty and his charming wife, Sybil, will attend to your every need - in your worst nightmare. With hapless waiter Manuel and long-suffering waitress Polly on hand to help, anything could happen during your stay - and probably will. Every episode of both TV series is included in this soundtrack collection: 'A Touch of Class', 'The Builders', 'The Wedding Party', 'The Hotel Inspectors', 'Gourmet Night', 'The Germans', 'Communication Problems' 'The Psychiatrist' 'Waldorf Salad', 'The Kipper and the Corpse', 'The Anniversary' and 'Basil the Rat'. Co-starring with John Cleese as Basil are Prunella Scales (Sybil), Andrew Sachs (Manuel), Connie Booth (Polly) with a supporting cast including Ballard Berkeley, Bernard Cribbins, Joan Sanderson, Geoffrey Palmer, Nicky Henson and Ken Campbell. These classic recordings were made between 1975 and 1979 and the content of the programme reflects the era in which it was broadcast.
©2015 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2015 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd