BBC Productions - Radio 2
BBC Radio 2
"My Word Is My Bond" - April & May 2009 - 6x15mins
Read by Sir Roger Moore / Abridged by Paul Kent / Music by Jon Nicholls / Directed by Neil Gardner
Sir Roger Moore reads a new six part abridgement of his autobiography, exclusively for BBC Radio 2.
"The Lady Vanishes" - March & April 2006 - 6x15mins
Read by Brenda Blethyn / Directed by Neil Gardner
The Oscar nominated actress Brenda Blethyn reads a new six-part abridgement of Ethel Lina White's classic 1930's railway thriller - originally titled 'The Wheel Spins'.
"Rebecca" - May & June 2006 - 8x15mins
Read by Alex Kingston / Directed by Neil Gardner
Star of the UK stage and internal screen Alex Kingston (E.R.) reads a new eight-part abridgement of Daphne du Maurier's incredible story of romance and suspense.
"The Woman In White" - January 2005 - 8x15mins
Read by Dougray Scott / Directed by Neil Gardner
Dougray Scott (Mission Impossible 2) reads Wilkie Collins' celebrated novel in this newly-abridged eight-part series. Described as the first detective novel in the English language, the book was a bestseller from the moment of its publication in 1860 - a popularituy which continues to the present day.
"Oliver Twist" - December 2005 - 6x15mins
Read by David Warner / Directed by Neil Gardner
Emmy award-winning legendary actor David Warner reads a new six-part abridgement of Charles Dicken's all-time classic tale of an orphan boy finding his way through life. One of the most dramatised of Dickens' works, 'Oliver Twist' was appearing in 10 theatres in London before the serialisation of the novel was even completed. There are 25 film version listed with the first being in 1906!
"The Darling buds of May" - January 2004 - 8x15mins
Read by Sir David Jason / Directed by Neil Gardner
A new eight-part adaptation of HE Bates' classic story of a Kent farming family and their 'adoption' of an unhappy tax inspector. Read by David Jason, reprising his infamous TV role as Pop Larkin.
"Goodbye, Mr Chips" - October & November 2003 - 5x15mins
Read by Sir Derek Jacobi / Directed by Neil Gardner
A new five-part abridgement of James Hilton's classic novella, about the life and experiences of private school teacher Mr Chips. From the hopes of youth, the joy of love, the despair of loss, through to the horror of war, battles with colleagues, and an eventual and tear-jerking finale.
"Race With The Devil - The Gene Vincent Story" - February 2009 - 1x60mins
Presented by Roger Daltry / Produced by Neil Rosser
Roger Daltrey assesses the influence of leatherclad rocker, Gene Vincent. The series touches on the later recordings but focus on the late 50s, early 60s period and his influence on the British pop scene then and now.
"The King Of Motown - Berry Gordy" - January 2009 - 1x60mins
Presented by Marshall Chess / Produced by Neil Rosser
The founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy Jnr is one of Black America's most iconic figures, with a stature similar to that of Martin Luther King, Mohammed Ali and precious few others. Marshall Chess explores and celebrates the man behind Motown Records.
"Nat King Cole - From Jazz To Rock n Roll" - March 2009 - 4x30mins
Presented by Clarke Peters / Produced by Neil Rosser
Clarke Peters presents a thorough-going exploration of the piano style of Nat King Cole, on the 90th anniversary of his birth in 1919. He also examines Nat Cole's continuing legacy for later generations of rock 'n' roll, blues and soul performers.
"I'll Still Love You Tomorrow" - May 2009 - 3x30mins
Presented by Pete Waterman / Produced by Neil Rosser
Pete Waterman indulges his overriding passion for the female songwriter he considers to be the finest in the history of pop music - Carole King.
"Feelin' Love - The Donna Summer Story" - July 2009 - 1x60mins
Produced by Neil Rosser
The story of disco legend, Donna Summer, currently touring with a new album in her 60th year.
"Mad About The Boy - The Songs of Noel Coward" - July 2007 - 3x30mins
Presented by Neil Tennant / Produced by Richard Bannerman
Songs poured out of Noel Coward, over 400 of them. From the 1920’s to the 1960’s they filled his revues and musicals – love songs like Some Day I’ll Find You or the wit of Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Now they’re overshadowed by his plays. Pet Shop Boys’ lead singer, songwriter and composer Neil Tennant talks to fellow performers and enthusiasts about the enormous range of Coward’s work – tender love songs, yearning melodies, sharp lyrics and skilful wordplay. Coward’s own performances make the songs particularly his own, but Neil Tennant presents versions by today’s singers and bands, and talks to those who recognise his influence as one of the greats of British musical theatre.
"The Night & The Music" - January & February 2002 - 4x30mins
Presented by Ruthie Henshall / Produced by James Montgomery
In four instalments, star of the West End Ruthie Henshall recalls and celebrates the composer, Arthur Schwartz and the lyricist, Howard Dietz, who together gave us Dancing In The Dark, That’s Entertainment, The Night And The Music and many more.
"The Colour of Music" - January & February 2001 - 8x60mins
Presented by Lionel Richie / Produced by Sue Clark
This landmark series of eight hour-long documentaries charts the true contribution of Black people to the world’s music, through the centuries and up to the present day.
"Divas of Their Day" - February & March 2001 - 6x30mins
Presented by David Jacobs / Produced by Andy Jordan
David Jacobs pays tribute to six star British female vocalists of the 1950s, who between them enjoyed over fifty chart hits.
"The Best Things In Life" - July & August 2001 - 6x30mins
Presented byDon Black/ Produced by James Montgomery
Don Black presents this six part series which celebrates the lives and careers of three of the most prolific and successful songwriters in the history of Tin Pan Alley - Bobby DeSylva, Lew Brown and Ray Henderson.
"The True Story of British Pop" - November & December 2001 - 6x60mins
Presented by John Peel / Produced by Sue Clark
This landmark series traces the highs and lows of popular music in this country throughout the twentieth century, and attempts to assess the contribution made by British artists to the world’s listening pleasure.
"Life Before Lloyd Webber" - January & February 2000 - 6x30mins
Presented by David Jacobs / Produced by James Montgomery
David Jacobs celebrates British musicals of the 1950's, 60's & 70's over six themed episodes.
"World On A String" - June 2000 - 4x30mins
Presented by Don Black/ Produced by James Montgomery
Don Black presents a four-part rediscovery of the songwriter Harold Arlen, whose many compositions include Over The Rainbow, Stormy Weather, I've Got The World On A String, It's Only A Paper Moon, Let's Fall In Love and That Old Black Magic.
"Susan Jeffreys says Make It A Double" - 1999 - 6x30mins
Presented by Susan Jeffreys / Produced by Francesca Plowright
SUSAN JEFFREYS presents the first programme in a new series celebrating songs performed by pairs of artistes - from music’s most famous double acts to the least likely couples in recording history.
"The Rodgers & Hammerstein Story" - 1999 - 6x30mins
Presented by David Jacobs / Produced by Malcolm Prince
A new six-part series celebrating the most successful song-writing partnership in the history of musical theatre, Mary Rodgers - daughter of composer Richard Rodgers - tells David Jacobs the story of the two men who created Carousel, The Sound of Music, The King and I, South Pacific and many more hit shows.
"London American" - 4x60mins
Presented by Stuart Colman / Produced by Andy Jordan
A four part series, presented by STUART COLMAN, which celebrates the unique contribution made to the development of popular music in Britain by the legendary London American record label. Each programme features exclusive interviews, archive material, and a wealth of recordings that helped define the constantly changing sound of popular music in the 1950s and 1960s.
"Dorothy Fields - First Woman of Broadway" - 1998 - 6x30mins
Presented by Don Black / Produced by James Montgomery & Neil Gardner
Don Black narrates a six-part biographical tribute to the fellow lyricist he calls his 'all time, ultimate heroine' - the first woman ever elected to The Songwriter's Hall of Fame - Dorothy Fields.
"Rodgers & Hart - A Thousand Songs" - 1998 - 6x30mins
Presented by Russell Davies / Produced by David Benedictus
Russell Davies presents six programmes celebrating the prolific collaboration of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, the Broadway songwriters who wrote twenty-seven musicals together and completed more than a thousand songs.
"Cole Porter - Night & Day" - 1998 - 7x30mins
Presented by Russell Davies / Produced by David Benedictus
Russell Davies presents seven programmes celebrating another of the major songwriting talents of this century...Cole Porter.
"Ironic Maidens" - Series 3 - 1998 - 6x30mins
Presented by Susan Jeffreys / Produced by Francesca Plowright
Sony award-winning Susan Jeffreys returns with another six programmes featuring wry, ironic, witty and occasionally outrageous songs by women singers and singer-songwriters.
"Quincy Jones - The Dude & His Music" - 1997 - 3x30mins
Presented by Moira Stuart / Produced by Matt Brown
Moira Stuart celebrates the life, times and hits of America’s giant of music, Quincy Jones.
"Knock On Wood - The Danny Kaye Story" - 1997 - 1x60mins
Presented by Max Bygraves / Produced by James Montgomery
In the tenth anniversary year of Danny Kaye’s death, Max Bygraves recalls the life, times and hits of the great American entertainer, with the memories of people who knew and worked with him on both sides of the Atlantic.
"Early Morning Breakfast Show" - Series 2 - 1997 - 16x120mins
Presented by Liz Hobbs / Produced by Priscilla Williams
World, European and British Water Ski-racing Champion during the 1980s, Liz Hobbs MBE returns to the early-morning with a mix of favourite music and relaxed chat.
"French Connections" - 1996 - 6x30mins
Presented by Charlotte Rampling
Charlotte Rampling celebrates the French tradition of chanson, and the contribution of France's singers and singer-songwriters to the world's popular music.
"Early Morning Breakfast Show" - Series 1 - 1996 - 8x120mins
Presented by Liz Hobbs / Produced by Matt Brown
Following her successes as World, European and British Water Ski-racing Champion during the 1980s, Liz Hobbs MBE has been carving out a fresh career as a TV and radio personality. She has even appeared on stage in pantomime, with her husband, the actor, Frazer Hines. But she won’t be donning tights and sequins to bring listeners the perfect early-morning mix of favourite music and relaxed chat.
"Ironic Maidens" - Series 2 - 1995
Presented by Susan Jeffreys
Six further programmes featuring wry, ironic, witty and occasionally outrageous songs by women singers and singer-songwriters.
"Ironic Maidens" - Series 1 - 1994
Presented by Susan Jeffreys
WINNER of the SONY RADIO ACADEMY GOLD AWARD
Six programmes featuring wry, ironic, witty and occasionally outrageous songs by women singers and singer-songwriters.
"Blonde On Blonde: Marilyn Monroe" - April 2009 - 1x60mins
Presented by Mariella Frostrup / Produced by Neil Rosser
Mariella Frostrup examines the life and legacy of Marilyn Monroe.
"Hollywood Charmers" - March & April 2009 - 4x30mins
Presented by Michael York / Produced by Neil Rosser
Actor Michael York narrates four profiles of Errol Flynn; Roger Moore, Omar Sharif and David Niven, whose centenary falls in March 2010.
"The Judy Garland Trail" - October & November 2008 - 6x30mins
Presented by Michael Freedland / Produced by Neil Rosser
Michael Freedland takes to the trail once again in search of Judy Garland, on the fortieth aniversary of her death in June 1969.
"Not The End Of The Pier Show" - February 2000 - 1x60mins
Presented by Pete McCarthy / Produced by Andy Foster & Neil Gardner
To mark the year of its restoration after a quarter century of uncertainty, Pete McCarthy presents a celebration of the West Pier at Brighton...it's colourful history, the people who have worked and holidayed there, and it's potential for the future.
"Life Before Lloyd Webber" - January & February 2000 - 6x30mins
Presented by David Jacobs / Produced by James Montgomery
David Jacobs celebrates British musicals of the 1950's, 60's & 70's over six themed episodes.
"Mr Entertainment" - August & September 2000 - 6x30mins
Presented by David Jacobs / Produced by Jim Hiley
WINNER of the CRE RACE IN THE MEDIA AWARD
In this six-part series David Jacobs recalls and celebrates the career of Sammy Davis Junior, to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the entertainer's death.
"Century of Cinema" - 1999 - 6x30mins
Presented by Lord David Puttnam & Brian Sibley / Produced by Malcolm Prince
Lord Puttnam and Brian Sibley co-present the story of the 20th Century's most popular form of entertainment. The six hour-long programmes recall the splendours and horros of the Hollywood dream factory, from its earliest days to the present era of CGI.
"Starring Julie" - 1998 - 1x60mins
Presented by Brian Sibley / Produced by Malcolm Prince
In an exclusive and in-depth interview with Brian Sibley, JULIE ANDREWS, the actress once voted ‘the world’s most popular star’, brings her life-story right up-to-date. As well as personal insights into celebrity life in Hollywood and major moments in her career, she talks about her recent illness and contemplates her future.
"Disney's Women" - 1998 - 6x30mins
Presented by Brian Sibley / Produced by Malcolm Prince
In the 75th year of the world’s largest entertainment organisation, The Walt Disney Company, BRIAN SIBLEY introduces the six programmes telling two parallel stories - that of Walt Disney’s relationships with the real women in his life; and that of the evolution in his films of some of the most memorable female characters of all time. The story is told with help of his daughter DIANE DISNEY MILLER (talking for the first time about the life and work of her father) and the first-hand recollections of many of the female performers who starred in his films.
"All Who Sail In Her" - 1996 - 1x60mins
Presented by HRH Prince Michael of Kent / Produced by Paul Plant
HRH PRINCE MICHAEL OF KENT introduces a celebration in words and music to mark this week's sixtieth anniversary of The R.M.S. Queen Mary's maiden voyage to Cherbourg and New York. As patron of The R.M.S. Foundation which now cares for the ship and raises funds for her restoration, His Royal Highness tells the story of The Queen Mary's construction and sixty years at sea. Those who worked on her and those who enjoyed her passenger comfort vividly recall the life of Britain's finest ocean going liner.
"Review of Revue" - 1996 - 6x30mins
Presented by Ned Sherrin / Produced by David Rayvern Allen
Before a live audience at The Theatre Museum, Covent Garden, Ned Sherrin recalls the music, laughter and personalities of revue's golden days.
"Funny With Words" - 1996 - 1x60mins
Presented by Anthea Turner / Alan Nixon
To coincide with the centenary of the discovery of dyslexia and the British Dyslexia Association’s Dyslexia Awareness Campaign, Anthea Turner, who is herself dyslexic, investigates a remarkable phenomenon: the large number of entertainers - and especially comedians - in Britain who are dyslexic. Among many others heard are Brian Conley, Eddie Izzard, Beryl Reid, Margi Clark, Ruth Madoc, Toyah Wilcox and James Whale.
"Salutations" - 1992-1994
WINNER of the CRE RACE IN THE MEDIA AWARD
No programme information at this time - bear with us, it's on its way!
"The Harry Welchman Story"- 1992-1994
No programme information at this time - bear with us, it's on its way!
"The Betty Driver Story"- 1992-1994
The life and times of the British actress best known for her role as Betty Turpin in Coronation Street.
"Black In The West End" - 1992-1994 -1x60mins
Presented by Gary Wilmot / Produced by Nicky Barranger
WINNER of the CRE RACE IN THE MEDIA AWARD
The 1990s have seen three award-winning musicals in London with all-black casts: Five Guys Named Moe, Carmen Jones and Porgy and Bess at the Royal Opera House. All-black shows are not, however, a new phenomenon, nor is the presence of black performers in West End musicals. This one-hour musical documentary traces the history of black musical theatre in London, from In Dahomey, which transferred from New York 1903, to the recent revival of Carmen Jones. It is a gently-told story, rich in musical illustrations.
"Whodunnit?!" - 1995
No programme information at this time - bear with us, it's on its way!