The Somerset Maugham BBC Radio Collection
Eight Full-Cast Dramatisations and Readings
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The Somerset Maugham BBC Radio Collection
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Narrated by:
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Alex Jennings
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Janet Maw
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full cast
About this listen
BBC Radio 4 dramatisations and readings of Somerset Maugham’s fiction - plus bonus programme Replay: Somerset Maugham.
William Somerset Maugham was one of the most successful English writers of the 20th century and remains the most adapted for film and TV. This collection includes eight of his novels, plays and short stories, as heard on BBC radio, as well as an illuminating interview with the author himself.
The Moon and Sixpence - respectable stockbroker Charles Strickland abandons his wife and children to live as a painter in Paris and Tahiti. Starring Ronald Pickup and Patrick Allen.
The Painted Veil - first published in 1925 to a storm of protest, this is a haunting, poignant tale of one woman’s spiritual awakening. Starring Sarah Smart and Nicholas Farrell.
The Sacred Flame - invalided following an air crash, Maurice is determined to remain cheerful. But his condition affects all those who are close to him. Starring Julian Glover, Wendy Hiller, Hannah Gordon and Janet Maw.
Ashenden, Gentleman Spy - Ashenden, a writer by profession, returns from the First World War and is offered a position in the Secret Service. Five short stories based on Maugham’s own wartime experiences, read by Alex Jennings.
For Services Rendered - in this incisive state-of-the nation play, it is 1932 and the progressive Ardsley family seem to be managing their lives very well. But in reality, each of them is fighting for survival. Starring David Calder, Sian Thomas and Louise Brealey.
The Narrow Corner - sailing home from the East Indies, a doctor and his two companions are forced to seek shelter on the island of Kanda - where they encounter the beautiful, sultry Louise.... Starring Garard Green, Owen Scott, Douglas Blackwell and Cara Kelly.
Christmas Holiday - 1938, and Charley is looking forward to spending Christmas in Paris with his old school friend Simon. But they are both ignorant of the storm clouds lowering over Europe.... Starring Peter Rumney and Anthony Daniels.
The Razor’s Edge - after the First World War, Larry Darrell returns to Chicago but finds it difficult to fit back into society. To the dismay of his fiancée, Isabel, he heads for Paris and embarks on a spiritual quest. Starring Nicholas Le Prevost, John Light and Megan Dodds.
Replay: Somerset Maugham - Philip French presents an archive interview with Somerset Maugham, recorded in 1954 on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
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What listeners say about The Somerset Maugham BBC Radio Collection
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- BClose
- 23-07-22
Extraordinary, compelling stories.
This was wonderful.What a great writer SM was.An interview at the very end, hearing the great man on his 80th Birthday was the final joy to hear.Wonderful dramatisations with first class actors.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 04-09-20
fantastic
what an interesting collection of SM's works. really enjoyable to have dramas and readings that are so immersive. well done BBC
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10 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- BraddersLFC
- 23-01-23
A Journey
What a wonderful journey with this audio and Somerset Maugham. 5 start writing and performances. Sorry to hear the end of. Listen and enjoy.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kirstine
- 07-01-21
Enjoyable and thought-provoking plays
I recently listened to Somerset Maugham's novel The Painted Veil and was moved by how the author captured people's feelings and frailties. The dramatizing in this collection of plays captures the spirit of the novel. I enjoyed this collection of plays that explore the human condition with sensitivity and realism. Character's behaving well and badly just like real life with emphases on obsessive and unrequited love. I found the themes of the plays thought-provoking. There's an interesting and revealing final piece at the end of the recording in which we hear the author in old age speaking about his life and work.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Banjoman
- 11-07-22
Sublime stories.
As a newbie to the works of Somerset Maugham, I discovered a great treat of quality writing, interesting scenarios, and sublime dialogue. As with most BBC dramatisations, the production and cast are first class. I sense Maugham enjoyed to write sophisticated stories that shocked society.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Nicky Ramone
- 11-07-24
Enjoyable from start to finish
I especially liked the various dramatisations though the straight single person narratives were excellent too. There was nothing I disliked. All the different stories were interesting and entertaining. This was really well worth the credit and I hope to find more like this in future.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ken Millett
- 25-09-21
Great - but shoddily produced for the listener
These are outstanding stories snd wonderfully acted. The only problem is that there is no index; it is very shoddily put together by the producers: if you want to listen again to a particular part its all very hit and miss. Shame
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6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- VM J
- 06-07-21
Thoroughly enjoyable
This collection is dramatised stories and those narrated; both equally good. The casts and narrators are excellent with some big hitters on the cast list including Dame Wendy Hiller ! GSM can tell a good yarn. Some of the stories are of their time but if you buy a Somerset Maugham collection that is what you expect. Thoroughly enjoyable and recommended.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- sue tid
- 18-08-21
Somerset Maugham
What can I say about the great and superb Somerset Maugham. He achieved a huge success with his incredible ability to observe human nature and to somehow miraculously with unique skill put his observations on paper. I love his work.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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- Book Lover
- 06-11-22
Fantastic but…
Very disappointed there are no chapters again Audible! It’s pot luck finding the beginning of each drama or reading.
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4 people found this helpful