Other books that might interest you

• 

  Top 10 Poets – England The - The...

  William Cowper, Amelia Opie,...

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  The language of Poetry is an art that most of us attempt at some point in our lives.  Although its commonplace exposure has been somewhat marginalised in today’s often fast-paced lives we all recognise good verse that can empathise with our thoughts or open us up to experience new things in new ways, to better understand and to enjoy the many strands of our lives. 
  But finding a starting point can be overwhelming, even off-putting, so in this series we offer up our Top 10 classic poets, who brim with talent and verse, on a range of subjects and themes that we can all enjoy. 
  For centuries England has always had a leading and admired reputation for its poets and poetry.  In this volume we explore those born in the East of England who created such revered, enduring and respected verse.

  Show book

• 

  Viva Bartali!

  Damian Walford Davies

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Inspired by the lyrical, mythic mode of Italian sports journalism from the 1930s to the 1950s, Viva Bartali! is a biography-in-verse of the iconic Italian cyclist Gino Bartali (1914—2000), two-time winner of the Tour de France (1938, 1948), known both as 'Gino the Pious' because of his fervent Catholic faith, and as Ginettaccio ('Gino the Terrible'), owing to the short shrift he so often gave the Press.
  Conjuring Bartali at crux moments in his personal and professional career, through joy and tragedy, defeat and victory, the collection places us alongside the young rider proving his mettle and adding to his palmarès in the edgy atmosphere of Mussolini's Fascist Italy, whose political ideology he loathed. From amateur races to the professional one-day classics and on to Tour de France glory, Bartali is seen alongside his fellow riders as both vulnerable body and élite athlete; both cycling's hard man and fond and bereaved father; both kneeling believer and climbing god.
  The collection gives us an insight into the complex relationship that underpinned his great rivalry with the campionissimo ('champion of champions') Fausto Coppi – the 'man of glass' against Bartali's 'man of iron'. It was a rivalry that a divided a nation and defined a sport. We are with Bartali at the 1948 Tour de France when he takes a phone call from the Italian prime minister, who asks him to do his part in diffusing a political crisis that could have tipped over into violence. And we witness his remarkable secret missions in the saddle as a courier throughout Tuscany during World War 2, carrying forged identity documents that helped save the lives of hundreds of Italian Jews. It was a deed he never spoke about – one for which he was named 'Righteous Among the Nations' by Yad Vashem in 2013.
  "A fascinating, original take on the epic life and career of an Italian hero." John Foot, author of 'Pedalare! Pedalare!'
  "Stylish and sophisticated, this poetic record of an extraordinary life confirms Damian Walford Davies' status as one of the finest poets writing in Wales today." Jem Poster

  Show book

• 

  Five Years with the White Man

  Eloka Obi, Saul Boyer

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  A startling account of satirist ABC Merriman-Labor – the greatest Black Briton ever to have been forgotten – whose dreams of becoming the greatest writer of his generation lead him on a defiant journey from Sierra Leone to Edwardian London.
  Eloka Obi and Saul Boyer's play Five Years with the White Man features a kaleidoscope of characters and was premiered at VAULT Festival, London, in 2023.

  Show book

• 

  The Secret Garden Enhanced Edition

  Francis Hodgson Burnett, Jeanne...

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  This enhanced edition is designed for headphones only to give you a truly immersive listening experience.
   
  
   
  In this L.A. Theatre Works original commission, playwright Jeanne Sakata has created a new audio adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved classic. Mary Lennox is an orphaned 10-year-old who is sent to live with her uncle in his country house on the moors. Her new life is almost unbearable, but when she hears stories of the estate’s mysterious, abandoned garden she’s determined to discover its secrets.
   
  
   
  Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in June 2024.
   
  
   
  Directed by Jessica Kubzansky
   
  Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg
   
  
   
  An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast recording, starring:
   
  
   
  Jonathan Charles as Colin Craven, British Army Officer
   
  Shannon Cochran as Mrs. Medlock, Regina Crawford, Susan Sowerby
   
  Adhir Kalyan as Archibald Craven, Servant Ramji
   
  Alma Marian as Mary Lennox
   
  Cerris Morgan-Moyer as Martha Sowerby, Rose Lennox, Lily Craven and second Crawford Child
   
  Alastair James Murden as Dickon Sowerby, Captain Lennox, and first Crawford Child
   
  Ian Ogilvy as Ben Weatherstaff, Doctor, Innskeeper, British Army Officer, Pastor Edward Crawford
   
  Lina Patel as Ayah Lakshmi
   
  
   
  Senior Producer: Anna Lyse Erikson
   
  Technical Producer: Mark Holden
   
  Recorded and edited by Neil Wogenson at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood
   
  Designed and Mixed by: Charles Carroll
   
  Assistant Designer: Chloe Foster
   
  Foley Artist: Mark Holden
   
  Foley Engineer: Chloe Foster
   
  Senior Radio Producer: Ronn Lipkin
   
  Cultural Consultant: Lina Patel

  Show book

• 

  Death of a Salesman

  Arthur Miller

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Stacy Keach and Jane Kaczmarek star in Arthur Miller’s 1949 masterpiece, a searing portrait of the physical, emotional, and psychological costs of the American dream. Willy Loman (Keach) is the play’s iconic traveling salesman, whose family is torn apart by his desperate obsession with success and social acceptance. As his two sons cast about aimlessly for their station in life, Willy begins to come unraveled when the reality of his life threatens his long-cherished illusions. 
   
  Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in March 2011. 
   
  Directed by Eric Simonson 
  Producing Director: Susan Albert Loewenberg 
   
  An L.A. Theatre Works full cast performance featuring: 
  Steven Culp as Biff Loman 
  Maureen Flannigan as Letta/Jenny 
  Jason Henning as Bernard/Stanley 
  Jane Kaczmarek as Linda Loman 
  Stacy Keach as Willy Loman 
  Kathryn Meisle as The Woman 
  Tim Monsion as Uncle Ben 
  Sam McMurray as Charley 
  John Sloan as Happy Loman 
  Kate Steele as Miss Forsythe 
  Kenneth Alan Williams as Howard 
   
  Recording, Editing and Mixing Engineer: Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood 
  Sound Effects Artist: Tony Palermo

  Show book

• 

  Animal Farm

  George Orwell

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  'All animals are equal. But some animals are more equal than others.'
  When the animals in the farmyard rebel against their tyrannical farmer and take control of the farm, they hope to create a world where they can be equal, happier and free. But as power shifts and a new leader emerges, they soon face the age-old question: what does it really mean to be equal?
  Exploring loss of identity, the seductive allure of privilege, and the corrupting nature of political power, George Orwell's Animal Farm is a classic story of rebellion and treachery, and a timely reminder of the importance of resistance.
  Tatty Hennessy's adaptation received its professional premiere in 2025, directed by Amy Leach, co-produced by Leeds Playhouse and Stratford East in association with Nottingham Playhouse, and performed at all three theatres. It was commissioned and first performed by the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain in 2021.

  Show book