The Wombles

THE WOMBLES (320kbs-m4a/192mbs/1hr23mins)
BBC Radio 4 podcast: 5th December 2023

The Wombles live under Wimbledon Common, and it is their special responsibility to 'tidy up' everything that untidy human beings leave behind.

Radio 4 and BBC Sounds celebrate these much loved classic characters, marking 50 years since The Wombles first appeared on the BBC.

This joyful festive listen is based on the original books by Elisabeth Beresford, performed by Richard E Grant, directed by Johnny Vegas and nestled in a new soundscape for Christmas 2023.

Full of fun and warmth, with an underpinning environmental message - this is novelty and nostalgia combined and a gift of Christmas comfort-listening for all to enjoy.

Cast and Credits:
Performed by ............ Richard E Grant
Written by .................. Elisabeth Beresford
Abridged by .............. Sally Harrison and Susan Vale
Script Consultant ..... Kate Robertson
With thanks to .......... Marcus Robertson

Music: The Wombling Song, composed and recorded by Mike Batt

Produced by .............. Sally Harrison
Sound Engineer ........ Wilfredo Acosta
Sound Designer ........ Alisdair McGregor
Directed by ................. Johnny Vegas

A Woolyback Productions and Mrs Mellor's Cellar collaboration for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds

THE WOMBLES - 1. BUNGO (320kbs-m4a/32mbs/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 podcast: 5th December 2023

We are introduced to the Wombles' burrow underneath Wimbledon Common. Young Bungo has just chosen his name from Great Uncle Bulgaria's atlas and is ready to become a Womble of the World as he embarks on his first day of work, tidying the Common.

THE WOMBLES - 2. THE CHRISTMAS PARTY AND MR D SMITH (320kbs-m4a/32mbs/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 podcast: 5th December 2023

The Wombles are feeling very festive, and in true Christmas spirit, Great Uncle Bulgaria invites an elderly gentleman to join in with celebrations in the burrow.

THE WOMBLES - 3. THE SNOW WOMBLE (320kbs-m4a/32mbs/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 podcast: 5th December 2023

It's snowing on Wimbledon Common and all work is suspended.
Bungo, Orinoco and Alderney are wondering at this strange new outside world.

THE WOMBLES - 4. BUNGO'S GREAT ADVENTURE (320kbs-m4a/32mbs/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 podcast: 5th December 2023

A really long hard winter makes life a difficult business for all wild creatures, and the Wombles are no exception. Orinoco's been finding things particularly tough and an impulsive incident leads to a rescue mission for his best friend Bungo.

THE WOMBLES - 5. YELLOWSTONE WOMBLE (320kbs-m4a/31mbs/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 podcast: 5th December 2023

A helpful stranger turns out to be quite the welcome visitor. Great Uncle Bulgaria is delighted to see his long lost Cousin Yellowstone from America but Tobermory's not so sure.

THE WOMBLES - 6. TOBERMORY'S SURPRISE AND THE MIDSUMMER PARTY (320kbs-m4a/31mbs/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 podcast: 5th December 2023

Bungo's idea for the Wombles' Midsummer Party comes to fruition as Tobermory's secret project is revealed.