Colette: Gigi, Cheri and more

A BBC Radio Drama Collection

By: Colette

Narrated by: Lindsay Duncan, Joseph Millson, Frances Barber, Brigit Forsyth, Paul Ritter, Clare Higgins, Robert Hardy, full cast, Melvyn Bragg

Writer Colette’s classic works brought to life in a unique audio collection

Listen for the first time to this stunning collection of five of Colette’s most celebrated works, compiled and created by BBC Radio. French author and woman of letters, Colette is best known for her 1944 novella Gigi, which became the stage musical launching the career of Audrey Hepburn. Known for her frank, direct and honest way of writing about women and female friendships, Colette’s stories champion the female perspective and all feature strong women protagonists. Considered immoral and shocking at the time, her works are now cherished as a fresh insight into the female experience of the era and she is celebrated for the sheer quality of her writing. This exclusive collection includes, Gigi, Cheri, Claudine at School, The Vagabond and Sido and features performances from Lindsay Duncan (Sherlock, Starter for 10, Doctor Who), Paul Ritter (Friday Night Dinner), Frances Barber, Brigit Forsyth and Dame Peggy Ashcroft. Also included is a bonus edition of In Our Time, hosted by Melvyn Bragg as he and guests discuss Colette, her life, her works and her significant cultural impact.
In the classic Gigi, we follow the story of a young woman in Paris, who is being groomed by her grandmother for the life of a courtesan. Cheri is a semi-autobiographical story following an enduring love affair between a courtesan and a man half her age. Claudine at School is heavy with erotic over tones, and this full cast dramatisation explores the life of the enchanting Claudine as she navigates her journey to womanhood. The Vagabond tells the story of a divorcée dancer in a Paris music hall, she is pursued by a wealthy admirer. Will she allow herself to fall in love a second time?
Finally, Dame Peggy Ashcroft narrates Sido, based on Colette’s memories of her own mother.
Text copyright © Colette 1900 (Claudine at School), 1910 (Vagabond), 1920 (Cheri), 1929 (Sido), 1944 (Gigi)
Gigi
Translated from the French and adapted by Barbara Bray
Produced by Raymond Raikes
Cast: Margaret Robertson, Margaret Rawlings, Carol Marsh, Robert Hardy, Hilda Kriseman, Ian Thompson, Isabel Jeans
Cheri
Directed by Pauline Harris
Cast: Lindsay Duncan, Joseph Millson, Frances Barber, Brigit Forsyth, Laura Harding, Conrad Nelson, Judith Davis
Claudine at School
Adapted by Yvonne Mitchell
Produced and directed by Liane Aukin
Cast: Fidelis Morgan, Rosalind Adams, Anne Rosenfeld, Jean Rogers, Nigel Lambert, Diana Bishop, Joan Matheson, Carole Hayman, Haydn Jones, Pamela Moiseiwitsch, Shane Briant,
Michael Harbour, Peter Howell, Timothy Bateson, Edward Kelsey
The Vagabond
Dramatised by Charlotte Cory
Directed by Mary Peate
Cast: Clare Higgins, Paul Ritter, Allan Corduner, David Thorpe, Jasmine Hyde
Sido
Abridged by B. J. Salmon
Read by Dame Peggy Ashcroft
In our Time – Colette
Presented by Melvyn Bragg.
Text copyright © Colette 1900 (Claudine at School), 1910 (Vagabond), 1920 (Cheri), 1929 (Sido), 1944 (Gigi)

©2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

A little disappointed

I love Colette so much, but this drama collection isn't my cup of tea. I guess people have different tastes, you know. I hope Audie England will narrate Colette's books, especially "Cheri", "The Last of Cheri". I like the way she reads in an opening narration of the film "Delta of Venus". That is just my image of Léa. I think the script of "Cheri" is too short. We don't know who the characters are. The original story is written from Léa's memory and the real scenes. I wanted the script to use the content of the original story.