Simply Stories: Recent Episodes
Robin Coles
Simply Stories is aimed for young, old, and somewhere in between. A variety of classics are read utilising experience garnered from years in the London Theatre. I cover a wide range of classics, Victorian literature including ghost stories and stories from around the globe. Simply stories.
Two Short Stories by HH Munro, aka Saki
In the Reticence of Lady Anne, our hero believes he is being treated to the silent treatment from his haughty and disapproving wife, as he tries to recover her good graces.
InThe Blood Feud at Toad Hall, the country spat that ensues between the garden lover and the neighbour poultry owner. This has nothing on Romeo and Juliet.
Narrated by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening! :-)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplystories Our sister channel: .https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our email: simplystoriespodcast@gmail.com
If you should feel so inclined, we love coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystorF
Diary of a Nobody
A Popular Victorian Comedy by George and Weedon Grossmith
A Victorian comedy detailing the slow derailment of a London clerk and his wife’s move to the country. This dry wit was very popular in its day! Getting to grips with the remodelling of the house, working with the new sometimes drunk tradesmen – all good fun!
“He said he wouldn’t stay, as he didn’t care much for the smell of the paint, and fell over the scraper as he went out. Must get the scraper removed, or else I shall get into a SCRAPE. I don’t often make jokes.”
Narrated by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening! :-)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplystories Our sister channel: .https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our email: simplystoriespodcast@gmail.com
If you should feel so inclined, we love coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystorF
The classic Christmas Poem by Clement Clark Moore.
Told around log fires to children of all ages for decades. Now re-told with gusto by Robin Coles, bringing to bear the decades he has told the story himself. Merry Christmas to all from Simply Stories. And the best of New Years.
“When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.”
Narrated by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening! :-)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplystories Our sister channel: .https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our email: simplystoriespodcast@gmail.com
If you should feel so inclined, we love coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystorF
Dickens: A Christmas Carol Complete
The timeless and much loved Victorian Christmas Ghost Story recounting an avaricious man, doomed to an afterlife in perpetual misery, being given a second chance to consider his current life.
Visted by 4 ghosts (Christmas quiz question there!), he sees himself as a young lad, how others view him, leading him to a better understanding of the humanity of others.
A wonderful classic that works at any time of year.
Narrated by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening! :-)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplystories Our sister channel: .https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our email: simplystoriespodcast@gmail.com
If you should feel so inclined, we love coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystorF
A Christmas Ghost Story by Charles Dickens
The ominous presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come fills Scrooge with terror as he comes face to face with his own mortality and the realisation of how little his death – nay! the rejoicing his death – would impact others based on how he is now.
“‘Ghost of the Future!’ he exclaimed, ‘I fear you more than any spectre I have seen. But as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear you company, and do it with a thankful heart. Will you not speak to me?’ It gave him no reply. The hand was pointed straight before them.”
Narrated by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening! :-)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplystories Our sister channel: .https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our email: simplystoriespodcast@gmail.com
If you should feel so inclined, we love coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystorF
A Christmas Ghost Story by Charles Dickens
The ominous presence of the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come fills Scrooge with terror as he comes face to face with his own mortality and the realisation of how little his death – nay! the rejoicing his death – would impact others based on how he is now.
“‘Ghost of the Future!’ he exclaimed, ‘I fear you more than any spectre I have seen. But as I know your purpose is to do me good, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear you company, and do it with a thankful heart. Will you not speak to me?’ It gave him no reply. The hand was pointed straight before them.”
Narrated by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening! :-)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplystories Our sister channel: .https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our email: simplystoriespodcast@gmail.com
If you should feel so inclined, we love coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystorF
A Christmas Ghost Story by Charles Dickens
Scrooge awakes to the bright light of the second of his allocated ghostly visits, the Ghost of Christmas present. Through travels with the Spirit, he visits the house of his clerk, Bob Cratchit, his nephew, and shown how Christmas is celebrated in all places, regardless of how remote.
“"Come in!" exclaimed the Ghost. "Come in! and know me better, man!" "I am the Ghost of Christmas Present," said the Spirit. "Look upon me!" "You have never seen the like of me before!" exclaimed the Spirit. "Never," Scrooge made answer to it.”"
Narrated by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening! :-)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplystories Our sister channel: .https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our email: simplystoriespodcast@gmail.com
If you should feel so inclined, we love coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystorF
A Christmas Ghost Story by Charles Dickens
For Scrooge, the hauntings have begun, and were not just a product of some bad food. The Ghost of Christmas Past – Scrooge’s past – takes him back through Christmases of long ago with an unexpected impact on Scrooge.
“The curtains of his bed were drawn aside, I tell you, by a hand. Not the curtains at his feet, nor the curtains at his back, but those to which his face was addressed. The curtains of his bed were drawn aside; and Scrooge, starting up into a half-recumbent attitude, found himself face to face with the unearthly visitor who drew them: as close to it as I am now to you, and I am standing in the spirit at your elbow."
Narrated by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Thanks for listening! :-)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplystories Our sister channel: .https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our email: simplystoriespodcast@gmail.com
If you should feel so inclined, we love coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystorF
A Christmas Ghost Story by Charles Dickens
Scrooge, the very definition of avarice and greed, is visited by the ghost of his old business partner, Marley, on Christmas Eve. Marley warns of impending visitations by 3 ghosts. The stage is set for a classic haunting tale that no Christmas is complete without.
“Oh! but he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge! a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice.”
Narrated by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening! :-)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplystories Our sister channel: .https://www.youtube.com/@newsofthetimes
Our email: simplystoriespodcast@gmail.com
If you should feel so inclined, we love coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystorF
World War 1 Story by Arthur Machen & World War 1 Poem by Rupert Brooke
We finish our honouring of soldiers from all wars with the classic story, The Bowmen, written by Arthur Machen. This famous story tells the tale of British soldiers, during World War 1, avoiding certain defeat at the hands of the German army through a mysterious intervention.
This is followed by the wonderful poem by Rupert Brooke, The Soldier.
Simply Stories would like to remember and honour soldiers of all wars.
Narrated by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening! :-)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW5hJQvMgjLFXg_XKDFDBmg Our sister channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5u1vwZO-NkFTHExiifoUQ
Our email: simplystoriespodcast@gmail.com
If you should feel so inclined, we love coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystorF
World War 1 Story by HP Lovecraft & World War 1 Poem by John Mcrae
A story written by H P Lovecraft. The story will be followed by the classic World War 1 poem, In Flanders Fields, by John McCrae.
This story, Dagon, is not a traditional war story. Rather, the narrator recounts a terror found whilst escaping a prison camp. Because this is Lovecraft writing, it is indeed a horror story, but taking place during World War 1. Is the horror real, or a nightmare from a morphine haze? You, the listener, must decide.
In Flanders Fields is arguably one of the more well known poems in memory of the dead soldiers of World War 1. John McRae was a soldier in World War 1 where he worked as a surgeon. He died of pneumonia shortly after the end of the war, sadly not uncommon during the great flu epidemic of 1918 (see our News of the Times Channel 1919 to 1921 episode).
Narrated by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening! :-)
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW5hJQvMgjLFXg_XKDFDBmg Our sister channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5u1vwZO-NkFTHExiifoUQ
Our email: simplystoriespodcast@gmail.com
If you should feel so inclined, we love coffee!: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystorF
The voices of soldiers from World War 1In honour of soldiers of all wars throughout history, todays special episode is a collection of actual letters written from the front during World War 1.
Simply Stories recognises that each individual’s unique voice tells a story of its own. From the letters of the every day soldier, we can hear the trauma, immense courage, and horror experienced by so many during World War 1.
These are their stories.
Narrated by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW5hJQvMgjLFXg_XKDFDBmg Our sister channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV5u1vwZO-NkFTHExiifoUQ
Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/simplystorF
An Edgar Allen Poe Story
Folk tales speak of black cats being witches in disguise. The narrator of the story has a fondness for animals – in particular, a large black cat. Great affection for the cat slowly turns to irritation, then dislike, and finally – loathing. Terrible things are perpetrated by the narrator, with the cat seemingly watching. As the story unfolds, the cat, always somehow there, waits for its chance for revenge.
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening! Catch us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Simply-Stories-104605792383828
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW5hJQvMgjLFXg_XKDFDBmg
Website: https://simplystories.uk/episodes-list/
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A Mary Shelley Novel – Chapters 5 and 10.
The creation of life, from a maniacally egotistical wish to prove that it actually could be done, brings results unexpected and unwanted. An exploration into the darkest depths of the human mind. Questions arise as to the humanity of Frankenstein’s creation. Was it born evil or was malevolence trained into the creature as it recognises its own separateness from the rest of humanity from the reactions of those who have contact with him. A classic gothic horror.
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Thanks for listening! Catch us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Simply-Stories-104605792383828
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW5hJQvMgjLFXg_XKDFDBmg
Website: https://simplystories.uk/episodes-list/
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A Charles Dickens Story
One of the greatest English storytellers of all time, Dickens spins a chilling ghost story involving only 2 players. A remote train station. A lonely signalman post. Unexpected bell of warning and inexplicable red light of danger. The story unfolds patiently. Disintegrating inch by inch, all possible alternative explanations to the haunting event. Read with aplomb by Robin Coles.
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
An Edgar Allen Poe Story
A question of sanity versus insanity and a study into the compulsions of the human mind; a study Edgar Allen Poe excelled at. Our narrator finds himself repulsed by a feature of his neighbour. A feeling that grows in intensity over time. Finally, he finds he must act upon his compulsion to rid himself of this feature – but how? Without being caught? Poe weaves a classic horror story that grows in intensity. Read with style and drama by Robin Coles.
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
An H H Munro, aka Saki, Story
Demonstrating the usual acerbic wit of H H Munro, (also known under the pen name of Saki), this story explores the possibility of how we humans take on the characteristics of our pets. What personality traits may one incorporate if one had a parrot as a pet? Or a turtle? Or, perhaps, a rather cheeky monkey? As with all Munro’s stories, this is filled with wit and humour.
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
An H H Munro, aka Saki, Story
Demonstrating the usual acerbic wit of H H Munro, (also known under the pen name of Saki), this story explores the possibility of how we humans take on the characteristics of our pets. What personality traits may one incorporate if one had a parrot as a pet? Or a turtle? Or, perhaps, a rather cheeky monkey? As with all Munro’s stories, this is filled with wit and humour.
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle
A Sherlock Holmes Story
Charles Augustus Milverton! The name creates shudders in any person who hears it! In the whole of London, is there any more detested or abhorred? Sherlock Holmes, and his faithful companion John Watson, must match wits with the evil Milverton in order to save the reputation of a young lady. How Mr Holmes and Mr Watson accomplish this (as there can be no doubt they do) is told here…
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame
Chapter 12 – The Return of Ulysses
The plan was hatched, all friends engaged, and action taken place to rid Mr Toad’s ancestral home of the invading weasels and stoats. And, of course, after a successful mission impossible, what is required but a banquet filled with congratulatory songs and speeches! Ah! But has Mr Toad changed and become a sensible Toad rather than the formerly bad and dangerous to know Mr Toad? And what of the weasels and stoats?
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame
Chapter 11 – Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears
Weasels and stoats! With guns and sentries! Weasels and stoats have taken over Toad Hall! Toad’s stoic friends, Mr Badger, Rat and Mole have all attempted to recover Toad’s home, but with no success. A new plan is contrived with the help of the now famous washer woman dress. Will Toad and his friends manage to overcome the weasels and stoats to recover Toad’s ancestral home?
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame
Chapter 9 – Wayfarers All
The wood is abuzz with all manner of animals preparing for their fall departure to warmer climates as the woods just start to begin their transformation to autumn. A distant traveller arrives with stories of far-off places, exotic lands and fantastic adventures. Will Ratty heed the call to depart from the home he loves and from his circle of friends? Will he leave his beloved river home and go a-travelling?
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame
Chapter 10 – The Further Adventures of Toad
The incomparable and unconquerable Mr Toad fights off a hefty barge woman, steals a horse, negotiates with a gipsy, manages a lift in a motor car which he promptly crashes and writes and sings self-congratulating songs about himself praising his own cleverness. But oh dear! Constables are on the move against him and gaining fast. Will Mr Toad successfully escape?
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame
Chapter 8 – Toad’s Adventures
Mr Toad, thrown into the darkest cell, of the highest tower, in the remotest prison for a period of no less than 20 years, with no recourse to friends for help, finds himself with few possibilities to escape. And yet. Luck, and no small amount of considerable roguish charm and the odd washer women come to his aid. Will the indomitable Mr Toad manage to make good an escape?
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame
Chapter 7 – The Pipers at the Gates of Dawn
Portly is missing! He is only a little chap and has been missing for some days. Has he drowned? Is he lost? Or has some other terrible thing happened to him? Ratty and Mole are determined to find him and search up and down the riverbank throughout the night. And then, in the distance, as dawn is breaking, a piper sounds. What could it mean?
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame
Chapter 6 – Mr Toad
The time has come! Mr Badger, Ratty and Mole are determined to bring Mr Toad to heel and turn him into a “sensible toad”. A concerted effort is made – Toad’s shiny red new motor vehicle is sent back and his treasured motor garments forcibly removed. But, the incorrigible Mr Toad is not so easily subdued! All is well until Toad hears the distant melodious sound of “poop poop” in the distance..
Read by Robin Coles
Produced by Wendy Scotchmer
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Chapter5-Wind in the Willows
Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame
Chapter 5 – Dulce Domum
Home sweet home, or Dolce Domum, calls us all from afar. Mole, upon travelling back from yet another adventure, can sense the distinct calling of his little home, all but forgotten for the new exciting world of the riverbank with his friend Rat. The pull to see his old abandoned home is strong and brings unexpected surprises!
Read by Robin Coles
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Chapter4 – Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame
Mr Badger
Saved from potential danger in the Wild Wood, Mole and Ratty are welcomed into the home of the prominent Mr Badger. There, they are greeted with all manner of comforts and an opportunity to share the news of events outside of the Wild Wood with Mr Badger. Perturbed by the updates, a plan is hatched to save Mr Toad from himself!
Read by Robin Coles
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Chapter3 – Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Grahame
The Wild Wood
Mole, determined to meet the mysterious Mr Badger, sets off on his own into the Wild Wood despite warnings to not enter without knowing companions with him. There, alone, Mole gradually realises he is being stalked by pattering footsteps and darting faces peering from bushes. Panicked, Mole runs off the path and becomes lost in the wild wood as snow begins to fall. Will his friend Ratty manage to find him in the increasing snowfall? Will Mole finally meet the elusive Mr Badger?
Read by Robin Coles
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Chapter 2 – The Open Road
Mole and Ratty go off to meet the indefatigable, boisterous and current gipsy caravan enthusiast, Mr Toad! They are pressed into Toad’s latest passion – travelling on the open road, walking through hamlets and rolling downs through the English countryside with his sparkling canary yellow caravan pulled by his rather grudging horse. All is delightful until, out of the blue, the unmistakable sound of “poop poop!”. The scene is set!
Read by Robin Coles
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Chapter 1 - The River Bank.
Mole, exceedingly fed up with spring cleaning (and who can blame him!), leaves his little house and goes wandering to enjoy the spring sunshine and nature. During his wanderings, he arrives at the River Bank where he meets the water rat with whom he becomes fast friends.
From here, Mole is introduced to the delights of all things boat related and the extensive world of his new friend Rat. New adventures await!
Read by Robin Coles.
Stock Music kindly provided by GlydeMedia, from Pond5
One of my passions is storytelling and making the classics come alive. My early roots in the theatre sparked my love to entertain others.
Simply Stories is aimed for young, old, and somewhere in between. A variety of classics are read utilising experience garnered from years in the London Theatre. I cover a wide range of classics, Victorian literature including ghost stories and stories from around the globe. Simply stories.
Episodes will be uploaded weekly from a range of classic stories for young, old, and those in between