Showing results by narrator "Christopher Jarvis" in All Categories

“Love at first sight” is a laughable concept in the considered opinion of Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam and never occurs in real life—certainly not in the life of an experienced soldier. In fact, until he observes the smitten nature of his cousin Fitzwilliam Darcy, he doubts that fervent love exists. Marriage, after all, is a matter of money, social standing, and property.

Ayckbourn’s celebrated triology The Norman Conquests—three hilarious and poignant plays depicting the same six characters in one house over one weekend, namely Norman and his romantic follies.

"You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." When Fitzwilliam Darcy spoke these words to Elizabeth Bennet as part of his marriage proposal, they expressed his concealed feelings completely, but their meaning was at odds with the rest of his prideful and arrogant offer of marriage. It was therefore rather easy for Elizabeth to reject his offer in much the same manner. But what if Darcy, never one at ease when trying to speak of inner sentiments, had realized beforehand how his intended proposal would sound to the young woman he hoped to make his bride?

Defined as a formal, solemn, and binding agreement or compact, a covenant is commonly used with regard to relations among nations or as part of a contract. But it can also apply to a marriage as Elizabeth Bennet learns when her father binds her in marriage to a man she dislikes. Against her protests that she cannot be bound against her will, the lady is informed that she lives under her father’s roof and, consequently, is under his control. She is a mere pawn in the proceedings. With such an inauspicious beginning, how can two people so joined ever make a life together?

When Christopher was six, the poems of Milne were always on hand to reassure him that other children were just as puzzled and naughty and silly as he was, and that grown-ups could be even sillier. When he turned 60, he decided it was high time there was an equally reassuring volume for those of his generation who were not only more confused than ever but were losing their teeth, their hair and, all too often, their car keys.    

Fitzwilliam Darcy’s well-ordered life is about to become a chaotic nightmare. A man of fortune, property, and social prominence, he has everything he could desire. Blissfully married to his wife, Elizabeth, they have a two-year-old son. With so much to live for, Darcy is shaken by a near-fatal riding accident. After a miraculous escape, he is visited by an otherworldly being: an angel of death named Graham. Threatening dire consequences, Graham compels Darcy to guide him on a sojourn in the world of mortals.

The third “battle” of Ayckbourn’s celebrated trilogy The Norman Conquests, returns us to the same weekend in the country, but this time to the setting of Mother’s overgrown English country garden. Something more troublesome than brambles is lurking among the roses. Havoc ensues among the flora and fauna, as this cynical masterpiece makes its way to a hilarious conclusion.

Business English – schnell fit für den Job. Rund 60 Minuten Hör- und Sprechtraining, um jedes berufliche Telefonat zu meistern. Acht Telefon-Dialoge. Abwechslungsreiche Übungen zum Vertiefen der gebräuchlichen Wendungen und Ausdrücke. Alle Hörtexte mit deutscher Übersetzung und Business-Wortschatz im Begleitheft (PDF). Britisches und amerikanisches Englisch. Für Lerner:innen mit Vorkenntnissen (Niveau B1).

Business English – schnell fit für den Job. Rund 60 Minuten Hör- und Sprechtraining, um Vorstellungsgespräche erfolgreich zu meistern. Acht Dialoge rund ums Vorstellungsgespräch. Abwechslungsreiche Übungen zum Vertiefen der gebräuchlichen Wendungen und Ausdrücke. Alle Hörtexte mit deutscher Übersetzung und Business-Wortschatz im Begleitheft (PDF). Britisches und amerikanisches Englisch. Für Lerner:innen mit Vorkenntnissen (Niveau B1).

Geoff and Bevvo are professional scavengers in a world recovering from the inevitable zombie plague. As they plan and execute their ingenious assault upon a pristine shopping center, we are treated to their extraordinary history since the plague began and hints of something darker to come.

You Never Can Tell was originally born out of a bet that Shaw couldn't write a "seaside comedy" (a popular theatrical genre at that time). The result is perhaps the most surprising of Shaw's plays, complete with marital mayhem, tangled romance, and even doubtful dentistry. Despite the play's lighthearted tone, it's really another of Shaw's brilliantly observed social treatises, this time in the guise of a light comedy.

Four clergymen seek to make sense of their mission while being torn in all directions by the Church of England. After a critically-lauded debut in 1990 at London’s National Theatre, Racing Demon went on to earn universal acclaim. More than 20 years later, David Hare’s bold and moving revelations on gay ordination and the doctrine of the priesthood ring more resoundingly than ever.

In the second “battle” of Ayckbourn’s celebrated triology The Norman Conquests, we rejoin the family weekend, this time hearing the events in the living room, where Norman gets drunk on homemade dandelion wine – and all hell breaks loose. Norman unleashes his merry brand of manipulative charm on the hapless guests and even his most formidable opponents go down in defeat on the drawing room rug.

In Table Manners, the action occurs in the dining room of Mother’s house, where a conventional middle-class family is attempting to have a pleasant country weekend. But they are no match for Norman, the bane of the family, who horrifies everyone by doing exactly as he likes.