A tale of dwindling machismo and the uncertain benefits of rest. A story on the theme of sleep read by Nicky Henson. Show more

Hilary Mantel short story: in a Manchester solicitor’s office the consequences of an illicit affair play out. Rebekah Staton reads. Show more

A sinister tale of childhood transgression. Two little girls spend a long hot summer dying to discover a neighbour's secret. Read by Rebekah Statton. Show more

A new short story from South African writer Eben Venter. A mother forces a visit on her son, and a clash of attitudes ensues. Read by Matthew Marsh. Show more

By Jonathan Buckley. A family seek the help of a clairvoyant to shed light on the fate of their missing daughter. Read by Maxine Peake. Show more

4 Extra Debut. Nicholas Hytner reads his memoir about running The National Theatre, describing a typical day as theatre director. Show more

By Cynan Jones. The winning story of horror at sea. When things go terribly wrong, can the protagonist survive? Read by Jamie Parker. Show more

Nell Stevens' shortlisted story in which art and activism unite. Things aren’t quite what they seem. Read by Tuppence Middleton. Show more

Nicholas Hytner reveals how the seemingly impossible became magical putting animals on stage via Dark Materials and War Horse. Show more

Nicholas Hytner's memoir of running The National Theatre, recalling his first Shakespeare production - Henry V. Show more

Nicholas Hytner recalls his exciting, creative partnership with Alan Bennett, whilst running The National Theatre. Show more

Director Nicholas Hytner looks back at the birth of NT Live and recalls The National's 50th Anniversary commemorations in 2013. Show more

Ingrid Persaud's winning story of emotional blackmail and sweet release. Read by Leemore Marrett Junior. Show more

4 Extra Debut. The inspiration for the film 45 Years. Unearthed memories unsettle a seemingly stable relationship. Read by Tom Courtenay. Show more

4 Extra Debut. In a Norfolk prison at the sharp end of the refugee crisis, an Irish teacher faces a difficult decision. Read by Dervla Kirwan. Show more

Man's first Mars mission comes at a price. An astronaut’s mother reflects on her place in history. Read by Juliet Stevenson.

4 Extra Debut. After an act of Christmas diplomacy, Isabel discovers family history is in the past, but it’s rarely over. Read by Tamsin Greig. Show more

Berger said the 20th century was one of banishment and looks at mass migration. Read by Simon McBurney and Harriet Walter. Show more

Berger surveys the work of his favourite painter, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. Read by Simon McBurney and Harriet Walter. Show more

Berger explores the psychic impact of mass migration and the sense of a true home. Read by Simon McBurney and Harriet Walter. Show more