Learning English Stories

BBC Radio
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Jan 16, 2026 • 4min

Classic Stories: The Princess and the Pea

A prince is on a quest to find a true princess, leading to a stormy night and a mysterious visitor. A clever queen devises a unique test, placing a single green pea under multiple mattresses to determine the young woman's sensitivity. After a sleepless night filled with discomfort, the princess proves her royal status, leading to a swift marriage. The story ends with a humorous twist as the pea becomes a museum exhibit, showcasing the oddity of royal trials.
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5 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 5min

Classic Stories: The North Wind and the Sun

Dive into the classic tale of the North Wind and the Sun, where a frosty contest unfolds between two natural forces. Discover how the North Wind's boastful strength fails to remove a man's coat. In contrast, the Sun's gentle warmth convinces him to shed layers. This enchanting story reveals a timeless lesson: gentleness and wisdom can triumph over brute force. Tune in to explore how these characters embody this important moral in just five minutes!
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Jan 2, 2026 • 4min

Classic Stories: Moby Dick

Dive into the gripping tale of Ishmael as he seeks work on a whaling ship in Nantucket. Discover his friendship with the harpooner Queequeg and the enigmatic Captain Ahab, who is obsessed with revenge against the elusive Moby Dick. Follow the crew on their perilous voyage filled with storms, illness, and Ahab's relentless pursuit of the great whale. Experience the dramatic clash between man and beast as the Pequod meets its fate, leaving Ishmael to cling to a coffin as the last survivor.
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Dec 26, 2025 • 4min

Classic Stories: King Midas and his Golden Touch

Explore the timeless tale of King Midas as he learns that greed comes with dire consequences. Discover the details of his wish for a golden touch, which turns his greatest joys into sorrow. Hear about the whimsical characters of Dionysus and Silenus, along with the moral lessons woven into this classic myth. Midas's journey from bliss to regret and ultimately to redemption highlights the importance of valuing what truly matters in life.
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Dec 19, 2025 • 4min

Classic Stories: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Enjoy a classic story in English and learn 10 uses of ‘get’ - in 5 minutes.FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followusLIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English ConversationsThey're all available by searching in your podcast app.
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Dec 15, 2025 • 4min

Classic Stories: Emma

Enjoy a classic story in English and learn 8 uses of ‘right’ - in 5 minutes. FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ 6 Minute English ✔️ Learning English from the News ✔️ Learning English Conversations They're all available by searching in your podcast app.
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4 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 5min

Classic Stories: The Island of Dr Moreau

Dive into a chilling science fiction tale where Prendick finds himself stranded on a mysterious island filled with bizarre, almost-human creatures. As he uncovers Dr. Morrow's unsettling experiments, chaos erupts with escaped animals and deadly confrontations. The story explores themes of humanity and ethics amidst the madness. Can Prendick escape the horrors, or will he be trapped in a world of nightmares forever? Tune in for a thought-provoking adventure packed with suspense!
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Nov 28, 2025 • 4min

Classic Stories: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Dive into the mischievous world of Huckleberry Finn as he struggles between civilization and adventure. Experience his escape from family pressures and his father's return to a life of poverty. Huck teams up with Jim for an unforgettable river journey filled with moral dilemmas and heart-pounding escapades. Discover the complexity of friendship, freedom, and the shocking twist of Jim's rescue amidst danger. Join Huck as he contemplates his future, hinting at more thrilling adventures ahead!
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Nov 21, 2025 • 6min

Classic stories: Cinderella

Dive into the enchanting tale of Cinderella, where hardship meets magic. Discover her struggles with a cruel stepfamily and how a fairy godmother transforms her life. Experience the whimsical ball, where the prince and Cinderella share a moment, only for her to flee before midnight! The quest for the lost glass slipper begins, leading to a surprising twist. Enjoy a clever exploration of vocabulary with the different uses of 'go' as you journey through this classic story with a modern twist.
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Nov 14, 2025 • 8min

Our Stories: Ways to tell good stories

Discover how to elevate your storytelling in English! Pippa and Beth explore techniques such as using vivid actions to enhance humor, as demonstrated in Neil's parking tale. They reveal how to make unbelievable stories more credible by incorporating repetition, illustrated through Georgie's encounter with a boy band. Plus, learn how sharing thoughts and feelings can add drama, inspired by a compelling travel coincidence. Tune in for tips that make your stories unforgettable!

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