News
LISTEN TO EPISODE 3
Selfish businessman Ebenezer Scrooge receives a visit from the first of three spirits. This is the Spirit of Christmas Past.
NarratorLet's continue the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the selfish man who didn't like Christmas. Last time, the ghost of his dead partner, Marley, told Scrooge he would be visited by three spirits. They would give him a chance of escaping Marley's fate. Scrooge was in bed when the curtains were opened and he saw a face...
Spirit of Christmas PastI'm the Ghost of Christmas Past - your past. Come with me.
NarratorThe Spirit took Scrooge through a wall and suddenly they found themselves on an open country road. The city had disappeared. Scrooge was very excited.
IN SCROOGE'S OLD NEIGHBOURHOOD
ScroogeGood heavens! I grew up in this place. That's the river! And... Oh, and I used to climb that tree…
NarratorHe ed everybody's names. He could see them, but they couldn't see him or the Spirit. Then the Spirit invited Scrooge to go to the local school.
Spirit of Christmas PastThe school is not quite empty. There's still a child there...
ScroogeI know! And I know who it is!
NarratorThere he was, young Scrooge, alone in a room, sad and lonely. But one Christmas, his young sister came to the school with good news.
AT SCROOGE'S OLD SCHOOL
Scrooge's little sisterHello, my dear brother! I've come to take you home! Home forever and ever. Father is much kinder than he used to be and he sent me in a carriage to bring you. And we'll be together all Christmas, and have the merriest time in all the world!
Spirit of Christmas PastYour sister... She had a big heart! She died when she was an adult and had, I think, children. Your nephew!
ScroogeYes. She was so kind...
NarratorDo I sense regret in Scrooge's voice? He behaved so badly towards his nephew... But time was running out and the Spirit of Christmas Past had another place to take Scrooge to: a big warehouse.
AT SCROOGE'S OLD WORKPLACE
Spirit of Christmas PastSo, do you recognise this place?
ScroogeYes! I was an apprentice here. Oh! Old Mr Fezziwig! That's my old boss!
Mr FezziwigYo ho ho boys, no more work tonight. It's Christmas Eve! Clear away my lads, and let's have lots of room here!
NarratorThe warehouse was transformed into a bright ballroom in no time at all. In came a musician, Mrs Fezziwig and her three daughters, and all the young men and women employed in the business. It got old Scrooge thinking. He told the Spirit...
ScroogeMr Fezziwig had the power to make us happy or unhappy; to make our work easy or hard; pleasure or pain. The happiness he gave us is as great as if it had cost a huge pile of gold. I should like to be able to say a word or two to my clerk Bob Cratchit just now.
NarratorIs there a change in old Scrooge? Mmmm... Maybe... Well, the mood was darker when the Spirit took Scrooge to see another Christmas a few years later. Then, the young Scrooge was starting to look obsessed with money. He wasn't alone. There was a young woman by his side. Oh, she was crying...
IN THE PAST
Scrooge's girlfriendSomething else has taken my place; if it can cheer and comfort you as I wanted to do, I have no reason to cry. May you be happy in the life you have chosen!
ScroogeSpirit, show me no more. Take me home. Why do you torture me?
NarratorIt was hard for Scrooge to see how his girlfriend left him when he started to fall in love with money. But the Spirit's work wasn't done yet. He took Scrooge to yet another Christmas a few years from then. And the greedy, old man saw her happy with a husband and children - children who he almost wished were his own. Scrooge was very depressed when he got back home: the kind sister whose son he rejected, the generous employer, the lost girlfriend – that's a lot to take in! But there were still two spirits left. What would the Spirit of Christmas Present show Scrooge? Let's see it tomorrow. I can't wait!
good heavens!a formal or old-fashioned way of expressing surprise; equivalent to 'Wow!'
carriagea vehicle that's pulled by a horse
merriest(superlative form of merry; comparative: merrier) happiest
warehousevery large room where raw materials or manufactured products are stored
apprenticesomeone who works in a company to learn their job
Christmas Eve24 December - the day before Christmas
obsessedcrazy about something; unable to think of anything else
torturegive pain to someone
greedysomebody who is very, very keen on having a lot of money or food
rejectednot given the love and attention expected
Quiz
Question 1: Who cheered Scrooge up when he was alone at school on Christmas day?
a) The Spirit of Christmas Past
b) Scrooge's little sister
c) Mr Fezziwig
Question 2: Why did Scrooge feel he should have talked to his clerk, Bob Cratchit?
a) He felt he should have been as kind to his clerk as his own old boss was to him
b) When he heard Mr Fezziwig asking them to put the shutters up he ed he had left his office door open
c) He wanted to invite Bob Cratchit to his own Christmas party
Question 3: Why did Ebenezer Scrooge's girlfriend leave him?
a) Because she fell in love with somebody else
b) Because she loved money more than him
c) Because he loved money more than he loved her
Question 1: The correct answer is (b)
Question 2: The correct answer is (a)
Question 3: The correct answer is (c)
Adapted and produced by Graciela Damiano
Cast: Sophie Napleton, Darren Benedict, Simon Haynes, Helen Hu, Paul Scott, Feifei Feng.
Illustration: Carolina Thwaites-Lastra
English Language Teaching consultant: Nicola Prentis
Studio Manager and Post Production: Neva Missirian
Studio Manager: Anna Veale
Sound research: Vera Harte
All is revealed in the final episode
Lady Bracknell makes a surprise appearance
It's time for the men to it they're not called Ernest
Cecily and Gwendolen both think they're engaged to someone called Ernest. When they meet it can't go well, can it?
Algernon and Cecily's relationship takes an interesting twist
Jack returns home to find his friend Algernon there. Algernon's pretending to be Jack's brother so he can win Cecily's heart
Algernon secretly goes to visit Cecily. He's pretending to be Jack's wicked younger brother, Ernest
Jack has proposed to his darling Gwendolen, and she has accepted. But her mother is not happy.
Algernon and Jack reveal they both lead double lives. But can Jack win the heart of the woman he really loves?
A young man visits his wealthy, young friend in Victorian London. But he's not exactly who he says he is…
The crew are almost back in London, but will they make it home in time to win the challenge? Listen to the last episode of our drama, The Race, to find out!
Sophia and epartout have recovered from the dodgy lobster that Phil cooked for them, but the crew aren't in the clear yet. Find out what danger they face next in this episode of The Race!
Phil decides to say thank you to the crew by cooking a slap-up meal. How will it go down? Listen to episode eight of The Race to find out!
Phil, epartout and Sophia have all fallen asleep while at sea! There's a loud bang – what's happened? Listen to episode seven of The Race to find out!
The Mermaid has been stolen! But who has taken Phil's yacht and how will he get it back? Is it the end of his round-the-world adventure? Find out in episode six of The Race!
The satnav is down and they've narrowly missed being hit by a container ship. Will Phil, epartout and Sophia be able to continue their journey? Find out in the next episode of The Race!
Phil and epartout rescue Sophia from her violent husband and make their way onward from Sao Tome. But technology is about to fail them! What's going to happen? Find out in episode four of The Race!
Phil makes it to port. But things are about to get tricky when a storm threatens his journey – will Phil and epartout survive their latest obstacle? Find out in episode three of The Race!
Phil and his friend Pete set off on their round-the-world. Will it all be plain sailing or will they sink? Find out in episode two of The Race!
Phil's a writer living in London. His life isn't that interesting – but it's about to change dramatically! Find out just how much in episode one of our drama, The Race!
Ebenezer Scrooge has been taken to several different places by three spirits. He saw that if he died, nobody would care because he is a bad man. How will this experience change Scrooge's life?
Ebenezer Scrooge is getting used to the company of ghosts, but here's one he doesn't expect.
Ebenezer Scrooge seems to be changing his ways. He has learnt a lesson from a ghost which took him to the past and now is ready to be visited by the Spirit of Christmas Present.
In this episode, you'll get to know Ebenezer Scrooge. Nobody seems to be able to get a kind word or even a smile out of him.
BBC Learning English's Christmas Pantomime – Dick Whittington and his Cat
Alice is at the trial of the Knave of Hearts - and she is taller than ever before. The King asks the jury to give their verdict - but will the Queen let Alice escape without a punishment?
Alice finds herself at a trial. Did the Knave of Hearts steal the Queen's tarts? What does the Hatter know about it - and what's that funny feeling Alice is having?
Alice plays croquet with the Queen. But what are the rules - and how can Alice play croquet when the ball is a hedgehog?
Alice finds the Hatter and the March Hare having a very strange tea-party. They manage to make Alice angry - but how? And do riddles always have answers?
Someone inside the Duchess's house is angry - but who? The Duchess's baby is making some very strange sounds and the Cheshire-Cat smiles while the cook throws things. Will Alice meet anyone who isn't mad?
Alice is beginning to wonder who she is, when a caterpillar gives her some advice about a magical mushroom. But is it good advice – and who thinks Alice is a snake?
Alice is too big to fit inside the White Rabbit's house. The problem is, she's already inside it! How does she get out - and why is everyone throwing cakes?
Alice meets all sorts of creatures as she swims around in a pool of her own tears. She s in a Caucus-race: but how can you win a race with no rules? And who will give the prizes?
Alice can't stay the same size for more than a few minutes! When she's big, she cries a pool of tears. What will happen to her when she gets smaller again?
Alice is an ordinary girl, until the day a white rabbit runs past her, saying "I'm late!" Alice follows the White Rabbit as he runs down a rabbit hole, and a whole Wonderland of adventure begins…
The Creature reappears in the Arctic and boards the boat which has rescued Viktor Frankenstein
Viktor Frankenstein gets married and is happy again. But will it last long?
There’s another murder and Viktor Frankenstein is arrested
Viktor Frankenstein works alone to build a bride for the Creature
The Creature explains the killings and offers to leave everybody in peace, but on one condition...
The Creature is on the run and finally meets a good family. Will they accept it?
Viktor Frankenstein meets the Creature at last. Will they be friends or have a fight?
A murder takes Viktor Frankenstein back to his hometown
Viktor Frankenstein is ready to give life to a creature, but is this really a wise thing to do?
Viktor Frankenstein has always been ionate about science and he and others paid a high price because of that. He has a warning to all who, like him, tried to challenge Nature
The White Elephant restaurant has always struggled to stay in business and the future is not looking good. They desperately need customers - and when they finally get one, Gordon's skills in the kitchen must keep them there. Find out if he can do it in this final episode and learn some hope-related phrases
There's a bake-off competition taking place and Gordon seems to have made a special effort - and he only does that when there's something to win! Peter's also made a cake that looks exactly the same – what's going on? Watch this video to find out, and learn some competition-related phrases
Ceilia's latest idea from her management training is to get everyone to do a job swap. This will give everyone the chance to see what other people's jobs involve. This could be fun, but will Gordon be able to 'lower' himself to doing the work of a washer-upper?! Watch this to find out and learn some phrases related to empathy.
Gordon changes his appearance to try and look fashionable but his work colleagues have their own opinions on how he looks and they can't keep a secret. Watch and learn some fashion-related phrases.
What's this? Gordon has come up with a new recipe for ostrich lasagne. He just needs someone to taste-test it. When the team offer to give it a try they soon wish they hadn't! Watch and count how many phrases you hear related to feeling sick
There's a criminal in the area but could he be coming to eat at The White Elephant and who's going to be the bravest person to confront him? Watch and learn some phrases related to being brave
Peter the waiter is shaken up when he nearly gets hit by a van but Gordon has no sympathy as he brags about his new mobile business venture. Can the two things be connected? Learn some phrases about honesty.
It's been a late night for the team at The White Elephant but Gordon seems remarkably lively. That's until he hears about an award that only he could win! Watch and learn some sleep-related phrases.
It's a special 'sushi night' at the restaurant and Gordon is keen to make a good impression on the customers. But his best efforts don't quite go to plan and he runs out of an important ingredient. Is the evening going to be a disaster or can someone save the day? Watch and learn phrases used to talk about very unsuccessful events
The restaurant is about to get a visit from the health inspector. Everyone needs to make the place clean and tidy but Gordon has other ideas. And why does he need to clean up his act? Watch the video and listen out for the phrases used to do with being clean
The restaurant gets some customers from America who demand a meal that really puts Gordon's cooking skills to the test. Can he give them what they want or will he leave a bad impression? Find out by watching this episode and listening out for the phrases related to failure
Lucky Mary! Someone has left her a special gift and she thinks she knows who it's from but is she right or has someone else in the kitchen got a soft spot for her? Find out in this episode and listen out for the phrases related to love
A VIP [Very Important Person] has decided to come and eat at The White Elephant and try out the food. Gordon cooks him something really special - but is it what the customer had in mind? Find out in this episode and listen out for phrases related to excellence.
Something smells good in the kitchen – Gordon is preparing a special meal but unfortunately the red wine he's using isn't going into the cooking pot. Will the customers ever get to taste it – and will they want to? Watch this episode and listen out for the phrases related to timing
Don't panic! Twenty-five people are heading for The White Elephant. Will Gordon really be able to cook for this many people? And how will Peter get all the orders written on his small notepad? Everyone needs to keep calm if they want this to go well. Listen out for the phrases related to keeping calm
Peter, the waiter, isn't happy. Somebody called Edith has died and the team are doing their best to comfort Peter with some wise words. Can grumpy Gordon think of a nice thing to say? And who is Edith anyway? Find out in this episode and listen out for the phrases related to sadness
The White Elephant restaurant is struggling to stay in business. It's up to the staff to think of an idea that will bring in enough money to save the restaurant! But, as usual, their grumpy chef Gordon needs some persuading. What will change his mind? Find out in this episode - and listen out for phrases related to being clever
The White Elephant restaurant has had so few customers it might have to close down. Ceilia comes up with an idea to attract more diners, but there's one person who's not convinced... Will Gordon the chef change his mind? Find out in this episode and listen out for the phrases related to resilience that are used.
When Mary and Ceilia arrive early for work they get the shock of their lives when they discover Gordon sleeping in the kitchen. What's caused him to spend the night there? Find out in this episode and listen out for shock-related phrases
What is the secret of Gordon's success? Even when Mary gets an important qualification, he claims his experience is much more important. However, something happens which proves who has the most experience. Who will succeed?
Gordon, the chef, is usually an angry man but something in the kitchen has made him angrier than usual. Who can calm him down and get him cooking again before another customer disappears?
Ceilia, the boss, has some news she can't keep to herself but as soon as she tells someone the news spreads. However, as the secret gets ed on, the information becomes less reliable. Find out what the secret is in today's episode
Gordon is preparing something special for the customers but there's one ingredient that might not be to everybody's taste. Find out what happens and see why Mary's washing-up skills come in very useful
Oh no, there are three customers in the restaurant and no chef to cook any food. While Peter panics, Ceilia tries to find a solution and Mary helps get the kitchen ready. But when Gordon finally turns up, will there be any customers to cook any food for? Find out in this episode
Peter's just had a nice surprise - his first ever tip - but he doesn't hold on to it for long. Gordon the chef gets a surprise too, when everyone realises what's happened to Peter's money. Watch this episode to find out what makes Gordon grumpy this time - and listen out for phrases related to kindness
Welcome back to the kitchen of The White Elephant restaurant. Gordon is unusually happy. What's making him so cheerful - and how long will it last? Watch and learn some useful everyday phrases related to being happy
The kitchen of The White Elephant restaurant is a busy place and Gordon the chef doesn't like it. Watch and learn some useful everyday phrases related to being annoyed
Find out what's going on in the kitchen of The White Elephant restaurant. There's a problem with the cooker and Gordon the chef isn't happy. Watch and learn some useful everyday phrases related to things that are broken
Welcome back to The White Elephant. The staff at the restaurant are still waiting for their first customer, but when one eventually arrives they have to work quickly to make sure this one doesn't escape
Welcome to The White Elephant - the restaurant with no customers. How will they cope when someone finally comes for a meal?
Can Gulliver remain in the land of the horses he loves so much?
Gulliver finds himself on an island of talking horse-people
Gulliver visits the Great Academy of Lagado
Gulliver has left the giants of Brobdingnag behind and begun a new adventure. An attack by pirates leaves him alone on an empty island, until something huge appears in the sky…
Gulliver is in the land of the giants, Brobdingnag. He fears for his life and wants to return home to England. But first, he'll have to persuade the King to let him go
Gulliver is in the land of the giants, Brobdingnag. He is forced to perform every day in front of crowds of villagers, but his luck changes when a visitor from the royal palace arrives.
After his adventures in the land Lilliput, Gulliver takes to sea again. This time he arrives in a country where he's not the largest, but the smallest... What will happen in the land of Brobdingnag?
Gulliver is a hero after helping Lilliput defeat their enemy Blefuscu. But when fire breaks out at the palace, can Gulliver help?
Gulliver goes to war against Lilliput's enemies
Gulliver arrives in the land of Lilliput
Cecily and Gwendolen both think they're engaged to someone called Ernest
For a better experience please enable Javascript in your browser
