Alan Bennett: Doctor Dolittle Stories

Classic Readings from the BBC Archive

By: Hugh Lofting

Narrated by: Alan Bennett

Alan Bennett reads these three enchanting Doctor Dolittle stories.

Doctor Dolittle has an extraordinary talent - he can talk to the animals! Taught by his parrot, Polynesia, he is soon able to chat to every kind of creature - and his skill leads him into all sorts of adventures.

In The Story of Doctor Dolittle, the Doctor and his pets set sail for Africa to save the monkeys - but they face great danger and challenges, including a sinking ship and Barbary pirates....

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle finds Doctor Dolittle on the high seas once again, this time with his young friend Tommy Stubbins. The pair head for Spider Monkey Island, a mysterious place of magic and secrets....

Doctor Dolittle's Circus sees the Doctor in need of money, so he and his Pushmi-Pullyu join the circus. They're such a hit with the other animals that Doctor Dolittle soon finds himself running the show!

Brilliantly read by Alan Bennett, whose delightfully whimsical rendition brings Doctor Dolittle and all his animal friends magically to life, this charming collection of stories will delight listeners young and old.

©2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Great Doctor!

I enjoyed these stories, fantastic as they may be (it was wonderful to peek into the Doctor's world and hear what the animals have to say) However, bugs me that Dr Dolittle has no issues with eating meat. I'm not a vegetarian, either, but I don't go around chatting with the pigs and cows. How does he decide who's a friend and who's a meal?
Alan Bennett's voices and narration are great! These classic stories deserve a listen :)

an oldie but goodie you wont want to miss

nothing like the new movies whatsoever. the older movie puts all 3 Dr Doolittle books together but is not quite spot on (and is very long). this book is just the right length and so much more fun and interesting than i expected it to be. my kids have all enjoyed it as well and my 11yr old has listened to it more than once. great for animal lovers but also people who love travel or adventure- this book has a little of everything!