What was the last classic you listened to? Whether it’s something that you’ve read before that you might want to revisit, something that you know you should have read when you were at school but never quite got around to it, or something that’s on the bucket list that you fancy working your way through while doing laundry, we’ll get you caught up on the must-listen classics. What’s exciting is that innovation in audio technology allows us to be more experimental with form and sound design than ever before, and so some of the most recent Audible Original productions have reframed classics in a new light, with 3D sound design, all-star casts and scripts that shed new, 21st century light on the traditional story. Some people want their classics straight up, unabridged, read by one actor with very few bells and whistles. For others, a more cinematic listening experience is more appealing. However you take your classics, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of my favourites, all available on Audible.
Let’s face it: this would take a LONG time to read, right? Stick your headphones on and let Thandiwe Newton tell you this epic story. Thandiwe spent almost a month recording this during the COVID pandemic, bringing all the characters to life in the most exquisite way.
This is an example of a classic with all the bells and whistles. Executive produced by Academy Award-winning film director Sam Mendes, this scripted production stars Brian Cox (Succession), Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) and Academy Award-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya (Judas and the Black Messiah). Make sure you listen to this one with headphones on – it’s produced in Dolby so you might just feel like Bill Sikes is creeping up behind you…
If you’ve got your brave pants on, take a listen to this version of Susan Black’s classic horror story, narrated by Paapa Essiedu. It follows the tale of a young lawyer who attends the funeral of a lady at the mysterious Eel House. Little does he knows the secrets that lie in wait… It’s a really immersive production, with a gorgeous soundtrack but yeah, I warned you: don’t listen alone.
Everyone likes a bit of Jane Austen, right? I find it amazing how ahead of her times she was in her satire and realism, and I think really set the stage for many of the other authors in this list. In this collection, you can listen to some of the most exciting Hollywood stars lend their voice to dramatised versions of her most famous works, including Claire Foy (The Crown), Florence Pugh (Don’t Worry Darling) and many others. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon listen with a cup of English breakfast tea, don’t you think?
If you’re looking for something a bit shorter to listen to, I can recommend listening to this American short story. It’s a bit of a mind-bender, and the performance by British actress Cynthia Erivo, who is soon to be starring as Elphaba in the film version of the Wicked musical, will send a very subtle chill all the way down your spine.
And saving what is arguably the best for last, this epic collection is ALL of the Sherlock Holmes stories ever written by the great Arthur Conan Doyle, narrated by the incomparable Stephen Fry. Stephen is a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes, and as you listen you’ll hear introductions written by Stephen himself giving some context into the story you’re about to hear and its significance. The whole thing is over 71 hours long, so it’s amazing value for a credit and should keep you entertained for quite some time…
