Most people have a favourite actor – someone they can’t wait to see in a new film or TV series. But it’s easy to forget that many of your favourite performers are also acclaimed narrators. It’s always a delight to start a new story and find a familiar voice in the narrator’s booth, especially when that celebrity has a spectacular talent for voice acting.
1. Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection, read by Stephen Fry
Through a thrilling collection of investigative stories, private detective Sherlock Holmes continues to captivate fiction fans across the world. First gracing the shelves of Victorian bookshops over 130 years ago, the stories of Sherlock Holmes have since been adapted for film, TV and theatre. Now, Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes: The Definitive Collection is brought to life for Audible listeners by national treasure and Golden Globe Award-nominated actor, Stephen Fry. Fry’s distinctive and dulcet tones give an exciting depth to all of the collection’s characters, which creates a varied and impressive audio experience.
2. The Handmaid's Tale, read by Elisabeth Moss
The Handmaid’s Tale is the chilling tale of Offred, a woman who is stripped of her personal identity and forced to work as a surrogate for wealthy and powerful couples in a near-future dystopia, the Republic of Gilead. It explores themes of misogyny, totalitarianism and morality, but Margaret Atwood’s master storytelling ability also elevates this story to a thriller. Emmy Award winning actress and star of the Channel 4 adaptation of the book, Elisabeth Moss brings this unforgettable modern classic to a vivid, eerie reality with her exquisite performance. Famously, the original novel ends with the line, “Are there any questions?”. This exclusive edition might just offer some answers.
3. The Tattooist of Auschwitz, read by Richard Armitage
The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the powerful true story of concentration camp prisoners Lale and Gita Sokolov. A harrowing tale of survival, determination and love, it explores what it means to have hope and courage in the darkest of times. Arriving in Auschwitz in 1942, Lale recollects his experiences from contracting typhoid to meeting the enchanting Gita. Solely narrated by English film, TV and voice actor, Richard Armitage, Heather Morris’ international best seller makes for an unforgettable listen. Armitage’s distinctive baritone voice provides a sombre yet hopeful listening experience that will have you smiling and crying until the final chapter.
4. La Belle Sauvage: The Book of Dust, Volume One, read by Michael Sheen
La Belle Sauvage: The Book of Dust, Volume One is Philip Pullman’s first expansion on his beloved His Dark Material trilogy. It follows a young spy named Malcolm Polstead, whose family owns an inn on the banks of the River Thames in Oxford. When Polstead finds a secret message at the inn, describing a dangerous substance called Dust, it’s safe to say his interest is piqued. BAFTA-winning actor Michael Sheen is widely known for depicting Tony Blair in The Queen, William Masters in The Masters of Sex and Aziraphale in Good Omens, and his voice acting credentials are equally as impressive. Having narrated almost 20 creations, ranging from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to Dostoyevsky’s The Idiot, he is also the winner of multiple screen and theatre awards. To Pullman’s vivid, vast world, Sheen masterfully fills each word with a sense of wonder and intrigue.
5. H.G. Wells: The Science Fiction Collection, read by David Tennant, Sophie Okenedo and Hugh Bonneville
With a writing career spanning over 60 years, Herbert George Wells is often referred to as the father of science fiction. The Science Fiction Collection brings together five of H.G. Wells’ science fiction works, each narrated by a critically acclaimed or award-winning actor. The War of the Worlds shares one man’s experience of an alien invasion, performed by the unmistakable and energetic voice of David Tennant. Tony Award-winning actress Sophie Okonedo’s composed style brings The Invisible Man to life, while Hugh Bonneville’s performance of The Time Machine offers plenty of gravitas.
6. Little Women: An Audible Original Drama, read by Laura Dern
Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women tells the classic story of four sisters growing up against the backdrop of the American Civil War. Adapted multiple times for screen, stage and TV, the 2019 film adaptation starred Academy Award-winning actress Laura Dern, who performs alongside prolific narrator Emily Bauer in this audio drama. The duo’s refreshing and honest style breathes new life into the March family’s trials and triumphs. A journey of highs and lows, this pause-resistant listen will have you entranced until the end.
7. Emma: An Audible Original Drama, read by Emma Thompson
Jane Austen’s Emma tells the tale of young woman Emma Woodhouse, whose misplaced confidence in her matchmaking abilities makes for a romantic and highly entertaining story. Dame Emma Thompson DBE brings the story to life with her soft and witty delivery, creating a light and emotive performance of this Austen classic. With a career spanning over 30 years, Thompson is one of Britain’s most acclaimed actresses, having won Academy Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTAs and an Emmy, and her captivating narration is complemented by the quality performances of several talented voice actresses.
8. Matilda, read by Kate Winslet
Roald Dahl’s literary classic Matilda is a family favourite. Named in The Times’ list of the 100 Best Young-Adult Books of All Time, it is loved for its comical and heartfelt portrayal of a young girl who uses her extraordinary powers to get the better of her terrifying headmistress and cruel parents. In this adaptation, award-winning actress Kate Winslet delivers an enchanting performance that’s suitable for all ages. Performing each and every character herself, Winslet’s talent really shines through, for which the American Library Association shortlisted her for an Odyssey Award.
9. Call Me by Your Name, read by Armie Hammer
Call Me by Your Name centres on a blossoming romance between Elio, a teenage American-Italian Jewish boy and a 24-year-old American guest who is staying at Elio’s parents’ Italian mansion for the summer. The powerful tale received widespread acclaim when it was first released in 2007 and has since been adapted into an Academy Award-winning film. American actor Armie Hammer expertly leads you into the depths of this story, offering up an honest and passionate performance that sensitively portrays the raw and intimate feelings experienced by the characters.
10. The World's Worst Children, read by David Walliams
In The World’s Worst Children, David Walliams tells the stories of ten delightfully dreadful children who each have their own distinctive characteristics, from Dribbling Drew to Grubby Gertrude. David Walliams OBE has been on our screens for over 20 years, taking on multiple roles as a comedian, actor and TV personality, beginning his writing career in 2008. The author’s imaginative and creative storytelling, combined with his unmistakable voice and humour, illustrates each of the stories in The World’s Worst Children in a way that only he can. Walliams’ mischievous nature, coupled with Nitin Ganatra’s comedic introduction, is a recipe for the perfect performance.
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