Magic!

This is a magical mystery tour of the London Underground - but beware, you will never be able to see the good old Tube in the same way again!
Neil Gaiman creates characters: the story is, of course, fabulous - but it's the people that keep you interested, that make you care what happens next.
Marvellous book, always ready to drop you into a chasm, make you face terrifying monsters, meet beautiful but dishonourable women, keep you awake on a long journey into Neverwhere...

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5 people found this helpful

Unexpected Pleasure

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I don't read fantasy novels and I don't listen to dramatisations, so I'm not sure why I bought this, but I am so very, very glad I did! This is just superb from start to finish - an inspired idea (a parallel ''London Below' inhabited by an actual Angel of Islington and an Earl of Court) with a stellar cast (James McEvoy is spot on as Richard, but Benedict Cumberbatch and Christopher Lee as the aforementioned Angel and Earl almost steal the show from a brilliant Bernard Cribbins as Old Bailey) make this an absolutely compelling listen.

What other book might you compare Neverwhere [Adaptation] to, and why?

This is pretty unique, so nothing quite like it. Doctor Who - at its very best - is a good comparator: think the Weeping Angels in 'Blink' or 'The Empty Child'.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Too many to mention - the Floating Market and the fight on the Drawbridge stands out, as does the encounter with the Earl in the train carriage. The scenes with Old Bailey give a sense of space (as they happen on the rooftop) that counterpoints the claustrophobia below. Has to be the candlelit scenes with the Angel that work the best, though.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I loved Cumberbatch's portrayal of the Angel of Islington - you could really feel centuries of weariness in his voice.

Any additional comments?

I've watched the BBC dramatisation since, which - whilst not as good as this - is very entertaining. If you like this, watch is, if only for the most deliciously creepy performance you'll ever see from Hywel Bennett.

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3 people found this helpful

Great Adaptation of a Great Book

Superbly produced and great performances all round. This is very much an adaptation as an audio drama and not a straight reading of the book, but this captures the invention of the original very nicely indeed.

The final chapter of the audio book was a bit odd though. Without any introduction or explanation we get a compilation of bloopers from the recording sessions (not that amusing) and some scenes repeated from the main production - perhaps they were extended or edited in some way. Didn't add to the package.

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2 people found this helpful

awesome

I am an avid reader of Neil Gaimen and this radio play did not disappoint.
The cast was amazing with special credit going to James McAvoy playing the unwilling protagonist Richard Mayhew and Anthony Head playing the creepy and verbose Mr Croup. The rest of the cast did an upstanding job which made listening to one of my most beloved stories by Gaimen into a beautiful and immersive experience. I truly forgot I was listening to an audible, and was transported to London below to travel with Richard Door and the marquis, somewhere I was sad to leave at the end of the play. I hope, like Richard, I find my way back someday.

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Brilliant recreation

If you could sum up Neverwhere [Adaptation] in three words, what would they be?

Dark. Atmospheric. Whirling.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Maquis - you never really know whether he's truly helping or just in it for personal gain. Sometimes he surprises you

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The Black Friars - a turning point for Richard

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not 'moved' as such but the events in/on Knightsbridge were unsettling.

Any additional comments?

As always with a dramatisation, if you have read the book you are constantly comparing one with the other. This I felt whipped along with pace and gave form to some of the characters that the book skipped past. Ultimately, I prefer the book but this dramatisation with a cast of household names is a great and enjoyable attempt at realisation of one of Neil Gaiman's classics. This Christmas 'Good Omens' is to be broadcast - hopefully a good companion piece

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See London in a new light

To hear this great dramatisation, was a pleasure. It's a story that grabs you from the start and takes you on journey to see another side of London.

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Great

Great story and wonderful cast who really do the story justice. Highly recommend to others

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Excellent adaptation with a stellar cast!

Any additional comments?

Listened to this for the first time on Radio 4 and it was a pleasure to listen to it again. A standout cast and an excellent adaptation.

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Superb!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this. Great story line and compelling performances from all of the cast members. Fantastic entertainment!

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5 stars across the board.

Excellent narration and a Stella cast. Listened from start to finish without a pause, it really kept me engaged throughout. The story is one of Gaiman's best and I look forward to reading the next installment about the Marquis de Carrabas and his coat.
I recommend this book to all ages and especially those who like to escape from the norm.

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