William Shakespeare has 164 audiobooks on Listento.it, narrated by 383 narrators, with an average listener rating of 4.4★ across 2,956 ratings. The most-rated is The Clan of the Cave Bear.
Henry IV, Part 1
Summary
This play introduces Shakespeare's greatest comedic character, the dissolute knight Sir John Falstaff. While King Henry's England is threatened by rebellion, the king's scapegrace son Hal haunts the taverns of London, his companions a crew of rogues and thieves let by Falstaff. The earl of Northumberland and his fiery son Hotspur scheme to overthrow the crown. Can Hal be brought to a sense of duty as Prince of Wales? Or will the influence of Falstaff prove too strong? The issue is decided when Hal, Hotspur, and Falstaff come together at the climactic battle of Shrewsbury. Hal is played by Jamie Glover and King Henry by Julian Glover. Richard Griffiths is Falstaff.
Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio
Measure for Measure
Summary
A performance of the tragi-comedy by the Royal Shakespeare Company. When a young woman is offered the choice of saving a man's life at the price of her own chastity, what should she do? The political and moral corruption of Vienna has driven Duke Vincentio into hiding while his deputy governor, Angelo, is left to revive the old discipline of civic authority. Angelo's first act is to imprison Claudio, a young nobleman who has gotten his betrothed, Juliet, with child. Under the old laws, this is punishable by death. Angelo next offers Isabella, sister to Claudio and a beautiful young novice about to take her vows, the chance to save her brother's life at the price of her own chastity. Disguised as a friar, the duke returns to manipulate the players and deliver justice in one of Shakespeare's darkest plays, an examination of the nature of justice and morality.
(P)1979 HarperCollins Publishers
The Winter's Tale
Summary
King Leontes of Sicilia is seized by sudden and terrible jealousy of his wife Hermione, whom he accuses of adultery. He believes the child Hermione is bearing was fathered by his friend Polixenes, and when the baby girl is born he orders her to be taken to some wild place and left to die. Though Hermione's child escapes death, Leontes' cruelty has terrible consequences. Loss paves the way for reunion, and life and hope are born out of desolation and despair. One of the late romances in Shakespeare's canon, this complex work is at times tragic, at times humorous, but always entertaining and enlightening. Sinead Cusack plays Hermione, and Ciaran Hinda plays Leontes. Eileen Atkins is Paulina and Paul Jesson is Polixenes. Time the Chorus is played by Sir John Gielgud.
Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio
As You Like It
Summary
Love triumphs in As You Like It, Shakespeare's joyous comic adventure! Rosalind, arguably Shakespeare's greatest female character, is banished from court and follows her exiled father into the untamed Forest of Arden. Disguised as a man for safety, Rosalind's great wit and good nature show through her male trappings as she engages with fools and philosophers adrift in the woods, and ultimately falls in love. An L.A. Theatre Works full cast performance featuring: Lynn Collins as Rosalind Jeff Gardner as Silvius/Jaques de Boys Alexis Jacknow as Audrey/Dennis/Lords/Pages Stacy Keach as Jaques James Marsters as Duke Frederick/Duke Senior André Sogliuzzo as Adam/Charles/Others Summer Spiro as Phebe/Amiens/Others James Waterston as Orlando Jules Wilcox as Celia Matthew Wolf as Touchstone/Oliver Directed by Barry Creyton. Recorded in Los Angeles before a live audience at The James Bridges Theater, UCLA in April of 2016.
Public Domain (P)2016 L.A. Theatre Works
Romeo and Juliet
Summary
The most iconic love story of all time, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is an epic-scale tragedy of desire and revenge. Despite the bitter rivalry that exists between their families, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet have fallen madly in love. But when the long-running rivalry boils over into murder, the young couple must embark on a dangerous and deadly mission to preserve their love at any cost. An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Calista Flockhart as Juliet; Matthew Wolf as Romeo; Julie White as Nurse; Alan Mandell as Friar Laurence; Richard Chamberlain as Prince Escalus; Nicholas Hormann as Lord Capulet; Josh Stamberg as Mercutio; Mark J. Sullivan as Benvolio and others; Logan Fahey as Tybalt and Balthasar; Alfred Molina as Chorus; Henry Clarke as Paris and others; Lily Knight as Lady Capulet; Janine Barris as Young Lady, Boy Page to Paris and others; Darren Richardson as Sampson and Peter; Alan Shearman as Lord Montague and others; André Sogliuzzo as Gregory and others; and Sarah Zimmerman as Lady Montague and others. Directed by Martin Jarvis. Recorded at the Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in January, 2012.
©2012 L.A. Theatre Works (P)2012 L.A. Theatre Works
Henry VI, Part 3
Summary
The monstrous power of one of Shakespeare's most memorable characters, Richard Plantagenet, emerges in Henry VI, Part 3, a portent of things to come. The Yorkists have been temporarily victorious and the Duke of York has assumed the throne, but the Lancastrians, led by Queen Margaret, counter-attack. As the fortunes of war shift, both the innocent and the guilty are swept up in the maelstrom. And increasingly dominant amid the chaos is the sinister figure of the crook-backed Richard, Duke of Gloucester. David Tennant plays Henry VI, and Kelly Hunter plays Queen Margaret. Clive Merrison is the Duke of York, Stephen Boxer is Edward IV, and John Bowe is Warwick. Richard of Gloucester is played by David Troughton.
Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio
Hamlet
Summary
Jamie Parker stars as the Prince of Denmark in this brand-new BBC Radio 4 full-cast production.
At the Castle of Elsinore in Denmark, the court is uneasy. The king of Denmark has recently died and the throne has been claimed by the king's brother, Claudius. Prince Hamlet, still in mourning for his father, distrusts Claudius and believes that what has happened at the court 'cannot come to good’. The ghost of his father has told him he was murdered by Claudius. Can it be true? He arranges for a troupe of players to emulate such a murder before the court, in the hope that the truth will out.
As circumstances play out, and Hamlet is variously counselled and challenged by the King and Queen, Laertes, Polonius, Ophelia, and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, the fabric of the court starts to unravel. Soon Hamlet’s indecision leads to a series of tragic events - and to what end?
©2014 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)2014 BBC Worldwide Ltd
Complete Shakespeare Tales
Summary
Friendship, betrayal, wisdom, humour, epic romance, jealousy, adventure, bravery and murder. There's everything in those iconic Shakespeare stories. His work transcends generations and appeals endlessly to other writers. His dramatic structures are both simple and complicated, intertwined with numerous relationships, which reappear in our lives again and again. This iconic collection of Shakespeare tales includes 20 of his most prominent works adapted by Edith Nesbit and transformed into modern English. This collection includes the following Romeo and Juliet A Midsummer Night's Dream Hamlet King Lear The Tempest As You Like It The Winter's Tale Twelfth Night Much Ado About Nothing Pericles Cymbeline Macbeth The Comedy of Errors The Merchant of Venice Measure for Measure Othello The Taming of the Shrew Timon of Athens The Two Gentlemen of Verona All's Well That Ends Well Read in English, unabridged.
©2018 Sovereign (P)2018 Sovereign
Julius Caesar: The Arkangel Shakespeare
Summary
At the heart of this tragic history is one of Shakespeare's most noble characters, the statesman Brutus, who is caught in a devastating conflict between private affection and public duty. Julius Caesar has become the most powerful man in the Rome. Does his power now threaten the very existence of the Republic itself? A conspiracy is hatched, one that will have fatal consequences not only for Caesar and the conspirators but for the future history of the ancient world. Brutus is played by John Bowe and Mark Antony by Adrian Lester. Michael Feast is Caesar.
Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
BBC Radio Shakespeare: A Collection of Four History Plays
Summary
Four full-cast BBC Radio productions of Shakespeare's finest history plays. Introduced by Sir Richard Eyre, these four iconic productions, featuring star casts, bring Shakespeare's gripping histories to life in all their rich complexity. Henry IV, Part One Young Prince Hal struggles with his responsibilities as heir to the throne, preferring the company of the dissolute Falstaff. But when England is threatened with rebellion, will he do his duty? Father and son Julian Glover and Jamie Glover star as King Henry and Prince Hal, with Timothy West as Falstaff. Henry IV, Part Two The realm is still in danger, and the king is dying. It is time for Prince Hal to fulfil his royal destiny - but what will become of his old friend Falstaff? Starring Julian Glover, Jamie Glover and Timothy West. Richard II This lyrically tragic history encompasses themes of nobility and kingship, as King Richard is brought to his own destruction - but was he justly punished for his excesses or a misunderstood victim? Samuel West stars as Richard II, with Joss Ackland as John of Gaunt and Damian Lewis as Bolingbroke. Pericles Featuring world music and a multicultural cast, this timeless tale with a contemporary twist features tyrants, incest, murder, young love and a great hero cruelly separated from his wife and daughter. Will he ever see them again? Benjamin Zephaniah stars as the narrator, Gower.
©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Summary
It is said that Queen Elizabeth gave Shakespeare two weeks to write this play that showcases her favorite comedic character, Sir John Falstaff. The dissolute Falstaff plans to seduce Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, two "Merry Wives of Windsor," there by gaining access to their husbands' wealth. The two women have the old rogue's measure, however, and Falstaff's plots lead only to his own humiliation. But the merry wives themselves fall prey to plotting as their plans to prevent Mistress Page's daughter Anne from marrying the young man she loves are frustrated in their turn. Dinsdale Landen is Falstaff. Sylvestra Le Touzel plays Mistress Ford and Penny Downie is Mistress Page. Nicholas Woodeson is Ford, Phillip Jackson is Page, and Clive Swift plays Justice Shallow.
Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Summary
Proteus loves Julia in Verona, Valentine loves Silvia in Milan. But when Proteus meets Silvia, he falls for her too, and the heartbroken Julia sets out in pursuit. This delightful and sometimes disquieting early comedy of love lost and found offers lyrical poetry, disguise, clowning, outlaws, and a most unreliable dog. Proteus is played by Michael Maloney and Valentine by Damian Lewis. Silvia is Saskia Wickham, Julia is Lucy Robinson, and John Woodvine plays Launce.
Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio
Timon of Athens
Summary
This controversial play follows the declining fortunes of a man of extravagant contradictions. The fabulously rich Timon believes all his friends to be as open-hearted and generous as himself. When his wealth suddenly evaporates, however, he discovers the truth and his altruism turns to a bitter hatred of mankind. Stirred up by the cynical Apemantus, Timon retreats to the woods where he plots the destruction of Athens, the city that had formerly seemed to embody everything pleasurable and civilized. The cosmic scope of his hatred is communicated in a series of powerful and disturbing dramatic tableaux. Alan Howard is Timon and Norman Rodway is Apemantus. Damian Lewis play Alcibiades.
Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio
Seven Ages
Summary
This highly entertaining anthology of verse is the comic, tragic, tender, and telling story of life's seven ages, from childhood to old age. Within the framework of Shakespeare's speech, "The Seven Ages of Man," performed by Sir Ian McKellen, are 150 great poems from all ages, from Chaucer to Emily Dickinson to Walt Whitman and many others. The poem are presented by the finest cast ever assembled on one recording and includes Ralph Fiennes, Dame Judi Dench, John Cleese, Michael Caine, and more. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©1998 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)1998 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.
The Two Noble Kinsmen
Summary
Palamon and Arcite, cousins and bosom friends, are taken prisoner by Duke Theseus of Athens. While in captivity, they spy the beautiful Emilia. Both fall instantly in love with her, and their attachment to each other turns to hate. This dark-edged tragicomedy is now widely regarded as having been written by Shakespeare in collaboration with John Fletcher. Composed sometime in 1613-14, The Two Noble Kinsmen is the final play in Shakespeare's dramatic career. Jonathan Firth plays Palamon, Nigel Cooke is Arcite, and Emilia is played by Helen Schlesinger.
Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio
BBC Radio Shakespeare
Summary
BBC Radio has a unique heritage when it comes to Shakespeare. Since 1923, when the newly formed company broadcast its first full-length play, generations of actors and producers have honed and perfected the craft of making Shakespeare to be heard.
In this story of evil cunning perverting a once noble mind, radio captures Iago's sly hints and boasts to the audience with shocking clarity. The listener is led along an emotional path that grips with fascinating horror until the play's inevitably tragic conclusion.
Revitalised, original, and comprehensive, this is Shakespeare for the new millennium.
©2001 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)2001 BBC Worldwide Ltd
Richard III
Summary
The Folger Shakespeare Library, home to the world's largest Shakespeare collection, brings Richard III to life with this new full-length, full-cast dramatic recording of its definitive Folger Edition. In Richard III, Shakespeare invites us on a moral holiday. The play draws us to identify with Richard and his fantasy of total control of self and domination of others. Not yet king at the start of the play, Richard presents himself as an enterprising villain as he successfully plans to dispose of his brother, Clarence. Richard achieves similar success in conquering the woman he chooses to marry. He carves a way to the throne through assassination and executions. But Richard also meets resistance, most threateningly from Queen Margaret, widow of King Henry VI, whom he killed before the play’s beginning. Margaret issues a stream of curses, including one on Richard. Gradually the curses are fulfilled, suggesting the curse on Richard may come true, too. Increasingly the play directs our sympathies away from Richard. His supporters desert him; his victims pile up. We may begin to share in the desire for vengeance voiced by Margaret. This new unabridged audio recording of the well-respected edition of Shakespeare's classic, expertly produced by the Folger Theatre, is perfect for students, teachers, and the everyday listener.
©1996 The Folger Shakespeare Library (P)2015 Simon and Schuster
Classic BBC Radio Shakespeare: Comedies
Summary
Three classic radio productions from the BBC archives starring Nigel Hawthorne, Miriam Margolyes, Geraldine McEwan and a host of celebrated acting talent. These three legendary plays, performed by some of the best-known theatrical actors of the 20th century, are the perfect way to commemorate England's greatest dramatist.
The Taming of the Shrew: the controversial comedy about the battle of the sexes and a very unconventional marriage, starring Fenella Fielding as Katherine, with Miriam Margolyes as Bianca and Paul Daneman as Petruchio.
A Midsummer Night's Dream: one of Shakespeare's best-loved plays, this tale of warring fairies, eloping lovers and the magic and madness of love has bewitched audiences since its very first performance. Starring Nigel Hawthorne as Oberon, with Maureen O'Brien as Titania.
Twelfth Night: mistaken identity and a tangled love triangle lead to confusion and, ultimately, happiness in this comic masterpiece. Starring Dorothy Tutin as Viola, with Geraldine McEwan as Olivia and Stephen Murray as Malvolio.
Recorded at BBC Broadcasting House and featuring the BBC Drama Repertory company, with specially composed music including a score from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, this is classic radio drama at its finest.
Duration: seven hours approx.
©2016 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)2016 BBC Worldwide Ltd
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Summary
Shakespeare's most imaginative and merry play is set in an enchanted wood amidst fairies and sprites. When Oberon, King of the Fairies, uses his magic upon four runaway lovers in a midsummer wood outside Athens, chaos ensues. Who really loves whom? Meanwhile, a band of well-meaning but bungling local actors have their rehearsal sabotaged by the mischievous Puck, who bewitches their leader, Bottom, and Titania, the Fairy Queen. The result is a lively and anarchic comedy which can only be resolved by an elaborate disentangling of spells. Hermia is played by Amanda Root, Oberon by David Harewood, and Bottom by Roy Hudd.
Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio
Henry IV, Part 1 (Dramatised)
Summary
One of Shakespeare’s most popular plays is here performed by The Marlowe Society with Anthony Jacobs, Corin Redgrave, Paul Scofield and many other very fine actors. The story itself follows on from that of Shakespeare’s Richard II (also available in this series) and begins with Hotspur's battle at Homildon against the Douglas late in 1402 and ends with the defeat of the rebels at Shrewsbury in the middle of 1403. Within those boundaries are many familiar themes; having ascended to the throne Henry begins to doubt the loyalty of his friends and amplifies the power of his enemies. But Henry must move to quell those who might usurp him….
©2010 Horse's Mouth (P)2010 Horse's Mouth