Ian McKellen has narrated 12 audiobooks on Listento.it by 9 authors, with an average listener rating of 4.6★ across 127 ratings. The most-rated is The Odyssey.
The Odyssey
Summary
The Odyssey is literature's grandest evocation of every man's journey through life. In the myths and legends that are retold here, the energy and poetry of Homer's original is captured in a bold, contemporary idiom, giving us an edition of The Odyssey that is a joy to listen to, worth savoring and treasuring for its sheer lyrical mastery. This audiobook is sure to delight both the classicist and the general listener and to captivate a new generation of Homer's students.
(P) and ©1996 Penguin Books USA Inc.
Paradise Lost
Summary
Sir Ian McKellen stars as Milton in this dramatised retelling of John Milton's epic poem about the fall of man. Milton's biblical masterpiece, first published in 1667, is one of English literature's most seminal works. Straddling three worlds - heaven, hell and earth - it tells the gripping story of fallen angel Satan's rebellion against God, his temptation of Adam and Eve and their subsequent expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Written to 'justify the ways of God to men', it aimed to show what caused mankind's fall and the consequences for the world, both bad and good. By reaching back to the beginning of time, Milton hoped to discover the events that had led to the political and societal upheaval of his own era - as well as using allegory to ask powerful questions about authority, government, tyranny and disobedience. In this brand-new dramatisation, Milton himself (Sir Ian McKellen) is the blind narrator grieving the loss of his wife, played by Frances Barber. Also starring Simon Russell Beale as Satan, and adapted by award-winning poet and broadcaster Michael Symmons Roberts, this enthralling drama is a vital piece of storytelling with striking parallels to contemporary events. Cast and credits: Milton........................Sir Ian McKellen Elizabeth........................Frances Barber Satan........................Simon Russell Beale Beelzebub........................Jonathan Keeble Adam........................Ashley Margolis Eve........................Emily Pithon Christ........................David Seddon Raphael........................Conrad Nelson God........................Russell Dixon All other parts were played by members of the company. Written by John Milton. Dramatised by Michael Symmons Roberts. Produced and directed by Susan Roberts.
©2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd
The Oscar Wilde BBC Radio Drama Collection
Summary
A sparkling collection of the major works of the ever-adored Oscar Wilde, with incredible casts including Judi Dench, Martin Clunes, Michael Sheen, Miriam Margolyes, Ian McDiarmid, Joely Richardson, Penelope Keith, Martin Jarvis, Diana Rigg, Simon Russell Beale, Sheila Hancock, Ian McKellen and Stephen Fry.
This collection includes:
The Picture of Dorian Gray: a dramatisation of Wilde’s sole novel, about the unsettling youth of Dorian Gray and the ravaged picture in his attic. Starring Jamie Glover, Ian McDiarmid, Steven Pacey.
Lady Windermere’s Fan: a comic play about a woman who suspects her husband is having an affair. Starring Joely Richardson and Penelope Keith.
A Woman of No Importance: a devastating drawing room comedy about the rakish Lord Illingworth, notorious for his skill as a seducer while his female conquests must hide their shame in seclusion. Starring Martin Jarvis, Diana Rigg and Annette Crosby.
The Importance of Being Earnest: a dazzling comedy about mistaken identities and secret engagements. Starring Judi Dench, Martin Clunes, Michael Sheen and Miriam Margolyes.
An Ideal Husband: a play about the plight of a politician desperate to hide a secret about his past. Starring Noel Johnson, Ronald Lewis and Jane Wenham.
Plus bonus programmes featuring Wilde’s letters and poetry:
De Profundis: Simon Russell Beale reads correspondence from Oscar Wilde to his lover Lord Alfred Douglas, while in Reading Gaol in 1897.
The Ballad of Reading Gaol: a live benefit performance of Oscar Wilde's celebrated poem, read by Ian McKellen, Neil Tennant, Stephen Fry, Bette Bourne, Tom Wakefield and Malcolm Sinclair.
In Extremis by Neil Bartlett: a play that reimagines Wilde’s hastily arranged sitting with a society palm reader, a week before the trial that was to cost him so much. Starring Corin Redgrave and Sheila Hancock.
©2019 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)2019 BBC Worldwide Ltd
Classic BBC Radio Shakespeare: Tragedies
Summary
Three powerful radio productions from the BBC archives starring Ian McKellen, Ronald Pickup and Paul Scofield 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.
Romeo and Juliet: the Montagues and the Capulets are sworn enemies, so when Romeo Montague falls in love with Juliet Capulet, tragedy ensues. This fateful tale of two young star-crossed lovers is one of Shakespeare's most popular dramas. First broadcast in 1970, starring Ian McKellen as Romeo.
Hamlet: one of the most powerful, influential and thrilling tragedies in the English language, and the story of Prince Hamlet and his quest for vengeance never fails to enthral. First broadcast in 1971, starring Ronald Pickup as the Prince of Denmark.
Macbeth: the notorious 'Scottish Play' is a gripping tale of vaulting ambition, witchcraft, madness and murder that has kept generations of audiences spellbound. First broadcast in 1966, starring Paul Scofield as Macbeth and Peggy Ashcroft as Lady Macbeth.
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: 7 hours 30 mins approx.
©2016 BBC Worldwide Limited (P)2016 BBC Worldwide Limited
Shakespeare: The Complete Works
Summary
William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present Argo Classics, a historic catalogue of classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly remastered stories are now available to download for the first time. For the first time, the complete works of Shakespeare are available to download as one. This collection includes all 37 plays, four narrative poems and the sonnets. Performed by an incredible array of the 20th century’s greatest actors, Ian McKellen, Timothy West, Diana Rigg, Derek Jacobi, Roy Dotrice, Prunella Scales and many others can be heard in these recordings. All of the Shakespeare plays within the Argo Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. The Marlowe was founded in 1907 with a mission to focus on effective delivery of verse, respect the integrity of texts and rescue neglected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and the less performed plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has performed annually at Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936 and continues to produce some of the finest actors of their generations.
Public Domain (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Ghost Hunter
Summary
As winter approaches and Souls' Night draws near, the Eagle Owl Mage holds the clans in the grip of terror. To fulfill his destiny, Torak must seek his lair in the Mountain of Ghosts. He must defy demons and tokoroths, and find his way through the Gorge of the Hidden People. Wolf must overcome terrible grief. Renn must make an agonizing decision. And in the final battle against the Soul-Eater, Torak must face the most heartrending choice of all.
©2009 Michelle Paver (P)2009 Orion Publishing Group
Outcast
Summary
The dreadful secret that Torak carries with him at the close of Soul Eater is revealed, and he is cast out from the clans. It's his 14th summer. He's alone, cut off even from Wolf and Renn. Hunted and on the run, he takes refuge in unknown territory: the haunted reedbeds of Lake Axehead, where he is menaced by the Hidden People. Other threats lurk nearby, and his battle with the Soul-Eaters is far from over. As he fights for his life, Torak uncovers a deception too awful to contemplate, one that shakes him to the core and shatters his world.
©2007 Michelle Paver (P)2008 Orion Publishing Group Ltd
Viper's Daughter
Summary
Viper's Daughter is the seventh audiobook in the award-winning series that began with Wolf Brother. For two summers Torak and Renn have been living in the Forest with their faithful pack-brother, Wolf. But their happiness is shattered when Renn realises Torak is in danger – and she's the threat. When she mysteriously disappears, Torak and Wolf brave the Far North to find her. At the mercy of the Sea Mother and haunted by ravenous ice bears, their quest leads them to the Edge of the World. There they must face an enemy more evil than any they've encountered. Viper's Daughter plunges you back into the Stone-Age world of Torak, Renn and Wolf: a world of demons, hidden people and exhilarating adventure.
©2020 Michelle Paver (P)2020 Head of Zeus
Henry IV, Pt.2
Summary
William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present Argo Classics, a historic catalogue of classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly remastered stories are now available to download for the first time. ‘O sleep, O gentle sleep, Nature's soft nurse, how have I frightened thee. That thou no more will weigh my eyelids down, And steep my senses in forgetfulness?’ Shakespeare’s heartbreaking conclusion to his epic pair of history plays. King Henry IV suffers from illness, so his youngest son, Prince John, fights the rebels, while Prince Hal prepares to be king. Meanwhile, Hal's friend Falstaff causes trouble, recruits and speaks ill of Hal. Henry dies and Hal becomes King Henry V. He banishes Falstaff from court, ready to wage war on France. All of the Shakespeare plays within the Argo Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. The Marlowe was founded in 1907 with a mission to focus on effective delivery of verse, respect the integrity of texts and rescue neglected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and the less performed plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has performed annually at Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936 and continues to produce some of the finest actors of their generations. Thurston Dart, professor of music at London University and a fellow of Jesus College Cambridge, directed the music for this production. The full cast includes: Denis McCarthy; Anthony Jacobs; Gary Watson; Corin Redgrave; Ian McKellen; Richard Kaye; Terrence Hardiman; Ian Lang; Anthony Arlidge; Derek Jacobi; John Tracy-Phillips; John Wilders; John Barton; Denis McCarthy; Toby Robertson; Clive Swift; John Tydeman; Richard Marquand; Frank Duncan; David Jones; David Coombes; Donald Beves; Philip Strick; Tony Church; Paul Draper; William Squire; Toby Robertson; Peter Foster; Roger Hammond; Roger Hammond; Roger Hammond; Richard Cotterell; Simon Relph; Camille Prior; Dilys Hamlett; Vivienne Chatterton; Diana Chadwick.
Public Domain (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Henry V
Summary
William Collins Books and Decca Records are proud to present Argo Classics, a historic catalogue of classic prose and verse read by some of the world’s most renowned voices. Originally released as vinyl records, these expertly remastered stories are now available to download for the first time. ‘All things are ready, if our mind be so.’ Henry V covers events during the Hundred Years' War, immediately before and after the Battle of Agincourt (1415). After an insult from the French Dauphin, King Henry V of England invades France to claim the throne he believes should be his. Henry stops an assassination plot, gives powerful speeches and wins battles against the odds. In the end, he woos and marries the princess of France, linking the two nations. All of the Shakespeare plays within the Argo Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. The Marlowe was founded in 1907 with a mission to focus on effective delivery of verse, respect the integrity of texts and rescue neglected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and the less performed plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has performed annually at Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936 and continues to produce some of the finest actors of their generations. Thurston Dart, professor of music at London University and a fellow of Jesus College Cambridge, directed the music for this production. The full cast includes: William Squire; Gary Watson; Julian Curry; Ian McKellen; Denis McCarthy; John Tracy-Phillips; Peter Orr; Donald Beves; John Barton; John Perceval; Peter Foster; Giles Slaughter; David Rowe-Beddoe; Philip Strick; Trevor Nunn; Dudley Jones; Andrew Parkes; Michael Burrell; Tony Church; John Sharpe; Terrence Hardiman; Anthony White; George Rylands; John Tracy-Phillips; Derek Jacobi; Corin Redgrave; Frank Duncan; Corin Redgrave; Corin Redgrave; Roger Hammond; Frank Duncan; Suzanne Fuller; Micheline Samuels; Prunella Scales; Vivienne Chatterton.
Public Domain (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Oath Breaker
Summary
Nominated for the Audiobook Download of the Year, 2008. When he was outcast, Torak was the hunted one. The following spring, he becomes the hunter when he swears to avenge the killing of one of his closest friends. To fulfil his oath, he must brave the hidden valleys of the Deep Forest, where the clans have reverted to the savagery of an earlier time. Here, Torak finally learns why he is the Sprit Walker and discovers the true cost of revenge.
©2008 Michelle Paver (P)2008 Orion Publishing Group Ltd
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Summary
The three bears learn a valuable lesson about locking their door when they take a stroll while their breakfast cools, only to return to find an intruder in their home - an intruder with golden curls who has gotten lost in the woods.
©2008 PC Treasures, Inc.