Cardinal Richelieu & Konrad Curze - how festive!

December is turning out to be a bit of a crazy month for audio releases. Including The Cardinal's Man and A Lesson In Darkness, there have been fifteen so far and I think there are more to come.

Although, when we're all 'driving home for Christmas' and we get stuck in a traffic jam, at least there'll be something to listen to in the car...

Here are details of the latest to have made it into the public domain:

The Cardinal's Man

With enemies advancing on all sides and Cardinal Richelieu's health failing, France is at breaking point. Yet salvation may arrive in the most unlikely form....

Born into poverty and with terrible deformities, Sebastian Morra is a dwarf with the wit of Tyrion Lannister and three foot, four inches of brazen pluck.

Through a mixture of brains and luck, he has travelled far from his village to become a jester at the royal court.

And with a talent for making enemies, he is soon drawn into the twilight world of Cardinal Richelieu, where he discovers he might just be the only man with the talents to save France from her deadliest foes.
 
©2017 MG Sinclair (P)2017 Audible, Ltd

Written by MG Sinclair, Produced by Neil Gardner & Narrated by John Banks

Unabridged audio book: 10 hrs and 33 mins

* * * * * 

 

Konrad Curze: A Lesson in Darkness

 

A Primarchs audio drama
A world refuses unity, preferring to remain free of mankind's Imperium. But that cannot be tolerated. And so the Night Lords arrive to take the peaceful planet by force…

Piamen is a tranquil world in the far reaches of the galaxy. Since throwing off the yoke of alien invaders, they have remained free and peaceful… until the coming of the Imperium.

When they refuse to join mankind's star-spanning empire, a force of Legiones Astartes is despatched to bring the planet to compliance. And when the Night Lords come, darkness falls. Piamen will never be the same…

Performed by John Banks, Beth Chalmers, Matthew Hunt, Jonathan Keeble & Toby Longworth

Written by Ian St. Martin & Produced by Matt Renshaw

...all for now, more just as soon as it happens! 

Ghostly Tales...

In a previous posting, I mentioned the release of an audio collection called "Gather 'Round The Sound", which featured a Charles Dickens story, 'The Signalman', which I'd recorded with Simon Callow and Dan Starkey. The original intention was for that story, along with three others, to be released just before Christmas from Audible Originals, as an anthology with the title "Ghostly Tales".

And now, all is clear; "Gather 'Round" was released in the USA and "Ghostly Tales" has been released here in the UK, complete with full sound design, created by the fantastic Martin Montague. I haven't heard it yet, but hope to get my ears around a copy soonest - somehow!

Simon Callow, Sally Phillips, Dan Starkey, me and producer Neil Gardner

Here are some details:

The days are getting colder, the nights are getting longer, and as Christmas approaches the time is high for some ghostly tales. As an exclusive gift for Audible members, settle down, snuggle up and listen to four chilling ghost stories, read by Simon Callow. Four great stories, one master storyteller - what could be simpler than that?


Also featuring Sally Phillips, John Banks and Dan Starkey, this exclusive recording includes:

'Between the Lights' by E.F. Benson,
'A Strange Christmas Game' by J.H. Riddell
'Was It an Illusion' by Emelia B. Edwards
'The Signalman' by Charles Dickens



©2017 Audible, Ltd (P)2017 Audible, Ltd

...all for now, more just as soon as it happens! 

 

Advent Adventures...

As December progresses, with now only a few more days before 'the big birthday', here's a collection of recent Black Library releases from their 2017 advent series; yup, I'm in them - somewhere!

And so, in reverse order of release after Heart of Decay, ( ie: the most recent is at the top ), which I mentioned in a previous posting, here are the stories so far:
 

The Rage of Asmodai

A Warhammer 40,000 audio drama

Captain Vidarna of the Relictors finds a mission to capture a Chaos artefact complicated by Dark Angels Chaplain Asmodai, who has his own sinister mission.

Captain Vidarna of the Relictors leads a squad of his brothers in pursuit of a dark artefact on a world riven by heresy. But the appearance of Chaplain Asmodai of the Dark Angels changes his mission.

The Dark Angel claims to have the relic they seek – but to claim it, the Relictors need to aid him in capturing the leader of the rebellion, a mysterious black-armoured Space Marine whose armour bears symbols similar to that of the Dark Angels themselves…

  John Banks, Steve Conlin, Jonathan Keeble, Toby Longworth & Saul Reichlin

Written by CZ Dunn & Produced by Matt Renshhaw

 

A Place of Reflection

A Warhammer Age of Sigmar audio drama

Moribus of the Sons of Mallus seeks a deadly foe in the labyrinths of Shadespire. But in a land of shattered glass and twisted reflections, can he trust what he sees – or even his own memories?

Moribus, Stormcast Eternals Decimator of the Sons of Mallus, wanders the glass labyrinths of Shadespire, alone. Somewhere out of sight, his brothers can be heard, and together they search for a dangerous creature, a malignant spirit that haunts this wasteland.

This foe carries a cache of shardglass, which Sigmar hopes can cure the Stormcast Eternals of the degradations that come with their reforging. As Moribus remembers his many deaths to focus his mind, he begins to doubt his senses and reality – and danger beckons.

John Banks, Tim Bruce, Cliff Chapman, Steve Conlin, Melvyn Rawlinson & Andrew Wincott.

Written by David Guymer & Produced by Matt Renshaw

First Lord Of The Imperium 

A Primarchs audio drama
 
Malcador the Sigillite sits vigil by the bed of a dying friend and the two discuss the past, present and future – and revelations are made.

As the Horus Heresy rages and the death toll rises, one more will be added to the numberless dead: Sibel Niasta, personal astropath to the First Lord of the Imperium, Malcador the Sigillite.

As her end approaches, Malcador sits vigil by her bedside, and pair discuss their friendship and what it means – how the past and present have shaped Malcador and the Imperium, and what the future holds.

                  Beth                                                                                                                               Jenny

John Banks, Beth Chalmers, Jenny Funnell,
Jonathan Keeble & Toby Longworth

Written by LJ Goulding & Produced by Matt Renshaw

...all for now, more just as soon as it happens!

Fabius Bile: Clonelord

One of my favourite characters from The Black Library, Fabius Bile, returns to audio in this fabulous story, which I had terrific fun recording. I love playing the 'baddies' and Fabius is way up there with the best of them. I was delighted to have been asked to record this latest tale from Josh Reynolds, having previously recorded Fabius Bile: Primogenitor some months ago.

Here are some details and fantastic artwork:

Fabius Bile: Clonelord

Fabius Bile Book 2

Drawn back into the deadly machinations of his former Legion, Fabius Bile finds his destiny lies in a forgotten world on the Eastern Fringe… a world called Solemnace.

Once a loyal son of the Emperor’s Children, Fabius Bile now loathes those he once called brother. But when a former comrade requests his aid on a mission he cannot refuse, Bile is drawn once more into the sinister machinations of his former Legion.

Now, accompanied by new allies and old enemies alike, Fabius Bile must travel deep into the wilds of the Eastern Fringe, in search of a world unlike any other. A world which might hold the key to his very survival. A world called Solemnace…

Narrated by John Banks & Produced by Kylia Whitehead 

Running time 15 hours 3 mins

I'm really looking forward to listening to this story; might have to set some time aside after the festivities are over and I need some January cheer; 'cheer' I'm sure, is the right word to use about the adventures of Fabius Bile!

This is Kylia Whitehead's first audio book as producer and great thanks go to her for making the recording process so rewarding and so much fun!

...all for now, more just as soon as it happens!

Heart of Decay

Tempting perhaps, to think of this as a story about dentists, but no. Instead, it's the latest audio drama release form The Black Library's Advent series and here are some details:

Heart of Decay

A Relictors audio drama

Two heroes of the Relictors Space Marine Chapter interrogate a prisoner – a hideous servant of the Dark Gods, a Traitor Astartes of the Death Guard.

The Relictors Space Marine Chapter are renowned for gathering artefacts of Chaos and delving into the secrets of the Dark Gods. Captain Vidarna and Apothecary Achaon are tasked with the interrogation – and torture if necessary – of a captured prisoner, a warrior of the Death Guard. After ten thousand years of war and corruption, what secrets might he yield? The pair attempt to find out, with hideous results.

Performed by John Banks, Matthew Hunt and Toby Longworth

Written by Ben Counter, Produced by Matt Renshaw with Sound Design by Howard Carter

Should it be of interest, there's a very favourable review online and on Twitter from Michael at Track of Words - and here's a link: HEART OF DECAY: Review at Track of Words

I vividly remember recording this story, not least because it has some of the most extreme vocal characterisation I've ever done; if you give it a listen, you'll know what I mean. As usual, we rehearsed briefly before recording, and I was rather hoping that we would get the more extreme stuff in one take. Alas, after 'giving it the beans', Matt just calmly gave me his notes - and we went again... once or twice! 

I should also say, that Howard Carter, has once again worked his magic with the sound design and thoroughly deserves proper credit. Of course, during recording in the studio, we had no idea how the finished thing would sound, or what Howard might do with our 'raw material'. In conclusion, I will allow myself a brief indulgeance and say, I think it turned out pretty well!

...all for now, more just as soon as it happens!

 

Renegades of Elysia

December has been a very busy month for new audio releases in recent years; the Black Library has it's Advent Stories as well as other 'main range' releases and other companies have their Christmas 'specials' too. The next few postings here, are a reflection of this variety, starting with this audio drama from the Black Library:

Warhammer 40,000 Audio Dramas

Renegades of Elysia

An Astra Militarum audio drama

"When Zachariah and a handful of men barely out of training are sent on a deadly reconnaissance mission he begins to wonder if his life might be in jeopardy.

After a disastrous mission leaves their ranks decimated, Sergeant Zachariah must rapidly train a fresh batch of recruits to restore the 158th Elysian. The regime is harsh, lethal, and only the best will survive to become full–fledged drop troopers.

But when a savage feud with a high-ranking officer threatens the 158th and Zachariah and a handful of men barely out of training are sent on a deadly reconnaissance mission he begins to wonder if his life might also be in jeopardy."

No cast list has been issued for this story, though I can tell you that I'm playing a small role and narrating and will probably read out a 'who's in it' list, sould you find yourself listening to it.

* * * * *

Next up is a slightly odd and quite unexpected 'collection'. Last week, I recorded four classic ghost stories and hopefully, that anthology will also be released in time for Christmas, which was the original plan. Should that be the case, I'll post full details when I have them. In this release, which I had no idea was ever going to be published, I appear only in The Signalman by Charles Dickens. I play 'The Signalman' opposite Simon Callow, who narrates and plays 'The Narrator', if that makes sense, along with my pal from many a Big Finish adventure, Dan Starkey, who performs a variety of roles at the end of the story. I think this collection is only available to audible subscribers, but hey, what do I know?

Gather 'Round the Sound: Holiday Stories from Beloved Authors and Great Performers Across the Globe 

2017 has been a monumental year for Audible, having just celebrated our 20th anniversary, a milestone that would have never been possible without our wonderful and loyal listeners.

One of our major commitments is bringing new and diverse audio experiences to our members, so this year, as our gift to you, we pulled together a collection that reflects a little bit of everything we've been up to recently: a surprising and heartwarming documentary, a selection of stories from our partners around the world, and even some improvised comedic carols we hope will make you laugh as much as they did us.

The lineup includes: 

Zip Code 12345
This mini-documentary centers around a peculiar holiday tradition at General Electric's headquarters in Schenectady, NY. For two decades, GE has been receiving thousands of letters from kids - children who think they're reaching Santa Claus. And every year, a handful of GE employees give up their December lunchbreaks to respond to each and every letter.

An Aussie Night Before Christmas, by Yvonne Morrison, performed by Magda Szubanksi
This rollicking rewrite of the famous old poem 'Twas The Night Before Christmas gives the original version a hilarious Aussie twist. Magda Szubanski, Australia's most trusted personality, caries this incredibly fun romp. Kangaroos pulling the sleigh, a beer for Santa, and all the over-the-top Australian lingo, it's everything you'd expect.


The Music Coming from the House, by Paulo Coehlo, performed by Daniel Frances-Berenson
In this magical story from the author of The Alchemist - the master of the modern parable - a disguised king visits a poor village, and what he sees through the window of a house changes his life, and those of the occupants.


The Signal-man, by Charles Dickens, performed by Simon Callow, Dan Starkey, and John Banks
For literature lovers, the holiday season needs a little Dickens. We dug up a story of his that you may not be familiar with, originally published in the Christmas edition of a Victorian short story periodical. Of course, ghosts are involved in this 19th century work told by Simon Callow (Outlander) and Dan Starkey (Dr. Who).

A Very Improvised Holiday Musical
What would the holidays be without some carols? Vern, a New York City-based improv troupe, performs a few improvised holiday songs.

©2017 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2017 Audible Originals, LLC


I 'love' the way I've been credited for The Signalman; three of us are listed, but apparently only two actually 'told' the story... ah, well!

And so, on that slightly 'bum note', that's...

...all for now, more just as soon as it happens!

Apprentice: Scarlet City Part 1

No, nothing to do with Lord Sugar or Donald Trump (President of the USA...). Instead, 'Apprentice' is an epic audio drama, directed by Barnaby Edwards, which I am delighted to have been involved with.

I've done quite a number of audio productions for audible.co.uk, which, as I'm sure you know, is part of Amazon; however, this is the first time I've worked with them 'in-house'. In addition to producing audio versions of thousands of books annually, audible also produce a much smaller number of dramas and books recorded at their own studios in London, which appear under the title 'Audible Original'. Apprentice is one such production and here are some details:

"This Original multicast drama blends history with fiction to tell the story of Jonah, a young apprentice from London who raises himself from poverty by wit and luck to become one of the most powerful merchants of the age.

A rags-to-riches tale, Jonah's journey spans the breadth of human experience, from the intricacies of Edward III's political intrigues to the cutthroat world of international trade, from the triumphs of war to the agonies of personal loss - love, friendship, joy, heartbreak and glory.

Set largely in London, the Scarlet City, the centre of medieval England, the Scarlet City trilogy is a thrilling portrait of the age and the people who made it so rich, colourful and extraordinary.

London, 1330. Jonah Durham grows up in the household of his tyrannical cousin Rupert, and only his grandmother, the calculating Cecilia Hillock, recognizes his talent and intelligence. After her death he inherits a handsome fortune, bestowing him with both wealth and independence but also the wrath of his increasingly dangerous cousin. However, a fateful encounter with the young King Edward III is set to radically change Jonah's life and the future of English cloth production."

Now, I did use the word 'epic' in describing this production and I think that quite apt. There are three parts to the story in all and I'm in two of them as an 'also featuring'. Scarlet City (Part 1) runs at just over 10 hours and here's the cast list:

"Told in three parts, hear Medieval London come to life in this historical epic, Audible Original's most ambitious production to date."

Narrated by Miriam Margolyes, OBE (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Romeo + Juliet, Mulan) 

 starring Douglas Booth (Riot Club, Loving Vincent, Shelley) as Jonah, 

and Alison Steadman, OBE (Gavin and Stacey, Orphan Black, Shirley Valentine) as Cecilia Hillock. 

Also featuring: Daniel Anthony, Josephine Arden, John Banks, Timothy Bentinck, Clare Buckfield, Beth Chalmers, Elliot Chapman, Trevor Cooper, Oliver Coopersmith, Raymond Coulthard, Gareth David-Lloyd, Richard Earl, Andrew French, Helen Goldwyn, James Joyce, Olly McCauley, Tony Millan, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Katarina Olsson, Steven Pacey, Nicholas Pegg, Nigel Planer, Siobhán Redmond, Christopher Ryan, David Schofield, Dan Starkey, Sarah Sutton, Alexander Vlahos, Niky Wardley, Finty Williams, Claire Wyatt.

Perhaps I should quickly mention the three roles I'm playing:

William Montagu, Earl of Salisbury. Personal friend to Edward III and chief influence behind the throne.

Brother Albert. Benedictine Monk, expert in medical matters and part of Edward III's entourage.

...and a Highwayman!

If you're a subscriber to audible.co.uk, I understand the story is now availlable to download and is also available via Amazon. I look forward to listening to this at some time and if you get hold of a copy, I hope you enjoy it.

...all for now, more just as soon as it happens!

The Assassination of Gabriel Seth

Day 8 of Advent from The Black Library and the third audio drama release with a bit of input from me; hope you enjoy. Here are some details:

A Flesh Tearers audio drama

Gabriel Seth, Chapter Master of the Flesh Tearers, has made many enemies in his long years defending the Imperium – and now they plot against him, planning his death. But Seth will not be taken down so easily…

For many long years, Gabriel Seth has led the Flesh Tearers to war. Master of a dwindling Chapter, he has made many enemies in his unceasing battle to keep his warriors alive – and now those enemies conspire against him, luring him to a remote world in order to end his leadership and life in the most violent and bloody way possible; Gabriel Seth is to be assassinated.

But can even an Eversor Assassin kill one of the deadliest warriors in the entire Imperium?

  Performed by John Banks, Tim Bruce, Steve Conlin and Andrew Wincott

Written by Andy Smillie & Produced by Matt Renshaw 

* * * * *

A bit of a surprise release now from Big Finish; well, a surprise to me at least! The first episode of the first series of Counter Measures is now available as an individual story. Here are some details:

Threshold

After the mysterious events at Coal Hill School, the British government has created the Counter-Measures group, a specialist team that investigates strange phenomena and dangerous technology. Their first missions will involve a haunted warehouse, a ground-breaking artificial intelligence, a mysterious new town and a threat to the future of the country...

A missing scientist and ghostly phenomena bring Gilmore and Allison to a factory in Bermondsey, and the discovery of a science that should not exist. As Rachel Jensen returns to help them, a new future for Counter-Measures is set in motion...

Simon Williams (Group Captain Gilmore), Pamela Salem (Rachel Jensen), Karen Gledhill (Allison Williams), Hugh Ross (Sir Toby Kinsella), Vernon Dobtcheff (Professor Heinrich Schumann), Andrew Fettes (Lieutenant Tom Carver), Alison Thea-Skot (Jenny Haveloc/Nurse), Adrian Lukis (Professor Jeffrey Broderick), Lizzie Roper (Dr Nadia Cervenka), Alastair MacKenzie (Julian St Stephen), John Banks (Billy McGuinness), Stephen Grief (Ken Temple), Helen Goldwyn (PA Voice/Control), Duncan Wisbey (Harold Wilson), Shaun Scott (General Peters)

Written by Paul Finch & Directed by Ken Bentley

...all for now, more just as soon as it happens!

Ahriman: Key of Infinity

...yo-ho-ho! The second audio drama release during Advent from The Black Library, Ahriman: Key of Infinity. Here are some details:

An Ahriman audio drama

Thousand Sons sorcerer Ahzek Ahriman studies an ancient construct of the necrontyr race – but the necron is studying him right back, and has plans of its own…

On the warship Messenger of Hermes, Ahzek Ahriman and his servant Ignis study a most unusual prisoner – a metal construct containing the consciousness of a member of a long extinct race – the necrontyr.

As they interrogate the necron Setekh, he is also learning about them – over and over again as he uses ancient techonology to relive the moment and plot his escape. Will he succeed, or will Ahriman prevail?

Performed by John Banks, Steve Conlin Jonathan Keeble and Saul Reichlin.

Written by John French & Produced by Matt Renshaw

...all for now, more just as soon as it happens! 

 

...'tis the season to be... Doombound

Advent, Black Library style!

The Black Library are releasing a new story, in print or audio, every day of Advent, which is quite a thing to pull off I reckon. Anyway, the first of the stories I'm involved with is available from today and here are some details:

A Warhammer Age of Sigmar audio drama

Seeking a return to their comrades, a pair of Stormcast Eternals are lost in the twisting maze of Shadespire. Hunted by the Khorne Bloodbound and facing visions of another time and place, can the Liberators survive, or will they be claimed by the city of the dead?

In the cursed city of Shadespire, two Stormcast Eternals Liberators, Darras Sunblade and Erak Grimwatch, seek a way to rejoin their comrades in Severin Steelheart's company.

However, the twisting and ever-changing maze of the dead city thwarts them at every turn – and Grimwatch has his own troubles as flashes of another life take him.

Mortal danger stalks them, as a warrior of the Khorne Bloodbound, also suffering visions of an impossible past, seeks to take their skulls for his bloodthirsty god…

Performed by John Banks, Ken Bradshaw, Tim Bruce, Jonathan Keeble and Luis Soto.

Written by David Annandale & Produced by Matt Renshaw

 Running time: 23 minutes

...all for now, more just as soon as it happens! 

Survivors: Series Seven

A dedicated fan of the Survivors audio series, might remember that at the end of Series Three, my character, Daniel Connor, was shot, immolated and blown up. But was that the end for him; of him? Surely, 'yes'. But actually, 'no'. By the magic of audio drama and a script from Matt Fitton, Daniel Connor returns! Not quite a 'Bobby Ewing in the shower' moment, but not far off...

Survivors has always been popular amongst fans of the original TV series as well as regular Big Finish devotees and I feel proud of the work. I thoroughly enjoyed playing Daniel in the first three series and I'm glad that he made it back to sentience, albeit, briefly. I hope you enjoy hearing him again.

The reviews for this series have been good and I'm grateful to those who have expressed their support. This box set was actually released at the end of November, but hey, it got here eventually!

"...it is terrific to hear John Banks return as Daniel, giving Jackie (and us) a chance to bid him a proper farewell.
                                                                                    
                                                                                         Ian McArdell at Indie Mac User

 Four new battles for survival, from the world of Terry Nation's cult-classic series.

Journey’s End by Roland Moore
Alone and resolute, a mother has spent the years since the Death searching for her son. She is closing in on her final lead. One last hope to find Peter.
But for Abby Grant, the worst possible thing might be to find what she is looking for…

Legacy by Simon Clark
Greg Preston is dead. But the work he did in forging his foundation, in bringing communities together, lives on.
When she and Ruth encounter those whose lives he touched, Jenny Richards is forced to remember how the man she loved abandoned her. But when she meets a common enemy, can she find the strength to make a stand?

Old Friends by Matt Fitton
Ruth Anderson and Evelyn Piper unite on a mission of mercy. An old friend is in trouble and in the path of dangerous forces. Jackie Burchell could reveal secrets that change lives. But first, she must find her own way back. When things are at their worst, it’s old friends who keep you going.

Reconnection by Christopher Hatherall
As Jenny continues her plan to restore electricity across the country, she meets someone she never thought she’d see again – but it’s a very different Abby Grant to the one who left the Grange.
Not everyone is in favour of Jenny’s project, and the women find danger in a remote power station. It may be too late for them to reconnect…

 Carolyn Seymour (Abby Grant) Ian McCulloch (Greg Preston) Lucy Fleming (Jenny) 

Louise Jameson (Jackie Burchall) Helen Goldwyn (Ruth Anderson) Zoë Tapper (Evelyn Piper) Katherine Rose Morley (Sonia Meadows) Brian Protheroe (Abraham / Gruff)  

Ewan Bailey (Garth Warren / PA Announcer) Harry Myers (Neville Trent)  

Susie Emmett (Sylvia Jeffries) Graham Seed (Barstow/ Soldier)  

Justin Avoth (Clock-Winder / Blair) John Banks (Daniel Connor) Alistair Mackenzie (Nick) Jamie Laird (Ewan)

Directed by Ken Bentley 

...all for now, more just as soon as it happens!