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.
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!
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