Shakespeare Audiobooks | Drama

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. ‘Why, then the world ’s mine oyster, Which I with sword will open.’ Double-meanings, disguises and dirty laundry abound as Sir John Falstaff sets about improving his financial situation by wooing Mistress Page and Mistress Ford. But the ‘Merry Wives’ quickly cotton on to his tricks and decide to have a bit of fun of their own at Falstaff’s expense. 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: Patrick Wymark; Peter Orr; Terrence Hardiman; Gordon Gardner; Frank Duncan; Anthony Arlidge; Dudley Jones; Roy Dotrice; David Buck; Anthony Handy; Tony Church; Philip Strick; Freda Dowie; Norman Mitchell; Raymond Clarke; Geraldine McEwan; Angela Baddeley; Susan Maryott; Beatrix Lehmann.

William Shakespeare (Author), Full Cast, Gordon Gardner, Patrick Wymark, Peter Orr, Roy Dotrice, Terrence Hardiman (Narrator)

Audiobook

Hamlet

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. ‘This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.’ The searing tragedy of young student Hamlet, tormented by his father’s death and confronting each of us with the mirror of our own mortality in an imperfect world. The ghost of the King of Denmark tells his son Hamlet to avenge his murder by killing the new king, Hamlet's uncle. Hamlet feigns madness, contemplates life and death, and seeks revenge. His uncle, fearing for his life, also devises plots to kill Hamlet. The play ends with a duel, during which the King, Queen, Hamlet's opponent and Hamlet himself are all killed. 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: Patrick Wymark; Anthony White; Miles Malleson; Ian Lang; Peter Orr; David Rowe-Beddoe; Philip Strick; John Tracy-Phillips; Giles Slaughter; George Rylands; Trevor Nunn; Michael Burrell; Julian Curry; David Coombes; Tom Bussman; Hugh Walters; Gary Watson; Ronald Allen; Roger Hammond; Margaretta Scot; Jeannette Sterke; William Devlin.

William Shakespeare (Author), Anthony White, Full Cast, Ian Lang, Miles Malleson, Patrick Wymark, Peter Orr (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Comedy of Errors

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. ‘We came into the world like brother and brother, And now let's go hand in hand, not one before another.’ How do any of us really know who we are? A man arrives in a strange town only to find that everyone knows his name, but thinks he’s someone else. A woman wonders why her husband is not the man he was, but starts to rather like it. Confusion mounts as everyone uncouples from themselves. Will they ever find themselves again? And do they really want to? 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; Michael Hordern; George Rylands; George Rylands; Michael Bates; Michael Bates; Peter Orr; Clive Swift; Terrence Hardiman; Dudley Jones; Lally Bowers; Joan Hart; Janette Richer; Janette Richer; Prunella Scales.

William Shakespeare (Author), Denis Mccarthy, Full Cast, George Rylands, Michael Hordern, Peter Orr, Prunella Scales (Narrator)

Audiobook

Cymbeline

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. ‘Fortune brings in some boats that are not steered.’ Cymbeline is believed to be one of Shakespeare's final plays and is about deceit, pursuit and seduction. King Cymbeline of Britain banishes his daughter Innogen's husband, who then makes a bet on Innogen's fidelity. Innogen is accused of being unfaithful, runs away, and becomes a page for the Roman army as it invades Britain. In the end, Innogen clears her name, discovers her long-lost brothers and reunites with her husband while Cymbeline makes peace with Rome. 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; David Rowe-Beddoe; Ian Lang; Terrence Hardiman; Andrew Parkes; John Sharpe; Roger Hammond; Tony White; Peter Orr; David Coombes; Philip Strick; Tom Bussman; John Tracy-Phillips; Trevor Nunn; Tom Bussman; Michael Burrell; Gillian Webb; Margaret Drabble; Micheline Samuels.

William Shakespeare (Author), David Rowe-Beddoe, Denis Mccarthy, Full Cast, Ian Lang, Margaret Drabble, Terrence Hardiman (Narrator)

Audiobook

Sonnets

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. ‘In black ink my love may still shine bright…’ Universally admired and quoted, Shakespeare’s Sonnets have love, beauty and the passing of time at their heart. Featuring some of the best-known and best-loved lines in the history of poetry (‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?’, ‘Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds’), these evocative sonnets explore passion, the fleeting nature of beauty and the essence of true and everlasting love. 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: George Rylands; John Barton; Tony Church; Anthony White; Anthony Jacobs; Gary Watson; Richard Marquand; David Gibson.

William Shakespeare (Author), Anthony White, Full Cast, George Rylands, John Barton, Richard Marquand, Tony Church (Narrator)

Audiobook

Henry VIII

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. ‘Of all losses, time is the most irrecuperable for it can never be redeemed.’ Shakespeare's Henry VIII is a story of a ruthless race to power and the desire for an heir. King Henry VIII listens to Cardinal Wolsey too much and gives him power, which the Cardinal uses to convict a duke of treason. Henry meets Anne Boleyn, divorces his wife Katharine, and marries Anne. Anne gives birth to Princess Elizabeth who the Archbishop prophesies will become great. 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: Frank Duncan; Robert Speaight; Richard Dare; Donald Layne-Smith; Denis McCarthy; Ian Lang; Peter Orr; Gary Watson; Terrence Hardiman; Michael Bates; Trevor Nunn; John Barton; Margaretta Scott; Prunella Scales; Vivienne Chatterton.

William Shakespeare (Author), Donald Layne-Smith, Full Cast, Ian Lang, Peter Orr, Richard Dare, Robert Speaight (Narrator)

Audiobook

As You Like It

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. ‘The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.’ Forced into exile in the Forest of Arden, lovers Rosalind and Orlando become entangled in a beguiling game of love, lust and mistaken identity. Rosalind and her cousin escape into the forest and find Orlando, Rosalind's love. Disguised as a boy shepherd, Rosalind has Orlando woo her under the guise of 'curing' him of his love for Rosalind. Rosalind reveals she is a girl and marries Orlando during a group wedding at the end of the play. 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: John Barton; Tony Church; Peter Bingham; Anthony Jacobs; John Arnott; David Buck; Tony White; David Gibson; Denys Robertson; John Wilders; Gary Watson; Julian Pettifer; John Bird; George Rylands; Christine Baker; Wendy Gifford; Irene Worth; Mary Fenton.

William Shakespeare (Author), Anthony Jacobs, Full Cast, John Arnott, John Barton, Peter Bingham, Tony Church (Narrator)

Audiobook

Henry IV, Pt.2

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.

William Shakespeare (Author), Anthony Jacobs, Corin Redgrave, Denis Mccarthy, Derek Jacobi, Full Cast, Ian Mckellen (Narrator)

Audiobook

Antony and Cleopatra

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. ‘In time we hate that which we often fear.’ Shakespeare’s tragedy of love and duty. Mark Antony, one of three rulers of Rome, is in love with Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. Antony is summoned back to Rome, where he clashes with another ruler Octavius before returning to Cleopatra in Egypt. Now in battle with Octavius, Antony and Cleopatra suffer losses and miscommunication, and both eventually commit suicide. 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: Richard Johnson; Robert Eddison; Peter Orr; Patrick Wymark; John Tracy-Phillips; Ian Holm; Terrence Hardiman; Peter Orr; Julian Curry; James Taylor Whitehead; John Tydeman; Gary Watson; Ian Lang; Anthony Arlidge; Julian Curry; Miles Malleson; George Rylands; George Rylands; Roger Croucher; David Jones; Philip Strick; Ian McKellen; Michael Bates; Giles Slaughter; Irene Worth; Diana Rigg; Prunella Scales; Jill Balcon.

William Shakespeare (Author), Diana Rigg, Full Cast, Ian Mckellen, Patrick Wymark, Prunella Scales, Richard Johnson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Romeo And Juliet

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. ‘Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.’ Arguably the greatest love story ever told, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet continues to touch modern audiences with its passionate depiction of the tragic romance between two young lovers. With a bitter feud between their respective families, Romeo and Juliet’s love is troubled from the start, and through their relationship, Shakespeare shows the fine line between love, hatred, comedy and tragedy. 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: Terrence Hardiman; Corin Redgrave; Toby Robertson; Richard Marquand; Anthony White; John Barton; David Jones; Tony Church; George Rylands; Anthony Arlidge; Clive Swift; Donald Beves; Julian Curry; Tony Church; George Rylands; Margaretta Scott; Janette Richer; Vivienne Chatterton; Denis McCarthy.

William Shakespeare (Author), Corin Redgrave, Full Cast, Julian Curry, Richard Marquand, Terrence Hardiman, Tony Robertson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Troilus and Cressida

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. ‘He eats nothing but doves, love, and that breeds hot blood, and hot blood beget hot thoughts, and hot thoughts beget hot deeds, and hot deeds is love.’ Shakespeare’s epic tale of war, love and loss Trojan prince Troilus falls in love with Cressida, as war rages around them. After vowing to be faithful, Cressida is traded to the Greek camp, where she then agrees to see another man. Troilus witnesses Cressida's unfaithfulness and vows to put more effort into the war. The play ends after further deaths on both sides, and with no resolution in sight. 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:John Sheppard; Gary Watson; Anthony White; Julian Pettifer; John Barton; David Gibson; Clive Swift; Donald Beves; John Wilders; Noel Annan; James Taylor‑Whitehead; Tony Church; George Rylands; John Barton; John Arnott; David Buck; Peter Woodthorpe; Anthony Jacobs; Wendy Gifford; Christine Baker; Dorothy Mulcahy; Irene Worth.

William Shakespeare (Author), Anthony White, Clive Swift, Full Cast, Gary Watson, John Sheppard, Julian Pettifer (Narrator)

Audiobook

Henry VI, Pt.3

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. ‘To weep is to make less the depth of grief.’ Henry VI Part III is part of Shakespeare’s trilogy centred on the Wars of the Roses. After York's claims to the throne, Henry changes the succession and makes York his heir, disinheriting his own son. Henry's queen kills York, and York's son Edward seizes the throne. Henry is imprisoned several times and eventually killed by King Edward's brother, Richard. 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: Richard Marquand; Gordon Gardner; Toby Robertson; David Rowe-Beddoe; Trevor Bowen; Bob Jones; David Burke; Anthony Arlidge; John Shrapnel; Peter Orr; Richard Wordsworth; Malcolm Page; Patrick Garland; Patrick Wymark; George Rylands; Frank Duncan; James Taylor Whitehead; Denis McCarthy; John Shrapnel; John Hopkins; Dudley Jones; Martin Spencer; Malcolm Page; Mary Morris; Margaretta Scott; Carol Macready.

William Shakespeare (Author), David Rowe-Beddoe, Full Cast, Gordon Gardner, Peter Orr, Richard Marquand, Toby Robertson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Shakespeare Audiobooks in Drama