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. ‘O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-ey'd monster, which doth mock The meat it feeds on.’ Othello follows the story of the Moor through love, jealousy and deceit. Iago is furious about being overlooked for promotion and plots to take revenge against his General; Othello, the Moor of Venice. Iago manipulates Othello into believing his wife Desdemona is unfaithful, stirring Othello's jealousy. Othello allows jealousy to consume him, murders Desdemona, and then kills himself. 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 David; John Barton; John Wilders; Anthony White; Tony Church; Gary Watson; Donald Beves; George Rylands; John Arnott; Peter Woodthorpe; Wendy Gifford; Irene Worth; Mary Fenton.

William Shakespeare (Author), Anthony White, Full Cast, Irene Worth, John Barton, Richard David, Tony Church (Narrator)

Audiobook

Timon of Athens

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 moon's an arrant thief, And her pale fire she snatches from the sun.’ The story of Shakespeare’s sharp satire on wealth, greed and betrayal. Wealthy and popular, Timon of Athens helps his friends, gives many gifts, and holds a feast. After ignoring his true friends' warnings, Timon runs out of money, and none of his 'friends' will help him. He runs away to a cave where he curses humanity, finds gold, funds someone to destroy Athens, and dies. 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; Corin Redgrave; Donald Beves; David Rowe-Beddoe; Michael Burrell; Anthony White; Peter Woodthorpe; John Wood; Derek Jacobi; Peter Foster; Philip Strick; Trevor Nunn; Terrence Hardiman; David Coombes; Anthony Arlidge; Philip Strick; John Sharp; Gary O’Connor; Eric Rump; Tom Bussmann; Richard Kay; Corin Redgrave; Jill Daltry; Elizabeth Proud.

William Shakespeare (Author), Anthony White, Corin Redgrave, Derek Jacobi, Donald Beves, Full Cast, William Squire (Narrator)

Audiobook

Richard II

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. ‘Bear you well in this new spring of time, Lest you be cropp'd before you come to prime.’ King Richard II rules England in a wasteful and short-sighted way, spending money unwisely and selecting his counselors foolishly. His manner ostracises him from his people and his country and it’s not long before both commoners and noblemen feel Richard has gone too far. When Richard seizes land that rightfully belongs to his cousin Henry Bolingbroke, Bolingbroke retaliates by invading England while Richard is at war in Ireland. More popular with the commoners, Henry is eventually crowned King Henry IV. 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 Pasco; William Devlin; Cyril Luckham; Timothy West; Roy Spencer; John Shrapnel; Peter Jeffrey; Sidney Bromley; George Rylands; Gary Watson; Peter Orr; David King; Gordon Gardner; Harvey Hall; Denis McCarthy; Frank Duncan; Dudley Jones; Barbara Leigh-Hunt; Beatrix Lehmann; Peter Woodthorpe; Clive Swift; Alaric Cotter; Norman Mitchell.

William Shakespeare (Author), Cyril Luckham, Full Cast, Peter Orr, Richard Pasco, Timothy West, William Devlin (Narrator)

Audiobook

Measure for Measure

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. ‘Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.’ Vienna is beset with brothels and loose morality, so it's up to the Duke to provide some divine intervention. The Duke leaves Angelo in charge of Vienna, where he quickly condemns Claudio to death for immoral behaviour. Angelo offers to pardon Claudio if his sister, Isabella, sleeps with him. Isabella agrees but has Angelo's fiance switch places with her. The Duke returns to spare Claudio, punish Angelo, and propose to Isabella. 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: Toby Robertson; George Rylands; John Bird; Richard Marquand; Anthony Jacobs; Derek Jacobi; Chris Renard; Terrence Hardiman; Roger Prior; David Brierley; Donald Beves; John Kimber; Clive Swift; Janette Richer; Dorothy Mulcahy; Penelope Balchin; Camille Prior; George Rylands.

William Shakespeare (Author), Derek Jacobi, Full Cast, George Rylands, Richard Marquand, Terrence Hardiman, Toby Robertson (Narrator)

Audiobook

Much Ado About Nothing

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. ‘Let me be that I am and seek not to alter me.’ Much Ado About Nothing is Shakespeare’s most frequently performed comedy. Count Claudio falls in love with Hero, the daughter of his host. Hero's cousin Beatrice (a confirmed spinster) and Benedict (an eternal bachelor) are each duped into believing the other is in love with them. Claudio is deceived by a malicious plot and denounces Hero as unchaste before they marry. She faints and is believed dead, but recovers to be proved innocent by a chance discovery. Benedict wins Beatrice’s love defending her cousin’s honour, and to his surprise, Claudio is reunited with Hero, who he believed dead. 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; Patrick Creean; Gary Watson; John Gielgud; Michael Hordern; Donald Layne-Smith; Peter Pears; Peter Orr; Cyril Luckham; Clive Swift; Peter Woodthorpe; Ian Holm; Josephine Stuart; Peggy Ashcroft; Gillian Webb; Janette Richer.

William Shakespeare (Author), Full Cast, John Sir Gielgud, Michael Hordern, Peggy Ashcroft, Peter Orr, William Squire (Narrator)

Audiobook

Henry VI, 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. ‘For where thou art, there is the world itself, With every several pleasure in the world, And where thou art not, desolation.’ Henry VI Part II is part of Shakespeare’s trilogy centred on the Wars of the Roses. Against the wishes of the nobles, King Henry marries the penniless Margaret who plots against him with her lover. As tensions between York and Lancaster build, the Duke of York gathers supporters for his claim to the throne. York secretly leads a rebellion, his supporters proclaim him king, and Henry is forced to flee. 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; David King; Denis McCarthy; Peter Orr; Richard Wordsworth; Patrick Wymark; Roger Croucher; Gary Watson; David Jones; Tony Church; John Shrapnel; John Tydeman; Frank Duncan; Robin Ellis; Miles Malleson; Guy Slater; Michael Turnbull; Bob Jones; David Buck; Terrence Hardiman; Raymond Clarke; Dudley Jones; Bob Jones; Peter Woodthorpe; Terrence Hardiman; David Burke; Philip Strick; Michael Bates; Trevor Nunn; Norman Rossington; Stephen Thorne; David Burke; Mary Morris; Yvonne Bonnamy; George Rylands; Patsy Byrne; Terrence Hardiman.

William Shakespeare (Author), David King, Denis Mccarthy, Full Cast, Patrick Wymark, Richard Marquand, Roger Croucher (Narrator)

Audiobook

Henry V

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.

William Shakespeare (Author), Derek Jacobi, Full Cast, Ian Mckellen, Julian Curry, Prunella Scales, William Squire (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Winter’s Tale

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. ‘Though I am not naturally honest, I am sometimes so by chance.’ Based on Robert Greene’s story Pandosto, The Winter’s Tale play tells the story of Leontes, king of Sicilia, and his childhood friend, Polixenes, king of Bohemia. In a jealous rage, Leontes mistakenly accuses Polixenes and his own his wife, Hermione, of adultery and her newborn daughter as illegitimate, casting her into the wilderness, causing their son to die of grief and Hermione to seemingly follow suit. With his family dead or believed dead, Leontes must face the tragic consequences of his actions. With unbridled honesty and the pain of love, the final act is one of Shakespeare’s most moving reconciliation scenes. 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; Denis McCarthy; Terrence Hardiman; Corin Redgrave; Toby Robertson; Anthony White; George Rylands; John Barton; Michael Bates; Margaretta Scott; Mary Conroy; Joan Hart; Jill Daltry; Janette Richer; Clive Swift; Ian McKellen; Richard Marquand; Donald Beves; Anthony Arlidge.

William Shakespeare (Author), Anthony White, Denis Mccarthy, Full Cast, Ian Mckellen, Terrence Hardiman, William Squire (Narrator)

Audiobook

Love’s Labour’s Lost

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. ‘Love is familiar. Love is a devil. There is no evil angel but Love.’ Love's Labour's Lost is a comedy about young love, with an unexpected ending. After vowing to avoid women, the King and three of his friends have to host a princess and her three ladies. The four men fall in love and decide to court the women. In the end, the women must return to their kingdom for a year after which they will marry the king and his friends, providing they remain true to them. 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: Derek Godfrey; Gary Watson; Peter Orr; Ian Lang; Robert Eddison; George Rylands; Max Adrian; Toby Robertson; Tony Church; Peter Woodthorpe; Michael Bates; Freda Dowie; Janette Richer; Prunella Scales; Diana Rigg; Susan Maryott; Patsy Byrne.

William Shakespeare (Author), Derek Godfrey, Diana Rigg, Full Cast, Gary Watson, Peter Orr, Prunella Scales (Narrator)

Audiobook

Twelfth Night

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. ‘If music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.’ A comedic romance of mistaken identity, Twelfth Night begins with a shipwreck, splitting up Viola and her twin brother, Sebastian. Alone in a strange land, Viola disguises herself as a male servant, Cesario, in order to work for the Duke Orsino. Orsino is in love with Lady Olivia, but it is Cesario that Olivia falls for. A farcical tale of misplaced love, confusion, gender-swapping and aspiration, Twelfth Night remains one of Shakespeare’s best-loved and inventive comedies. 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: Derek Godfrey; Patrick Garland; Peter Orr; John Barton; Ian Lang; Tony Whitehead; Patrick Wymark; Robert Eddison; Tony Church; David Coombes; Peter Pears; Jill Balco; Dorothy Tutin; Prunella Scales.

William Shakespeare (Author), Derek Godfrey, Full Cast, Patrick Garland, Patrick Wymark, Peter Orr, Prunella Scales (Narrator)

Audiobook

Richard III

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. ‘Now is the winter of our discontent Made glorious summer by this sun of York.’ Richard III completes the cycle of plays covering the Wars of the Roses. It’s the story of Richard, Duke of Gloucester’s villainous plan to take the throne. It is a tale of jealousy, manipulation and deceit based on Sir Thomas More's unfinished – and largely untrue – History of King Richard III. 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 Wordsworth; David Dickinson; Patrick Garland; Patrick Wymark; John Shrapnel; David Rowe-Beddoe; John Tracy-Phillips; William Squire; John Hopkins; Corin Redgrave; Denis McCarthy; Terrence Hardiman; George Rylands; John Shearer; Roger Croucher; Peter Orr; David Buck; David King; John Tydeman; Margaretta Scott; Mary Morris; Beatrix Lehmann; Prunella Scales; Freda Dowie.

William Shakespeare (Author), David Dickinson, Full Cast, Patrick Wymark, Prunella Scales, Richard Wordsworth, William Squire (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Two Gentlemen Of Verona

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. ‘At first I did adore a twinkling star But now I worship a celestial sun.’ The Two Gentlemen of Verona is one of Shakespeare's earliest plays and also one of the most rarely performed. It's about betrayal, love and disguise. Valentine sets off from Verona for Milan to see the world. Proteus stays at home because of his love for Julia. She is in love with him, but neither knows of the other's love until Lucetta shows Julia a love letter from Proteus. He is reading her reply when his father, Antonio, sends him to the Duke's court to join Valentine. The lovers take their leave and swear eternal constancy. 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; David Gibson; Richard Marquand; Terrence Hardiman; George Rylands; Toby Robertson; Roderick Cook; Donald Beves; Clive Swift; David Buck; John Tracy-Phillips; Chris Renard; Olive Gregg; Janette Richer; Penelope Balchin.

William Shakespeare (Author), David Gibson, Full Cast, George Rylands, John Barton, Richard Marquand, Terrence Hardiman (Narrator)

Audiobook

Shakespeare Audiobooks in Drama