Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde

In Aid of the Royal Theatrical Fund

By: Oscar Wilde

Narrated by: Dame Judi Dench, Jeremy Irons, Joanna Lumley, Sir Derek Jacobi, Sinead Cusack, Robert Harris, Samantha Bond, Geoffrey Palmer, Sir Donald Sinden, Elaine Stritch

Length: 4 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is a collection of the Oscar Wilde's famous fairy tales, read by a cast of leading British actors. Additional narrators include Geoffrey Palmer O.B.E., Sir Donald Sinden, and Elaine Stritch. Music: 'Reverie De Sebastian' by Steve Davies.

©2010 WHITEROOM MUSIC LTD (P)2010 WHITEROOM MUSIC LTD

Amazing!

What a joy to be able to listen to these amazing tales. Judi Dench and Joanna Lumley where my favorites but every single narrator was on point. I truly felt transported to magical places, and enjoyed the moral of all the stories covered in this volume. :)

Lovely Stories and Superb Narrators

Oscar Wilde was too great for this world. These short stories of Fairy Tales are superbly read and I was delighted and pleasantly surprised to hear Elaine Stritch’s telling of the last story, The Actress. I did not see her credited with this so I had not expected it! These are timeless tales of empathy and all the other human nature observations. I only have one complaint; the loudness is variable with each story so after hearing what I think was Dame Judy Dench, which I had to crank to 11, I was blasted out of my chair with the next narrator. So be careful when listening as the volume levels, fluctuate!

Brilliant stories, brilliantly read

The different readers all bring something wonderful to Wilde's short stories. Judi Dench's reading of The Nightingale and the Rose is a particular stand-out performance. This collection is well worth buying, and will be one which can be heard again and again, and again and again. Wilde's strories never age and remain timeless, meaningful and poignant. Don't hesitate to buy this collection, even for a moment.

One of the BEST performances ever!

Would you listen to Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde again? Why?

This collection was great- while there were some stories that I considered skipping, as I was not a fan in print, the performances made each story worthwhile. A slight drawback is that the collection does not give the name of the performer with the title of each story- I would love to give each actor praise where it's due, but I only recognize the voice of Dame Judi Dench- and it is to her performances that I am writing to praise specificly.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fairy Tales of Oscar Wilde?

Judi Dench's performance in The Nightingale and the Rose and, more importantly, The Young King is almost impossible for me to critique- I can find no flaws in her performance and her voice is moving and heartfelt.The Young King though...that's a story I had never read and to hear Ms. Dench perform it moved me utterly.
Her depiction of the characters Death and Avarice is both chilling and enthralling- worth every penny of the purchase price for this performace alone.
This is a collection that should be shared with select friends, or listened to alone and kept near and dear.

Enjoyably different from my expectations

All fairytales are different and don’t have o have happy endings. I found some fascinating and others rather sad. Oscar Whilde is a genius that rights in many different forms and does the unexpectedly. Try something new.

Subversive and thought provoking

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

These stories are sometimes difficult to listen to, particularly as we are socialized these days to expect a happy ending from our entertainment. However, if you stick with it through a few, they act as somewhat of a mental palette cleanser, and help provide a fresh perspective on other stories and events.

Cuts to the heart, effortlessly.

I found these stories to be refreshingly brutal. Perhaps it's a misconception that such stories should have a happy ending. Sad sad endings are far more satisfying and meaningful. Read it to your children by all means, they will thank you.

Outstanding

Thank you for giving me the poetry I sought to find all of my life.

Fairy Tales

Oscar Wilde wrote some very interesting fairy tales. I found the narration very good and suitable for children to listen to.

Uneven but delightful

The Rocket was my favorite story but I enjoyed most. The narration was wonderful overall.