Mansfield Park

A BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramatisation

By: Jane Austen

Narrated by: David Tennant, full cast, Benedict Cumberbatch, Felicity Jones

In this BBC radio full-cast dramatisation of one of Jane Austen's most beloved works, Fanny Price finds her life isn't going as she would have wished....

Fanny grows up mostly miserable in Mansfield Park, where she has always been treated as inferior to her vivacious cousins. However, over time, her steadfast and kind character make her an indispensable part of the household. Her cousin Edmund has always been her ally but navigating Mary Crawford and Mrs Norris proves difficult....

Published over 200 years ago, Mansfield Park remains one of the British nation's favourite novels. Among the star cast in this radio production are Felicity Jones, David Tennant and Benedict Cumberbatch.

This title is part of the BBC's Jane Austen collection.

©2014 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2014 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Beautiful to Listen to

This was the first Jane Austin audio book I've purchased. As a dramatization there are of course a few points where the story had to be abridged but overall it was a VERY enjoyable listen. I initially picked this story because of the actors voices and I was not disappointed. The casting choices were perfect and truly enhanced the story. Benedict Cumberbatch as Edmund was I think a particularly good choice as he brought a level of subtle romance that greatly suited the part, and David Tennant as the lazy, fun-loving Tom was brilliant. This may not be Austen's best work but this cast gave it life in a way that allows it to easily rival Austen's better know works.

Enjoyed the Dramatic Interpretation

I enjoyed the story, but I felt that it jumped around a lot. There was also some awkward narration that the adapter couldn’t seem to fit anywhere naturally, and it kept pulling me out of the story. The voice actors, however, were brilliant! And the overall dramatization has made me curious about the unabridged book.

Confusing at times

I enjoyed the book and finished it quickly, but found the recording a bit confusing at times. The voices of the actors were quite similar and the narration didn't acknowledge which character was speaking every time which made it difficult to follow what was happening at times. The story itself was interesting and entertaining, but I found the ending a bit abrupt and the character development lacking at times. Despite these criticisms I found it an enjoyable experience overall!

Delightfully done

As you would expect from such a star-studded cast, this is a great dramatization. The acting is superb, and the book has been adapted very well, keeping the story moving at a good clip, while not sacrificing too much of Austen's original text.

Great story to listen to while working.

The narrators engage you and place you in the story. Fans of David Tennant Benedict Cumberbatch and Felicity Jones should listen.

Loved it!

This production was very well done,I enjoyed it so much. All of the readers/actors are first class. I was able to transport to Mansfield Park just by listening to their superb talent. I recommend this most fervently.

Lovely dramatization with a charming cast

Although decidedly abridged, the story is well-narrated, and listeners familiar with Austen's other works will find this adaptation easy to follow. Of the cast, Cumberbatch, Tennant, and Jones are especially delightful to listen to. The only drawback is that the similar voices of some of the minor characters make them difficult to distinguish unless you know the actors' voices well. All around, a charming adaptation of a wonderful novel.

Radio Adaptation with Engaging Cast

Would you listen to Mansfield Park (Dramatized) again? Why?

I have, in fact, listened to this twice. It's a very skilled adaptation of one of my favorite Austen books. And the performances are wonderful.

What did you like best about this story?

You can't help but love Fanny Price and admire her strength, humor, and resilience.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The cast was universally strong and wonderfully captured the idiosyncrasies of the individual characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Fanny gets sent back to her family and she had to adjust to live away from Mansfield Park.

Fun!

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

David Tennant doing the voice of Tom was spot on!

Any additional comments?

If you have already read this book, I would really recommend you listening to this dramatization. It is really fun and interesting to listen to, but it has cut down dramatically.

I loved it!

I enjoyed everything about this play. I was engrossed from beginning to end. I plan to recommend it to my Book Club. It would be fun to read “Mansfield Park“ again.