The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (Dramatised)

By: J. R. R. Tolkien

Narrated by: Ian Holm, Michael Hordern, Robert Stephens, full cast

Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

With its first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on March 8th, 1981, this dramatised tale of Middle Earth became an instant global classic. It boasts a truly outstanding cast including Ian Holm (as Frodo), Sir Michael Hordern (as Gandalf), Robert Stephens (as Aragorn), Bill Nighy (as Sam Gamgee) and John Le Mesurier (as Bilbo). Brian Sibley's famous adaptation has been divided into three corresponding parts, with newly recorded beginning and end narration by Ian Holm, who now stars as Bilbo in the feature films based on The Lord of the Rings. Part One, The Fellowship of the Ring, introduces us to Frodo Baggins. With his uncle Bilbo having mysteriously disappeared, Frodo finds himself in possession of a simple gold ring that has great and evil power. It is the Ruling Ring, taken long ago from the Dark Lord, Sauron, who now seeks to possess it again. Frodo must do everything he can to prevent this, and with the help of Gandalf the wizard and a band of loyal companions he begins a perilous journey across Middle-earth. Sauron's Black Riders are on their trail as they travel to Rivendell, attempt to cross the snow-swept Misty Mountains and, in desperation, enter the terrifying Mines of Moria.

©2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd trading as BBC Studios (P)2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd trading as BBC Studios

Incredibly Enjoyable - True to the Books

I grew up loving the books. Read them 20+ times which is not so unusual among fans. Long story short, I just couldn’t get into the movies. It didn’t have the feel of the books. This audio dramatization does. Thank you to the BBC and those involved almost 40 years ago.

Perfect.

This was masterfully done, with music and acting choreography that made listening incredibly immersive.

a wonderful adventure

great book, beautifully acted. I don't have time to sit and read but have been missing books and adventures. this was a wonderful way for me to complete something that had been on my list for a very long time. this version was magical!

My Favorite Story of All Time

I heard this as a kid on public radio. I had already read the books and this adaptation is the next best thing to the books. I can recite poetry to this day from the original works. ❤️❤️

A Must For All Fans of LOTR

This is my all time favorite presentation of LOTR. My father gifted me the CD set as a child and I listened all the time. I was so sad when CD players became unavailable, and was worried I wouldn’t get to hear it again. I can’t describe the excitement to see that it was now available on digital through audible.

The actors are amazing, and I especially love how the sound was done. When you are listen to the council or campfire sense it really feels as if one person sot to your left or right or across from you. And the theme song is an absolute favorite of mine. I often catch myself humming it to myself.

I recommend this bbc dramatization to all fans I meet. It hasn’t been topped, and while I love the films I still feel that hear performances are some of the strongest.

Remember Frodo

I have heard this tale on public radio years ago. great memories from 40 years ago.

The sound effects.

I liked the realism of the book with the different characters and actors. Also how the story is slightly different from the original

At last, for young kids

My 8 yr-old has bugged me about LoTR, the movies (too scary) and books (high school reading level). Enter the BBC radio plays: an abridged version of the books, chock full of adventure enhanced by the full cast, music, and effects. We listened to all three in the series.

Great Reading

I enjoyed the dramatized reading. It gave me additional insights as to how someone may interpret the writings of J. R. R. Tolkien.

loved it

i loved it and could not stop listning .
I just to short time finishing it