-
A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Amanda Root, David Harewood, Roy Hudd
- Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed

Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $9.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
As You Like It
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Niamh Cusack, Stephen Mangan, Victoria Hamilton, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rosalind, daughter of the deposed Duke Senior, is exiled from the court by her wicked uncle. Disguising herself as a young man and accompanied by her cousin Celia, she takes refuge in the Forest of Arden. In the forest Rosalind meets Orlando with whom she is in love, but her male disguise complicates matters, especially when Rosalind finds she has unwittingly attracted the shepherdess Phebe. But out of the confusion comes reconciliation and forgiveness, and all ends happily.
-
-
Can't bother with a title
- By Darwin8u on 07-27-17
-
The Taming of the Shrew
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Frances Barber, Roger Allam, Alan Cox
- Length: 2 hrs and 17 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Padua holds many suitors for the hand of fair Bianca, but Bianca may not be married until her spinster sister, Kate, is wed. Could any man be rash enough to take on Kate? The witty adventurer Petruchio undertakes the task. While he sets about transforming Kate from foul-tempered termagant to loving wife, young Lucentio and his clever servant, Tranio, plot to win Bianca.
-
-
Problem play
- By Tad Davis on 01-24-15
-
The Merchant of Venice
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Trevor Peacock, Bill Nighy, Haydn Gwynne, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Shakespeare's most controversial play, the opposing values of justice and mercy must be resolved. Antonio promises money to help his friend Bassanio woo Portia. He borrows the sum needed from the cruel Shylock, but there will be a dreadful penalty if the loan is not repaid. The golden world of Portia's Belmont calls forth some of Shakespeare's most lyrical love poetry. But the dark shadow of Shylock is never far from the heart of this brilliant comedy as it moves toward its courtroom climax.
-
-
One Of Shakespeare's Best
- By M. J. Christensen on 06-07-15
-
Twelfth Night
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Niamh Cusack, Jonathan Firth, Amanda Root, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Shakespeare's most sophisticated comedy is a riotous tale of hopelessly unrequited passions and mistaken identity. Duke Orsino is in love with the noblewoman Olivia. She, however, has fallen for his servant Cesario, who is actually Viola, a woman disguised as a man, who loves Orsino: Confusion is rife. Meanwhile, Olivia's arrogant steward Malvolio is cruelly tricked by her uncle Sir Toby Belch, his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and the maidservant Maria into believing his mistress loves him.
-
-
If you be not mad, be gone
- By Darwin8u on 08-24-17
-
Richard II
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Rupert Graves, Julian Glover, John Wood
- Length: 2 hrs and 52 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The sensitive and poetic Richard II is undoubtedly the rightful king of England, but he is unscrupulous and weak. When his cousin Henry Bolingbroke returns from banishment and mounts a challenge to his authority, Richard's right to the throne proves of little help to him. Richard is forced to abdicate, but as his power is stripped away, he gains dignity and self-awareness, and he meets his death heroically.
-
-
I wasted time, and now doth time waste me.
- By Darwin8u on 04-10-17
-
Julius Caesar: The Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Michael Feast, John Bowe, Adrian Lester
- Length: 2 hrs and 26 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At the heart of this tragic history is one of Shakespeare's most noble characters, the statesman Brutus, who is caught in a devastating conflict between private affection and public duty.
Julius Caesar has become the most powerful man in the Rome. Does his power now threaten the very existence of the Republic itself? A conspiracy is hatched, one that will have fatal consequences not only for Caesar and the conspirators but for the future history of the ancient world.
-
-
Riveting!
- By 1624 on 06-15-15
-
As You Like It
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Niamh Cusack, Stephen Mangan, Victoria Hamilton, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rosalind, daughter of the deposed Duke Senior, is exiled from the court by her wicked uncle. Disguising herself as a young man and accompanied by her cousin Celia, she takes refuge in the Forest of Arden. In the forest Rosalind meets Orlando with whom she is in love, but her male disguise complicates matters, especially when Rosalind finds she has unwittingly attracted the shepherdess Phebe. But out of the confusion comes reconciliation and forgiveness, and all ends happily.
-
-
Can't bother with a title
- By Darwin8u on 07-27-17
-
The Taming of the Shrew
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Frances Barber, Roger Allam, Alan Cox
- Length: 2 hrs and 17 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Padua holds many suitors for the hand of fair Bianca, but Bianca may not be married until her spinster sister, Kate, is wed. Could any man be rash enough to take on Kate? The witty adventurer Petruchio undertakes the task. While he sets about transforming Kate from foul-tempered termagant to loving wife, young Lucentio and his clever servant, Tranio, plot to win Bianca.
-
-
Problem play
- By Tad Davis on 01-24-15
-
The Merchant of Venice
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Trevor Peacock, Bill Nighy, Haydn Gwynne, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 16 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Shakespeare's most controversial play, the opposing values of justice and mercy must be resolved. Antonio promises money to help his friend Bassanio woo Portia. He borrows the sum needed from the cruel Shylock, but there will be a dreadful penalty if the loan is not repaid. The golden world of Portia's Belmont calls forth some of Shakespeare's most lyrical love poetry. But the dark shadow of Shylock is never far from the heart of this brilliant comedy as it moves toward its courtroom climax.
-
-
One Of Shakespeare's Best
- By M. J. Christensen on 06-07-15
-
Twelfth Night
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Niamh Cusack, Jonathan Firth, Amanda Root, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Shakespeare's most sophisticated comedy is a riotous tale of hopelessly unrequited passions and mistaken identity. Duke Orsino is in love with the noblewoman Olivia. She, however, has fallen for his servant Cesario, who is actually Viola, a woman disguised as a man, who loves Orsino: Confusion is rife. Meanwhile, Olivia's arrogant steward Malvolio is cruelly tricked by her uncle Sir Toby Belch, his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and the maidservant Maria into believing his mistress loves him.
-
-
If you be not mad, be gone
- By Darwin8u on 08-24-17
-
Richard II
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Rupert Graves, Julian Glover, John Wood
- Length: 2 hrs and 52 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The sensitive and poetic Richard II is undoubtedly the rightful king of England, but he is unscrupulous and weak. When his cousin Henry Bolingbroke returns from banishment and mounts a challenge to his authority, Richard's right to the throne proves of little help to him. Richard is forced to abdicate, but as his power is stripped away, he gains dignity and self-awareness, and he meets his death heroically.
-
-
I wasted time, and now doth time waste me.
- By Darwin8u on 04-10-17
-
Julius Caesar: The Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Michael Feast, John Bowe, Adrian Lester
- Length: 2 hrs and 26 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At the heart of this tragic history is one of Shakespeare's most noble characters, the statesman Brutus, who is caught in a devastating conflict between private affection and public duty.
Julius Caesar has become the most powerful man in the Rome. Does his power now threaten the very existence of the Republic itself? A conspiracy is hatched, one that will have fatal consequences not only for Caesar and the conspirators but for the future history of the ancient world.
-
-
Riveting!
- By 1624 on 06-15-15
-
The Tempest
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Jennifer Ehle, Adrian Lester, Bob Peck, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This haunting drama of vengeance and forgiveness crowns the group of tragicomic romances that Shakespeare composed at the end of his career. Sometimes read as his farewell to the stage, the play contains some of Shakespeare's most lyrical verse. Prospero, wise Duke of Milan, has been deposed by Antonio, his wicked brother, and exiled with his daughter Miranda to a mysterious island. But Prospero possesses supernatural powers. Aided by the spirit Ariel, Prospero uses his magical art to bring his enemies under his control.
-
-
Love ArkAngel's interpretation of Shakespeare
- By lavalleem on 12-10-16
-
Romeo and Juliet
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Joseph Fiennes, Maria Miles, Elizabeth Spriggs
- Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the world's most celebrated and lyrical love story, the sublime devotion of two young lovers transcends their earthly fate. The noble Veronese houses of Montague and Capulet are locked in a bitter feud. When Romeo (a Montague) and Juliet (a Capulet) fall in love, they are swept up in a series of violent events and cruel twists of fortune. Despite the passion and innocence of their love, they fall victim to the enmity between their families, and their story ends in tragedy.
-
-
Well played!
- By April M. on 09-01-17
-
Hamlet: The Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Simon Russell Beale, Imogen Stubbs, Jane Lapotaire, and others
- Length: 3 hrs and 25 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Distressed by his father's death and his mother's over-hasty remarriage, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, is faced by a specter from beyond the grave bearing a grim message of murder and revenge. The young prince is driven to the edge of madness by his struggle to understand the situation he finds himself in and to do his duty. Many others, including Hamlet's beloved, the innocent Ophelia, are swept up in his tragedy.
-
-
Excellent Presentation
- By L. Jay on 11-22-16
-
Coriolanus
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Paul Jesson, Marjorie Yates, Ewan Hooper
- Length: 3 hrs and 10 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rome is a city divided, nobility and common-people locked in mutual suspicion. The patrician Caius Marcius, later called Coriolanus, is Rome's greatest soldier, but his proud refusal to accommodate himself to the demands of the plebeians leads to banishment and death. A Roman history as well as tragedy, Coriolanus is a complex and subtle exploration of the themes of absolution and compromise, both in the political world and in the life of the individual.
-
-
Let it be virtuous to be obsinate
- By Darwin8u on 11-26-17
-
Beowulf
- By: Seamus Heaney
- Narrated by: Seamus Heaney
- Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
New York Times best seller and Whitebread Book of the Year, Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney's new translation of Beowulf comes to life in this gripping audio. Heaney's performance reminds us that Beowulf, written near the turn of another millennium, was intended to be heard not read.
-
-
Why, oh, why is it abridged?
- By Tad Davis on 09-25-08
By: Seamus Heaney
-
Henry V
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Jamie Glover, Brian Cox, Elizabeth Spriggs
- Length: 3 hrs and 8 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Henry V is a study of kingship, patriotism, and heroic determination tempered by tender comedy as Henry courts Katherine, princess of France. Henry, the noble and courageous young king of England, decides to invade France, believing he has a rightful claim to the throne. At Agincourt he leads his army into battle against the powerful French forces and, against all the odds, wins a famous victory.
-
-
The Best Version of the Best Thing Ever Written
- By Millerhaus on 02-04-17
-
Common Sense
- By: Thomas Paine
- Narrated by: Walter Dixon
- Length: 2 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Thomas Paine published Common Sense in 1776, a time when America was a hotbed of revolution. The pamphlet, which called for America's political freedom, sold more than 150,000 copies in three months. Paine not only spurred his fellow Americans to action but soon came to symbolize the spirit of the Revolution itself. His persuasive pieces, written so elegantly, spoke to the hearts and minds of all those fighting for freedom from England.
-
-
A must for anyone interested in history
- By Johan on 05-18-15
By: Thomas Paine
-
Othello
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Don Warrington, David Threlfall, Anne-Marie Duff, and others
- Length: 3 hrs and 1 min
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Othello, a Moorish general in the service of Venice, has married Desdemona, beautiful daughter of a Venetian senator. But Iago, Othello's malignant ensign, is determined to destroy their happiness. Cunningly bending Othello to his own purposes, Iago persuades the Moor that Desdemona is unfaithful to him. Tormented in a hell of jealousy, Othello moves inexorably toward the destruction of his innocent wife and himself.
-
-
Heartbreaking
- By Tad Davis on 02-17-17
-
The Comedy of Errors
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: David Tennant, Brendan Coyle, Alan Cox, and others
- Length: 1 hr and 27 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Chaos and confusion mount to a crescendo in a wild and fast-paced comedy of mistaken identity, one of Shakespeare's earliest plays. Young Antipholus of Syracuse is searching the world for his identical twin brother, separated from him at birth. With him is his servant Dromio, who lost his twin brother at the same time. The pair arrive in Ephesus where, unbeknownst to them, their twins are living.
-
-
Ill deeds is doubled with an evil word
- By Darwin8u on 03-16-17
-
Much Ado about Nothing
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Saskia Reeves, Samuel West, Paul Jesson, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 8 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Young Claudio has fallen for the lovely heiress Hero, who also loves him. Their path to the altar looks smooth, until the evil Don John intervenes. All ends happily, thanks to his incompetent assassins and the lucky discoveries of the bungling constable Dogberry. Central to the play, one of Shakespeare's best-loved comedies, are Beatrice and Benedick, masters of wit and sworn foes to marriage - until a plot is hatched to bring them together.
-
-
Live in thy heart, die in thy lap
- By Darwin8u on 06-29-17
-
Hamlet: Fully Dramatized Audio Edition
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: full cast
- Length: 3 hrs and 32 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hamlet, Shakespeare's most popular, and perhaps most puzzling play, follows the form of a "revenge tragedy", in which the hero, Hamlet, seeks vengeance against his father’s murderer, his uncle Claudius, now the king of Denmark. Much of its fascination, however, lies in its uncertainties. This new full-cast recording - based on the most respected edition of Shakespeare's classic - expertly produced by the Folger Theatre, is perfect for students, teachers, and the everyday listener.
-
-
Loved the voice actors
- By Kenni on 11-25-15
-
The Metamorphosis
- A New Translation by Susan Bernofsky
- By: Franz Kafka, Susan Bernofsky - translator
- Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini, Victor Bevine, Christa Lewis
- Length: 2 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Franz Kafka's 1915 novella of unexplained horror and nightmarish transformation became a worldwide classic and remains a century later one of the most widely read works of fiction in the world. It is the story of traveling salesman Gregor Samsa, who wakes one morning to find himself transformed into a monstrous insect. This hugely influential work inspired George Orwell, Albert Camus, Jorge Louis Borges, and Ray Bradbury, while continuing to unsettle millions of readers.
-
-
Mysterious and beautiful
- By Tad Davis on 05-02-15
By: Franz Kafka, and others
Publisher's summary
Shakespeare's most imaginative and merry play is set in an enchanted wood amidst fairies and sprites.
When Oberon, King of the Fairies, uses his magic upon four runaway lovers in a midsummer wood outside Athens, chaos ensues. Who really loves whom? Meanwhile, a band of well-meaning but bungling local actors have their rehearsal sabotaged by the mischievous Puck, who bewitches their leader, Bottom, and Titania, the Fairy Queen. The result is a lively and anarchic comedy that can only be resolved by an elaborate disentangling of spells.
Hermia is played by Amanda Root, Oberon by David Harewood, and Bottom by Roy Hudd.
Featured Article: We’re Booked—The Best Literature Podcasts for Every Bibliophile
Love everything books and literature? Of course, you do—that’s why you're here! Don’t worry, you’re in good company. If you're a book aficionado who loves chatting about literature with like-minded people, literature podcasts are the perfect addition to your listening lifestyle. There’s no shortage of great book podcast options to choose from. Here are just a few of the best literature podcasts, covering many different genres and styles of podcasting.
More from the same
What listeners say about A Midsummer Night's Dream
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Zombie Gil 007
- 02-14-15
Shakespeare is rolling in his grave.
Would you try another book from William Shakespeare and/or the narrators?
I love Shakespeare, but these are the worst narrator I have EVER heard.
What did you like best about this story?
That it was a play by William Shakespeare.
What didn’t you like about the narrators’s performance?
The completely faux Jamaican accents of Oberon and his queen completely ruined the tale. They were almost offensive.
Was A Midsummer Night's Dream worth the listening time?
I cannot recommended this audio book. Offensive is putting it mildly.
Any additional comments?
In all the years that I have been a member of Audible, this is the very first time I can say a book was simply awful. Save your money save your time.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
61 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Darwin8u
- 04-24-17
The lunatic, the lover, and the poet
“The lunatic, the lover, and the poet, are of imagination all compact.”
― William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream
I think I'm a dozen plays into my First Folio frolic. April means spring, and in my sequential reading of Shakespeare it also means lyricism out the yin yang. Reading a Bloom analysis of either Richard II (#10) or Romeo & Juliet (#11), Bloom (and I'm paraphrasing here) described these three plays as a lyrical triad. Romeo and Juliet = lyrical tragedy; Richard II = lyrical history; Midsummer Night's Dream = lyrical high comedy.
It was a dream and a trip watching Shakespeare weave together the 2x2 love story with the amateur actors with Puck and the fairies. Again, like Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, etc., Midsummer Night's Dream is hard to objectively read because it is so familiar. There are certain plays that have almost become a part of our cultural subconscious. I don't remember ever first learning, reading, knowing this play. It seems to have just always been there -- tickling my memory and my dreams. I have friends with quotes tattooed on their arms: “Though she be but little, she is fierce!” and others that seem more Puck than real. That is the genius of some of Shakespeare's more fanciful plays. Despite them containing magic, etc., they all seem so VERY HUMAN. There is something about Puck and Oberon that seem -- despite their other worldliness -- very grounded in this world.
One aspect of this play I loved, and it is a common Shakespeare conceit is the play within the play, the players, the development of the narrative through a parallel sub-narrative. It is both simple, sublime, and surreal. More important, it works. Obviously, Hamlet is the most well-known example of this, but Shakespeare uses this idea again and again (The Tempest, Love's Labour's Lost) and I LOVE it.
There were also several nice lines, specifically:
- “My soul is in the sky.”
- “I’ll follow thee and make a heaven of hell,
To die upon the hand I love so well.”
- “Take pains. Be perfect.”
- “Ay me! for aught that ever I could read,
could ever hear by tale or history,
the course of true love never did run smooth.”
- “And yet, to say the truth, reason and love keep little company together nowadays.”
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
16 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jim "The Impatient"
- 07-18-15
GET THE GONE, YOU DWARF
MY EYE, YOUR EYE
For a person like me who has problems visioning the printed word in my head, reading Shakespeare first, maybe trice and then listening makes a big difference. The language is so beautiful and comes out clearly in this recording, yet at times I was lost in the story. I am not sure I ever figured out the conclusion of what happened to the couples who were in love and then out of love, thinks to the incompetent fairies. This is a short story or stories and would be a good place for the novice to start. First, you should have one of the many copies of the complete works of Shakespeare, read the story, get to know it and then listen. I am going to go back and reread this story which I have not read in years. I did understand most of it and even laughed out loud a few times. The lyrical words themselves makes this worth listening to.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
14 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kelsey Bedolli
- 05-13-16
No stage directions
I chose this version because of the clarity of the actor voices during the preview. However, I did not realize there would be no narrated stage directions, which made it harder to follow. Additionally, too much attention was paid to creating ambient noise to set the scene. It ended up occasionally overpowering the actors and the fairies (especially Oberon) are REALLY hard to understand because of the echo.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- David
- 03-04-15
A great performance of a Shakespeare favorite
A Midsummer's Night Dream has more physical comedy than most of Shakespeare's plays, and you're missing out if you don't see Oberon and Titania and the rest of the fairy court, so I wasn't sure how enjoyable this purely audio presentation would be. But it's a delight. Oberon and Titania are otherworldly, and sound effects make it clear what's going on to make up for the lack of visual cues.
This is a comedy about two pairs of youths, one in love and the other couple both in unrequited love. Their flight into the fairy woods, a well-intentioned fairy king (and a not so well-intentioned Puck), a troop of actors, and a quarreling fairy royal couple, all collide in a funny, magical fantasy that gets untangled with a happy ending, unlike Shakespeare's other famous play about star-crossed lovers.
Definitely a great way to experience this play, although still better on stage.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
7 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- morpheus
- 11-14-18
Great, refreshing take.
A well-acted, well-produced version of one of Shakespeare's absolutely finest works. My only real problem with it, is the same as with all Arkangel Shakespeare productions I've listened to: The scene/act-ending music is typically a bit too loud. It's always good music, but can come as a bit of a shock if you're not prepared. That's the only reason why the Overall rating can't be a 5. It's a production problem, and in no way reflects poorly on the story or performance.
In contrast to a few reviews that almost made me not purchase this version, I think the accents used by Titania (Jamaican), Oberon (sub-Sahara west-African (not Jamaican, as the aforementioned reviewers wrote)) and Robin Goodfellow (switches at will, as the trickster he is) are a breath of fresh air. These are meant to be ancient beings who transcend human borders - calling themselves our parents. The play itself takes place in present day Greece, and has an Amazon woman (by all accounts, the Amazons would be from present day Turkey/Iran), Titania has just returned from India... Why would the fairies necessarily speak in a British accent?
Take it for what it is; a great classic take on A Midsummer Night's Dream, with a few artistic liberties taken. Great stuff as always, from Arkangel.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- C. Gross
- 05-12-18
Terrible
This is the only book I’ve ever returned to Audible, and I been a member for at least a decade. The accents of the fairies were intolerable. This was noted by previous reviewers but I didn’t pay heed. They were right.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Patrick Mooney
- 03-19-15
Torturous at times
I found this performance torturous at times and I'm sure everyone thought that heavy Jamaican accents were a great idea for the fairy characters but I found it very distracting and at times hard to follow. It's a very complicated story. The thing that tortured me the most was the animal sound which I assumed was supposed to be from a pig or boar character or it might have been a mule... There was no variation, just the same sound over and over. Eventually, I just wanted it to be over...
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tad Davis
- 04-09-16
Funny!
I have to admit this has never been one of my favorite plays: I don't care much for fairies, even in the gentle guise they take here. The lovers are interchangeable. And it's hard to get excited about the conflict between Titania and Oberon.
The play stands or falls, for me, by the quality of the "rude mechanicals." Fortunstley no worries here: they're an outstanding bunch, totally believable in their earnest incompetence, and the production of "Pyramus and Thisbe" recorded here is one of the funniest I've heard.
I'm not familiar with the cast members in this production, apart from Amanda Root. It's a spirited cast, though, and Bottom indeed has no bottom.
The music by Dominique le Gendre is as always excellent.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- P. J. Zannini
- 07-29-15
Bill Sure Knows How To Use Them Words!
The play - amazing as always.
The performances - on point. (though I saw a review that nuked the Jamaican accents, I thought they were perfectly fine).
The stage sound and Echo ... A bit of improvement could be used.
Quite enjoyable.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Richard Fairley
- 11-18-23
Very good!
Certainly an entertaining production with good atmosphere and music. Strangely casts Oberon and Titania as Jamaicans - for which I've deducted a star - but that aside, 'tis well played!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- LucyB
- 12-07-20
Brilliant
as lovely as Shakespeare always is and here are some more words to maje 15
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
People who viewed this also viewed...
-
As You Like It
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Niamh Cusack, Stephen Mangan, Victoria Hamilton, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rosalind, daughter of the deposed Duke Senior, is exiled from the court by her wicked uncle. Disguising herself as a young man and accompanied by her cousin Celia, she takes refuge in the Forest of Arden. In the forest Rosalind meets Orlando with whom she is in love, but her male disguise complicates matters, especially when Rosalind finds she has unwittingly attracted the shepherdess Phebe. But out of the confusion comes reconciliation and forgiveness, and all ends happily.
-
-
Can't bother with a title
- By Darwin8u on 07-27-17
-
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Fully Dramatized Audio Edition
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: full cast
- Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare stages the workings of love in unexpected ways. In the woods outside Athens, two young men and two young women sort themselves into couples - but not before they form first one love triangle, and then another. The king and queen of fairyland, Oberon and Titania, battle over custody of an orphan boy. Oberon uses magic to make Titania fall in love with a weaver named Bottom, in an effort to distract Titania from the custody battle.
-
-
wow
- By Giovanni Panaro on 02-15-19
-
The Taming of the Shrew
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Frances Barber, Roger Allam, Alan Cox
- Length: 2 hrs and 17 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Padua holds many suitors for the hand of fair Bianca, but Bianca may not be married until her spinster sister, Kate, is wed. Could any man be rash enough to take on Kate? The witty adventurer Petruchio undertakes the task. While he sets about transforming Kate from foul-tempered termagant to loving wife, young Lucentio and his clever servant, Tranio, plot to win Bianca.
-
-
Problem play
- By Tad Davis on 01-24-15
-
Twelfth Night
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Niamh Cusack, Jonathan Firth, Amanda Root, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Shakespeare's most sophisticated comedy is a riotous tale of hopelessly unrequited passions and mistaken identity. Duke Orsino is in love with the noblewoman Olivia. She, however, has fallen for his servant Cesario, who is actually Viola, a woman disguised as a man, who loves Orsino: Confusion is rife. Meanwhile, Olivia's arrogant steward Malvolio is cruelly tricked by her uncle Sir Toby Belch, his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and the maidservant Maria into believing his mistress loves him.
-
-
If you be not mad, be gone
- By Darwin8u on 08-24-17
-
Romeo and Juliet
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Joseph Fiennes, Maria Miles, Elizabeth Spriggs
- Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the world's most celebrated and lyrical love story, the sublime devotion of two young lovers transcends their earthly fate. The noble Veronese houses of Montague and Capulet are locked in a bitter feud. When Romeo (a Montague) and Juliet (a Capulet) fall in love, they are swept up in a series of violent events and cruel twists of fortune. Despite the passion and innocence of their love, they fall victim to the enmity between their families, and their story ends in tragedy.
-
-
Well played!
- By April M. on 09-01-17
-
The Tempest
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Jennifer Ehle, Adrian Lester, Bob Peck, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This haunting drama of vengeance and forgiveness crowns the group of tragicomic romances that Shakespeare composed at the end of his career. Sometimes read as his farewell to the stage, the play contains some of Shakespeare's most lyrical verse. Prospero, wise Duke of Milan, has been deposed by Antonio, his wicked brother, and exiled with his daughter Miranda to a mysterious island. But Prospero possesses supernatural powers. Aided by the spirit Ariel, Prospero uses his magical art to bring his enemies under his control.
-
-
Love ArkAngel's interpretation of Shakespeare
- By lavalleem on 12-10-16
-
As You Like It
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Niamh Cusack, Stephen Mangan, Victoria Hamilton, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 27 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rosalind, daughter of the deposed Duke Senior, is exiled from the court by her wicked uncle. Disguising herself as a young man and accompanied by her cousin Celia, she takes refuge in the Forest of Arden. In the forest Rosalind meets Orlando with whom she is in love, but her male disguise complicates matters, especially when Rosalind finds she has unwittingly attracted the shepherdess Phebe. But out of the confusion comes reconciliation and forgiveness, and all ends happily.
-
-
Can't bother with a title
- By Darwin8u on 07-27-17
-
A Midsummer Night's Dream: Fully Dramatized Audio Edition
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: full cast
- Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In A Midsummer Night's Dream, Shakespeare stages the workings of love in unexpected ways. In the woods outside Athens, two young men and two young women sort themselves into couples - but not before they form first one love triangle, and then another. The king and queen of fairyland, Oberon and Titania, battle over custody of an orphan boy. Oberon uses magic to make Titania fall in love with a weaver named Bottom, in an effort to distract Titania from the custody battle.
-
-
wow
- By Giovanni Panaro on 02-15-19
-
The Taming of the Shrew
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Frances Barber, Roger Allam, Alan Cox
- Length: 2 hrs and 17 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Padua holds many suitors for the hand of fair Bianca, but Bianca may not be married until her spinster sister, Kate, is wed. Could any man be rash enough to take on Kate? The witty adventurer Petruchio undertakes the task. While he sets about transforming Kate from foul-tempered termagant to loving wife, young Lucentio and his clever servant, Tranio, plot to win Bianca.
-
-
Problem play
- By Tad Davis on 01-24-15
-
Twelfth Night
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Niamh Cusack, Jonathan Firth, Amanda Root, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Shakespeare's most sophisticated comedy is a riotous tale of hopelessly unrequited passions and mistaken identity. Duke Orsino is in love with the noblewoman Olivia. She, however, has fallen for his servant Cesario, who is actually Viola, a woman disguised as a man, who loves Orsino: Confusion is rife. Meanwhile, Olivia's arrogant steward Malvolio is cruelly tricked by her uncle Sir Toby Belch, his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek, and the maidservant Maria into believing his mistress loves him.
-
-
If you be not mad, be gone
- By Darwin8u on 08-24-17
-
Romeo and Juliet
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Joseph Fiennes, Maria Miles, Elizabeth Spriggs
- Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the world's most celebrated and lyrical love story, the sublime devotion of two young lovers transcends their earthly fate. The noble Veronese houses of Montague and Capulet are locked in a bitter feud. When Romeo (a Montague) and Juliet (a Capulet) fall in love, they are swept up in a series of violent events and cruel twists of fortune. Despite the passion and innocence of their love, they fall victim to the enmity between their families, and their story ends in tragedy.
-
-
Well played!
- By April M. on 09-01-17
-
The Tempest
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Jennifer Ehle, Adrian Lester, Bob Peck, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This haunting drama of vengeance and forgiveness crowns the group of tragicomic romances that Shakespeare composed at the end of his career. Sometimes read as his farewell to the stage, the play contains some of Shakespeare's most lyrical verse. Prospero, wise Duke of Milan, has been deposed by Antonio, his wicked brother, and exiled with his daughter Miranda to a mysterious island. But Prospero possesses supernatural powers. Aided by the spirit Ariel, Prospero uses his magical art to bring his enemies under his control.
-
-
Love ArkAngel's interpretation of Shakespeare
- By lavalleem on 12-10-16
-
Macbeth: The Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Hugh Ross, Harriet Walter
- Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The brave warrior Macbeth allows himself to be persuaded by Lady Macbeth, his wife, to slay good King Duncan and seize the throne of Scotland for himself. Macbeth achieves his ambition, but one murder proves not to be enough as he desperately attempts to eliminate all who might threaten his ill-gotten power. Descending into paranoia, Macbeth achieves his ambition but ravages his soul.
-
-
Best theatrical recording for teaching!!!
- By Amazon Customer on 11-19-18
-
Julius Caesar: The Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Michael Feast, John Bowe, Adrian Lester
- Length: 2 hrs and 26 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At the heart of this tragic history is one of Shakespeare's most noble characters, the statesman Brutus, who is caught in a devastating conflict between private affection and public duty.
Julius Caesar has become the most powerful man in the Rome. Does his power now threaten the very existence of the Republic itself? A conspiracy is hatched, one that will have fatal consequences not only for Caesar and the conspirators but for the future history of the ancient world.
-
-
Riveting!
- By 1624 on 06-15-15
-
Othello
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Don Warrington, David Threlfall, Anne-Marie Duff, and others
- Length: 3 hrs and 1 min
- Original Recording
-
Overall