-
The Tempest
- Narrated by: Sir Ian McKellen, Emilia Fox, Scott Handy, Ben Owukwe
- Length: 2 hrs and 7 mins
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
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...
-
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
-
Othello: Fully Dramatized Audio Edition
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: full cast
- Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Othello, Shakespeare creates powerful drama from a marriage between the exotic Moor Othello and the Venetian lady Desdemona. Shakespeare builds many differences into his hero and heroine, including race, age, and cultural background. Yet most audiences believe the couple’s strong love would overcome these differences were it not for Iago, who sets out to destroy Othello.
-
-
Good cast
- By Becky on 06-06-17
-
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
-
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.
-
-
Absolutely loved
- By Shiloah Baker on 06-28-15
-
Macbeth: Fully Dramatized Audio Edition
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: full cast
- Length: 2 hrs and 12 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Macbeth, one of Shakespeare's most popular plays, is among the most powerful and influential tragedies in the English language. Promised a golden future as ruler of Scotland by three sinister witches, Macbeth murders the king in order to succeed to the throne. Tortured by his conscience and fearful of discovery, he becomes fatally enmeshed in a web of treachery and deceit.
-
-
excellent
- By Laura W. on 05-25-18
-
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.
-
-
did they record this on mt everest?
- By Kit on 01-11-20
-
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
-
Othello: Fully Dramatized Audio Edition
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: full cast
- Length: 2 hrs and 59 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Othello, Shakespeare creates powerful drama from a marriage between the exotic Moor Othello and the Venetian lady Desdemona. Shakespeare builds many differences into his hero and heroine, including race, age, and cultural background. Yet most audiences believe the couple’s strong love would overcome these differences were it not for Iago, who sets out to destroy Othello.
-
-
Good cast
- By Becky on 06-06-17
-
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
-
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.
-
-
Absolutely loved
- By Shiloah Baker on 06-28-15
-
Macbeth: Fully Dramatized Audio Edition
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: full cast
- Length: 2 hrs and 12 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Macbeth, one of Shakespeare's most popular plays, is among the most powerful and influential tragedies in the English language. Promised a golden future as ruler of Scotland by three sinister witches, Macbeth murders the king in order to succeed to the throne. Tortured by his conscience and fearful of discovery, he becomes fatally enmeshed in a web of treachery and deceit.
-
-
excellent
- By Laura W. on 05-25-18
-
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.
-
-
did they record this on mt everest?
- By Kit on 01-11-20
-
A Midsummer Night's Dream
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Amanda Root, David Harewood, Roy Hudd
- Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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.
-
-
The lunatic, the lover, and the poet
- By Darwin8u on 04-24-17
-
Romeo and Juliet
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Calista Flockhart, Matthew Wolf, Julie White, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 53 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The most iconic love story of all time, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is an epic-scale tragedy of desire and revenge. Despite the bitter rivalry that exists between their families, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet have fallen madly in love. But when the long-running rivalry boils over into murder, the young couple must embark on a dangerous and deadly mission to preserve their love at any cost. An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring Calista Flockhart as Juliet.
-
-
Great for classroom use
- By Lisa D'Alessandro on 01-28-17
-
King Lear
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Paul Scofield, Alec McCowen, Kenneth Branagh
- Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The tragedy of King Lear receives an outstanding performance in an all-star cast led by Britain’s senior classical actor, Paul Scofield. He is joined by Alec McCowen as Gloucester, Kenneth Branagh as The Fool, Harriet Walter as Gonerill, Sara Kestelman as Regan and Emilia Fox as Cordelia. This is the ninth recording of Shakespeare plays undertaken by Naxos AudioBooks in conjunction with Cambridge University Press, and is directed by John Tydeman. It was released to mark the 80th birthday of Paul Scofield in January 2002.
-
-
No life in this Lear.
- By zachary on 03-01-14
-
Hamlet
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Anton Lesser, full cast
- Length: 3 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Hamlet, which dates from 1600-1601, is the first in Shakespeare's great series of four tragedies. In writing this extraordinary play, Shakespeare effectively re-invented tragedy after an interval of roughly 2,000 years - you would have to go back to the Greek dramatists of fifth century Athens to find anything of comparable depth and maturity. This production features the voice of Anton Lesser as Hamlet along with a full cast.
-
-
Excellent Copy
- By Kirby on 11-27-03
-
As You Like It
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Lynn Collins, Alexis Jacknow, Jeff Gardner, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Love triumphs in As You Like It, Shakespeare's joyous comic adventure! Rosalind, arguably Shakespeare's greatest female character, is banished from court and follows her exiled father into the untamed Forest of Arden. Disguised as a man for safety, Rosalind's great wit and good nature show through her male trappings as she engages with fools and philosophers adrift in the woods, and ultimately falls in love.
-
-
Very entertaining
- By Laurie on 05-25-20
-
Timon of Athens
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Alan Howard, Norman Rodway, Damian Lewis
- Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The fabulously rich Timon believes all his friends to be as open-hearted and generous as himself. When his wealth suddenly evaporates, however, he discovers the truth and his altruism turns to a bitter hatred of mankind. Stirred up by the cynical Apemantus, Timon retreats to the woods where he plots the destruction of Athens, the city that had formerly seemed to embody everything pleasurable and civilized. The cosmic scope of his hatred is communicated in a series of powerful and disturbing dramatic tableaux.
-
-
Here lies a wretched corse of wretched soul bereft
- By Darwin8u on 11-01-17
-
Julius Caesar
- A Fully-Dramatized Audio Production From Folger Theatre
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: full cast
- Length: 2 hrs and 21 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Folger Shakespeare Library, home to the world's largest Shakespeare collection, brings Julius Caesar to life with this new full-length, full-cast dramatic recording of its definitive Folger Edition.
-
-
good play, difficult to distinguish characters
- By Christian R. Unger on 05-17-18
-
The Winter's Tale
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Sinead Cusack, Ciaran Hinda, Eileen Atkins, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 52 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
King Leontes of Sicilia is seized by sudden and terrible jealousy of his wife Hermione, whom he accuses of adultery. He believes the child Hermione is bearing was fathered by his friend Polixenes, and when the baby girl is born he orders her to be taken to some wild place and left to die. Though Hermione's child escapes death, Leontes' cruelty has terrible consequences. Loss paves the way for reunion, and life and hope are born out of desolation and despair.
-
-
A Snapper-Up of Unconsidered Trifles
- By John on 06-10-17
-
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
-
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
-
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.
-
-
Very well done!
- By S. Riggs on 01-06-18
-
Macbeth
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: James Marsters, Joanne Whalley, Josh Cooke, and others
- Length: 1 hr and 59 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Infamously known as the cursed Scottish play, Macbeth is perhaps Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy. When General Macbeth is foretold by three witches that he will one day be King of Scotland, Lady Macbeth convinces him to get rid of anyone who could stand in his way – including committing regicide. As Macbeth ascends to the throne through bloody murder, he becomes a tyrant consumed by fear and paranoia.
-
-
Might want to Read Along
- By Syd Young on 02-03-14
Publisher's Summary
Sir Ian McKellen, fresh from his performance as Gandalf in Lord of the Rings, is Prospero, and heads a strong cast in Shakespeare’s last great play. The wronged duke raises a tempest to shipwreck his old opponents on his island so that he can ensure justice is done. With Emilia Fox as Miranda, Scott Handy in the pivotal role of the sprite Ariel, and Ben Owukwe as Caliban, this new production, directed by John Tydeman, balances the magic and the earthiness, with music playing a key role.
Featured Article: 50+ Timeless Shakespeare Quotes
From knock-knock jokes to the wild goose chase, we owe many of our most-used and best-loved phrases to the talent of the Bard. His words are timeless in their direct wisdom, their witty humor, and their surprising applicability to modern life: its nature, its purpose, and its pitfalls. We’ve collected some of our favorite William Shakespeare quotes for when you want to think about life’s big questions, wax poetic on the nature of love, or just need a good laugh. Immerse yourself in these Shakespeare quotes to dive into the comedies and tragedies penned by the Bard of Avon.
What listeners say about The Tempest
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- J.R. Snyder
- 02-18-14
A stellar performance by a stunning cast
If you enjoy Shakespeare's comedies you should not miss out on this edition of The Tempest. Sir Ian McKellen as Prospero is everything you might hope for and more, which is no surprise from an actor of his caliber. The remainder of the cast excels similarly and the recording is produced seamlessly. This audio performance is a real treat.
12 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Justin
- 11-10-15
Gandalf is great
I've always had trouble following Shakespeare plays in text. It's difficult for me to identify the tone of the scene, and the story becomes hard to follow.
Listening to these voice actors solves that problem. It's easy to follow the story when the lines are being delivered with the correct emotion.
That being said, The Tempest is a bit romantic for me, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Ian McKellen could literally read a dictionary to me and I would like it.
16 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Darwin8u
- 12-21-17
Last of the "top-shelf" Shakespeare
Me, poor man, my library
Was dukedom large enough.
- William Shakespeare, The Tempest
The last of the "top-shelf" Shakespeare plays. Those written after are either only partially written by Shakespeare or phoned-in. This one is just a trip and is a director's dream. There is so much room for interpretation and ability to get funky. This year, as I started reading Shakespeare, I saw a high school perform the Tempest and loved it. It was a HS performance for sure, but it translates well to a whole variety of people and ages. For me, the Tempest is next to A Midsummer Night's Dream in tone and style. While I'm usually not a fan of music and Shakespeare, this is one of those plays with its supernatural qualities, where music seems not only appropriate, but essential.
Favorite Lines:
- Hell is empty and all the devils are here. (Act 1, Scene 2)
- Good wombs have borne bad sons. (Act 1, Scene 2)
- You taught me language, and my profit on't
Is, I know how to curse (Act 1, Scene 2)
- So. Lie there, my art. (Act 1, Scene 2)
- Watch out he's winding the watch of his wit, by and by it will strike. (Act 2, Scene 1)
- Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows. (Act 2, Scene 2)
- Let us not burthen our remembrance with
A heaviness that's gone. (Act 5, Scene 1)
- I'll break my staff, bury it certain fathoms in the earth, and deeper than did ever plummet sound, I'll drown my book! (Act 5, Scene 1).
- This thing of darkness I Acknowledge mine. (Act 5, Scene 1)
- O, brave new world
that has such people in't! (Act 5, Scene 1)
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Corey
- 06-12-12
Great Story, audio needs a little tweaking
Would you listen to The Tempest again? Why?
Absolutely! It's a fairly entertaining story.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Tempest?
"I did not give the lie!"
What about the narrators’s performance did you like?
No narrator. This is recorded as a stage play. You get a different actor for every part.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
No extreme reaction. Of course I was already familiar with the story.
Any additional comments?
Be prepared to rewind every now and then to catch what was said when the actors whisper. Having a hard copy of the play would probably help. Of course, then you could just read it.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- David
- 12-01-13
Good, not perfect
This is a perfectly decent recording of The Tempest. Sir Ian is an excellent Prospero and the rest of the cast are competent, although the Caliban is a bit awkward, The sound quality is a little murky sometimes.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Andre
- 12-27-16
Shakespeare's Great Last Play
What did you love best about The Tempest?
The quality of the language and dialogue. I can listen to it over and over again and learn something new.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Caliban was my favorite. He represented peoples of color who lost their lands from colonization. As a character, he was ahead of his time.
Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?
Again Caliban. I can imagine myself as him. He is a lot smarter than he sounds and has a wicked sense of humor as well as a keen sense of anger, that he was dispossessed of his heritage and land.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, I wanted to listen to it all in one sitting. I opted to listen to it a second time.
Any additional comments?
i highly recommend this fine play.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dana
- 09-10-14
Excellent audio edition
Would you consider the audio edition of The Tempest to be better than the print version?
I purchased this to "hear along" as I read the text. Although the performances really bring the characters to life, it may be hard to follow without the text in front of you.
Any additional comments?
I hesitated to buy this because other reviewers complained about storm noise, etc. That is really only an issue in the very first scene, and the speech is clear enough over the storm. (And, let's be honest: the play is "The Tempest"; the title incident deserves to be heard a bit, right?) The bulk of it is good, clear speech with music interspersed to indicate scene changes and/or the coming and going of spirits (especially Ariel).
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ardneh
- 04-26-13
Delightful Performance
A wonderful performance of "The Tempest". I particularly enjoyed Ian McKellen and Emilia Fox as Prospero and Miranda.
I believe this is a recording of an actual performance and that is the cause of my one complaint. There are very few or no clues to distinguish between Sebastian and Antonio. To my ear, their voices are close enough that it's a bit difficult sometimes to separate the two. (In the actual performance this wouldn't have been an issue.) Since I'm familiar with the play, it didn't bother me too much, but it did throw me a bit at first.
I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in "The Tempest".
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 05-29-14
not good quality
What disappointed you about The Tempest?
I love William Shakespeare, and obviously The Tempest is one of his greatest plays, so I didn't have a problem with that. The reason for such a low rating is purely how book was presented. The background noises was very loud, distracting, and annoying. Then when it came to the speakers I could hardly hear what they were saying! I had bought this book on audible because I thought hearing Shakespeare read out loud would be enjoyable, but instead I found myself cringing every time I turned it on because I was wondering if there was going to be anther part were tons of people were loudly screaming franticly in the background. And usually there was. I have absolutely no idea what was being said in the book. I got the general idea from the bits and pieces I heard, but I'm going to have to actually buy The Tempest in print to read to know what was going on.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- ZTH
- 06-30-22
A Shakespeare Play
What do you expect? It's Shakespeare, it's a comedy, and it's his finale. It's good. I especially love the drunk king-making scenes.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Mr
- 07-24-15
Tempestuous Performance
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Yes. Ian McKellen gives an excellent performance as Prospero and the recording really brings the play to life.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Tempest?
Ariel's music and also the way in which characters were brought to life through their own mannerisms and personalities.
What about the narrators’s performance did you like?
Prospero is the central character and gives an unforgettable performance.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes - I easily could have.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- ColonelJames
- 02-13-18
Hard to listen to.
The Tempest is hard to follow at the best of times but there are a few things in this production that really don't help. The first is Ian McKellen. Much of this performance of Prospero is practically whispered by the great actor. It is simply hard to hear his lines a lot of the time, unless you are listening to this in headphones - I was listening in the car and even with the volume right up he was incomprehensible at times. The second problem is the music; the musical settings of the songs are awful and obfuscate the text; they are like a lead weight around the ankles of these lyrics and utterly, utterly tuneless. It is hard to believe they were deemed acceptable.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Edyta
- 12-17-16
Loved it!!!
Any additional comments?
The Tempest was an assigned reading for my studies. I was kind of forced to read it but I ended up falling in love with the book. Performances are obviously superb but the story itself has so much meaning, so many interpretations; it is a gold mine. Plus I would recommend watching a film with Helen Mirren as Prospero/Prospera - mind blowing.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Kindle Customer
- 08-03-19
GRIPPING
This was beautifully performed and thoroughly enjoyed.
The cast was superb and really brought the tale to life.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- TheNameless
- 04-09-19
Excellent performances
The cast is outstanding, although Ian McKellan can be hard to hear if there's any background noise while you're listening. However, I can't give 5* because the singing/music is utterly dreadful. It's so bad that I nearly gave 3* overall!
I wish there was a full cast list available. I'm 95% sure Ferdinand is played by Benedict Cumberbatch, but his name isn't listed.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- P. Donovan
- 01-21-18
A beautiful performance of masterpiece
This is a lovely performance of Shakespeare's late masterpiece with outstanding actors. The music can be a little irritating but that's a minor complaint.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- bradley
- 08-22-17
Wonderful
It was as if I was watching the performance.
All voices prefecture matched the character.
A wonderful audio that Shakespeare himself would be proud of.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Stephen Bentley
- 09-04-21
Splendid
Not a false note struck. McKellen outstanding as one would expect. Altogether a pleasure.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Tom
- 06-27-21
Brilliant play, brilliant production, love Gandalf
It’s a great play and this is a lovely audio version. Ian mckellan is fantastic
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Roderic
- 08-12-19
Shakespeare and McKellen - a Perfect Combination
I enjoyed this immensely, particularly the wonderful tones of Sir Ian McKellen as Prospero. I know and enjoy the play and was pleased to hear it again after some years. I followed the text on my phone as I listened, which added to the experience. This is a great way to encounter or revisit Shakespeare... if the narration is prime quality, as it was in this instance from all speakers.