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The Tempest

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The Tempest

By: William Shakespeare
Narrated by: Sir Ian McKellen, Emilia Fox, Scott Handy, Ben Owukwe
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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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2004 Naxos AudioBooks Drama & Plays Classics Shakespeare Funny World Literature European Literary History & Criticism

Featured Article: All the World's a Stage—The Best Shakespeare Plays in Audio


If there’s one writer whose work translates spectacularly to audio format, it’s the Bard. Hearing Shakespeare’s dialog masterfully performed by professionals with the correct emphasis and tone can make all the difference in catching every clever joke and innuendo, picking up on subtle foreshadowing, and sometimes even understanding the plot itself. Here are our choices for the best Shakespeare audiobooks to add to your library today.

Featured Article All the World's a Stage The Best Shakespeare Plays in Audio
Forgiveness Theme • Compelling Characters • Masterful Performance • Supernatural Qualities • Dramatic Depth

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The Tempest is a play, and here it is so well executed by all actors that one doesn't even need to be watching the stage.
I felt like if I was just reading the book I wouldn't have gotten half of the context, especially me not being a native speaker.
Very enjoyable from the beginning, the play it's just ready and go, no deep background needed for the characters and I'd say, none needed. Each character takes form on their own. All in all, this is a great investment of your time.

The way it is meant to be

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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.

A stellar performance by a stunning cast

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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.

A Shakespeare Play

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This was a great production. Sir Ian McKellen presented a powerful and engaging Prospero. My only complaint was that the dialogue got a bit too quiet at times, making it difficult to hear even with the sound cranked way up. Overall, very well done, though.

Great performance; a little too quiet at times

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One of my favorite Shakespeare plays. The performance was well done and very enjoyable to listen to.

Excellent

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