Audio fiction the rage, with adaptation of Orwell’s ‘1984’

Audio fiction is becoming increasingly popular among stars of both the small and big screen. In fact, pictured from left, Tom Hardy, Andrew Garfield, Andrew Scott and Cynthia Erivo, are all signed up to star in Audible’s new adaptation of George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984.

Amazon’s Audible continues to sign up major names from the movie and TV world to star in its productions.

Garfield, of The Amazing Spider-Man fame plays the male lead role of Winston Smith.

Erivo, the Wicked and Harriet star, will take on the role of the female lead, Julia.

The pair will be joined by Scott, the iconic “hot priest” from Fleabag, who will lend his voice to the enigmatic O’Brien.

As for Hardy, the British actor, producer and screenwriter, will play the voice of “Big Brother”.

Orwell’s novel – first published in June 1949 – transports the readers into an unrecognisable version of Britain in the aftermath of a nuclear war, where a totalitarian regime has been established.

People are under constant surveillance in a world where love and sex are forbidden, and where the truth is constantly shifting.

Approved by Orwell’s estate, the audio fiction will be available on Audible from 4 April.

“This adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984 is an immersive listening experience, containing scenes that some may find uncomfortable,” reads the adaptation’s page on the Audible platform.

“Listener discretion is advised.”

Orwell’s son Richard Blair, called it “sensational” with a “brilliant cast”, Variety has reported.

The original score is by Matthew Bellamy, Muse’s lead singer and songwriter, accompanied by the British composer Ilan Eshkeri. “Recorded by the London

Metropolitan Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios, the production is directed by Bafta [British Academy Film and Television Arts] award winner Destiny Ekaragha, produced in Dolby Atmos by Granny Eats Wolf, and dramatised by Olivier Award nominated playwright Joe White,” says Audible

Ekaragha, who directed certain episodes of The End of the F***ing World, said in a statement: “This is my first experience directing an audio drama, and what an honour it was to work so closely with a cast of this calibre.

“I can’t wait for everyone to hear what Andrew, Cynthia and Tom have done with these iconic characters.”

Audible previously called on Kerry Washington to develop several audio series in 2022. –