Listen to Damian Lewis reading The Scarlet Pimpernel

[kathyv]

Recorded for a BBC Radio2 adaptation; Damian Lewis performs all of the voices - download in 3 parts here:

http://www.damian-lewis.com/projects/scarletpimpernel

Comments

[madeleinestjust]

Sssss. Abridged. And his accents are ... interesting. But it's great that TSP is still being recorded/adapted/read!

I recommend Ralph Cosham's reading, on iTunes; his Sir Percy 'inane laugh' made me snort on the bus!

[kathyv]

Yes, of course it is abridged; when I listen to recorded books naturally I prefer unabridged versions - but I expect (and accept) that film and radio adaptations will be abridged to fit the time constraints. The best one can hope is that it will be a good adaptation that accurately and honestly reflects the scope and quality of the original work. I believe that this BBC radio version of TSP meets those requirements very well indeed. My sincere hope for movie and radio versions is that they will engage new audiences who will be inspired to seek out and read the original, written work. As far as accents go - I think that Lewis does a fabulous job for this rendition. I appreciated his wide range and convincing portrayal of the many, colorful characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this adaptation - but everyone is entitled to their opinion - and that is my opinion.

[madeleinestjust]

I believe that this BBC radio version of TSP meets those requirements very well indeed. My sincere hope for movie and radio versions is that they will engage new audiences who will be inspired to seek out and read the original, written work.

Hopefully; generating interest in the original is the best result of new adaptations.

I didn't mean to sound too critical, but as you say, everyone is entitled to their own opinion! I'm currently listening to the (unabridged) iTunes audiobook, and I've read the novel so many times that I really notice the cuts in abridged versions, so it sounded a bit jumpy to my ears, but it's probably better for a new audience. And it's good that a well known actor like Damian Lewis wants to play the Pimpernel, and all the other characters!