Listen free for 30 days
-
Macbeth: The Arkangel Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Hugh Ross, Harriet Walter
- Length: 2 hrs and 18 mins
- Literature & Fiction, Classics
-
King Lear
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Trevor Peacock, Clive Merrison, full cast
- Length: 3 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This shattering drama of isolation and loss is one of the greatest tragedies in world literature. King Lear of Britain has three daughters: the hard-hearted Goneril and Regan, and the good and gentle Cordelia. He determines to divide his kingdom between them, giving the largest share to she who can say she loves him the best. Lear's tragic lack of judgment and self-knowledge is paralleled by the blindness of the loyal Gloucester who is persuaded to reject his virtuous son, Edgar, in favor of the villainous Edmund.
-
-
Heartbreaking
- By Kniphofia on 05-03-16
-
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.
-
-
Brilliantly done.
- By Shades of Blue Q on 24-08-18
-
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.
-
-
1st class
- By Shades of Blue Q on 04-04-18
-
Twelfth Night
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: full cast, David Tennant, Naomi Frederick
- Length: 2 hrs and 1 min
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
David Tennant stars as Malvolio in Shakespeare's comedy of disguise, madness and love. One of Shakespeare's happiest plays, Twelfth Night is both a comedy of misrule and a trenchant attack on puritanism. Disguise and deceit leads to misadventure, madness and mistaken love. Orsino loves Olivia, but she loves Cesario, who really does love Orsino (for Cesario is actually Viola).
-
-
A marvelous Tennant leads an equally fine cast
- By Anonymous User on 09-10-20
-
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.
-
-
Superb Production
- By Joey Dean on 23-07-17
-
A Midsummer Night's Dream
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: David Miles
- Length: 1 hr and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Сomedy "A Midsummer's Night Dream" is a wonderful piece of work written by a genius English playwright William Shakespeare. Three very amusing stories tightly connected with each other fascinate the reader with numerous love adventures. The reason for that is a potion of a forest spirit Puck. William Shakespeare is the author of the world famous sonnets and plays Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth and Othello, as well as comedies Twelfth Night, A Midsummer's Night Dream, Love’s Labour's Lost, The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and As You Like It.
-
King Lear
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Trevor Peacock, Clive Merrison, full cast
- Length: 3 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This shattering drama of isolation and loss is one of the greatest tragedies in world literature. King Lear of Britain has three daughters: the hard-hearted Goneril and Regan, and the good and gentle Cordelia. He determines to divide his kingdom between them, giving the largest share to she who can say she loves him the best. Lear's tragic lack of judgment and self-knowledge is paralleled by the blindness of the loyal Gloucester who is persuaded to reject his virtuous son, Edgar, in favor of the villainous Edmund.
-
-
Heartbreaking
- By Kniphofia on 05-03-16
-
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.
-
-
Brilliantly done.
- By Shades of Blue Q on 24-08-18
-
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.
-
-
1st class
- By Shades of Blue Q on 04-04-18
-
Twelfth Night
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: full cast, David Tennant, Naomi Frederick
- Length: 2 hrs and 1 min
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
David Tennant stars as Malvolio in Shakespeare's comedy of disguise, madness and love. One of Shakespeare's happiest plays, Twelfth Night is both a comedy of misrule and a trenchant attack on puritanism. Disguise and deceit leads to misadventure, madness and mistaken love. Orsino loves Olivia, but she loves Cesario, who really does love Orsino (for Cesario is actually Viola).
-
-
A marvelous Tennant leads an equally fine cast
- By Anonymous User on 09-10-20
-
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.
-
-
Superb Production
- By Joey Dean on 23-07-17
-
A Midsummer Night's Dream
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: David Miles
- Length: 1 hr and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Сomedy "A Midsummer's Night Dream" is a wonderful piece of work written by a genius English playwright William Shakespeare. Three very amusing stories tightly connected with each other fascinate the reader with numerous love adventures. The reason for that is a potion of a forest spirit Puck. William Shakespeare is the author of the world famous sonnets and plays Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth and Othello, as well as comedies Twelfth Night, A Midsummer's Night Dream, Love’s Labour's Lost, The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and As You Like It.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Antony and Cleopatra
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Estelle Kohler, Ciaran Hinds, Ian Hughes, and others
- Length: 3 hrs and 22 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mark Antony, one of the three rulers of the Roman world, has become the thrall of the fascinating Cleopatra. Affairs of state call him to Rome, but the attractions of the queen of Egypt prove impossible to resist. From one of history's greatest love stories Shakespeare builds this magnificent tragedy of the clash between love and duty.
-
-
Usual high standard production.
- By Joey Dean on 29-08-17
-
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.
-
-
Great cast for Great play.
- By Shades of Blue Q on 26-11-19
-
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.
-
-
the best
- By PNT on 01-01-19
-
Shakespeare: The Complete Works
- Argo Classics
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi, Diana Rigg, and others
- Length: 98 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
All of the Shakespeare plays within the Argo Classics catalogue are performed by the Marlowe Dramatic Society and Professional Players. The Marlowe was founded in 1907 with a mission to focus on effective delivery of verse, respect the integrity of texts and rescue neglected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries and the less performed plays of Shakespeare himself. The Marlowe has performed annually at Cambridge Arts Theatre since its opening in 1936 and continues to produce some of the finest actors of their generations.
-
-
Ignore comments saying the books aren’t listed, they are.
- By Ralph on 09-01-21
-
Henry IV, Part 1
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Jamie Glover, Julian Glover, Richard Griffiths
- Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
While King Henry's England is threatened by rebellion, the king's scapegrace son Hal haunts the taverns of London, his companions a crew of rogues and thieves let by Falstaff. The earl of Northumberland and his fiery son Hotspur scheme to overthrow the crown. Can Hal be brought to a sense of duty as Prince of Wales? Or will the influence of Falstaff prove too strong? The issue is decided when Hal, Hotspur, and Falstaff come together at the climactic battle of Shrewsbury.
-
-
Magnificent
- By michael Billington on 23-01-20
-
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.
-
Measure for Measure: The Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: Simon Russell Beale, Roger Allam, Stella Gonet
- Length: 2 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Telling his followers he is leaving the city on affairs of state, the Duke of Vienna appoints the puritanical Angelo to govern in his absence. Will Angelo prove as virtuous as he seems once power is in his hands? Roaming the city disguised as a friar, the duke looks on as Angelo's lust for the virtuous Isabella sweeps him into the corruption he has so sternly condemned in others. The duke's manipulation at last produces a happy ending for this dark comedy, with its brilliant exploration of the themes of justice and mercy.
-
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.
-
Titus Andronicus
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: David Troughton, Harriet Walter, Paterson Joseph, and others
- Length: 2 hrs and 42 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The noble Titus returns victorious to Rome bringing Tamora, Queen of the Goths as his captive. When one of Tamora's sons is condemned to die, she vows revenge, and, aided by the villainous Aaron, she exacts a terrible retribution, inaugurating a grim cycle of rape, murder, and cannibalism. This macabre, often brilliant tragedy comes from the earliest stage of Shakespeare's dramatic career.
-
-
A harrowing tale.
- By Joey Dean on 08-08-17
-
Richard III
- Arkangel Shakespeare
- By: William Shakespeare
- Narrated by: David Troughton, Saskia Wickham, Margaret Robertson, and others
- Length: 3 hrs and 33 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Brilliantly manipulative and entirely amoral, the hero-villain Richard is one of Shakespeare's greatest roles. The Yorkists have emerged victorious from the civil wars and Edward IV wears the English crown. But Edward's misshapen brother Richard harbors kingly ambitions and will stop at nothing to achieve the throne. In a fatal battle on Bosworth Field, Richard meets the ghosts of all whom he has murdered and the Earl of Richmond, the future King Henry VII.
-
-
Spellbound throughout.
- By Shades of Blue Q on 30-07-18
Sinister supernatural forces are at work in this fast-paced tragedy of guilt and retribution, in which the power of human beings to control their own destiny is called into question.
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.
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are played by Hugh Ross and Harriet Walter.
What listeners say about Macbeth: The Arkangel Shakespeare
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-

- Amazon Customer
- 19-11-18
Best theatrical recording for teaching!!!
This is a great resource for teachers. I have never come across a better recording than this one. TWO THUMBS UP!
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-

- Amazon Customer
- 30-10-17
Great for the classroom
My students understood Shakespeare much better listening to this reading rather than trying to read it on their own.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-

- Dtown Mom
- 06-10-20
Awesome cast!
It was a very exciting performance. I give the cast a standing ovation! Bravo! Bravo!