Listen free for 30 days
-
SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Hamlet (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- Narrated by: Joan Walker, Stephen Elder, Paul Clayton
- Length: 12 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Drama & Plays
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £17.49
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
King Lear
- SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: William Shakespeare, Mike Reeves
- Narrated by: Joan Walker, Terrence Hardiman, Lucy Robinson
- Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here is the multi award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. This is a full-cast, unabridged performance, with comprehensive commentary and analysis, enabling students to fully understand and appreciate the play. Judge for yourself whether Lear is "a man more sinned against than sinning" in this moral tale that pits wisdom and age against ambition and youth. Experience and examine the power of Shakespeare's most cruel and violent tragedy.
-
-
Brilliant way of learning
- By Jayne on 22-09-12
-
SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Macbeth (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: William Shakespeare, Simon Potter
- Narrated by: Full-Cast featuring Joan Walker, Nick Murchie, Coralyn Sheldon
- Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The multi-award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. Full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play.
"And nothing is, but what is not." Macbeth may be mystified by the Weird Sisters' words but this intense performance with incisive commentary cuts to the heart of Shakespeare's complex psychological tragedy.
-
-
Sure Pass with Smartpass
- By JesKimSea on 18-01-13
-
SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Othello (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: William Shakespeare, Jonathan Lomas
- Narrated by: Joan Walker, Jude Akuwudike, Nick Murchie
- Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here is the multi award-winning SmartPass study guide, with and without commentary options. This is a full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis to allow any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. Meet literature's greatest villain in this tragedy, fuelled by jealous rage. Journey into the twisted mind of Iago, who freely admits, "I am not what I am", and truly get under the skin of this wondrous play.
-
-
Informative but irritating
- By Catherine on 02-06-12
-
SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Julius Caesar (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: William Shakespeare, Simon Potter, David Cottis
- Narrated by: Joan Walker, Gregory Cox, Colin Campbell
- Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The multi award-winning SmartPass study guide, with and without commentary options. This is a full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. Soak up the atmosphere of ancient Rome. Decide for yourself whether Caesar's power and ambition was a threat to the Republic, and whether assassination can ever be justified.
-
SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Romeo and Juliet (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: William Shakespeare, Simon Potter
- Narrated by: Full-Cast featuring Joan Walker, Chris Kelham, Sara Bowes
- Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The multi-award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. Full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. The poetry of Shakespeare's star crossed lovers is poignantly performed and expertly explained in this unique production: "Passion lends them power."
-
-
Amazingly helpful !
- By Meg F on 06-04-17
-
SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Henry V (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: William Shakespeare, Mike Reeves
- Narrated by: Full-Cast featuring Joan Walker, Peter Lindford, Terrence Hardiman
- Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The multi-award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. Full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. Hear "A little touch of Harry" whenever you want to! Examine and appreciate the powerful language of leadership in this guided history play, considered to be Shakespeare's greatest creative statement about war.
-
King Lear
- SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: William Shakespeare, Mike Reeves
- Narrated by: Joan Walker, Terrence Hardiman, Lucy Robinson
- Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here is the multi award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. This is a full-cast, unabridged performance, with comprehensive commentary and analysis, enabling students to fully understand and appreciate the play. Judge for yourself whether Lear is "a man more sinned against than sinning" in this moral tale that pits wisdom and age against ambition and youth. Experience and examine the power of Shakespeare's most cruel and violent tragedy.
-
-
Brilliant way of learning
- By Jayne on 22-09-12
-
SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Macbeth (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: William Shakespeare, Simon Potter
- Narrated by: Full-Cast featuring Joan Walker, Nick Murchie, Coralyn Sheldon
- Length: 7 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The multi-award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. Full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play.
"And nothing is, but what is not." Macbeth may be mystified by the Weird Sisters' words but this intense performance with incisive commentary cuts to the heart of Shakespeare's complex psychological tragedy.
-
-
Sure Pass with Smartpass
- By JesKimSea on 18-01-13
-
SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Othello (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: William Shakespeare, Jonathan Lomas
- Narrated by: Joan Walker, Jude Akuwudike, Nick Murchie
- Length: 11 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Here is the multi award-winning SmartPass study guide, with and without commentary options. This is a full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis to allow any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. Meet literature's greatest villain in this tragedy, fuelled by jealous rage. Journey into the twisted mind of Iago, who freely admits, "I am not what I am", and truly get under the skin of this wondrous play.
-
-
Informative but irritating
- By Catherine on 02-06-12
-
SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Julius Caesar (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: William Shakespeare, Simon Potter, David Cottis
- Narrated by: Joan Walker, Gregory Cox, Colin Campbell
- Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The multi award-winning SmartPass study guide, with and without commentary options. This is a full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. Soak up the atmosphere of ancient Rome. Decide for yourself whether Caesar's power and ambition was a threat to the Republic, and whether assassination can ever be justified.
-
SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Romeo and Juliet (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: William Shakespeare, Simon Potter
- Narrated by: Full-Cast featuring Joan Walker, Chris Kelham, Sara Bowes
- Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The multi-award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. Full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. The poetry of Shakespeare's star crossed lovers is poignantly performed and expertly explained in this unique production: "Passion lends them power."
-
-
Amazingly helpful !
- By Meg F on 06-04-17
-
SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Henry V (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: William Shakespeare, Mike Reeves
- Narrated by: Full-Cast featuring Joan Walker, Peter Lindford, Terrence Hardiman
- Length: 9 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The multi-award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. Full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. Hear "A little touch of Harry" whenever you want to! Examine and appreciate the powerful language of leadership in this guided history play, considered to be Shakespeare's greatest creative statement about war.
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Crow
- From the Life and Songs of the Crow
- By: Ted Hughes
- Narrated by: Ted Hughes
- Length: 1 hr and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From his remarkable debut The Hawk in the Rain (1957) to his death in 1998, Ted Hughes was a colossal presence in the English literary landscape. He was also admired as a performer of his own work. Crow is one of his most significant collections, focusing on the central figure of the crow - predatory, mocking and indestructible. Crow is read here by the author in its entirety and with narrative links not included in the published text.
-
-
Masterpiece to Listen to and Read
- By Charlie on 19-03-17
-
James Joyce
- Revised Edition
- By: Richard Ellman
- Narrated by: John Keating
- Length: 37 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Richard Ellmann has revised and expanded his definitive work on Joyce's life to include newly discovered primary material, including details of a failed love affair, a limerick about Samuel Beckett, a dream notebook, previously unknown letters, and much more.
-
-
Mesmerising book, partially adequate reading
- By Raphael on 13-11-16
-
24 Hours in Ancient Athens
- By: Philip Matyszak
- Narrated by: John Telfer
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Athens, 416 BC. A tenuous peace holds. The city-state's political and military might are feared throughout the ancient world; it pushes the boundaries of social, literary and philosophical experimentation in an era when it has a greater concentration of geniuses per capita than at any other time in human history. Yet even geniuses go to the bathroom, argue with their spouse and enjoy a drink with friends. Few of the city's other inhabitants enjoy the benefits of such a civilised society, though - as multicultural and progressive as Athens can be, many are barred from citizenship.
-
-
Athens v Rome
- By Macfhelen on 11-09-19
-
SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to An Inspector Calls (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
- By: Gil Maine, J. B. Priestley
- Narrated by: Full-Cast Drama
- Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Combined for great value! The multi award-winning SmartPass study guide with and without commentary options. This is a full-cast, unabridged performance with comprehensive commentary and analysis for any student to fully understand and appreciate the play. Peel away the layers of Priestley's complex drama to appreciate this powerful warning, wrapped up in the genre of a gripping detective story, and truly understand that "We don't live alone. We are members of one body."
-
-
Great for the excluded/disengaged
- By Cree on 16-06-19
-
The Story of English in 100 Words
- By: David Crystal
- Narrated by: David Crystal
- Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this unique new history of the world’s most ubiquitous language, linguistics expert David Crystal draws on words that best illustrate the huge variety of sources, influences and events that have helped to shape our vernacular since the first definitively English word was written down in the fifth century (‘roe’, in case you are wondering).
-
-
Sparkling
- By Margaret on 18-10-11
-
12 Notes
- On Life and Creativity
- By: Quincy Jones
- Narrated by: JD Jackson, Quincy Jones
- Length: 5 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Wisdom and musings on creativity and life from one of the world’s most beloved musicians, producers, and mentors, Quincy Jones. 12 Notes is a self-development guide that will affirm that creativity is a calling that can and should be answered, no matter your age or experience.
-
-
very inspirational read/listen
- By Mr. J. Gray on 06-04-22
-
Pride and Prejudice
- By: Jane Austen
- Narrated by: Rosamund Pike
- Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
One of Jane Austen’s most beloved works, Pride and Prejudice, is vividly brought to life by Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike ( Gone Girl). In her bright and energetic performance of this British classic, she expertly captures Austen’s signature wit and tone. Her attention to detail, her literary background, and her performance in the 2005 feature film version of the novel provide the perfect foundation from which to convey the story of Elizabeth Bennet, her four sisters, and the inimitable Mr. Darcy.
-
-
Loved Rosamund
- By Marilize on 12-12-15
-
Citizens
- Chronicle of the French Revolution
- By: Simon Schama
- Narrated by: Sara Powell
- Length: 38 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this New York Times best seller, award-winning author Simon Schama presents an ebullient country, vital and inventive, infatuated with novelty and technology - a strikingly fresh view of Louis XVI's France. One of the great landmarks of modern history publishing, Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution is the most authoritative social, cultural and narrative history of the French Revolution ever produced.
-
-
Biography based approach to the revolution
- By Andrew on 23-01-22
-
The Antidote
- Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking
- By: Oliver Burkeman
- Narrated by: Oliver Burkeman
- Length: 6 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Oliver Burkeman turns decades of self-help advice on its head and paradoxically forces us to rethink our attitudes towards failure, uncertainty and death. It’s our constant efforts to avoid negative thinking that cause us to feel anxious, insecure and unhappy. What if happiness can be found embracing the things we spend our lives trying to escape? Wise, practical and funny, The Antidote is a thought-provoking, counterintuitive and ultimately uplifting listen, celebrating the power of negative thinking.
-
-
Simply brilliant!!!
- By Anonymous User on 11-01-20
Summary
Critic reviews
"Superb! A totally brilliant way to revise." ( Daily Express)
"Clear and lively...a stimulating study aid." ( Sunday Times)
"A super resource for anyone studying the play." ( Interactive Magazine)
"One of the most useful study aids on the market." ( Schoolsnet)
"Thank heaven for SmartPass." ( Sainsbury's magazine)
"A wealth of useful material." ( Times Educational Supplement)
What listeners say about SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Hamlet (Unabridged, Dramatised, Commentary Options)
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Eva Mashtaler
- 02-01-18
Loved it!
Consistent and uplifting analysis of the play. Clarifies what's going on alongside some historical insight into the time when it was written. Much enjoyed!
-
Overall

- Jane
- 25-01-10
Great introduction to Hamlet
I really enjoyed this interpretation of Hamlet, which I've never seen or read before. I just finished listening to the commentary version (about 8 hours total), which consists of a full dramatic enactment of the play. Each scene is introduced by a helpful narrator who does a great job of keeping you up to speed with what's going on. She also gives you questions to think about as you listen regarding various characters and themes. Periodically throughout the action, the narrator breaks in to explain some of the important details, which I found to be very helpful and not at all intrusive. Her narration is enthusiastic and compelling, so it blends nicely with the action.
In addition to this commentary version, you also get a non-commentary version (about 4 hours), which I plan to listen to next. Now that I have a good understanding of who the characters are and what's happening throughout the play, I'll be able to enjoy it uninterrupted, as Shakespeare intended. :^)
By the way, this was my first audible.com selection, and I was very happy with the quality and usability of the recording. By usability, I mean the fact that it's broken up into several small chapters, ranging from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. It was easy to rewind a few seconds to re-hear something if I needed to.
Overall it's very well done. I'm looking forward to the next one!
26 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Cressida
- 23-08-12
Brilliant!
Where does SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Hamlet (Dramatised, Commentary Options) rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
This is one of the best audio I've listened to. The option to hear the audio with or without the commentary is brilliant. The commentary is perfect, almost section at a time commentary layered over the performance, which is outstanding. In fact, I like this so much that I wrote to the company and begged them to produce more Shakespeare SmartPass audios! I've since purchased all the Shakespeare SmartPass audiobook just based on the strength of this one. Highly recommended
What did you like best about this story?
It's Shakespeare! Full disclosure: I am a Shakespeare fanatic so I love this story.
What about the narrators’s performance did you like?
Narrator was excellent. Full of passion and genuinely "gets" what Shakespeare is up to in this play.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
Hamlet is no comedy! The acting is tremendously good.
Any additional comments?
Dear Audible: PLEASE contact the maker of this series and ask them to produce one for every shakespeare play possible! These are that good!
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Fun Lovin Lady
- 15-12-10
Educational Entertainment at its best!
SmartPass has done a wonderful job. I couldn't stop listening. I learned so much. I would recommend this to anyone that loves a little history with their Shakespeare.
To Buy or Not to Buy, that is the question! BUY is the answer.
10 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Thomas Keeler
- 17-11-10
Very illuminating
I thought that the commentary might be too simplistic for someone who has read and seen the play many times but I find that the examination of the language has been very enlightening.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- Robert
- 26-10-10
It doesn't get better than this
Perfect in every way. The narration is impecable. The commentary leaves nothing to be desired. It is clear, comprehensive and the commentator never gets in the way of the work itself. Then listen without the commentary and maybe understand every line like never before.
If you wish to enjoy and really understand this work of art like never before, spend your credit here.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall

- drjsherman
- 25-01-11
Amazing
All I can tell you is that the listening to Smart Pass allows for such great discovery to the many facets of this famous play. When I found out I had to study Hamlet for my English class, I was truly worried. How was I going to decipher the language, let alone the themes and plots. I studied up on several study guides and decided to go with Smart Pass. I was not disappointed. I was truly looking forward to listening to Hamlet. Shakespeare is truly an amazing play writer. So much is between the lines. I would recommend this to anyone. Don't even think twice. Very well worth the time and money.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Rob Hahn
- 14-08-11
Great way to enjoy and understand Shakespeare.
I think these SmartPass guides to Shakespeare plays are excellent. I've listened to Hamlet and King Lear and am planning to listen to Henry V next. The actors who uniformly excellent and the sound quality is great, which is important when trying to understand early modern english poetry in a British accent on ear buds! Most importantly, the narrator/lecturer does an amazing guide summarizing the plot and delving into the themes of the play, the ambiguities, and how the play fits into the greater context of Shakespeare's works. These audiobooks are really well done, and they are perfect for a high school or undergrad student studying one of these plays for the first time. It would be great to listen while reading along from a text.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Andre
- 27-03-16
Best Play; Best Audio Dramatization
Would you listen to SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Hamlet (Dramatised, Commentary Options) again? Why?
I would you listen to SmartPass Plus Audio Education Study Guide to Hamlet because it is the world's most produced play. I purchased this to study before I see an upcoming performance. I found the commentary helpful to help me understand the play before I see it. Shakespeare can be dense and obtuse. SmartPass makes it clear and informative. I see dozens of plays a year. From now on, I will buy SmartPass dramatizations of plays before I see them. I will now get more enjoyment and understanding out of the plays.
Who was your favorite character and why?
Hamlet was my favorite character because he was deep and philosophical. He asked questions in his soliloquies that people are still asking today because he asked questions about the nature of life and death, love and revenge.This is why his words resonate with people four hundred years after Shakespeare wrote them.
What about the narrators’s performance did you like?
I love the multiple actors and Joan Walker's narration. They made the play clear, informative, and entertaining.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I wanted to listen to this book all in one sitting because it is a riveting play and commentary. This play is a touchstone for our civilization. So many lines from this play has influenced cultures the world over.
Any additional comments?
I highly recommend you only purchase the longest, unabridged audio versions of plays narrated by SmartPass. You do not want to do a quick, two hour audio drive through of the play only, but to spend some time with it to allow it to soak into you. The extra investment of time is worth it.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Calemos
- 04-01-22
Wow what a helpful audiobook!
These smartpass audiobooks are great introductions to these rather inaccessible plays. it takes a highly inaccessible play and walks you through line by line and translates it for you. you then can rewind and re listen, and you will be blown away that you can actually understand what the line just said. these books are a dream for any beginner that just wants to open up these plays a little bit to themselves so they can enjoy them. well worth the credit, I've done a few of them so far and plan on buying all of them eventually. would love to see more plays from Shakespeare and maybe other writers as well.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Ellen
- 25-02-16
Shakespeare Understood!
I can actually watch Shakespeare performances now and understand what's going on. Very enjoyable.