Latest news with #Audible
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Scotsman
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Exclusive interview with Jack Lowden as the Slow Horses actor records his first audio book, Muckle Flugga
Actor Jack Lowden and author Michael Pedersen. Lowden has narrated the audiobook of Pedersen's debut novel Muckle Flugga. | Shaun Murawski The chance to narrate Michael Pedersen's debut novel Muckle Flugga was an opportunity the Scottish actor couldn't miss Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scottish actor Jack Lowden has voiced the Audible recording of Muckle Flugga by poet and author Michael Pedersen, Edinburgh's Makar and current Writer in Residence at The University of Edinburgh. It is Lowden's first audio book narration and Pedersen's first novel, released today following the publication of Muckle Flugga in May, the fantastical story of those living at Britain's most northerly lighthouse located off the coast of Unst in the Shetland islands. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lauded by the likes of Stephen Fry and Nicola Sturgeon, Pedersen's novel takes the reader on a wild and wonderful journey with the imaginary inhabitants of the 'cliff island', a father and son whose lives are turned upside down by the arrival of a stranger from the city. Speaking about his first foray into audio books, Lowden explains that when he was asked by Pedersen's publisher to narrate Muckle Flugga, it was an unmissable opportunity. Jack Lowden and Michael Pedersen. Lowden has narrated the audiobook of Pedersen's debut novel Muckle Flugga. | Shaun Murawski 'I felt I needed to do this,' says Lowden. 'I'd read Michael's memoir, Boy Friends and was obsessed with it. I get so excited when there's talent of that level that's homegrown, it's such a buzz, and to be asked to do this made complete sense.' Lowden was Pedersen's first choice as narrator after seeing the actor perform on screen and stage. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'I'd seen him in different roles and been ensorcelled by him. I felt he wouldn't just narrate, that there was such depth and dedication to his acting he would inhabit the story. There's the location and characters, Jack delivers it all with eclat and bravura.' Author Michael Pedersen in the Shetland Islands with Muckle Flugga and its lighthouse in the distance. | Hollie McNish Lowden is currently in rehearsals for Netflix's Pride and Prejudice - the first Scot to play Mr Darcy - after the London run of National Theatre of Scotland's The Fifth Step, and the Bafta and Olivier Award winner threw himself into bringing Pedersen's unique cast of characters, including the ghost of Robert Louis Stevenson, to life. 'It was fascinating. I've never done an audio book and didn't know how to go about it. Full disclosure, I chose not to read it beforehand. Because you very rarely as an actor get to perform or read anything cold and experience it as you go along. I jumped on the fire!' 'The characters are all very different and I didn't come in with any preconceptions, my opinion of them changed as the chapters went by. I didn't know what was going to happen next.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For Pedersen, hearing Muckle Flugga read by someone else gave it a fresh perspective. 'It's the biggest opportunity I've ever had to listen to my own work as a reader or spectator. Because everything's been autobiographical and poetry, it makes no sense to have anyone else read it but because of the range of voices, we needed a professional actor. 'I was really particular about suggesting people to narrate because there were moments of darkness and despair that Jack could portray and also lilting fun, and some brilliantly Scottish profanities that I was excited to hear Jack flying out with. I spat out my soup in a cafe listening at one point.' For Lowden, the Scottish dialogue tripped off the tongue 'Maybe because I'm an actor, any kind of dialogue I would barely fluff, because they have roughly my accent or vernacular, where with the narration, it was a bit more stumbly. But the production team were brilliant and it was a fun experience.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As well as loving the book, Lowden was driven by a desire to champion Scottish artists and locations. 'It's so promising to have people like Michael. Artists that are completely singular but so embedded in where he's from, celebrating it. To find a prolific Scottish artist that isn't tartanised in that shortbread tinned Walter Scott kind of vein. He's more John Byrne, Peter Capaldi and that mad sort of outer space artistry we have in this country. We have such a rich heritage of that running alongside and sometimes pushing past it and overtaking it.' Jack Lowden and Pedersen during the recording of Muckle Flugga. Pedersen's novel set in Shetland. | Shaun Murawski A vivid rollercoaster of a book, the world of Muckle Flugga is so vividly wrought by Pedersen that a screen version would seem to be the next step. Would Lowden appear? 'If Michael wanted me in it, yeah, I would probably, but it would need to be in a couple of years. I don't get any time.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Pedersen also is in no rush, savouring the Muckle Flugga moment as he appears at book festivals, including the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and events, although he is engaged in the beginnings of a follow-up that continues the characters' stories. 'I want to give this story time to breathe. The paperback comes out next year and it's being translated. If it travels into an adaptation, I want to be there to service every element of it.' In the meantime an audio book brings a new audience. Michael Pedersen with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. | Michael Pedersen 'It's another manifestation and equally important,' says Pedersen. 'To sit down and read, when people are working long hours can be a privilege and many struggle with dyslexia, but to listen and experience that way, there's a whole new audience. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'And people love that it's Jack Lowden narrating his first ever audiobook and that it's a stridently Scottish story that he's putting his name to. 'If I read Jack Lowden was doing his first audiobook, I would listen to that regardless of what the story was because I know he would have been particular about the story he chose.' Muckle Flugga by Michael Pedersen is available to listen to now on Audible. Muckle Flugga is published by Faber, hardback, £14.99, Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Ramayana, Mahabharata, Panchatantra turn into audiobooks: Audible teams up with Amar Chitra Katha to retell timeless tales
Audio storytelling platform Audible has partnered with iconic comic book publisher Amar Chitra Katha to release a series of audiobooks featuring epics and heritage stories from the latter's vast catalogue. Founded in 1967 by Anant Pai, Amar Chitra Katha is one of India's oldest comic book companies, widely credited with opening a window into a world where gods, kings, and heroes come alive through colourful illustrations and compelling storytelling. Today, the publisher boasts a library of over 600 titles in 20 languages, covering mythology, history, fables, folklore, and classical Indian literature — and sells over five million copies annually. The English-language audiobook collection, now available on Audible, features 111 epics and folktales based on some of Amar Chitra Katha's most beloved titles. Highlights include the Ramayana series, a riveting retelling of Lord Rama's exile, Sita's abduction, and the climactic war against Ravana, and the Mahabharata series, which narrates the story of the Kurukshetra war through the lives of Krishna, Arjuna, Draupadi, Bhishma, Karna, and more. The popular Panchatantra series, which features timeless fables offering life lessons through stories of kings, sages, and animals, has also been adapted into engaging audio narratives. Just in time for Shravan, Audible has also released the Mahadeva series, which explores mystical tales of Lord Shiva and his divine family, including Parvati and Ganesha. 'For decades, Amar Chitra Katha has brought Indian stories to life through art and text. Through this collaboration with Audible, we're taking that legacy into a new dimension where voice, sound, and emotion add a rich new layer to these tales,' said Reena Puri, executive editor of Amar Chitra Katha. 'Listening to these stories is like returning to the roots of Indian storytelling, when tales were passed down orally through generations.' Actor Rana Daggubati, who is also an investor in Amar Chitra Katha, echoed the sentiment: 'This creative alliance with Audible brings them to life through voice in languages children grow up with, think in, and carry in their hearts. Through audio, we're not just sharing tales, but creating moments of wonder, comfort, and cultural belonging that children can return to anytime, anywhere.' While the audiobooks are currently available in English, Hindi versions are slated for release in September 2025, followed by editions in Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu in 2026.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Shaky': Audible's Drama Explores Resilience In Young-Onset Parkinson's
Audible's original new disability drama Shaky tells the story of a young woman adjustimng to life ... More following a Young-Onset Parkinson's diagnosis. Released exclusively on Amazon's Audible platform earlier this month, Katherine Craft's audio drama Shaky explores the unique mixture of grief, hope, acceptance and adaptation that comes with living with a diagnosis of Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease. Although much remains to be done, on-screen disability-focused narratives have thankfully become more prevalent in recent years, with the likes of Ezra, directed by Tony Goldwyn (2023), Disney's Out of My Mind (2024), and Netflix's Tyson's Run (2022) all receiving critical acclaim. These productions feature kids born with disabilities discovering that the world they are learning to navigate hasn't necessarily been built with them in mind. However, what is missing are stories that focus on the unique disruption, dislocation and psychological isolation that come from being diagnosed with so-called prime of life diseases like Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease or multiple sclerosis, which is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40. Though such a journey can be dark and complex, Shaky takes an approach that is raw, grounded, fun and zany throughout. At the centre of the story is 30-year-old, uninhibited rock chick Nicole Tomkins, voiced by Rosa Salazar, who, following a diagnosis of YOPD, has moved back home to Plano, Texas, to live with her mom, Grace (Roselyn Sanchez), and her prissy but kind-hearted younger sister, Brianna (Mayan Lopez). Nicole finds herself in an all too familiar place for those who have experienced the early phase of young-onset neurological disease, a netherworld between acceptance and denial. She takes her meds and makes lifestyle changes to adjust to her new reality, but is equally determined to resume her musical career post haste as the drummer in the two-piece rock band Golden Braid and head out on tour. Despite her admirable capacity to sideline a devastating diagnosis and get back to doing what she loves, the misfortune of her prime of life predicament is neatly encapsulated in an exchange with an older lady with Parkinson's at the doctor's office, who, upon learning of Nicole's diagnosis, says, 'You're a patient? But you're so young. What a shame. At least I had a good run before I got diagnosed.' Meanwhile, even the usually blithe and irrepressible Nicole is pushed to her emotional limits when her neurological deficits ruin an impromptu date she has in a bar. 'This is too much. I don't know what I'm supposed to do anymore. Who I'm supposed to be anymore? What is my life now?' an anguished Nicole laments to her mom and sister. Craft, whose writing credits include the Emmy-nominated Apple TV+ series Best Foot Forward and the Snap Original Series Kappa Crypto, in addition to teaching a course on screenwriting at the University of Austin, has first-hand experience of being a young person with a disability. She was born with a condition causing low vision, which significantly worsened in her twenties after surgery to fix the issue failed. She also has ADHD and was recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Addressing her disabilities during an interview, Craft jokes, 'I just keep racking them up!' Reflecting on her youth, Craft says, 'I grew up visiting eyecare specialists. Once I stopped going to paediatric specialists and started attending adult services, I was always the youngest person in the waiting room.' Her experience of Parkinson's comes from her father, who was not diagnosed with the young-onset form. At its heart, Shaky is a story about fighting to retain a youthful identity when faced with the diagnosis of a progressive illness and the physiological changes that accompany it. Nicole wants to be recognized as a musician in her own right. She has concerns about being pigeon-holed as the media construct and vessel of inspiration porn she calls 'Parkinson's Girl,' even though it might help her career if she plays along. Meanwhile, anybody who has experienced a young-onset diagnosis of a chronic condition will note several other familiar themes. There is the often dicey arena of patient support groups. Nicole attends a Young-Onset Parkinson's Music Therapy Group, but as is so often the case, a shared diagnosis at a similar age never guarantees genuine chemistry and the same outlook amongst attendees. 'I want to be in spaces where other people get it,' explains the group's leader, Cosmo, but Nicole isn't so sure and simply retorts, 'Well, I don't.' Though maintained as more of an undertone, there is an aspect of infantilization associated with Nicole's return home. This, too, is something young-onset patients may identify with. When a disease comes crashing into one's life at just the moment when true independence is being discovered, the natural resources to turn to are parental support and the safety of the childhood home. This can foster a sense of discord that makes it feel that life is moving in reverse, whilst the life of one's peers continues with unyielding forward momentum. There is what Nicole terms the 'Ghost Of Parkinson's Future,' where younger patients, as opposed to their elderly counterparts, are forced to confront the reality of potentially living for decades with an incurable and degenerative condition. 'I keep trying to go backwards because the future… I don't want to think about the future,' remarks Nicole in one chapter. For those who have experienced or are currently experiencing young-onset neurological disease, Shaky represents comforting and familiar ground. For the uninitiated, too, some aspects of the story will prove truly eye-opening. In media disability discourse, 'inspiration' has become such a loaded term due to decades of insensitive treatment from Hollywood. In reality, inspiration is important to folks of all ages with disabilities, but not within the prevailing model of them being used to make non-disabled people feel more thankful for their lot in life. The inspiration comes from knowing that others navigate that same complex, sometimes treacherous road that you do, and that, even if your body is changing, there's nothing wrong with still bringing your hopes, dreams, identity, and perhaps most important of all, your sense of humor along for the ride.
News18
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Amar Chitra Katha stories now available as audiobooks on Audible
Agency: PTI Last Updated: New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) Audible, a leading platform for audio storytelling, on Monday announced its collaboration with the comic book publisher Amar Chitra Katha for the release of epics and heritage stories from their catalogue as audiobooks across English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Telugu and Tamil languages. The English-language collection, which is now available for listening, comprises 111 beloved epics and folktales and has been curated from Amar Chitra Katha's most popular stories. 'Amar Chitra Katha tales hold a truly special place in India's cultural fabric… With this collection, we have reimagined that cherished experience for today's generation, breathing life into these timeless stories through immersive narration and sound. Each audiobook has been expertly produced to preserve the essence of the original storytelling, while offering a fresh listening experience," Shailesh Sawlani, country manager (India) at Audible, said in a statement. The English-language collection features titles including the 'Ramayana Series', 'Mahabharata Series', 'Mahadeva Series', and 'Jataka Panchatantra Hitopadesha Series'. The audiobook versions in Hindi are set to launch in September 2025, with additional language editions — including Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu — scheduled for release in 2026. Established in 1967 by Anant Pai, Amar Chitra Katha is one of India's oldest and most prominent comic book publishers, boasting a catalogue of over 600 titles in 20 languages that span mythology, history, folklore, fables, and classical Indian literature. 'Through this collaboration with Audible, we're taking that legacy into a new dimension where voice, sound, and emotion bring an entirely different richness to these tales. Listening to our stories is like returning to the roots of Indian storytelling, when tales were told aloud and passed down through generations," said Reena Puri, executive editor at Amar Chitra Katha. PTI MG BK BK view comments First Published: July 28, 2025, 13:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The best streaming deals of the week include discounts on DAZN, Audible, Starz and more
It can get expensive subscribing to multiple streaming services and exhausting figuring out which ones have the best shows and movies that suit your tastes. Luckily, streaming is sort of our area of expertise, and we've figured out how you can find some great discounts, either through sales or bundling options, so you'll save serious money while keeping up with your favorite shows and movies. Whether you're a fan of sports, prestige dramas, or guilty-pleasure reality TV, these deals include offers for every taste and budget. In addition to deep discounts on streaming platforms, there are also great deals to be had on things like audiobooks and music too. Some of the best streaming deals this week include deep discounts on Audible, DAZN and Starz. Here's how to take advantage of them all. Get DAZN for 30% off Get Starz for $3/month Get a PBS Bundle through Prime Video and save Get 3 months of Audible for free with a Prime subscription More streaming deals you can score Save over $250 on a new DirecTV subscription for a limited time Try YouTube TV for over 25% off The best way to watch sports: 3 months of Sling for $99.99 Watch MLS for 50% off Best replacement for basic cable: Sling Orange and Blue Best new entertainment bundle: DirecTV MyEntertainment Pack Best new sports bundle: DirecTV MySports Pack Best overall bundle: Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max Bundle Best alternative to cable: Fubo Essential Best deals for students: Max, Hulu and Peacock If you're a student (and aren't already on a family streaming plan), a few services offer great limited-time discounts, including Max, which offers 50% off its ad-supported plan (so you'll pay $4.99, though the offer is only good for one 12-month period), and Peacock, which costs students $2.99 a month. (Note that you can often find a similar deal on Peacock around Black Friday, even if you're not a student.) But the best streaming offer for students might just be Hulu's: They offer students a rate of just $1.99/month for as long as you offer proof of enrollment. Check for discounts through your cell phone providers Some of the best streaming discounts around aren't through special sales, but your cell phone provider. T-Mobile offers discounts or free subscriptions to Apple TV+, Hulu and Netflix (standard plan with ads), Verizon offers discounted $10 subscriptions to the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle, a Netflix/Max bundle, and YouTube Premium, and select Cricket Wireless plans get Max (with ads) for free. Don't cut the cord — bundle cable and streaming together! If you have or want to switch to Xfinity for your internet or cable provider, you can add the $15 Xfinity Streamsaver bundle into the mix, which includes three streamers putting out some of the best original content around: Apple TV+, Netflix (standard plan with ads) and Peacock. Xfinity internet plans start at $30/month, bringing your total for the Streamsaver bundle to $45/month (that's $10 of savings vs. subscribing to all those services individually). If you're a Spectrum customer, there's a similar cable and streaming bundle available and it won't even cost you anything: If you subscribe to Spectrum and opt for a TV Select cable plan or higher, you'll receive free ad-supported subscriptions to Disney+, ViX, Paramount+ and HBO Max, which was just recently added to their offerings.
