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I, Claudius (Dramatised)
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-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Tiro, the confidential secretary of a Roman senator, opens the door to a terrified stranger on a cold November morning, he sets in motion a chain of events which will eventually propel his master into one of the most famous courtroom dramas in history. The stranger is a Sicilian, a victim of the island's corrupt Roman governor, Verres. The senator is Cicero, a brilliant young lawyer and spellbinding orator, determined to attain imperium - supreme power in the state.
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- By Ryan Greaves on 29-05-2019
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The Hollow Crown
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- By: Dan Jones
- Narrated by: Dan Jones
- Length: 13 hrs and 32 mins
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Overall
-
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Overall
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-
-
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-
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- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
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-
-
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- By Raelene on 13-10-2018
-
Yes Minister & Yes Prime Minister - The Complete Audio Collection
- By: Antony Jay, Jonathan Lynn
- Narrated by: Paul Eddington, full cast, Nigel Hawthorn
- Length: 18 hrs and 28 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Between 1980 and 1988 on BBC television and radio, the exploits of the Rt Hon Jim Hacker MP (Paul Eddington) - later Prime Minister - kept the British nation enthralled. Helped - and hampered - by his diligent Permanent Secretary Sir Humphrey Appleby (Nigel Hawthorne) and his Principle Private Secretary Bernard Woolley (Derek Fowlds), Hacker and his department became synonymous with government bureaucracy and administrative double dealing.
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- By Malcolm on 17-09-2017
Publisher's Summary
A full-cast dramatisation of Robert Graves' brilliant account of the madness and debauchery of ancient Rome, starring Tom Goodman Hill as Claudius and Derek Jacobi as Augustus. The wickedly entertaining inside story of the lives and deaths of the Imperial dynasty from Augustus to Caligula is told by their obscure relation, Claudius. In public, Claudius is a stammering, drooling weakling, whose reputation as an idiot keeps him safe from office and assassination. But in private, he's as sharp as they come, and keeps a secret history of everything he discovers. Until one day, as one of the few of his family left alive, he's acclaimed Emperor against his will. Can he save Rome from the corruption he's grown to detest?
Featuring Derek Jacobi (who won a BAFTA for his performance as Claudius in the acclaimed 1977 BBC television production) as Augustus, and with an all-star cast, this gripping dramatisation will enthral anyone who loves the decadence of Ancient Rome.
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Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Andrew
- 10-07-2013
I, Claudius lover impressed with abridging
As a great fan of the books and the BBC adaptation for television, it was with some trepidation that I allocated last month's credit to an 'abridged' title. Lured by the presence of Derek Jacobi, a man marred only by his crackpot views on the authorship of Shakespeare's body of work, I was once again transported to Robert Graves' version of first century Rome. The voice-acting was superb, and I was only occasionally saddened that this or that part was missing. Mostly, I was having far too good a time to notice. Thanks very much for having this wonderful performance in your catalogue.
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
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- Jaydeep
- 03-09-2012
Masterpiece
What made the experience of listening to I, Claudius (Dramatised) the most enjoyable?
Unbeatable recording. Every nuance of the language and affliction is audible and extremely well executed. A completely immersing ride.
There are times, when I didn't want the traffic to clear.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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- Linda
- 20-09-2012
Audio Theater at its BEST
What did you love best about I, Claudius (Dramatised)?
About to take my first trip to Rome, I chose this to get myself into the mood. It was a wonderful experience listening to these actors perform. I've never seen the PBS series, but I could picture it just listening to this performance of I, Claudius.
Have you listened to any of Derek Jacobi and Tom Goodman Hill ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I'm a big fan of Derek Jacobi and I wish he had a larger part in this.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I listened to this book over several weeks. It's an easy book for car listening.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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- Melanieby
- 20-06-2012
Great Audio Theater
As a fan of both the book and the classic BBC TV miniseries starring Derek Jacobi, I couldn't resist trying out this audio drama version of I, Claudius--especially as it stars some of the great British theater actors, including Jacobi as Augustus, and it recently won an Audie Award for full cast recordings.
What a great piece of audio theater it was! I was so drawn into the story, the characters, and the life of the early Roman Empire that I literally couldn't stop listening. (Since I normally listen as I walk, this was also quite good for my figure!) You find you don't miss the visual element at all--each character is clearly separate and your imagination paints the scene. Great story, great acting--who could ask for more?
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 23-11-2019
Roman History a lesson for USA
Extremely apt reading Trump's ambition no doubt!
We must not allow this great imperial tragedy!
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- Bonmot
- 20-08-2019
The best audio drama I've ever heard, period!
This brilliant 6 hour BBC production of Roman history drama "I, Claudius" is the BEST audio drama I've ever heard in my life, period! <3 <3
I loved the 1976 BBC TV series of "I, Claudius," one of the best miniseries ever made. This riveting audio drama is the best made since the TV series. Rich and poetic language, acting, music, sound effects etc. It was PERFECT and thoroughly enthralling! Full of murder, betrayal, sex, violence, politics, deception, and drama.
The audio drama was about as brilliant as the TV series. I actually wanted more traffic and a longer commute to listen to it.
Surprisingly, Derek Jacobi plays Augustus, not Claudius. Tom Goodman-Hill brilliantly copied Jacobi's Claudius voice so well I forgot it wasn't Jacobi! Tom deserved an award for his mesmerizing performance.
If you think Trump is extreme in corruption and depravity, no one beat the Roman emperors and their families.
Next I start the audiobook for "I, Claudius" the novel, by Robert Graves. Thank you soooo much for making this, BBC! You give joy to generations!
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- Shannon Wilt
- 15-04-2019
Loved this book!
Performance was wonderful and the story is compelling! This book is treasure and the performance holds your interest.
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- Giovanni
- 02-02-2019
Brilliant rendition!
Seriously enjoyable performance of this classic. I would listen to it when I had any opportunity - in the car or waiting for a shave at the local barber. Completed in three days. Highly recommended.
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- Heather J.
- 07-08-2018
Engaging Read!
I missed my subway stop more than once because of this one, but if it took longer to walk home, I wasn't the least bit upset. I thought about this book while at work and was completely pre-occupied. I'd seen the TV series videos, so I knew what to expect but I think I was more engrossed with the audiobook than the TV show. It's so hard to explain. Derek Jacobi stands out, really bringing to life a vulnerable but deeply intelligent Claudius. Words fail.
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- Aidan
- 06-08-2018
Excellent dramatization of a classic
The BBC television production of I, Claudius is one of my favorite miniseries so this recent radio production had a lot to live up to. Happily it manages to feel sufficiently distinctive and does an excellent job with the source material, dividing the material up quite neatly. The performances are universally excellent and the decision to cast Jacobi as Augustus is clever both in terms of the nod to the past and in his different interpretation of that role. Excellent for fans of radio drama or those with an interest in early imperial Rome.
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- Alison Ward
- 15-12-2013
classic at its classical best
Where does I, Claudius (Dramatised) rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
top score - really enjoyed it
What did you like best about this story?
the style, clarity of speech, story line so excellent and the smooth transition between Jacobi and Tom Goodman Hill - remembering the TV drama series i wondered if i would appreciate the change of reader but it worked wonderfully
What does Derek Jacobi and Tom Goodman Hill bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
Their diction and emotional acting is excellent - they are classical actors who shine in their profession
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
See who helped trip Rome up before its fall
Any additional comments?
Excellent - worth full price but see if you can get it on sale - then your pocket will be as happy as you spirit will be for listening to such an excellent tale.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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- Lawrence
- 07-04-2013
Excellent production
This BBC production of I,Claudius is epic and gripping from the start.
One of the curiosities I found was trying to associate Jacobi's voice with Augustus, due to his great performance as Claudius in the 70s BBC television series. It is not difficult to distinguish the two and at first I thought I would be disappointed in the roles, but Tom Goodman Hill plays Claudius just as well, perhaps better than Jacobi could possibly repeat the performance, given his age (and the age of the character)
Even the intro music before each chapter had me excited, and the story kept me awake many nights just to keep going. It's as thrilling as watching any tv series.
As with HBO's Rome: this drama is full of people you love to hate, and can't wait to see the end of, and you hope it will be tragic for them. You won't be disappointed; but sadly, I Claudius, is a tale of tragedy for all characters, especially p-poor C..C..Claudius.
I couldn't recommend it any more highly. 5 stars.
(Connosieurs note: I have not read the book, so cannot compare the two)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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- Jan
- 04-08-2017
A great dramatisation
Thoroughly enjoyable. Reminding me of a condensed version of the TV series. Narration excellent.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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- Longshot
- 07-11-2019
Brilliant Production
Loved the cast, perfectly acted and great sound effects helped bring the story to life.
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- Graham G Grant
- 23-10-2019
Tales of power, passion, plots - and poison
A Roman soap opera with a rapidly multiplying body count, this is the story of stammering historian Claudius, who finds himself caught up in endless Machiavellian plots as his scheming relatives fight for power. It’s shocking, funny, and extremely listenable. In the earlier stages, the large cast meant I sometimes struggled to keep track of who was who - and who was killing who! But stick with it: the last two to three hours in particular are addictive and gripping. A classic.
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- Pamela
- 19-10-2019
Absolutely brilliant!
This a gripping story and great production. I saw the rerun of the BBC I Claudius television series and obviously Derek Jacobi was completely engaging and gave a complex and rich performance and even though the actual quality of other aspects looked a bit amateur and dated the performances soar above .. And this audio production is no less excellent. I have read the book which is part fiction part historical fact, some of which is compiled from original texts and diaries of the time. So this is a rare occasion when the book, tv-series, and audiobook are all thoroughly enjoyable.
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- Lee
- 13-10-2019
I Claudius drama.
I watched the series based on Grave’s book and Of course Sir Jacobi was Claudius so Mr Hill had a lot to live up to and he did! An excellent drama and I will never tire of listening to it again and again.
Missed Brian Blessed though!
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- Jim Vaughan
- 14-09-2019
Bringing Roman History to Life
Riveting dramatisation of the Robert Graves book. Derek Jacobi is fabulous as Claudius. I have already downloaded the sequel “Claudius the God” audiobook. I just wish Audible did the full unabridged version of it.
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- anita hargreaves
- 02-06-2019
Love it
Heard better adaptations, plus being the dulcet tones of Derek Jacobi. I thought it would be plays heard on radio. However pleased with purchase.
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- Tristan Fisher
- 24-01-2019
a great dramatisation
this is a great dramatisation of the work, being well performed with a brilliant choice of cast!.