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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

A Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisation

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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

By: Richard O'Callaghan, J. R. R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Peter Woodthorpe, Robert Stephens, Michael Hordern, Bill Nighy, John McAndrew, David Collings, Douglas Livingstone, full cast
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About this listen

With its first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on March 8, 1981, this dramatised tale of Middle Earth became an instant global classic. It boasts a truly outstanding cast including Ian Holm (as Frodo), Michael Hordern (as Gandalf), Robert Stephens (as Aragorn), Bill Nighy (as Sam Gamgee) and John Le Mesurier (as Bilbo).

Brian Sibley's famous adaptation has been divided into three corresponding parts, with newly-recorded beginning and end narration by Ian Holm, who now stars as Bilbo in the feature films based on The Lord of the Rings.

Part One, The Fellowship of the Ring, introduces us to Frodo Baggins. With his uncle Bilbo having mysteriously disappeared, Frodo finds himself in possession of a simple gold ring that has great and evil power. It is the Ruling Ring, taken long ago from the Dark Lord, Sauron, who now seeks to possess it again. Frodo must do everything he can to prevent this, and with the help of Gandalf the wizard and a band of loyal companions he begins a perilous journey across Middle-earth. Sauron's Black Riders are on their trail as they travel to Rivendell, attempt to cross the snow-swept Misty Mountains and, in desperation, enter the terrifying Mines of Moria.


©2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

© and (P)2001 BBC Worldwide Ltd Audio Performances & Dramatisations Classics Dramatisations Epic Fantasy Scary
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I first heard this adaptation when I was in primary school, it started me on my journey into Middle Earth and the lore of Tolkien.
I am glad to say that re-listening to the BBC adaptation I have fallen in love with it all over again. As with most dramatisations it does differ from the books but it is worth a listen.

Brings back memories.

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Very compelling to listen to, I was enthralled and actually in Middle-earth the whole book.

Sensational

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I first heard this adaption on Radio 4 when I was a child, and immediately grabbed the nearest cassette tape to start recording it. I've cherished the show ever since and listened to it hundreds of times. Every voice in it was a superstar actor at the time. It's nice to see this Audible version - the only change is the original superb opening music is slightly altered (not sure why they did this, but I'm sure they had their reasons). Also includes some new introductory dialogue which I had never heard before until now by Ian Holm.

The AMAZING BBC dramatisation. A classic forever.

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Thoroughly enjoying this! Love all the voice acting and background sounds. Full of atmosphere.

Be aware that this is not 100% faithful to the book and the order in which you learn of events has been tweaked here and there.

However, I don’t think that a one-to-one match was ever the goal of this. I read these as a kid and am currently re-reading on kindle and in that sense it’s a very complimentary experience.

If you’ve read LOTR already, then I recommend this

If you haven’t read LOTR, then it depends on if you want the 100% authentic experience. Personally I wouldn’t ever say this could replace the book.

In the book, there are questions intentionally left unanswered unanswered that the reader does not learn of until Frodo finds out. You’re kind of on the journey with him.

Where as here it’s more of a higher level narrative, but very well crafted. If you don’t mind that, or are not much of a reader then sure go for this.

Fun, vivid immersion but does drift from the book slightly

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I have loved Tolkien since childhood and this dramatisation since 1981. it is a masterful adaptation with a wonderful cast who are complemented by Stephen Oliver's score (still the most faithful of all in my view). Originally taped onto cassette and then replaced with CDs, it is a joy to have it so readily available to me. Now on to the Two Towers ........

Getting reacquainted with this best of old friends

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