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The Fellowship of the Ring
A BBC radio full-cast dramatization of the first book in JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. Brian Sibley's famous 1981 adaptation, starring Ian Holm and Michael Hordern.
200 pages, Audio Cassette
First published January 1, 1981
118 people are currently reading
6323 people want to read
About the author
Brian Sibley
100 books99 followersBrian Sibley is an English writer, broadcaster, and award-winning dramatist.
The author of over 100 hours of radio drama and hundreds of documentaries and features for the BBC, he is best known for his acclaimed 1981 radio adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, co-written with Michael Bakewell, as well as dramatizations of C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, Mervyn Peake’s Gormenghast novels, and Richard Adams’s Watership Down.
Sibley has also written numerous original plays for radio, presented popular BBC programmes including Kaleidoscope and Talking Pictures, and produced documentaries on figures ranging from Lewis Carroll and Ray Bradbury to Julie Andrews and Walt Disney.
His contributions to broadcasting have earned him accolades such as the Sony Radio Award and the BBC Audio Drama Award for Best Adaptation.
In print, Sibley is the author of many acclaimed film “making of” books, including Harry Potter: Film Wizardry, The Lord of the Rings: The Making of the Movie Trilogy, and Peter Jackson: A Filmmaker’s Journey, as well as companion volumes for The Hobbit films, The Golden Compass, and Disney classics. His literary works range from Shadowlands to children’s books like The Frightful Food Feud and Osric the Extraordinary Owl, with stories appearing in official Winnie-the-Pooh collections.
A noted Disney historian, Sibley has contributed essays to The Walt Disney Film Archives and recorded DVD commentaries for classic films. He is the editor of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Fall of Númenor, winner of the Tolkien Society’s Best Book award in 2023.
Sibley has served as President and Chair of The Lewis Carroll Society and is an honorary member of The Magic Circle, the Tolkien Society, and The Children’s Books History Society.
The author of over 100 hours of radio drama and hundreds of documentaries and features for the BBC, he is best known for his acclaimed 1981 radio adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, co-written with Michael Bakewell, as well as dramatizations of C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia, Mervyn Peake’s Gormenghast novels, and Richard Adams’s Watership Down.
Sibley has also written numerous original plays for radio, presented popular BBC programmes including Kaleidoscope and Talking Pictures, and produced documentaries on figures ranging from Lewis Carroll and Ray Bradbury to Julie Andrews and Walt Disney.
His contributions to broadcasting have earned him accolades such as the Sony Radio Award and the BBC Audio Drama Award for Best Adaptation.
In print, Sibley is the author of many acclaimed film “making of” books, including Harry Potter: Film Wizardry, The Lord of the Rings: The Making of the Movie Trilogy, and Peter Jackson: A Filmmaker’s Journey, as well as companion volumes for The Hobbit films, The Golden Compass, and Disney classics. His literary works range from Shadowlands to children’s books like The Frightful Food Feud and Osric the Extraordinary Owl, with stories appearing in official Winnie-the-Pooh collections.
A noted Disney historian, Sibley has contributed essays to The Walt Disney Film Archives and recorded DVD commentaries for classic films. He is the editor of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Fall of Númenor, winner of the Tolkien Society’s Best Book award in 2023.
Sibley has served as President and Chair of The Lewis Carroll Society and is an honorary member of The Magic Circle, the Tolkien Society, and The Children’s Books History Society.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
May 16, 2023
2023 review
When I listened to this in 2021, I took it for granted that this production came after the movie. This is because I recognised chunks of dialogue from Peter Jackson’s movie (which I’ve seen many, many times, and I’ve also read the screenplay). When I realised that actually this production was done in 1981, I listened to this again.
It’s still 2.5 stars, I like how the drama imparts story information, but as a whole the production does not have the energy to carry the action.
My favourite parts are the poems being sung, especially Ian Holm’s Upon the Hearth. It was also interesting to hear Ian Holm plays Frodo in this production, in the movie he has the part of Bilbo Baggins.
2021 review
more like 2.5*
I borrowed this only to realise it was not the full-length novel when a cast was mentioned; for a moment I got excited thinking it was the 1960ish version that I had heard about in passing, but it didn’t take long to know it wasn’t.
As a production this is okayish, mainly because I was not always sure if I was listening to a drama in how story info was imparted. However, as a story it covered loads of ground, but I expected it to have less similarities to Peter Jackson’s movie – as a radio play it could not compete with the cinematic tension. The cast includes Ian Holm, and there were snippets where their acting drew me in but this connection kept breaking. I couldn’t work out if this was down to the script or how it was edited. I also wondered about the sound design as it spelt a strolling drama rather than an action adventure. Though I didn’t see anything wrong with this, remembering the novel, which doesn’t play to the same beat as the movies. However, this production came across as indecisive, it kind of felt like it was trying to keep a footing in a tempo that belonged both to the book and the movie. I think it would have gained by just making a decision and sticking with it.
So, listening to this is okayish but at the same time interesting to see how a radio drama handles this sprawling story. And afterwards I realised that the BBC also produced the other 2 parts as a radio drama, so I’m curious now to see how they play out.
When I listened to this in 2021, I took it for granted that this production came after the movie. This is because I recognised chunks of dialogue from Peter Jackson’s movie (which I’ve seen many, many times, and I’ve also read the screenplay). When I realised that actually this production was done in 1981, I listened to this again.
It’s still 2.5 stars, I like how the drama imparts story information, but as a whole the production does not have the energy to carry the action.
My favourite parts are the poems being sung, especially Ian Holm’s Upon the Hearth. It was also interesting to hear Ian Holm plays Frodo in this production, in the movie he has the part of Bilbo Baggins.
2021 review
more like 2.5*
I borrowed this only to realise it was not the full-length novel when a cast was mentioned; for a moment I got excited thinking it was the 1960ish version that I had heard about in passing, but it didn’t take long to know it wasn’t.
As a production this is okayish, mainly because I was not always sure if I was listening to a drama in how story info was imparted. However, as a story it covered loads of ground, but I expected it to have less similarities to Peter Jackson’s movie – as a radio play it could not compete with the cinematic tension. The cast includes Ian Holm, and there were snippets where their acting drew me in but this connection kept breaking. I couldn’t work out if this was down to the script or how it was edited. I also wondered about the sound design as it spelt a strolling drama rather than an action adventure. Though I didn’t see anything wrong with this, remembering the novel, which doesn’t play to the same beat as the movies. However, this production came across as indecisive, it kind of felt like it was trying to keep a footing in a tempo that belonged both to the book and the movie. I think it would have gained by just making a decision and sticking with it.
So, listening to this is okayish but at the same time interesting to see how a radio drama handles this sprawling story. And afterwards I realised that the BBC also produced the other 2 parts as a radio drama, so I’m curious now to see how they play out.
April 13, 2019
4 stars. I wanted to reread this series but I found these dramatisations of them so I picked these up instead. This was a really fun dramatisation of TFotR and I will definitely be listening to the other two when I get them.
The book is still better but if you want to introduce someone to LOTR and they don’t want to read the long books then this might be a good option!
The book is still better but if you want to introduce someone to LOTR and they don’t want to read the long books then this might be a good option!
April 11, 2021
There are books that you love, and there are books that changed your life. I decided to listen to this adaptation after recommending it to someone. It's been years since I listened to it, and I'd forgotten how absolutely perfect it is.
I first discovered this version of the story in 2002, when it was broadcast on BBC radio 4. I was 8 at the time, and I was astounded to find that there was such a rich and beautiful world out there to be explored. Initially recorded in 1981 it is a dramatisation that truly stands the test of time.
The music, the acting, and the story were like finding a home I didn't know I had been missing. I can't believe it's been almost 20 years since I discovered this world and first realised that I loved fantasy novels. LOTR was everything to me back then. It was a book filled with friends when I had very few in the real world. It was a story of people who should fail somehow succeeding. It gave me so much hope, it gave me a place to be and to belong.
I cried listening to this. Even though I know what happens, I still hurt for the hobbits. I hoped that Aragorn would find his way to Gondor and to his rightful place on the throne.
This is truly the most perfect adaptation of the books. Every single actor brings the character they play to life and in my mind their voices are the true voices of the characters. The inclusion of Tolkien's poetry and songs, put to a beautiful musical score by Stephen Oliver will transport you to Middle Earth.
Waiting each week for a new episode on the radio was an absolute pleasure. I have so many memories of rushing to the radio when I knew it was going to start, and as soon as I hear the beginning music I am there again.
Listening to these as an adult is such a different experience. I am humbled by the strength of all of the hobbits who would rather be at home, but who still set out on their quest to destroy the ring because they know it is the right thing to do. I marvel at Aragorn telling the story of Beren and Lúthien, when he himself is in love with Arwen.
This book has everything you could possibly hope for, and it's a testament to the skill of those who adapted it for radio that you can listen to it and truly know the story. There are moments that will make you laugh
And moments that break your heart
I wouldn't have discovered fantasy novels in quite the same way had it not been for this adaptation. I know some purists frown upon it, because as a radio adaptation it does have to abridge elements of the story. But it stays very true to the heart of the book and after listening to it I was gifted the entire book by my parents, all twenty volumes of it in braille. I hope that others will discover it and find it as much of a magical experience as I always have.
I'm so glad that I chose to listen to it again, it's been far too long. Now onto the Two Towers.
I first discovered this version of the story in 2002, when it was broadcast on BBC radio 4. I was 8 at the time, and I was astounded to find that there was such a rich and beautiful world out there to be explored. Initially recorded in 1981 it is a dramatisation that truly stands the test of time.
The music, the acting, and the story were like finding a home I didn't know I had been missing. I can't believe it's been almost 20 years since I discovered this world and first realised that I loved fantasy novels. LOTR was everything to me back then. It was a book filled with friends when I had very few in the real world. It was a story of people who should fail somehow succeeding. It gave me so much hope, it gave me a place to be and to belong.
I cried listening to this. Even though I know what happens, I still hurt for the hobbits. I hoped that Aragorn would find his way to Gondor and to his rightful place on the throne.
This is truly the most perfect adaptation of the books. Every single actor brings the character they play to life and in my mind their voices are the true voices of the characters. The inclusion of Tolkien's poetry and songs, put to a beautiful musical score by Stephen Oliver will transport you to Middle Earth.
for into darkness fell his star
in Mordor where the shadows are.
Waiting each week for a new episode on the radio was an absolute pleasure. I have so many memories of rushing to the radio when I knew it was going to start, and as soon as I hear the beginning music I am there again.
Listening to these as an adult is such a different experience. I am humbled by the strength of all of the hobbits who would rather be at home, but who still set out on their quest to destroy the ring because they know it is the right thing to do. I marvel at Aragorn telling the story of Beren and Lúthien, when he himself is in love with Arwen.
This book has everything you could possibly hope for, and it's a testament to the skill of those who adapted it for radio that you can listen to it and truly know the story. There are moments that will make you laugh
"What are you going to do then?"
"Knock on the doors with your head Peregrin Took."
And moments that break your heart
"Strider will look after them. I don't suppose we shall see them again."
I wouldn't have discovered fantasy novels in quite the same way had it not been for this adaptation. I know some purists frown upon it, because as a radio adaptation it does have to abridge elements of the story. But it stays very true to the heart of the book and after listening to it I was gifted the entire book by my parents, all twenty volumes of it in braille. I hope that others will discover it and find it as much of a magical experience as I always have.
I'm so glad that I chose to listen to it again, it's been far too long. Now onto the Two Towers.
April 4, 2015
UNA DRAMATIZACIÓN EXCELENTE. Está adaptado del libro así que no está completo completo, pero lo que ocurrió en la historia fue muy emocionante y la música y los efectos de sonidos te metían en la Tierra Media. De verdad es que quedé fascinada :3
May 24, 2020
Wonderful! I love BBC audio production. Wonderful narrators-actors, songs, and effects.
September 2, 2016
Three strikes in three decades is my score for trying to read, "The Lord of the Rings." The pacing at the start puts me to sleep. I struggled with "Slaughterhouse Five" as a college student, but later listened to the audio book and was able to finish it. Ditto Shakespeare. This audio book on "The Fellowship of the Ring," was a winner and the dramatization included music and sound effects that slammed the door on my problems with pacing or focusing issues. I listened each night on the elliptical machine and found it hard to turn off. A study in high fantasy with a classic hero in Aragorn and a common hero in Frodo.
Frodo Baggins, a Hobbit, lives a comfortable life in the Shire and has inherited the Ring of Power from Bilbo Baggins, the hero from "The Hobbit." When the wizard, Gandalf, comes to his house and reveals that the evil wizard, Sauron, is after the ring to control all the earth, Frodo sets out to destroy the ring. He is an unlikely and simple hero aided by friends, including the most heroic of the men, Aragorn. The task of the ring falls on the weakest of them, a hobbit who would prefer not to sacrifice himself, but he rises to the occasion and is the only creature able to resist the ring because he is not drawn by desires to seek power and worldliness. His naivety and simpleness make him the best candidate for success at destroying the ring as Gandalf and Aragorn both know when Frodo offers the ring to them and they realize the the power would be too tempting for them. Frodo's lack of desire for power makes him the best candidate for the quest.
I read a terrific book, "A Hobbit, A Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-18" by Joseph Loconte that shows how the Lord of the Rings trilogy is an allegory for World War I with the Hobbits similar to common soldiers and Aragorn and Gandalf similar to military and political leaders making decisions regarding the war. It is a fascinating look at history and analysis of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis's novels. It was one the main reasons I decided to try and read the book again. The hobbits are like the common soldier and don't really know what danger they are approaching, but they have each others backs no matter what and are willing to die for one another. Gandalf and Aragorn are like the world leaders involved in the war.
I still think the start is slow before launching into the quest and picking up in excitement. But this time the audio book helped me be patient. I think Tolkien's in-depth background development of the Shire is to show the domestic contentedness of the hobbits and their lack of desire to be heroes. They are drawn into a battle that they have no desire to be a part of. Because they like simple pleasures and are not tempted by power as most of the other characters in the book, they show the common person as being the hero and this allows the reader to empathize with them. Aragorn proves his king-like qualities not by physical strength but his handling of the hobbits when he first meets them by playing on their fears and then using wit to ingratiate himself before revealing his letter from Gandalf.
It's the hobbit show however, not Aragorn's victories in battle, that save and endear the reader. Frodo incorporates the high qualities of Aragorn's world and the hobbits because he is the wisest and bravest in that he is humble and admits his fears but still strikes forth on the quest to destroy the ring. This is why he is chosen for the task. Only he can resist the corrupting power of the ring to at least get it to the edge of the fire until powers beyond his control destroy it. Even Frodo cannot resist the temptation of the ring. Tolkien's world building, character development, linguistic genius is astonishing in its brilliance, as most of you know. If you are having problems getting through a book, try an audio book. It felt like a home run this time round.
Frodo Baggins, a Hobbit, lives a comfortable life in the Shire and has inherited the Ring of Power from Bilbo Baggins, the hero from "The Hobbit." When the wizard, Gandalf, comes to his house and reveals that the evil wizard, Sauron, is after the ring to control all the earth, Frodo sets out to destroy the ring. He is an unlikely and simple hero aided by friends, including the most heroic of the men, Aragorn. The task of the ring falls on the weakest of them, a hobbit who would prefer not to sacrifice himself, but he rises to the occasion and is the only creature able to resist the ring because he is not drawn by desires to seek power and worldliness. His naivety and simpleness make him the best candidate for success at destroying the ring as Gandalf and Aragorn both know when Frodo offers the ring to them and they realize the the power would be too tempting for them. Frodo's lack of desire for power makes him the best candidate for the quest.
I read a terrific book, "A Hobbit, A Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-18" by Joseph Loconte that shows how the Lord of the Rings trilogy is an allegory for World War I with the Hobbits similar to common soldiers and Aragorn and Gandalf similar to military and political leaders making decisions regarding the war. It is a fascinating look at history and analysis of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis's novels. It was one the main reasons I decided to try and read the book again. The hobbits are like the common soldier and don't really know what danger they are approaching, but they have each others backs no matter what and are willing to die for one another. Gandalf and Aragorn are like the world leaders involved in the war.
I still think the start is slow before launching into the quest and picking up in excitement. But this time the audio book helped me be patient. I think Tolkien's in-depth background development of the Shire is to show the domestic contentedness of the hobbits and their lack of desire to be heroes. They are drawn into a battle that they have no desire to be a part of. Because they like simple pleasures and are not tempted by power as most of the other characters in the book, they show the common person as being the hero and this allows the reader to empathize with them. Aragorn proves his king-like qualities not by physical strength but his handling of the hobbits when he first meets them by playing on their fears and then using wit to ingratiate himself before revealing his letter from Gandalf.
It's the hobbit show however, not Aragorn's victories in battle, that save and endear the reader. Frodo incorporates the high qualities of Aragorn's world and the hobbits because he is the wisest and bravest in that he is humble and admits his fears but still strikes forth on the quest to destroy the ring. This is why he is chosen for the task. Only he can resist the corrupting power of the ring to at least get it to the edge of the fire until powers beyond his control destroy it. Even Frodo cannot resist the temptation of the ring. Tolkien's world building, character development, linguistic genius is astonishing in its brilliance, as most of you know. If you are having problems getting through a book, try an audio book. It felt like a home run this time round.
August 8, 2022
the beginning of this book really dragged. Once the action started, it was so good! the characters are so well developed and the writing is so imaginative. I loved this so much! Gandalf, Sam, and Legolas are my fav so far
September 2, 2018
I have been meaning to listen to this for so long and finally got around to it.
I really enjoyed this BBC audio book and found all the narrators and characters easy to listen to especially Gandalf- Michael Hordern who as my favourite.
The expressions, background voices and noises really brought the story alive even if sometimes they could be quite creepy and sinister. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this BBC audio book and found all the narrators and characters easy to listen to especially Gandalf- Michael Hordern who as my favourite.
The expressions, background voices and noises really brought the story alive even if sometimes they could be quite creepy and sinister. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 24, 2020
It's official, I'm completely addicted to The Lord of the rings, especially the dramatized audiobook. I look forward to reading it for many years to come.
August 12, 2024
Want to experience Fellowship but don’t want to learn about 17 different types of grass and also don’t wanna be sitting on the couch for 4 hours?
Why not try the BBC dramatization?
Why not try the BBC dramatization?
August 6, 2019
Not a fan. Sorry.
November 17, 2011
Ah, the old BBC audio adaptation. It's abridged, and adapted to be a radio play, so don't expect utter faithfulness to the books. There's no Old Man Willow and no Tom Bombadil here, for example. Still, it is a very full telling -- surprisingly so. I first listened to these tapes when I was little, and borrowed my grandmother's copies. Eventually I got my own, but I still haven't listened to them all. Now's the time, I guess.
I think it was an extremely well-cast, well-edited bit of work. Some of it throws me now -- like Ian Holm playing Frodo, since he played Bilbo in the films -- but there are very few of the voices I don't like. I especially like Gandalf's voice. I was never very fond of Aragorn's, though it grows to sound more natural the more you hear it, and I never found that Legolas was really distinctive enough to pick him out of the background. Hopefully that'll change when I get onto The Two Towers.
I do like how much they kept in of the background of the world -- the songs, mostly, most of them set to music. I love Sam's 'Gil-galad', and 'Seek for the Sword That Was Broken'. Even with the necessity for cutting it down, they managed to preserve a sense of the breadth of Middle-earth and the stories there.
I think it was an extremely well-cast, well-edited bit of work. Some of it throws me now -- like Ian Holm playing Frodo, since he played Bilbo in the films -- but there are very few of the voices I don't like. I especially like Gandalf's voice. I was never very fond of Aragorn's, though it grows to sound more natural the more you hear it, and I never found that Legolas was really distinctive enough to pick him out of the background. Hopefully that'll change when I get onto The Two Towers.
I do like how much they kept in of the background of the world -- the songs, mostly, most of them set to music. I love Sam's 'Gil-galad', and 'Seek for the Sword That Was Broken'. Even with the necessity for cutting it down, they managed to preserve a sense of the breadth of Middle-earth and the stories there.
February 16, 2018
This excellent audiobook is the first part of the BBC's classic dramatization of "The Lord of the Rings," first aired in 1981. I've listened to it many times over the decades, first as a CD box set, now as an audiobook from Audible. The cast, which includes Ian Holm, Robert Stephens, and Bill Nighy, is first-rate, and the adaptation is faithful to the original book by J.R.R. Tolkien. Highly recommended for all LOTR aficionados.
April 5, 2018
4 stars. I love this story and I love this adaptation, but if I'm honest LoTR doesn't always hold my attention. Review to come.
November 30, 2021
Yes, I just gave this book a two star review. And yes, as you look closer you’ll see that this is a BBC version of the Fellowship of the Ring. And yes, I chose to continue to listen to the book despite it portraying dramatic and archaic sound effects, The closest resemblance that I can think of is in the 20th century, that of the radio broadcaster on the beloved film Seabiscuit.
In summation, in case you come across the lord of the rings audio version and it is only five hours long, you should be warned that it is not the real thing, and likely a shortened and saddened replacement of the loved classic.
*no, John Allen, I did not finish the entire book, but I think you’ll understand.
Happy thanksgiving y’all
In summation, in case you come across the lord of the rings audio version and it is only five hours long, you should be warned that it is not the real thing, and likely a shortened and saddened replacement of the loved classic.
*no, John Allen, I did not finish the entire book, but I think you’ll understand.
Happy thanksgiving y’all
July 31, 2019
It was a long time that I wanted to re-read this series. By chance, I came across the BBC adoption in my library and decided to listen to, so far I have only listen to the first book and it was pretty good. It was produced in 1981 for BBC radio. The adoption is loyal to the book and that is what makes an enjoyable experience, listening to magnificent British voices.
Another interesting thing is Frodo’s role done by Ian Holm who later played the role of Bilbo. Definitely worth the time and it’s short, just around 4 hours.
Another interesting thing is Frodo’s role done by Ian Holm who later played the role of Bilbo. Definitely worth the time and it’s short, just around 4 hours.
April 8, 2019
This is a classic for a reason. I really enjoyed the friendship and the journey.
July 15, 2020
This had been "on the cards" for quite some time - but I finally caved in a speight of purchases for "comforting bed listening" during the recent crisis. Adapted by radio veteran Brian Sibley - it's not hard to see why it acted as somewhat of a template for the films two decades on - it does a fairly good job of cutting the tome down to manageable size (although Bombadil does get the heave-ho) but still retains an impressively serious air to it.
The main draw here is likely to be the interesting cognitive dissonance in hearing the remarkable Ian Holm as Frodo, rather than Bilbo, and a very young west-countrified Bill Nighy as Sam Gamgee. Add to that Michael Hordern as a formidable Gandalf and the supremely relaxing tones of the great John Le Mesurier, and you have a tremendous achievement.
This digital release edits the half-hour episodes into four large chunks, omitting all but the initial and final credits and features some lovely additional narration by the older Holm. I have very fond memories of the large lavish tape collection of this adaptation adorning the homes of friends as a youngster before I even knew what Lord of the Rings was and there's a sort of timeless magic in finally hearing it at last.
The main draw here is likely to be the interesting cognitive dissonance in hearing the remarkable Ian Holm as Frodo, rather than Bilbo, and a very young west-countrified Bill Nighy as Sam Gamgee. Add to that Michael Hordern as a formidable Gandalf and the supremely relaxing tones of the great John Le Mesurier, and you have a tremendous achievement.
This digital release edits the half-hour episodes into four large chunks, omitting all but the initial and final credits and features some lovely additional narration by the older Holm. I have very fond memories of the large lavish tape collection of this adaptation adorning the homes of friends as a youngster before I even knew what Lord of the Rings was and there's a sort of timeless magic in finally hearing it at last.
April 24, 2024
BBC Radio Adaptation! It was fun even tho the entire I continue distinguish the difference voices, especially Frodo’s cause Ian Holm was the voice and I still always hear him as Bilbo. Can’t wait for the next two parts
Also no Tom Bombadil😞
Also no Tom Bombadil😞
August 19, 2025
a re-read while carpooling with John. honestly this version with the full cast is bangin
April 13, 2023
Such a brilliant dramatisation, especially for the poetry and song! Though I must confess my surprise at Frodo's f-bomb in episode 2, hush now Mr Underhill.
April 10, 2024
This is SUCH a good dramatization of Lord of the Rings! I have listened to it multiple times and every time I am blown away by how good it is.
I do not think this is a good introduction to Lord of the Rings as lacking the narration means without context some moments would be confusing.
I do not think this is a good introduction to Lord of the Rings as lacking the narration means without context some moments would be confusing.
June 15, 2021
This was a fun adaptation via audio with a whole cast of voice actors. Definitely a good story to have on the road.
If in need of an audiobook for the road with music, songs and background noises, I would definitely recommend this.
If in need of an audiobook for the road with music, songs and background noises, I would definitely recommend this.
March 3, 2022
*This rating is for the BBC dramatization audiobook.
July 20, 2018
At over 5 hours, this reproduction of the original 1981 BBC Radio Series is nothing but a good listen. It is abridged and liberties were taken with the script so it’s not a hundred percent faithful to the book, so if you wanted a faithful reading- this is not it but I will say you will enjoy it nonetheless. It also includes an additional arc including Wormtongue and some RingWraiths that I want to say is from another of Tolkien's work but I can't remember.
You can hear Ian Holm, Bilbo Baggins, have a rollicking good time here and considering he later went on to play Bilbo again in the Jackson films, this was a delight. Bill Nighy as his best mate Sam Gamgee was not only a surprise but also a delight because I do love Mr. Nighy and he didn't disappoint as the rest of the cast was just as fantastic.
You can hear Ian Holm, Bilbo Baggins, have a rollicking good time here and considering he later went on to play Bilbo again in the Jackson films, this was a delight. Bill Nighy as his best mate Sam Gamgee was not only a surprise but also a delight because I do love Mr. Nighy and he didn't disappoint as the rest of the cast was just as fantastic.
February 1, 2019
My husband and I were hoping to listen to the full audiobook, but due to a mistake while I was checking it out from the library’s digital catalog, we ended up with the full cast dramatization instead. Call it a happy accident, but I enjoyed this quite a bit! True, we couldn’t help compare this to the performances in the Peter Jackson films (you really can’t beat Ian McKellen’s Gandalf versus the Balrog), but it was a fun little listen and we intend to listen to the rest. Once they become available, that is. Gonna have a bit of a wait, but worth it!
June 13, 2017
I'm a Tolkien fan but this BBC audio version wasn't 100% faithful to the book & other audiobooks of the Lord of the Rings series I've read and heard. if you aren't looking for verbatim book to audio then I recommend it but as a purist I want to hear them without modifications. :-)
October 8, 2017
This was a wonderful rereading, or rather listening! The cast was just spectacular, definitely worth your time :)
April 19, 2021
“But memory is not what the heart desires, or so says Gimli the Dwarf.”
This was awesome. Mind you, it’s not exactly like the book, it is a dramatization featuring a full cast and they used the book for the script and used a narrator for some bits. There’s just no winding prose in terms of description of trees and such :’)
As someone that has been intimidated by J.R.R Tolkien’s prose for years, this was very nice for me, but I’m not using this as a replacement for reading the book itself. I still intend on reading it in full one day. I will continue on with this audio series though! The actors are fantastic.
Also, damn Boromir. If only you would’ve just chilled the heck out. Rest In Peace sir.
Side note: the music played throughout this was so.... I can’t put words to it, it was so good 😩
This was awesome. Mind you, it’s not exactly like the book, it is a dramatization featuring a full cast and they used the book for the script and used a narrator for some bits. There’s just no winding prose in terms of description of trees and such :’)
As someone that has been intimidated by J.R.R Tolkien’s prose for years, this was very nice for me, but I’m not using this as a replacement for reading the book itself. I still intend on reading it in full one day. I will continue on with this audio series though! The actors are fantastic.
Also, damn Boromir. If only you would’ve just chilled the heck out. Rest In Peace sir.
Side note: the music played throughout this was so.... I can’t put words to it, it was so good 😩
August 20, 2025
There are some things that this audiobook did really well. To be honest, the reason for my low rating is because the version that preceded this one was the Phil Dragash masterpiece that is one of the greatest dramatized audiobooks of all time (the bar is exceptionally high). If this was turned into film, it would gain some stars. What I mean to say is, there are parts where there is a narrator, and there are parts without one, and there are some parts that are definitely, definitely needing a narrator, especially in action sequences where there is a clambering of shouting. I can tell that a lot of love put into this project, so I feel bad giving it a low review, but it would’ve been much more enjoyable if I knew it was going on.
As far as the story goes, it is an incredibly creative adventure, as many know.
As far as the story goes, it is an incredibly creative adventure, as many know.
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