Listen to a new dramatisation of Black Beauty (featuring a Harry Potter actor)
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However many times you have watched Black Beauty, it can't fail to make the most stony-hearted of equestrians well up, and today a new audio drama of the family classic has been released
Since Black Beauty was first published 140 years ago in 1877 it has sold over 50 million copies — and tugged at the heart of equestrians worldwide along the way.
Listen to an extract here:
Framed as a first-person narrative from the eponymous horse, the story follows Black Beauty’s journey from a well-born colt to a painfully overworked cab horse. Brimming with vivid detail and relatable characters, each chapter of Black Beauty’s long and varied life communicates an important message about kindness, sympathy and understanding.
With rich and detailed sound-design – including real-life recordings of horses breathing, bit in mouth sounds, carrot and hay crunching; as well as Dennis King’s original ‘Galloping Home’ score, as performed by the London String Chorale – this new production immerses listeners in an authentic pastoral world.
“I absolutely love working in audio, so was thrilled when Audible asked me to work on such a classic tale,” says Samantha Bond, who plays Duchess. “Rehearsing and re-reading the script, you really come to appreciate that this story is not just for children – as well as beautiful pastoral scenes, there are some very moving descriptions of cruelty too. It’s no wonder Black Beauty is still a favourite for adults and children alike, and I’m so glad to have helped bring the story to life in audio.”
Continued below…
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