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Stardust - BBC Dramatisation
Matthew Beard and Sophie Rundle star in a brand new BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation of the bestselling novel by Neil Gaiman, narrated by Eleanor Bron.
Challenged to retrieve a fallen star, Tristran Thorn leaves the sleepy English village of Wall and crosses into the land of Faerie and the realm of Stormhold. Locating the star, he discovers it is no meteorite, but a young woman, Yvaine.
When Yvaine evades him and escapes, Tristran discovers he is not the only one in pursuit of the star: there are dark forces in this magical land, and he must find Yvaine before she falls into their clutches. As he does so, Tristran will uncover the secret to his own identity and a fate beyond his wildest dreams.
Directed by Dirk Maggs and Heather Larmour, and featuring over 35 minutes of unbroadcast material, this stunning new dramatisation boasts an extensive cast including Frances Barber, Maggie Steed, Nicholas Boulton, Blake Ritson, Bryan Dick, Charlotte Riley, Aisling Loftus, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Alex Macqueen. There are also cameo appearances by Tori Amos and Neil Gaiman. Duration: 2 hours 30 mins approx.
Challenged to retrieve a fallen star, Tristran Thorn leaves the sleepy English village of Wall and crosses into the land of Faerie and the realm of Stormhold. Locating the star, he discovers it is no meteorite, but a young woman, Yvaine.
When Yvaine evades him and escapes, Tristran discovers he is not the only one in pursuit of the star: there are dark forces in this magical land, and he must find Yvaine before she falls into their clutches. As he does so, Tristran will uncover the secret to his own identity and a fate beyond his wildest dreams.
Directed by Dirk Maggs and Heather Larmour, and featuring over 35 minutes of unbroadcast material, this stunning new dramatisation boasts an extensive cast including Frances Barber, Maggie Steed, Nicholas Boulton, Blake Ritson, Bryan Dick, Charlotte Riley, Aisling Loftus, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Alex Macqueen. There are also cameo appearances by Tori Amos and Neil Gaiman. Duration: 2 hours 30 mins approx.
2 pages, Audiobook
First published December 17, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
April 10, 2023
5 Clodpoll, Ninny, Lackwit and Coxcomb Stars ⭐
OK, I totally listened to this because Stardust is one of my all-time favourite movies... and you know what THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
This was sweet, utterly wholesome, and the perfect distraction for while I was doing a little bit of housework. It gave me such nostalgic vibes but was also so unique and captivating.
There are definitely differences between the movie and this dramatisation, and I know that I shouldn't make that comparison, especially since both are based on the book. After listening to this all I can say is, I have put the original book HIGHER on my TBR because it is just whimsical, cosy and adorably fun and wonderful to listen to. The amazing world created by Neil Gaiman came alive and made me re-fall in love with the story.
If you are like me and you cry at the end of Disney movies because they make you so happy, pick this up because it's just cute, sweet and adorable. These voice actors did an amazing job! This is a quick listen that you seriously wont regret!
OK, I totally listened to this because Stardust is one of my all-time favourite movies... and you know what THIS DID NOT DISAPPOINT!
This was sweet, utterly wholesome, and the perfect distraction for while I was doing a little bit of housework. It gave me such nostalgic vibes but was also so unique and captivating.
There are definitely differences between the movie and this dramatisation, and I know that I shouldn't make that comparison, especially since both are based on the book. After listening to this all I can say is, I have put the original book HIGHER on my TBR because it is just whimsical, cosy and adorably fun and wonderful to listen to. The amazing world created by Neil Gaiman came alive and made me re-fall in love with the story.
If you are like me and you cry at the end of Disney movies because they make you so happy, pick this up because it's just cute, sweet and adorable. These voice actors did an amazing job! This is a quick listen that you seriously wont regret!
December 24, 2016
I've read the book a while ago - after having known the movie for some time. As for the past few Christmases, the BBC made a dramatisation of one of Neil Gaiman's books again - and what a great job they made of it!
Stardust is about a boy living in a village close to the entrance to Fairy. It's the story about getting your heart's desire even if you're not entirely sure what that is. And it's a story about the extraordinary inhabitants of Fairy. Thrown in are funny ways of twisting and turning language and magic that lies within.
The cast the BBC brought together for this dramatisation is splendid. Here is a link to the full list: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/artic...
Although I still think the movie is better (if only because of ), this audio version has a great way of bringing the world to life, making the listener laugh and giving the story its own signature.
For anyone interested, the two parts of this dramatisation will be available for about 23 more days here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07xs... (this is for part 1, the link for part 2 is there as well). I think it's cool they not only make these but also make them available to anyone (no geo-blocking) for a certain amount of time.
A great way to spend your Christmas or the days between the years!
Stardust is about a boy living in a village close to the entrance to Fairy. It's the story about getting your heart's desire even if you're not entirely sure what that is. And it's a story about the extraordinary inhabitants of Fairy. Thrown in are funny ways of twisting and turning language and magic that lies within.
The cast the BBC brought together for this dramatisation is splendid. Here is a link to the full list: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/artic...
Although I still think the movie is better (if only because of ), this audio version has a great way of bringing the world to life, making the listener laugh and giving the story its own signature.
For anyone interested, the two parts of this dramatisation will be available for about 23 more days here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07xs... (this is for part 1, the link for part 2 is there as well). I think it's cool they not only make these but also make them available to anyone (no geo-blocking) for a certain amount of time.
A great way to spend your Christmas or the days between the years!
September 5, 2024
Listened to this after my surgery when I was sleepy eepy.
It was phenomenal - the full cast and dramatisation was so entertaining and actually kept me hooked. Unfortunately I can’t really concentrate on audiobooks.
It was phenomenal - the full cast and dramatisation was so entertaining and actually kept me hooked. Unfortunately I can’t really concentrate on audiobooks.
November 11, 2020
Reread 2020: Saw the BBC dramatisation available on my local library app and I’ve enjoyed them before. Was not disappointed! Guest appearance by the author as one of the characters too. Still a wonderful story even though it’s a shorter version.
2015: Endearing characters and lovely coming of age story. Enjoyed this immensely
2015: Endearing characters and lovely coming of age story. Enjoyed this immensely
November 1, 2022
I am so in love with full cast audio dramatizations.
As a story, I think it’s unquestionable that I actually enjoy the film more so than I do this book. Overall, however, this dramatization is a close second! The cast was brilliant, the story adorably fun, and the experience just a wonderful one to have. Sound effects and everything!
I’d definitely suggest delving into this one if you haven’t already! It’s pretty wonderful.
As a story, I think it’s unquestionable that I actually enjoy the film more so than I do this book. Overall, however, this dramatization is a close second! The cast was brilliant, the story adorably fun, and the experience just a wonderful one to have. Sound effects and everything!
I’d definitely suggest delving into this one if you haven’t already! It’s pretty wonderful.
March 17, 2021
It was a good time although having seen the movie...it lacked a little je ne sais quoi. A little zest, if you will. All my favourite bits from the movie were not in the book, which made it fall flat in my opinion. I think the romance element worked much better in the movie, while the book was focusing more on the fantasy element.
March 19, 2017
This is as magical as you would expect it to be. The story has translated so well to audio drama – just as other Gaiman stories have done before – and the cast were fantastic! Stardust was really brought to life in this wonderful adaptation. I will definitely be listening to it again!
April 23, 2018
This was an amazing listening experience!!! The full cast was amazing and it brought the words of Gaiman completely to life!! This has definitely enhanced my newfound love of audio books and I can't wait to discover more from the BBC radio dramatisation. all the stars for stardust!!
October 10, 2017
Just love that! Lovely story and very good voice actors. Went back to some chapters just to listen again some creepy - clever witches. 😸
April 29, 2018
“Faerie is bigger than the world of humans - for each land that has been forced off the map by explorer’s going out and proving it wasn’t there has taken refuge in Faerie.”
October 7, 2018
The abridged audiobook is amazing. There are several differences between the book and the movie. Honestly though, I think the movie is much better. Still a good read nonetheless.
October 4, 2023
It's been a long time since I read Stardust and this dramatisation was just as enjoyable as when I first read the book, so much so I finished it in one morning.
June 8, 2021
Note: I listened to the BBC dramatisation of this with a full cast. While my review is specific to that version of the book, the story, - and to my understanding - the dialogue and prose are the same as the original novel.
How positively charming and delightful. Stardust is so beautifully executed with the blending of folklore and fairytales in our own world, albeit two hundred years ago. Gaiman's execution of the prose and simple idyllic story telling truly lend to the creation of this world that feels real. From the overused tropes to the magically unique ideas, this is a brilliant book.
I saw the movie a while back and despite the bulk of everything being forgotten, Gaiman's descriptions were able to help me recall and vividly imagine all of the scenes they had so lovingly recreated on the screen and despite this, I never felt that I would have been disadvantaged if I hadn't watched the movie prior. Gaiman, along with the performances of all the cast, were able to bring scenes to life in my head with very little trouble, perhaps the only difficulty I had was when they were on a pirate ship catching lightning, perhaps the most beautiful and unique idea from the book that has still stuck with me days after finishing.
While the large cast of characters can become confusing as more get added to the roster, you quickly find your footing and begin to understand the place of everyone, large or small as they will often pop up again later in the story. The brothers going across the land was the hardest part, simply because there's seven of them, though Gaiman was nice enough to somewhat number them to makes things a bit easier. And as mentioned before, some common folk tale tropes can cause disinterest. I think they're handled really well in this, allowing for a breath of fresh air on familiar ideas.
Because frankly, you should read this, you should listen to this, you should watch this. This is a fantastically simple and homely story of adventure and love that is beautifully told. It might not be for everyone but this has certainly made me excited to explore more of Gaiman's work now that I know he is able to write and tell a wonderful story.
How positively charming and delightful. Stardust is so beautifully executed with the blending of folklore and fairytales in our own world, albeit two hundred years ago. Gaiman's execution of the prose and simple idyllic story telling truly lend to the creation of this world that feels real. From the overused tropes to the magically unique ideas, this is a brilliant book.
I saw the movie a while back and despite the bulk of everything being forgotten, Gaiman's descriptions were able to help me recall and vividly imagine all of the scenes they had so lovingly recreated on the screen and despite this, I never felt that I would have been disadvantaged if I hadn't watched the movie prior. Gaiman, along with the performances of all the cast, were able to bring scenes to life in my head with very little trouble, perhaps the only difficulty I had was when they were on a pirate ship catching lightning, perhaps the most beautiful and unique idea from the book that has still stuck with me days after finishing.
While the large cast of characters can become confusing as more get added to the roster, you quickly find your footing and begin to understand the place of everyone, large or small as they will often pop up again later in the story. The brothers going across the land was the hardest part, simply because there's seven of them, though Gaiman was nice enough to somewhat number them to makes things a bit easier. And as mentioned before, some common folk tale tropes can cause disinterest. I think they're handled really well in this, allowing for a breath of fresh air on familiar ideas.
Because frankly, you should read this, you should listen to this, you should watch this. This is a fantastically simple and homely story of adventure and love that is beautifully told. It might not be for everyone but this has certainly made me excited to explore more of Gaiman's work now that I know he is able to write and tell a wonderful story.
August 12, 2019
What a production. My first full cast audiobook. Definitely a major upgrade in the listening experience. I was more immersed in the story although credit for that also goes to Mr Gaiman. I appreciate this for what it is- a play on fairytale troupes and storytelling. Super creative, adventurous with a pinch of some dark and graphic things. Not my personal kind of thing but definitely enjoyable.
Now, I am not a snob with my nose in the air, proudly proclaiming that books are always better than movies. But man this book was better than the movie. Hollywood destroyed it - made the female characters infuriating and helpless, made the love element the central part, Tristan into more of a hero figure than he deserves- totally undersold what this story could've been. Plus pre-2010 CGI = laughable.
Now, I am not a snob with my nose in the air, proudly proclaiming that books are always better than movies. But man this book was better than the movie. Hollywood destroyed it - made the female characters infuriating and helpless, made the love element the central part, Tristan into more of a hero figure than he deserves- totally undersold what this story could've been. Plus pre-2010 CGI = laughable.
May 14, 2018
I decided I wasn't going to read this as I had already seen the film, but then I came across this adaptation in my library catalogue and I decided to give it a try.
I loved it. I loved the story, the world, the characters, the usual quirkiness of the writing. This world was amazing and so utterly magical and so much fun, it reminded me why I love Neil Gaiman's work so much.
My only complaint is that it was so short, that is why I must now read the book to get the full experience.
The adaptation was great, the voice actors really brought the story to life, but I would count this as a distinct work to the novel because a whole lot had to have been cut to condense 250 pages to 2.5 hours.
I loved it. I loved the story, the world, the characters, the usual quirkiness of the writing. This world was amazing and so utterly magical and so much fun, it reminded me why I love Neil Gaiman's work so much.
My only complaint is that it was so short, that is why I must now read the book to get the full experience.
The adaptation was great, the voice actors really brought the story to life, but I would count this as a distinct work to the novel because a whole lot had to have been cut to condense 250 pages to 2.5 hours.
January 4, 2021
It's a wonderful dramatisation, faithful to the book (as far as I remember, it would probably do me good to reread the book to say it fkr certain) and a very enjoyable listen but who am I kidding. I love Stardust in every shape and form - it was my introduction to Neil Gaiman's work, and I've got a special place in my heart for my firsts, so I am naturally very happy with this dramatisation. I won't go into the debate of what's better - the movie or this drama as some do. For me both are delightful in their own ways.
May 17, 2017
I just finished the book today and read an interview by Neil Gaiman where he mentions how much he loves audio dramas, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I loved it, if you enjoyed the book I'm sure you'll enjoy the drama as well.
Cast
NARRATOR … Eleanor Bron
TRISTRAN … Matthew Beard
YVAINE ……… Sophie Rundle
MORWANNEG Frances Barber
M SEMELE … Maggie Steed
DUNSTAN …… Bryan Dick
YOUNG UNA ... Charlotte Riley
Cast
NARRATOR … Eleanor Bron
TRISTRAN … Matthew Beard
YVAINE ……… Sophie Rundle
MORWANNEG Frances Barber
M SEMELE … Maggie Steed
DUNSTAN …… Bryan Dick
YOUNG UNA ... Charlotte Riley
April 21, 2017
Stardust may honestly be my favorite Gaiman book - followed closely by The Ocean at the End of the Lane and American Gods - and this dramatisation of the novel was absolutely lovely and magical in every way I could've hoped and wanted. As of the posting of this review there are still 13 days left to listen to it on BBC 4 Radio. Hurry now!
March 1, 2018
I have read stardust a few times and really enjoyed the radio 4 dramatisation even if it is abridged. Impressively it managed to feel the same even though I know things are missing :) and it was my first full cast recording too, I really enjoyed it.
As for the book - wonderful and magical as always :)
As for the book - wonderful and magical as always :)
January 6, 2021
AMAZING. A new and fresh (and quick!) way to experience a fantastic book. It’s the perfect midway point between reading the book the traditional way and watching the film adaptation. You get great voice acting and sound effects, but complete creative freedom for the visuals. It really sucks you in.
September 28, 2018
3.5
This was such a fun story!! I really enjoyed listening to this and I thought the plot, the characters and just everything was fun. It was just a good time. I kind of wanted a tiny bit more at parts though and few things were slightly predictable but overall, I really enjoyed this!
This was such a fun story!! I really enjoyed listening to this and I thought the plot, the characters and just everything was fun. It was just a good time. I kind of wanted a tiny bit more at parts though and few things were slightly predictable but overall, I really enjoyed this!
March 4, 2020
I loved listening to the audio of this, much better than reading it in my opinion. Granted, it was a full-cast audio, so that is also a good point in its favour. Also, a nice quick read for when you just need something to listen to.
December 29, 2016
Nicht meine Tasse Tee - selten hat mich ein BBC Radio Play so kalt gelassen.
April 30, 2017
I don't think I've ever heard anything so amazing and magical.. I will definitely be listening to it again!! the cast is absolutely brilliant!!
November 19, 2019
I got this on audio and it was amazing.
Stardust is one of my favourites its got everything in it which I love.
Stardust is one of my favourites its got everything in it which I love.
June 2, 2020
Tristran dies in the end!? What?? He had the heart of a star, why doesn't that keep him young? It's written as a happy ending but they don't grow old and died together :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2021
It was much better than a regular audiobook!!!
But actually I liked the movie a little more.
But actually I liked the movie a little more.
January 22, 2024
I enjoyed the BBC Dramatisation more than the film itself. The actors took me through this magical story and for a few times, I forgot I was listening to an audiobook and not watching a film, so good it was. But again, I am not the biggest and most supportive fan of Fantasies, so I am the one to be blamed.
November 12, 2024
Stardust is a favourite of mine, whether it's the novel or the movie, but this BBC dramatisation hit the spot too. It's not the whole novel of course, coming in at about two and a half hours, but offered some lovely light listening in the car.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews