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Hell Cats
Lovers. Outlaws. Hell Cats.
As the old sailor's adage goes, a woman on board invites bad luck, a superstition that turned out to be true for the enemies of notorious pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read. As quick to draw their cutlasses as they were to fall in love, Anne and Mary sailed the Caribbean leaving a trail of looted treasure, outfoxed law enforcement, and treacherous ex-lovers (suitably dealt with) in their wake.
Born hundreds of miles apart, both Anne and Mary were disguised as boys in their childhoods to escape poverty, propriety and disgrace, only to find freedom on the high seas. Anne, a poor fit for polite society, kicks her treacherous husband to the curb to turn pirate with the dashing Captain Jack. Meanwhile, Mary endures navy and army life disguised as a boy before being captured by pirates.
When Mary and Anne’s worlds collide a love affair between the two ensues and adventure beckons - the Governor and Anne’s spurned husband continue to hunt them across the oceans, but even the shadow of the gallows couldn’t darken the blazing spirits of these incredible women somehow mostly forgotten by history.
This series explores themes of equality, freedom, love and survival. Ultimately it is a story about the determination to live fully and freely without the limitation of gender, class or society - a life without restraint.
This Audible Original Podcast tells the lost story of history’s most progressive pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Their tale of cutthroat adventure and an enduring love affair remains largely forgotten – overlooked by historians who prioritised the achievements of their male peers. Until now.
Starring Erin Doherty as Mary Read, Michelle Fox as Anne Bonny, Fisayo Akinade as Pierre Bouspeut and Jonathan Bailey as Captain Jack Rackham.
As the old sailor's adage goes, a woman on board invites bad luck, a superstition that turned out to be true for the enemies of notorious pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read. As quick to draw their cutlasses as they were to fall in love, Anne and Mary sailed the Caribbean leaving a trail of looted treasure, outfoxed law enforcement, and treacherous ex-lovers (suitably dealt with) in their wake.
Born hundreds of miles apart, both Anne and Mary were disguised as boys in their childhoods to escape poverty, propriety and disgrace, only to find freedom on the high seas. Anne, a poor fit for polite society, kicks her treacherous husband to the curb to turn pirate with the dashing Captain Jack. Meanwhile, Mary endures navy and army life disguised as a boy before being captured by pirates.
When Mary and Anne’s worlds collide a love affair between the two ensues and adventure beckons - the Governor and Anne’s spurned husband continue to hunt them across the oceans, but even the shadow of the gallows couldn’t darken the blazing spirits of these incredible women somehow mostly forgotten by history.
This series explores themes of equality, freedom, love and survival. Ultimately it is a story about the determination to live fully and freely without the limitation of gender, class or society - a life without restraint.
This Audible Original Podcast tells the lost story of history’s most progressive pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read. Their tale of cutthroat adventure and an enduring love affair remains largely forgotten – overlooked by historians who prioritised the achievements of their male peers. Until now.
Starring Erin Doherty as Mary Read, Michelle Fox as Anne Bonny, Fisayo Akinade as Pierre Bouspeut and Jonathan Bailey as Captain Jack Rackham.
Audible Audio
First published November 19, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 5, 2022
Audible production is vivid and highly entertaining. This tale of 2 women with the only desire to live thier lives without any tethers in a world opposed to that idea, filled my heart to the brim...thier defiance made me laugh out loud and cry too. Although voices of and narration of almost everyone are remarkable, I absolutely loved Michelle Fox's voice, narrating for Anne Bonny.
May 30, 2021
After a slow start, I can honestly say that I really enjoyed this swashbuckling, ahead-of-its-time pirate adventure. Mary Reed and Anne Bonny are two women who, through circumstances and an unquenchable desire for adventure, find themselves living life on the high seas. Accepted by their pirate crew as equals and engaged in a romantic friendship, both women rebel against the expectations of their time, rank and gender to become equal pirate captains. They create a utopian, but vicious, forward-thinking community, where everyone is equal regardless of their gender, skin colour or sexual preference.
I found Anne annoyingly petulant at times but her character was well balanced against Mary’s. The story heavily depicts the injustices of the time, particularly in relation to the treatment of women and slaves, with the pair as unlikely everyday heroes for the common man. As events proceed towards their inevitable doom, Mary and Anne may still have one more trick up their sleeves as their gender, for once, becomes an asset not a curse. As I reached the final episodes, I really didn’t want the story to end, but I found the start to be a little slow. My advice is to definitely stick with it if the first couple of episodes don’t immediately grab your interest, as you will be rewarded!
As other readers have mentioned, the acting in this audio-drama is first-rate, which really brings the story to life. There are many truly sad events depicted, particularly relating to Mary, and I am not ashamed to say that I shed a tear or two. An engrossing, compelling listen which comments on today’s society, as much as the time in which it was set.
I found Anne annoyingly petulant at times but her character was well balanced against Mary’s. The story heavily depicts the injustices of the time, particularly in relation to the treatment of women and slaves, with the pair as unlikely everyday heroes for the common man. As events proceed towards their inevitable doom, Mary and Anne may still have one more trick up their sleeves as their gender, for once, becomes an asset not a curse. As I reached the final episodes, I really didn’t want the story to end, but I found the start to be a little slow. My advice is to definitely stick with it if the first couple of episodes don’t immediately grab your interest, as you will be rewarded!
As other readers have mentioned, the acting in this audio-drama is first-rate, which really brings the story to life. There are many truly sad events depicted, particularly relating to Mary, and I am not ashamed to say that I shed a tear or two. An engrossing, compelling listen which comments on today’s society, as much as the time in which it was set.
December 2, 2020
A very good listen. This audible original had it all, action adventure quirkiness love and intrigue. The ensemble cast was very exciting to listen to and the character voices were unique in their own individual character. The background sounds we're subtle and obvious when necessary so no description was needed to set the scene. A fun fictional dramatization of what life might have been like for our pirate women, Anne Bonney and Mary Read. Give this a listen if you're into a fun adventure on the high seas!
December 4, 2020
Excellent story and great characters in a fantastic production. I loved how well written and exciting the story was. the characters are very well developed and complex and showed great nuance and learning over the 14 episodes. this is among the best Audible originals I've heard and it has a perfect bittersweet ending. the amazing part was how beautiful the songs were. I really wish they can produce an audio soundtrack of this show.
December 4, 2022
This is the best thing I've EVER listened to, hands down. The writing, the sound, the performace, ALL EXCELLENT. I didn't expect to laugh out loud and I certainly didn't expect to CRY- correction, to sob. The last two episodes destroyed me and I have no idea how to fill the void that Hell Cats has left. Actual perfection, wow.
March 13, 2021
Audiobook
June 21, 2021
This is an audiobook & fun! Badass pirate lassies: What’s not to like?
November 27, 2020
A great big recommendation if you have audible, check out Hell Cats it's a phenomenal audio drama about a pair of cross-dressing LGBTQ pirates who kick a$s and take sh1t from no one.
It's was a refreshing deep breath of something I didn't know I was waiting for.
It's heartfelt, hilarious, sweet, and most importantly - dark.
Did I mention it's free?
It's was a refreshing deep breath of something I didn't know I was waiting for.
It's heartfelt, hilarious, sweet, and most importantly - dark.
Did I mention it's free?
April 29, 2021
Story was a bit meh. We did have some LGBTQ+ characters with the main 3 pirates being bisexual and non-binary though
December 15, 2022
There's precious little pirating in this podcast, considering it's a podcast about pirates, and way too much sentimental subplots: at times, the story feels more like a soap opera than a swashbuckling high-sea adventure.
And, while it's a breath of fresh air to finally get some positive representation for the bisexual community, it could have been done better.
It certainly could have been researched more: the anachronistic language and concepts kept pulling me out of the story while I was listening.
How can these people confidently talk about signs of infection and infection prevention in 1720, when such concepts hadn't even been discovered?
Also, I noticed quite a strident change of tone around the middle of story: the first half was taking itself seriously and going for a more or less immersive experience, while the second half of the podcast suddenly decided to just break the fourth wall and start poking fun at itself, turning into a silly comedy. Just a few examples: Anne gives James a parrot and tells him, "All the best pirates have parrots. It is the stuff of legends." She later orders him to walk the plank, stating, "A pirate deserves a pirate's punishment", at which Mary remarks, "We don't have a plank", and James even elaborates, "Walking the plank is a tale to scare children". Mary later states, "He is right in a way, Captain Bonny. This is not a true punishment, is it? We're playing storybook." And after keel-hauling him, Anne tells James, "You see, James? We're real pirates here, with real pirate punishments." Why would the author choose to break the illusion like this?
Still, some parts of the podcast were beautifully made (especially the ending of the second-to-last chapter), and it's important for the LGBT+ community to reclaim its famous (or infamous) historical figures.
And, while it's a breath of fresh air to finally get some positive representation for the bisexual community, it could have been done better.
It certainly could have been researched more: the anachronistic language and concepts kept pulling me out of the story while I was listening.
How can these people confidently talk about signs of infection and infection prevention in 1720, when such concepts hadn't even been discovered?
Also, I noticed quite a strident change of tone around the middle of story: the first half was taking itself seriously and going for a more or less immersive experience, while the second half of the podcast suddenly decided to just break the fourth wall and start poking fun at itself, turning into a silly comedy. Just a few examples: Anne gives James a parrot and tells him, "All the best pirates have parrots. It is the stuff of legends." She later orders him to walk the plank, stating, "A pirate deserves a pirate's punishment", at which Mary remarks, "We don't have a plank", and James even elaborates, "Walking the plank is a tale to scare children". Mary later states, "He is right in a way, Captain Bonny. This is not a true punishment, is it? We're playing storybook." And after keel-hauling him, Anne tells James, "You see, James? We're real pirates here, with real pirate punishments." Why would the author choose to break the illusion like this?
Still, some parts of the podcast were beautifully made (especially the ending of the second-to-last chapter), and it's important for the LGBT+ community to reclaim its famous (or infamous) historical figures.
February 8, 2021
An Audible original drama about the infamous pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read. This is really well produced, with strong vocal talents and atmosphere generation, and each episode flows nicely into the next. In particular, the voice actors for the two leads were fantastic – they really captured the essence of the pirates they portrayed. The dramatization aspect did make it difficult to follow the story in places and figure out who was speaking, especially at the start. It took a good few episodes before I could fully settle in and appreciate the story and be invested in Bonny and Read, but once I did I was eager to see it through to the end, particularly Read's journey. This is a great listen for anyone interested in piracy and entertaining characters. By the end, I was ready to set sail and head out on an adventure at sea.
January 13, 2021
Loving pirates growing up this did not disappoint. The little nuances, the legends, the slang, customs were there backed by a fantastic storyline. Liberties were taken with plot seeing as how theres only so much historically we know about Anne and Mary, but the facts that are written in history (the big ones anyway) were all there and accounted for.
The full cast recording helped enhance the magic that much more. I especially loved Jonathan Bailey as Jack, the perfevt peraom to play the scoundrel captain. And i was enamoured with Erin Doherty's portrayal of Mary Reed. All around wonderful series. Highly recommended it!
The full cast recording helped enhance the magic that much more. I especially loved Jonathan Bailey as Jack, the perfevt peraom to play the scoundrel captain. And i was enamoured with Erin Doherty's portrayal of Mary Reed. All around wonderful series. Highly recommended it!
March 4, 2021
Great in concept, excellent LGBTQ+ rep - unfortunately story ran out of steam after half a dozen episodes & a lot of scenes and scenarios after this point lacked tension & played out as predictable scenarios with few unanticipated twists and turns within conversations.
Nevertheless this was enjoyable escapism with excellent performances & production and compelling characters - I would love to see this adapted into a TV format with the scripts worked on a bit more.
Nevertheless this was enjoyable escapism with excellent performances & production and compelling characters - I would love to see this adapted into a TV format with the scripts worked on a bit more.
June 18, 2023
( Format : Audiobook )
"You bite like the b**ch you are."
An Audible original, with full cast, freely available via the Audible Plus programme. The voice actors are good and if you enjoy both frequent confrontation and silly vocal emotional outbursts, you'll probably enjoy this tale of two 18th century women independently deciding to dress as men and join a pirates ship. Sadly, it was not my thing and, bored with the drama, I abandoned it after part five. Could make a fun film, I suppose
"You bite like the b**ch you are."
An Audible original, with full cast, freely available via the Audible Plus programme. The voice actors are good and if you enjoy both frequent confrontation and silly vocal emotional outbursts, you'll probably enjoy this tale of two 18th century women independently deciding to dress as men and join a pirates ship. Sadly, it was not my thing and, bored with the drama, I abandoned it after part five. Could make a fun film, I suppose
January 5, 2021
This was absolutely thrilling and gripping! I don’t know how accurate it actually is, but Anne Bonny and Mary Read were awesome! They were pirates and just as good as any man, in a time when it was unheard of for women to just up and go and take control of their own lives and destiny. It was told by a whole cast of narrators who were really good too.
July 6, 2021
Really fun listen. I usually avoid podcast type audio as I tend to find them less satisfying than audiobooks. This was definitely an exception. I downloaded it due to the subject matter on a day I was bored. It sat in my library for weeks. I finally started it and ended up listening to all episodes straight through. I definitely recommend giving this a listen.
April 9, 2022
I'm not usually into pirate stories but lady pirates are new to me so I tried it. Fascinating ladies Bonny and Read. Seeing the parallels between 2022 and 1721(?) made it that much more entertaining. I enjoyed Mary/Mark the most due to their bluntness and true honesty although Anne is easily likeable as well.
December 14, 2020
Absolutely gripping, I binged this on one day! The characters were interesting and real, well written and performed by the wonderful cast.
If you have Audible and love a good pirate story about women, this is for you!
If you have Audible and love a good pirate story about women, this is for you!
December 15, 2020
My gods what a ride! I laughed, I cried, I felt my heart swell. This was truly an experience. Amazingly performed with a perfect musical score and impeccable writing. I cannot reccomend this enough and need a television adaptation STAT.
Read
December 20, 2020My first immersive audiobook and I wasn't expecting such an experience! This book brought the story to life and truly gave an insight into the truth behind the pirates' life despite being completely fictional!
March 12, 2021
An amazing story! The audible version is riveting and a must to know the truth about these two amazing women in a time of Pirates. If you have ever watched Black Sails on Starz network you will hear about Jane Bonny and Mary Read. It’s an amazing performance of a story of petticoats or britches.
November 28, 2020
Great fun and really well narrated.
If you enjoyed the tv series Harlots, then this will probably float your boat too (see what I did there).
If you enjoyed the tv series Harlots, then this will probably float your boat too (see what I did there).
December 1, 2020
Really well acted and great sound work. Just wasn't a massive fan of the story.
December 15, 2020
This is an amazing pod cast with great performances by all the actors.
December 17, 2020
4.5 stars
sexy gay pirates what more could u want
sexy gay pirates what more could u want
December 19, 2020
This story was very well produced, with a full cast. It is an adventure story. The chapters are a good length for listening to as you get ready for bed.
December 23, 2020
A good story but there was no real reason to stretch it out to 14 episodes.
January 1, 2021
A nice departure from my usual books/listens. I enjoyed the dramatization.
January 2, 2021
Free Audible Original podcast audio drama. Highly recommended.
⭐️4.5⭐️
⭐️4.5⭐️
January 4, 2021
A fun adventure with what felt like real-life twists and turns. I found myself very attached to many of the characters by the end of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews