The UK's audio storytelling scene celebrated its finest at the inaugural Speakies awards, a landmark event honouring the rapidly growing audiobook and audio drama sector. Held at London's prestigious Royal Opera House and hosted by comedian Sally Phillips, the ceremony recognised the entire ecosystem of talent, from actors and writers to sound designers and publishers.
A Night for the Stars
Ncuti Gatwa emerged as one of the evening's biggest winners. The actor, soon to be the star of Doctor Who, secured the award for Best Performance for his lead role in the BBC drama Gatsby in Harlem. The production itself was a major success, clinching both Audio of the Year and Best Audio Drama Adaptation. Judges praised Gatwa for his remarkable poise and flair in bringing the iconic character of Gatsby to life in this fresh reimagining of the classic story.
In the realm of sci-fi and fantasy, the award for Best Audiobook went to Nicola Coughlan for her narration of Juno Dawson's Queen B. The Bridgerton star was commended for bringing wit and vivacity to the witchcraft novel about Anne Boleyn, successfully transporting listeners to the court of King Henry VIII.
Victories for Independent Voices and Nonfiction
The crime and thriller category was won by JD Kirk's Him, co-narrated by David Tennant and Louise Brealey. In a charming family twist, David Tennant's wife, Georgia Tennant, was on hand to accept the award for Best Romance Audiobook for her narration of Jilly Cooper's Rivals, a tribute paid following the author's recent passing.
Independent publishers made a significant impact, with Galley Beggar Press and Spiracle Audio beating major houses to win Best Fiction Audiobook for All My Precious Madness by Mark Bowles, narrated by Paul Hilton. The win was hailed as an example of audio evolving as a distinct and ambitious art form.
The nonfiction categories honoured powerful personal stories. Best Audiobook: Memoir was awarded to Sarah Wynn-Williams for her self-narrated whistleblowing account, Careless People, about speaking out against Meta. Meanwhile, Why Are You Here, Mrs Hamilton?, a memoir by Post Office scandal victim Jo Hamilton narrated by Monica Dolan, won Best Nonfiction Audiobook. The award for Best Performance as a Narrator went to Mark Gatiss for his reading of Ian Fleming's From Russia With Love.
A Booming Industry
The awards come at a pivotal time for the UK audio sector. According to the Publishers Association, audiobook sales surged by 31% in 2024, reaching a record £268m. A recent National Literacy Trust study also highlighted a shift in habits, finding that 42% of young people enjoy listening to audiobooks, compared to only 32% who read for pleasure.
Philip Jones, editor of the Bookseller, which co-runs the awards with the Stage, stated the event reflected a defining moment for UK audio. He expressed delight at the winners, noting that as listener interest grows, so does investment and excellence across the industry.
