Pride & Prejudice — Audible Review

Grab your sisters and cinch those corsets! This is a retelling of Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice like no other, performed by a remarkable new cast with an original score by Grammy-nominated composer, Morgan Kibby.

Elizabeth Bennet has no intention of settling for any man, or frankly any life, that isn’t lived entirely on her terms. She will marry for love, dance when she wants to dance, and—if at all possible—find a quiet spot to read without being interrupted. But when she’s introduced to the wealthy and completely insufferable Mr. Darcy, everything she thought she knew comes into question.

Get an intimate glimpse inside Elizabeth’s mind as she reckons with what it means to stay true to oneself while opening your heart to new possibilities.

Starring Marisa Abela as Elizabeth Bennet, Harris Dickinson as Mr. Darcy, Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Bill Nighy as Mrs. and Mr. Bennet, and Glenn Close as Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

It is a truth, universally acknowledged that you would have either read or watched Pride and Prejudice in one form or another. As someone who has long loved the Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen film and knows Pride and Prejudice by heart, I was eager to experience Audible’s new full-cast production, adapted by Lulu Raczka and directed by Dionne Edwards. Raczka delivers a brilliant adaptation, weaving Elizabeth Bennet’s first-person reflections between the major character moments. This approach adds intimacy that gives listeners a sense of truly inhabiting Elizabeth’s mind, while still remaining faithful to Austen’s original plot.

I must confess: I was never a fan of the BBC’s 1995 adaptation. I know it’s considered a cinematic masterpiece, and I appreciated its episodic structure and many of the performances, but it was the 2005 version that became my definitive favourite. That said, Audible’s adaptation has officially taken the spot of my runner-up. It captures Austen’s wit, charm, and emotional depth while offering something entirely fresh and unique.

One of the standout aspects of this production is its cast. Marisa Abela shines as Elizabeth Bennet, delivering the character’s intelligence, humour, and vulnerability with remarkable nuance. Harris Dickinson is a superb Mr Darcy, and their chemistry is palpable—even in dialogue alone, it’s easy to imagine how electrifying these two would be on screen. The ensemble cast is equally impressive: Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Bill Nighy bring warmth and depth to Mrs and Mr Bennet, Glenn Close commands every scene as Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and Will Poulter, Jessie Buckley, Toheeb Jimoh, and Sophie Wilde breathe life into their supporting roles. Together, they create a fully realised, engaging Austen universe.

I’d highly recommend listening to this production with headphones. The immersive sound design, paired with the beautiful original score by Grammy-nominated composer Morgan Kibby, truly transports listeners into the story. From lively ballrooms to quiet countryside walks, every moment is enhanced, giving the sense of stepping directly into Austen’s world.

For those intimidated by Austen, this audiobook is a perfect starting point. The production captures the heart of the story and its enduring themes—such as navigating societal expectations, love, and family dynamics—which still resonate today.

What makes this adaptation especially compelling is how it balances innovation with reverence for the source material. Raczka’s choice to include Elizabeth’s internal musings adds dimension without overshadowing the clever dialogue and social commentary that make Pride and Prejudice timeless. In an era of remakes and reboots, there’s something uniquely satisfying about hearing Austen’s wit brought alive in this dynamic, audio-focused format.

Audible has set a high bar with this adaptation, and I hope it’s the first of many more dramatised productions of Austen’s novels. It will appeal not only to long-time fans but also to a new generation of listeners discovering Jane Austen for the first time. For anyone who loves clever storytelling, unforgettable characters, and immersive audio experiences, this production is an absolute must-listen.

My rating for Audible’s Pride & Prejudice: ★★★★★

Pride and Prejudice is currently available for free to all Audible members. For Italian listeners, an Italian version will be released in October, starring Ludovica Martino and Federico Cesari alongside another full ensemble cast.