Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets — Full Cast Audio Edition Review

The beloved stories as you’ve never experienced them. Get ready to be transported to the world of Harry Potter in a captivating production that features hundreds of unique voices and immersive sound design that brings the wizarding world vividly to life in Dolby Atmos. You’ll hear footsteps echoing through the corridors of Hogwarts and the heart-racing whoosh of the Golden Snitch as it darts past your ears in the heat of a Quidditch match. Also featuring an electrifying new musical score, The Full-Cast Audio Editions present J.K. Rowling’s iconic series as a truly spellbinding listening event for the whole family.

'There is a plot, Harry Potter. A plot to make most terrible things happen at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this year.'

Harry Potter's summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby, and rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car! Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors—and then the attacks start. Students are found as though turned to stone... Dobby's sinister predictions seem to be coming true.

Having become classics of our time, the Harry Potter stories never fail to bring comfort and escapism. With their message of hope, belonging and the enduring power of truth and love, the story of the Boy Who Lived continues to delight generations of new listeners.

Audible released the second installment of its full-cast Harry Potter audio editions this month with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and I have to say it was just as good — if not better — than the first one.

Now familiar with the style of this audiobook, it was much easier to settle into this version and enjoy it for what it was. Cush Jumbo once again narrates beautifully alongside a truly stellar cast. Hugh Laurie, Michelle Gomez, Mark Addy, and Riz Ahmed all reprise their roles as the Hogwarts staff, joined by many of the voice actors from the first book. Even Matthew Macfadyen made a surprise cameo as Lord Voldemort, despite the character not officially appearing in this installment.

Game of Thrones star Kit Harington makes a comedically brilliant debut as the flamboyant and egotistical Gilderoy Lockhart — a role I would never have imagined him in, but one that turned out to be a genuine and delightful surprise. This book also allows the Weasley family dynamics to shine, and the casting is superb. Simon Pegg’s Arthur Weasley radiates warmth and genial humour, while Nina Wadia delivers a wonderfully grounded and formidable Molly. Bumble Clarke brings a gentle sincerity to Ginny, Hamish Lloyd Barnes is a delight as the mischievous Fred and George, and Tom Royal perfectly embodies Percy’s self-important stiffness.

Daniel Mays also makes his debut as Dobby, and he is wonderful in the role, bringing real sensitivity and warmth to the beloved house-elf.

A standout performance for me was The Boys’ Alex Hassell as Lucius Malfoy. Jason Isaacs is a tough act to follow, but Hassell delivers a brilliant interpretation of the character — every scene he appears in feels perfectly pitched.

Of course, this story centres on the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets and the growing threat posed by the monster within. As the series begins to take on darker themes, the younger cast handles the material superbly, particularly the Golden Trio. Max Lester’s portrayal of Ron Weasley deserves special praise; he gets the opportunity to showcase Ron’s emotional range and his strengths within the trio. Those only familiar with the films may not realise how much of Ron’s dialogue — and even his wizarding knowledge — was reassigned to Hermione in the adaptations. Hopefully, HBO will take its lead from the books and present Harry, Hermione, and Ron as the evenly matched team they truly are, each bringing distinct strengths to the challenges they face.

As brilliant as Frankie, Arabella, and Max were throughout, one performance stood out as an exceptional addition: Oscar Brudenell-Jones as Tom Riddle Jr. He is chillingly effective in all his villainy, and the final confrontation in the Chamber is elevated by his performance.

The cinematic audio quality throughout is truly impressive, and despite my initial scepticism, this dramatised approach has been an absolute delight. Revisiting J.K. Rowling’s books in this format has been a joy, and I honestly cannot wait to listen to the rest of the series when it continues in 2026.

My rating for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets — The Full-Cast Audio Edition: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

The new audiobook series is available exclusively on Audible alongside the Stephen Fry editions in the UK and Jim Dale editions in the US.

My review of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: The Full-Cast Audio Edition will be published in January.