The British Audio Awards—aptly nicknamed The Speakies—are set to make a resounding debut this November, celebrating the vibrant and fast-evolving world of audio storytelling. With over 300 submissions flooding in from major publishers, producers, and platforms, the stage is set for a landmark event that promises to spotlight the very best in audiobooks, audio drama, and podcasting.
Ceremony Details
– Date: 24th November 2025
– Venue: Royal Opera House, London
– Host: Sally Phillips—acclaimed actor, radio performer, and beloved audiobook narrator, best known for Bridget Jones’s Diary—will helm the evening’s festivities.
Phillips expressed her excitement, saying, “I am absolutely thrilled to be hosting the very first British Audio Awards, a much-needed celebration of the incredible talent, storytelling and performances that bring audiobooks and audio drama to life. It’s an honour to help spotlight the voices behind this powerful and growing art form”.
Meet the Judges
The judging panel is a dynamic blend of performers, authors, broadcasters, and critics, each bringing a unique ear for excellence:
- Laura Aikman – Gavin & Stacey star
- Michelle Elman – Author and former ITV life coach
- Abir Mukherjee – Crime and Thriller Book of the Year winner
- Pearl Mackie – Doctor Who alum
- Hannah Witton – Broadcaster, author, and YouTuber
- Patricia Nicol – Critic, The Times
- Fiona Sturges – Financial Times audio columnist
- Michael Schaeble – BBC Radio 4 producer
These judges will sift through a staggering 1,250 hours of audio—equivalent to over 75,000 minutes of storytelling—to determine the shortlist, which will be announced on 18th September.
Categories & Highlights
The awards span a wide array of categories, including:
– Best Narrator (with 48 entries, the most competitive category)
– Best Ensemble Performance
– Best Original Audio Drama
– Best Adapted Audiobook
– New Voice of the Year
Submissions range from punchy short-form productions to epic 40-hour marathons, showcasing the breadth and ambition of today’s audio creators.
Industry Support & Accessibility
The Speakies have garnered enthusiastic backing from industry giants such as Audible, Spotify, Bolinda, WF Howes, Libro.fm, Dolby, and The London Book Fair. Accessibility is also a key focus, with Calibre Audio and the Publishers Association partnering to promote audio as an inclusive gateway to literature.
Why It Matters
Philip Jones (Editor of The Bookseller) and Alistair Smith (Editor of The Stage) emphasized the awards’ significance: “Audio storytelling—across books, drama, and podcasts—is a gathering force… We cannot wait to share the shortlists in September, and really amp up the noise on this remarkable sector”.
With its blend of star power, critical insight, and industry momentum, the British Audio Awards are poised to become a cornerstone celebration of sonic storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of immersive dramas, gripping memoirs, or genre-defying podcasts, The Speakies promise to honour the voices that move us—one listen at a time.
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