"John Banks is one of the UK's most prolific audiobook narrators, working for the likes of Big Finish, Audible, Random House and Games Workshop.

He is a true multi-voice, creating everything from monsters to marauding aliens.

He is also an accomplished stage and TV actor."

audible.co.uk 2018

Hello...

...I'm John Banks - welcome to my website.

The majority of my working life has been spent in the theatre with companies including
York Theatre Royal, Cheltenham Everyman, Sheffield Crucible, Bristol Old Vic, Manchester Royal Exchange and the National Theatre in London.

Television work includes Emmerdale, Coronation Street, and 'Allo, Allo!'. I have also worked on a number of radio drama and comedy productions with the BBC.

Since March 2009, I have enjoyed playing a huge variety of characters in more than 270* audio-drama stories with Big Finish Productions, together with The Black Library/Games Workshop, details of which can be found in the postings below.


There are also details listed here of the 214* audio books & stories I've recorded since March 2013,
including the unabridged New Revised Standard Version of The Bible, for companies including audible.co.uk, Hachette, Audible Studios, Podium Audio Publishing, HarperCollins, RNIB, W.F. Howes, Little Brown Group, Penguin Random House, Games Workshop, Orion, Fantom Films & Ladbroke Audio.

(*figures at April 2021)

I hope you find something of interest here and come back soon for further updates.


For all posts, reviews and audio samples, please scroll down...

The Runewar Saga: Book 2

The Runewar Saga: Book 2
The Crown of Fire & Fury

The Botanist

The Botanist
Washington Poe Series: Book 5

Skaven Deathmaster

The Babel Books

The Babel Books
The Fall of Babel - click image above for link to audible

Doctor Who: Back To Earth

Throne of Light: Dawn of Fire Book 4

Throne of Light: Dawn of Fire Book 4
Release Date: 13th November 2021

Soul Wars

Media Content

This Windows 10 Googleblog is designed and best viewed on Firefox; unfortunately, some media content may not function properly with other browsers or operating systems.

Search This Blog

Tuesday 12 December 2017

Fabius Bile: Clonelord

One of my favourite characters from The Black Library, Fabius Bile, returns to audio in this fabulous story, which I had terrific fun recording. I love playing the 'baddies' and Fabius is way up there with the best of them. I was delighted to have been asked to record this latest tale from Josh Reynolds, having previously recorded Fabius Bile: Primogenitor some months ago.

Here are some details and fantastic artwork:

Fabius Bile: Clonelord

Fabius Bile Book 2

Drawn back into the deadly machinations of his former Legion, Fabius Bile finds his destiny lies in a forgotten world on the Eastern Fringe… a world called Solemnace.



Once a loyal son of the Emperor’s Children, Fabius Bile now loathes those he once called brother. But when a former comrade requests his aid on a mission he cannot refuse, Bile is drawn once more into the sinister machinations of his former Legion.

Now, accompanied by new allies and old enemies alike, Fabius Bile must travel deep into the wilds of the Eastern Fringe, in search of a world unlike any other. A world which might hold the key to his very survival. A world called Solemnace…


Narrated by John Banks & Produced by Kylia Whitehead 

Running time 15 hours 3 mins


I'm really looking forward to listening to this story; might have to set some time aside after the festivities are over and I need some January cheer; 'cheer' I'm sure, is the right word to use about the adventures of Fabius Bile!

This is Kylia Whitehead's first audio book as producer and great thanks go to her for making the recording process so rewarding and so much fun!


...all for now, more just as soon as it happens!

Heart of Decay

Tempting perhaps, to think of this as a story about dentists, but no. Instead, it's the latest audio drama release form The Black Library's Advent series and here are some details:

Heart of Decay

A Relictors audio drama

Two heroes of the Relictors Space Marine Chapter interrogate a prisoner – a hideous servant of the Dark Gods, a Traitor Astartes of the Death Guard.


The Relictors Space Marine Chapter are renowned for gathering artefacts of Chaos and delving into the secrets of the Dark Gods. Captain Vidarna and Apothecary Achaon are tasked with the interrogation – and torture if necessary – of a captured prisoner, a warrior of the Death Guard. After ten thousand years of war and corruption, what secrets might he yield? The pair attempt to find out, with hideous results.

Performed by John Banks, Matthew Hunt and Toby Longworth

Written by Ben Counter, Produced by Matt Renshaw with Sound Design by Howard Carter


Should it be of interest, there's a very favourable review online and on Twitter from Michael at Track of Words - and here's a link: HEART OF DECAY: Review at Track of Words

I vividly remember recording this story, not least because it has some of the most extreme vocal characterisation I've ever done; if you give it a listen, you'll know what I mean. As usual, we rehearsed briefly before recording, and I was rather hoping that we would get the more extreme stuff in one take. Alas, after 'giving it the beans', Matt just calmly gave me his notes - and we went again... once or twice! 

I should also say, that Howard Carter, has once again worked his magic with the sound design and thoroughly deserves proper credit. Of course, during recording in the studio, we had no idea how the finished thing would sound, or what Howard might do with our 'raw material'. In conclusion, I will allow myself a brief indulgeance and say, I think it turned out pretty well!

...all for now, more just as soon as it happens!
 

Renegades of Elysia

December has been a very busy month for new audio releases in recent years; the Black Library has it's Advent Stories as well as other 'main range' releases and other companies have their Christmas 'specials' too. The next few postings here, are a reflection of this variety, starting with this audio drama from the Black Library:

Warhammer 40,000 Audio Dramas

Renegades of Elysia

An Astra Militarum audio drama

"When Zachariah and a handful of men barely out of training are sent on a deadly reconnaissance mission he begins to wonder if his life might be in jeopardy.


After a disastrous mission leaves their ranks decimated, Sergeant Zachariah must rapidly train a fresh batch of recruits to restore the 158th Elysian. The regime is harsh, lethal, and only the best will survive to become full–fledged drop troopers.

But when a savage feud with a high-ranking officer threatens the 158th and Zachariah and a handful of men barely out of training are sent on a deadly reconnaissance mission he begins to wonder if his life might also be in jeopardy."

No cast list has been issued for this story, though I can tell you that I'm playing a small role and narrating and will probably read out a 'who's in it' list, sould you find yourself listening to it.

* * * * *

Next up is a slightly odd and quite unexpected 'collection'. Last week, I recorded four classic ghost stories and hopefully, that anthology will also be released in time for Christmas, which was the original plan. Should that be the case, I'll post full details when I have them. In this release, which I had no idea was ever going to be published, I appear only in The Signalman by Charles Dickens. I play 'The Signalman' opposite Simon Callow, who narrates and plays 'The Narrator', if that makes sense, along with my pal from many a Big Finish adventure, Dan Starkey, who performs a variety of roles at the end of the story. I think this collection is only available to audible subscribers, but hey, what do I know?

Gather 'Round the Sound: Holiday Stories from Beloved Authors and Great Performers Across the Globe 


2017 has been a monumental year for Audible, having just celebrated our 20th anniversary, a milestone that would have never been possible without our wonderful and loyal listeners.

One of our major commitments is bringing new and diverse audio experiences to our members, so this year, as our gift to you, we pulled together a collection that reflects a little bit of everything we've been up to recently: a surprising and heartwarming documentary, a selection of stories from our partners around the world, and even some improvised comedic carols we hope will make you laugh as much as they did us.








The lineup includes: 

Zip Code 12345
This mini-documentary centers around a peculiar holiday tradition at General Electric's headquarters in Schenectady, NY. For two decades, GE has been receiving thousands of letters from kids - children who think they're reaching Santa Claus. And every year, a handful of GE employees give up their December lunchbreaks to respond to each and every letter.

An Aussie Night Before Christmas, by Yvonne Morrison, performed by Magda Szubanksi
This rollicking rewrite of the famous old poem 'Twas The Night Before Christmas gives the original version a hilarious Aussie twist. Magda Szubanski, Australia's most trusted personality, caries this incredibly fun romp. Kangaroos pulling the sleigh, a beer for Santa, and all the over-the-top Australian lingo, it's everything you'd expect.


The Music Coming from the House, by Paulo Coehlo, performed by Daniel Frances-Berenson
In this magical story from the author of The Alchemist - the master of the modern parable - a disguised king visits a poor village, and what he sees through the window of a house changes his life, and those of the occupants.


The Signal-man, by Charles Dickens, performed by Simon Callow, Dan Starkey, and John Banks
For literature lovers, the holiday season needs a little Dickens. We dug up a story of his that you may not be familiar with, originally published in the Christmas edition of a Victorian short story periodical. Of course, ghosts are involved in this 19th century work told by Simon Callow (Outlander) and Dan Starkey (Dr. Who).

A Very Improvised Holiday Musical
What would the holidays be without some carols? Vern, a New York City-based improv troupe, performs a few improvised holiday songs.

©2017 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2017 Audible Originals, LLC


I 'love' the way I've been credited for The Signalman; three of us are listed, but apparently only two actually 'told' the story... ah, well!

And so, on that slightly 'bum note', that's...


...all for now, more just as soon as it happens!

Dalek Universe 2

Kragnos Broken Realms

Age of Sigmar Dominion

The Moggotkin of Nurgle

Kragnos Broken Realms

Dawn of Fire Book 1: Avenging Son

The Lore of Direchasm

Direchasm

A C'tan Shard Rises 3

Indomitus: Necrons 2

A Lord Among the Stars 1

Angels of Death Preview

Ultramarines

Psychic Awakening

Warcry: Death or Glory

Warhammer 40,000

Flight. Redefined.

Reviews & comments:

The Malazan Empire

Over the course of this 8 book series, the amazing John Banks has had to create and voice 648 distinct characters!

Neil Gardner - producer

The Door In The Wall & War of The Worlds

Not often I buy another version of an audiobook I own, but after hearing John Banks' narration of The Door in the Wall by Ladbroke Audio, I had to buy their version of The War of the Worlds. Banks has a great reading voice.

Andy Frankham-Allen - writer

The Books of Babel: Senlin Ascends, Arm of The Sphinx & The Hod King

Mr. Banks does superb work, and I recommend the audiobooks wholeheartedly!

Josiah Bancroft - writer

Mervyn Stone: The Axeman Cometh

John Banks is a voice genius...

Nev Fountain - writer

Mervyn Stone... played by the note-perfect John Banks.

Matt Hills - Reviews in Time and Space

Dr. Who: The Sleeping City

I also must draw attention to John Banks who is an exceptional voice artist and in this one story performs more characters that I can count. ... it is listening to episodes like this one that really do let his talents shine through.

Tony Jones - Red Rocket Rising

Highlander:

...playing several parts, was the brilliant Big Finish regular John Banks - it was as if there were about 40 different actors in the other booth.

James Moran - writer

I went for the best of the best and brought in voice artiste extraordinaire John Banks.

Paul Spragg - producer

Vienna:

...also features the mind - bogglingly versatile and reliable John Banks

Jonathan Morris - writer

Dead Funny:

The acting is first rate… wonderfully played by John Banks as Richard – his impersonation of Eric Morecambe is worth the admission money alone.

Beverly Greenberg: Bolton Evening News

Mr. Happiness:

This early and unfamiliar play by David Mamet is a character study of a 1930s radio counsellor, dispensing suave advice to his devoted listeners. John Banks brings out the wry comedy of this – comedy quite unappreciated by the character – with a clever range of gesture and vocal tone.

Jeremy Kingston: The Times


All My Sons:

This is a beautifully crafted piece ...and it affords a wonderful opportunity for John Readman* to do his All-American Boy act as Chris Keller. This most polished and well observed performance as the blighted son of a blighted father must rank as one of his finest accomplishments yet. ( * see Profile)

The Stage

The Ordeals of Sherlock Holmes

Kudos should also go to John Banks. Lestrade can be a thankless part, but Banks rose to the challenge, playing a pivotal role in this decades long arc.

Raissa Devereux - SciFiPulse

The Judgement of Sherlock Holmes

John Banks is multi-tasking, both as the superb Lestrade and also the villainous and no doubt moustache twirling Sebastian Moran. They sound completely different and I bow to his talent.

Sue Davies - SFcrowsnest


Further reviews and comments are included with specific postings throughout the site.

The War Doctor

The War Doctor
December 2015