Coming June 6th…

Coming June 6th…
The Mercy Chair
"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

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Sunday 29 March 2020

Lockdown...

Good afternoon and thanks for stopping by. What strange times we're living through at the moment; the reality of a pandemic - a great subject for drama, but probably not something any of us could imagine as an actual event. Echoes of the drama series 'Survivors', which I recorded a few years ago with Big Finish, serve to remind me, that our current circumstances are not so far removed from something only previously imaginable as a work of fiction.

I don't want to drone on about Covid-19 in this update, but how could it go unmentioned? I can only hope that the goodness of human nature, which is already expressing itself around the world, will help to bring us all to a greater appreciation and understanding of each other, to highlight how inter-dependant we are and the degree to which we share our little lives together on this spinning ball in space.

A regular update on these pages would mention latest audio releases and other stuff I've been involved with. In perspective, perhaps that's not the most important thing going on at the moment, although it does seem to me, that a little distraction, a short 'time-out' is always welcome and listening to an audio book, or a bunch of actors pretending to be Space Marines, might just be as good a means as any of taking one's mind to another place for a while, as we all hunker down and wait for this awful virus to play itself out.




Lockdown here in the UK, meant that I had to work at maximum effort and minumum time wastage, in order to complete the recording of an audio book; we managed it after an intense two days in the studio and at some point in the next few months, I hope it will be released on schedule, along with it's release in other formats. Alas, I'm still not allowed to say what the recording was of, or indeed what other things are in the publication pipeline; what I can say is that it's one of four books, three audio dramas and an animation series,* scheduled for release over the next few months.

Most of the studios I work with, if not all, are now closed and the only new audio work being produced, is by narrators who have access to a 'home studio'. At the moment, I don't have a home studio, but I'll have to put that right, just as soon as it becomes possible to acquire the necessary materials and electronic gadgetry to build one. I recently worked for a Los Angeles based audio publisher and I'm sure the majority of their narrators work from home, as the practicalities of getting to a pro studio in the United States, could be daunting. I'm grateful that they not only invited me to record with them, but also engaged a producer and hired a pro studio for me here in the UK. Fingers crossed they don't regret their investment!




Like most of us who are currently keeping to ourselves at home, I'm getting on with all the day to day things that normally get overlooked or ignored. I can't pretend it's as much fun as my day job, but I'm grateful to be well and able to keep myself usefully occupied.

There's an awful lot of text here and so far, not much in the way of illustration: perhaps I'll just throw in a couple of my favourite images from the world of Warhammer to liven things up...

Stay well, take care and happy listening; that's...


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



NB: * the animation series, Angels of Death, (see Preview 2 above) could be delayed as a result of  the lockdown.

Sunday 1 March 2020

The Regent's Shadow

An island of calm, amidst a tempestuous sea - otherwise known as Sunday afternoon! And quite a sunny one it is here in the UK; after several consecutive weekends of storm and torrential rain, with many people and communities still suffereing the effects of extreme weather and flooding, the sun has finally broken out and there's a definite feeling of Spring in the air.

But you haven't come here to listen to a weather update and it's just as well, because there's so much to mention in this posting, I don't know if it will all fit on the site, it might just break the internet!

The first thing to mention and, in fact, the main reason I thought I should post an update, is the release yesterday of Chris Wraight's second volume of his Vaults of Terra series, The Regent's Shadow. To coincide with the novel and audio, there is also the release of a fabulous set of miniatures, depicting Sister of Silence, Aleya, performed in the audios by Emma Gregory and my character, Valerian, performed by, well... me! Having performed quite a number of Warhammer characters, I know there are several miniatures already available; but there's something very exciting about having a miniature created for a character no one else has ever played and I'm thrilled that the decision was made to go ahead with Valerian - can't wait to start building and painting! Now, if someone would create a miniature of Endryd Haar of The Backshields...

So here goes with the details of what's on offer, along with videos from author Chris Wraight and designer of the miniatures, Samir Battistotti:

The Regent's Shadow

Book 2 in the Watchers of the Throne series 


A new day has dawned for the Imperium, but not everyone sees the light. The Custodian Guard and Sisters of Silence must battle not just Chaos, but those who do not share Regent Guilliman's vision.... 


As Guilliman, Regent of Terra, heads off to lead the Indomitus Crusade, he leaves behind a world still in turmoil, beset by cult activity. Stripped of its huge armies for the galactic offensive, recovery is precarious. The Custodians do what they can while keeping the Palace secure, and the Sisters of Silence rebuild their citadel on Luna. When the warship Phalanx returns, it seems that stability will at last be assured. 

However, as reconquest forces push out further into the slums, they come across signs that another mysterious foe is active. The truth dawns - not every enemy is corrupted by Chaos, for there are many on Terra who do not share Guilliman’s vision of a new order, and the prospect of a Terran civil war looms...


 


Performed by John Banks, Emma Gregory and Penelope Rawlins
 
Written by Chris Wraight & Produced by Matt Renshaw

Running time: 11 hours - 52 minutes. 

 

 

 

©2020 Games Workshop Limited (P)2020 Games Workshop Limited

 

* * * * *

And the second thing I'd like to mention today and something which came as a bit of a surprise to me, is the availability of several audio anthologies, many of which, I appear to be involved with. Once again, here are some details:



From the heart of an alien-haunted space hulk to a war-torn shrine world and the wastes of Armageddon, the Adeptus Astartes bring the Emperor's wrath to mankind's enemies.


The Adeptus Astartes are humanity's champions, superhuman warriors armed with the finest weapons and clad in mighty armour. They defend the Imperium of Mankind from all its myriad foes – the alien, the heretic and the daemon. There are a thousand Chapters of Space Marines across the Imperium, each with its own traditions and ways of waging war, but all have one thing in common – their total dedication to eradicating their enemies in the name of the Emperor.

This audio drama anthology contains seven stories of the Space Marines. Discover how the Blood Angels, Salamanders, Crimson Fists, Black Templars, Scythes of the Emperor, Iron Hands and Mortifactors Chapters wage war against mankind's enemies in action-packed, full-cast audio dramas with immersive sound effects and music.

Taker of Heads by Ian St. Martin. Narrated by John Banks
The Madness Within by Steve Lyons. Narrated by Toby Longworth*
Heart of Rage by James Swallow. Narrated by Toby Longworth.
Fireborn by Nick Kyme. Narrated by Toby Longworth
The Glorious Tomb by Guy Haley. Narrated by Toby Longworth, Jonathan Keeble, Ian Brooker, Gareth Armstrong
Daedalus by L J Goulding. Narrated by John Banks, Antonia Beamish, Robin Bowerman, Cliff Chapman, Steve Conlin, Toby Longworth & Luis Soto
The Calculus of Battle by David Guymer. Narrated by John Banks, Cliff Chapman, Steve Conlin, Toby Longworth and Luis Soto.

Approx running time 6 hours -55 minutes               *Narrated by me rather than Toby!





Discover some of the dedicated servants of mankind's Imperium – Assassins, Commissars and Inquisitors – as they battle the many foes of humanity across eight audio dramas.


In the sprawling Imperium of Mankind, everyone serves the Emperor in their own way. From the Inquisitors who hunt the hidden enemies of humanity in the dark places of the galaxy to the brave soldiers who stand on the front line, and the Imperial Assassins who can change the tides of war with a single shot, each has a part to play in preserving the Imperium.

This audio drama anthology contains eight stories of the agents who dispense the Emperor's justice. You'll find two tales of Imperial Assassins plying their deadly trade, one of an Imperial Commissar haunted by ghosts of his past, and five stories about agents of the Imperial Inquisition, including the famous and feared Inquisitors Eisenhorn, Ravenor and Greyfax.

Kill Shot by Ben Counter* . Narrated by Tom Alexander, John Banks, Cliff Chapman, Emma Gregory, Matthew Hunt, Deeivya Meir, David Seddon and Joe Shire
Judge of the Wastes by David Annandale*. Narrated by Tom Alexander, John Banks, Cliff Chapman, Emma Gregory, Matthew Hunt, Deeivya Meir, David Seddon and Joe Shire
The Interrogation of Salvor Lermentov by Chris Wraight*. Narrated by Tom Alexander, John Banks, Cliff Chapman, Emma Gregory, Matthew Hunt, Deeivya Meir, David Seddon and Joe Shire
Eye of Night by Gav Thorpe. Narrated by Annie Aldington, Gareth Armstrong, Cliff Chapman, Steve Conlin, Emma Gregory, Matthew Hunt, Jonathan Keeble and Melvyn Rawlinson
The Emperor's Judgement by Joe Parrino. Narrated by Tania Rodrigues, Beth Chalmers, Jonathan Keeble, Ian Brooker, Robin Bowerman
Thorn Wishes Talon by Dan Abnett. Narrated by Jonathan Keeble, Gareth Armstrong, Lisa Coleman, Jane Collingwood, Rupert Degas
Master Imus's Transgression by Dan Abnett. Narrated by Jonathan Keeble, Gareth Armstrong, Rupert Degas
Regia Occulta by Dan Abnett. Narrated by Gareth Armstrong, Jonathan Keeble, Lisa Coleman

*As part of the Agents of the Imperium anthology

Approx running time 5 hours - 38 minutes





The Imperial Guard represent the very best of mankind – its indomitable spirit, ordinary men and women refusing to give up in the face of all the horrors of the galaxy.


Across the war-torn galaxy, the Imperial Guard are a bastion against the enemies of mankind. From the elite veteran drop troops of Elysia to the fierce Catachan jungle fighters, and from Valhalla's ice warriors to the crews of mighty battle tanks, the many regiments of the Astra Militarum defend the Emperor's realm against all who would tear it asunder.

This audio drama anthology contains seven tales of the brave soldiers of the Astra Militarum. A three-part story delves into intrigue surrounding Sergeant Zachariah of Elysia as he faces traitors. Two outrageous adventures of the infamous Commissar Ciaphas Cain, Hero of the Imperium, take him and his warriors into danger after danger, a tank crew faces terror in real time, and Catachan Colonel Straken faces cultists on a jungle world.

Scions of Elysia by Chris Dows.Narrated by John Banks, Stephen Perring, Cliff Chapman, Steve Conlin, Melvyn Rawlinson, Jonathan Keeble
Renegades of Elysia by Chris Dows. Narrated by John Banks, Matthew Hunt, Stephen Perring, Cliff Chapman, Jonathan Keeble, Steve Conlin
Martyrs of Elysia by Chris Dows. Narrated by John Banks, Stephen Perring, Jonathan Keeble, Cliff Chapman, Matthew Hunt, Steve Conlin, Melvyn Rawlinson
Titans' Bane by Chris Dows. Narrated by Penelope Rawlins, Cliff Chapman, Ken Bradshaw, Steve Conlin, Andrew Wincott, Matthew Hunt
Dead in the Water by Sandy Mitchell. Narrated by Toby Longworth, Lisa Bowerman
The Devil You Know by Sandy Mitchell. Narrated by Toby Longworth, Gareth Armstrong, Jonathan Keeble, Angus King, Harriet Kershaw
Waiting Death by Steve Lyons. Narrated by Toby Longworth

Approx running time 6 hours - 26 minutes





The Dark Angels are among the most steadfast and noble of the Space Marines – but their dark secret, the Fallen they relentlessly hunt, always threatens to bring an end to their legacy of honour…


No matter the foe, regardless of the odds, the proud warriors of the Dark Angels stubbornly refuse to accept defeat. Descendants of the First Legion, they stand foremost amongst the Chapters of the Space Marines, mankind’s mightiest defenders. None fight with more grim determination than the Dark Angels, and their renowned special companies – the Deathwing and the Ravenwing – are held in awe by allies and enemies alike. Yet behind their devotion to the Imperium lies a dark obsession…

This audio drama anthology contains six tales of the Dark Angels, their missions to defend mankind and their relentless hunt for the mysterious Fallen. Within these tales, you'll be introduced to some of the greatest heroes of the Dark Angels – Chapter Master Azrael, Chief Librarian Ezekiel, Interrogator-Chaplain Asmodai, Deathwing Master Belial and Company Master Balthasar – as they face their greatest trials and darkest moments. You'll also see the Dark Angels through the eyes of mortal warriors who face the Space Marines' wrath after an encounter with the arch-Fallen, Cypher.


The Rage of Asmodai by C Z Dunn. Narrated by John Banks, Steve Conlin, Jonathan Keeble, Toby Longworth and Saul Reichlin
Holder of the Keys by Gav Thorpe. Narrated by Toby Longworth
Accept No Failure by Gav Thorpe. Narrated by Gareth Armstrong, Ian Brooker, Jonathan Keeble, Toby Longworth
Trials of Azrael by C Z Dunn. Narrated by Gareth Armstrong, Tim Bentinck, Clare Corbett, Chris Fairbank and Luke Thompson.
The Ascension of Balthasar by C Z Dunn. Narrated by Jonathan Keeble, Sean Barrett, Tim Bentinck, Saul Reichlin, Jane Whymark
Malediction by C Z Dunn. Narrated by Sean Barrett, Rupert Degas, Saul Reichlin

Approx running time 5 hours - 21 minutes



The Raven Guard are extraordinary stealth troops, striking from the shadows after misdirecting their foes with subterfuge and wiles. These are their stories.


The Raven Guard are the Sons of Corax, and in the art of shadow warfare they are without equal. Theirs is the way of stealth, subterfuge and misdirection, ensuring their enemies are unaware of the true danger they face until it is far too late.

This audio drama anthology contains seven tales of the Raven Guard. In these stories, you'll discover the secrets of the mysterious Shadowmasters, witness a descent into a mysterious labyrinth haunted by an unseen foe, experience war against the tyranids, learn how the sons of Corax connect to humanity, and more.


The Geld by George Mann. Narrated by Toby Longworth, Matthew Hunt, John Banks, Steve Conlin, Adrian Wheeler, Jonathan Keeble
Soulbound by George Mann. Narrated by Toby Longworth, Steve Conlin, Matthew Hunt, John Banks, Tim Bentinck, Emma Gregory
Labyrinth of Sorrows by George Mann. Narrated by Sean Barrett, Rupert Degas, Saul Reichlin
Helion Rain by George Mann. Narrated by Toby Longworth
Alone by Joe Parrino. Narrated by Jonathan Keeble, Robin Bowerman, Gareth Armstrong
Loss by Joe Parrino. Narrated by Jonathan Keeble, Gareth Armstrong, Robin Bowerman, Ian Brooker
With Baited Breath by George Mann. Narrated by Toby Longworth and Ramon Tikaram.

Approx running time 6 Horus - 49 minutes



Mankind rightly rules the galaxy – but there are many aliens who would see that reign end, from the savage orks to the subtle aeldari…


Many are the xenos foes who plague mankind's Imperium. Ancient races which once ruled the galaxy, such as the aeldari and necrons, lurk in the darkness, awaiting their chance to reclaim what was once theirs. Younger races like the upstart T'au Empire grow in power and influence, ever eager to topple humanity and take their place. And across the galaxy, the savage orks wage brutal war, fighting all in their path simply for the joy of battle.

This audio drama anthology contains eight tales of the aeldari, the orks and the T'au Empire. From the adventures of a greenskin mekaniak and his madcap entourage to a journey into a shattered aeldari craftworld and a tale of a war-damaged t'au bent on revenge, each of these immersive audio dramas will give you new insights into the aliens of the 41st Millennium.


Prophets of Waaagh! by Guy Haley. Narrated by Tom Alexander, John Banks, Cliff Chapman, Steve Conlin, Matthew Hunt, Jonathan Keeble, David Seddon & Joe Shire
Hand of Darkness by Gav Thorpe. Narrated by Gareth Armstrong, Cliff Chapman, Steve Conlin, Emma Gregory, Matthew Hunt, Jonathan Keeble, Toby Longworth, Penelope Rawlins and Melvyn Rawlinson.
Asurmen – The Darker Road by Gav Thorpe. Narrated by Gareth Armstrong, John Banks, Steve Conlin, Toby Longworth, Penelope Rawlins and Genevieve Swallow.
Klaw of Mork by Guy Haley. Narrated by Jonathan Keeble, Ben Allen, Kris Milnes, Peter Noble
The Iron Devil by C L Werner. Narrated by Gareth Armstrong, Joe Absolom, Michael Fenner, Luke Thompson
The Kauyon by Andy Smillie. Narrated by Toby Longworth
Howl of the Banshee by Gav Thorpe. Narrated by Annemarie Gaillard, Harriet Kershaw, Susie Riddell, Caroline Sheen
The Path Forsaken by Rob Sanders. Narrated by Sean Barrett, Gareth Armstrong, Lucy Brown, Clare Corbett, Martyn Eliis, Paul Panting

Approx running time 6 hours - 59 minutes




The Space Wolves are among the mightiest of mankind's defenders, savage and brutal warriors who always fight for what is right, no matter the cost. 

From their unassailable polar stronghold, the Fang, on the frozen death world of Fenris, the Space Wolves cast off into the Sea of Stars seeking out Mankind’s most vicious enemies to defeat in glorious battle. Each Space Wolf is a warrior of legend whose heroic deeds are recorded in epic sagas.

This audio drama anthology contains seven tales of the Space Wolves. In these stories, you'll discover the moment the Chapter changed forever, ride across the frozen tundra, experience battles with orks, drukhari and more, witness the infamous Lukas the Trickster at work and see the dynamic between the sons of Russ and their rivals in the Dark Angels.


Thunder from Fenris by Nick Kyme. Narrated by Toby Longworth
The Art of Provocation by Josh Reynolds. Narrated by John Banks, Jonathan Keeble and Toby Longworth.
Parting of the Ways by Chris Wraight. Narrated by Jonathan Keeble, Ian Brooker, Steve Conlin, Robin Bowerman, Gareth Armstrong
Iceclaw by Ben Counter. Narrated by Peter Noble, Toby Longworth
Doomseeker by Nick Kyme. Narrated by Toby Longworth and Ramon Tikaram.
Deathwolf by Andy Smillie. Narrated by Sean Barrett, Rupert Degas, Chris Fairbank, Charlotte Paige, David Timson
Vox Tenebris by Robbie MacNiven. Narrated by John Banks, Steve Conlin and Toby Longworth.

5 hours - 36 minutes

* * * * *


And that just about wraps things up for this posting. I'm having a very busy period of recording at the moment and there's lots more in the pipeline, so I hope that you enjoy some or any of the above audios and that you'll visit the site again to check out further updates. In the meantime, 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