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 28 November 2021

Audio plethora!

Good afternoon from a chilly and perhaps, soon to be snowy UK! Once again, apologies for a bit of a gap between postings here. It seems so lame to claim 'being busy' as a reason for not posting, but it's boringly true I'm afraid; last audiobook completed on Thursday and prep for the next and final audiobook of 2021, starts tomorrow.

And so, 'without further ado', as they say, here are details of my recent audio book and audio drama releases, beginning with The Fall of Babel, the final instalment of Josiah Bancroft's incredible Books of Babel series:

 

The Fall of Babel

The secrets of the tower will finally be revealed in the remarkable conclusion to the highly acclaimed Books of Babel series.


As Marat's siege engine bores through the Tower, Senlin can do nothing but observe the mayhem from inside the belly of the beast. Edith and her crew are forced to face Marat on unequal footing, with Senlin caught in the crossfire, while Adam attempts to unravel the mystery of his fame inside the crowning ringdom. And when the Brick Layer's true ambition is revealed, neither the Tower nor its inhabitants will ever be the same again.


 

 

"Josiah Bancroft is a magician. His books are that rare alchemy: gracefully written, deliriously imaginative, action-packed, warm, witty and thought-provoking." 

Madeline Miller, author of Circe

 

 

 

 

 

"The Books of Babel are something you hope to see perhaps once a decade - future classics, which may be remembered long after the series concludes." 

LA Times




      

     Written by Josiah Bancroft, Produced by Morrison Ellis & Performed by John Banks  

                              Unabridged audiobook: Length: 24 hrs and 53 mins

 

The Books of Babel 

                                ©2021 Josiah Bancroft (P)2021 Hachette Audio UK


I must say that of all the many stories I've recorded over the past several years, these Books of Babel have been amongst my absolute favourites; they are unique and so finely crafted, that 'performing' them has been a delight and a real privilege. I would unreservedly urge you to listen to these audiobooks or read them for yourself, or both - they are amazing!

* * * * *

Released in mid November, just a couple of days after The Fall of Babel, is the third story in the epic new Dawn of Fire series from The Black Library, The Wolftime and here are some details:
 
The Wolftime 
 

A Dawn of Fire audio

Book three spins the saga of the Space Wolves as they stand against rampaging xenos hordes. Logan Grimnar faces a momentous decision that will impact the future of the chapter itself. 

The Indomitus Crusade has brought the Emperor's vengeance to thousands of star systems. The fleets and armies under the leadership of Roboute Guilliman fight for the survival of humanity against the forces of the Chaos Gods. But the traitors and heretics are not the only foe looking to destroy the rule of Terra. 

Xenos prey on human worlds in numbers not seen for millennia. Worst amongst them are the rampaging orks, whose migration conquests threaten to reverse the many gains of Fleet Primus. And their throaty bellows carry a name not heard in years, of destruction made flesh, a bestial warlord without peer: Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka. 

In the midst of this brutal tide is Fenris, the world of the Space Wolves. Depleted by ever-greater demands on their warriors, called upon by the Legion-breaker Guilliman, the Wolves of Fenris face a momentous decision. Grimnar and his counsellors must choose whether their fate is to ally themselves with an ancient rival and risk all that makes them the Vlka Fenryka or to accept their demise and wait for the return of their own primarch and the coming of the Wolftime.

 
Written by Gav Thorpe, Produced by Kylia Whitehead & Performed by John Banks
 
Audiobook length: 15 hours - 3 minutes 

©2021 Games Workshop Limited (P)2021 Games Workshop Limited
 
* * * * *
 
So, we've just had Black Friday, and it looks as though we also had a 'Black Library Friday'! I was surprised, if not shocked to read of my involvement in seven (yes &7) audio releases, all of which became available on Friday. Take a deep breath - here are some details:
 
Treachery and Betrayal

A Horus Heresy audiobook collection. Length: 15 hrs and 18 mins

Narrated by: Sean Barrett, Chris Fairbank, David Timson, Jonathan Keeble, Richard Reed, John Banks, Penelope Rawlins.



The Horus Heresy was the darkest moment in the history of mankind, as brother turned upon brother and threatened to tear the galaxy apart. This bundle of audiobooks delivers an action-packed, yet intimate look at the heroes and villains of the era.

Contents:
Butcher's Nails by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
Kharn: The Eightfold Path by Anthony Reynolds
Honour to the Dead by Gav Thorpe
Stratagem by Nick Kyme
Censure by Nick Kyme
Red-Marked by Nick Kyme
Nightfane by Nick Kyme
Hubris of Monarchia by Andy Smillie
Heart of the Pharos by L J Goulding
Children of Sicarus by Anthony Reynolds
Illyrium by Darius Hinks
The Revelation of the Word by David Annandale
Raven's Flight by Gav Thorpe
Strike and Fade by Guy Haley
Veritas Ferrum by David Annandale
Grey Talon by Chris Wraight
The Either by Graham McNeill
Perpetual by Dan Abnett
Raptor by Gav Thorpe
The Shadowmasters by Gav Thorpe


©2021 Games Workshop Limited (P)2021 Games Workshop Limited 
 
 
 Angels of Darkness and Blood

A Warhammer 40,000 Audio Drama Collection: Length: 11 hrs and 30 mins.

Performed by: Toby Longworth, Sean Barrett, David Timson, Jonathan Keeble, 
John Banks, Gareth Armstrong, Steve Conlin, Ian Brooker


The Dark Angels and Blood Angels are two of the most influential Chapters of the first founding, and their successors have carried on the traditions - and flaws - that make them interesting.

This collection of audio dramas shines a light on the Angels of Death.
 
Contents:
Heart of Rage by James Swallow
Bloodspire by C Z Dunn 
Bloodquest: Prisoners of the Eye of Terror by Ben Counter
Hunger by Andy Smillie
The Assassination of Gabriel Seth by Andy Smillie 
Blood in the Machine by Andy Smillie
At Slaughter's End by Andy Smillie
The Stromark Massacre by Andy Smillie and C Z Dunn
The Trials of Azrael by C Z Dunn
Malediction by C Z Dunn
Accept No Failure by Gav Thorpe
Holder of the Keys by Gav Thorpe
The Rage of Asmodai by C Z Dunn

©2021 Games Workshop Limited (P)2021 Games Workshop Limited
 
 
Heroes of the Astra Militarium

An Astra Militarum Audio Drama Collection: Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins

Performed by: Toby Longworth, Gareth Armstrong, 
John Banks, Penelope Rawlins, Matthew Hunt 


The Imperial Guard are the backbone of the Imperium’s military strength. While the Space Marines get all the glory, it’s the guard that holds back the tide of threats that would soon drown the Imperium by sheer weight of numbers. These audio dramas bring you into their tanks, platoons and trenches to see how ordinary men and women face the horrors of the 41st Millennium.

Contents:
Dead in the Water by Sandy Mitchell
The Devil You Know by Sandy Mitchell
Waiting Death by Steve Lyons
Iron Devil by C L Werner
Scions of Elysia by Chris Dows
Renegades of Elysia by Chris Dows
Martyrs of Elysia by Chris Dows
Titan's Bane by Chris Dows
Judge of the Wastes by David Annandale

©2021 Games Workshop Limited (P)2021 Games Workshop Limited 
 
 
Saga of the Mortal Realms

A Warhammer Age of Sigmar audio drama collection: Length: 16 hrs and 19 mins

Performed by: Gareth Armstrong, Tom Alexander,
 John Banks, Jonathan Keeble, Beth Chalmers, Steve Conlin, Emma Gregory, 
Andrew Wincott, Toby Longworth


The Mortal Realms come to life in this audio drama collection. Some of your favourite authors bring you tales of war and eternal struggle for control of the realms in full-cast recordings.

Contents:
The Prisoner of the Black Sun by Josh Reynolds
Sands of Blood by Josh Reynolds
The Lords of Helstone by Josh Reynolds
The Bridge of Seven Sorrows by Josh Reynolds
Great Red by David Guymer
The Beasts of Cartha by David Guymer
Fist of Mork, Fist of Gork by David Guymer
Only the Faithful by David Guymer
Eight Lamentations: War-Claw by Josh Reynolds
The Autumn Prince by Guy Haley
A Place of Reflection by David Guymer
Doombound by David Annandale
The Imprecations of Daemons by Nick Kyme
Guns of the Black Eagle by C L Werner
Black Atonement by David Annandale 
Hungerfiend by Guy Haley
The Palace of Memory by David Guymer
The Denied by Josh Reynolds
Sons of Behemat by Graeme Lyon

©2021 Games Workshop Limited (P)2021 Games Workshop Limited
 
 
 
The Emperor's Sword

A Space Marines Audio Drama Collection: Length: 17 hrs and 57 mins

Performed by: Toby Longworth, Jonathan Keeble, Sean Barrett, Luke Thompson,
 Gareth Armstrong, John Banks


Space Marines can be found fighting hundreds of wars across every sector of the Imperium - they are the will of the emperor made manifest. These audio dramas will bring you into their battles as never before, as bolt shells and chainswords lay waste to any who would stand against them. 

Contents:
Fireborn by Nick Kyme
Vulkan's Shield by Nick Kyme
Helion Rain by George Mann
Labyrinth of Sorrows by George Mann
The Geld by George Mann
Soulbound by George Mann
Loss by Joe Parrino
Alone by Joe Parrino
The Calculus of Battle by David Guymer
Eye of Vengeance by Graham McNeill
Veil of Darkness by Nick Kyme
Brethren by Phil Kelly
Scythes of the Emperor: Daedalus by L J Goulding
Taker of Heads by Ian St Martin
The Madness Within by Steve Lyons
Master of the Hunt by Josh Reynolds
The Shape of the Hunt by Joe Parrino
The Tranzia Rebellion by various authors

©2021 Games Workshop Limited (P)2021 Games Workshop Limited
 
 
Lords of Fenris

A Space Wolves audio drama collection: Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Performed by: Jonathan Keeble, Toby Longworth, Ramon Tikaram, Sean Barrett, Gareth Armstrong, John Banks 

 
The Space Wolves are Space Marines quite unlike any other. These audio dramas bring them to life with full-cast readings, as you thrill to tales of their heroism and unorthodox methods.

Contents:
Saga of the Beast by David Annandale
Thunder From Fenris by Nick Kyme
Doomseeker by Nick Kyme
Deathwolf by Andy Smillie 
Iceclaw by Ben Counter
Parting of the Ways by Chris Wraight
Vox Tenebris by Robbie MacNiven
The Art of Provocation by Josh Reynolds

©2021 Games Workshop Limited (P)2021 Games Workshop Limited
 
 
 
The Traitor and the Alien

A Warhammer 40,000 Audio Drama Collection: Length: 14 hrs and 5 mins

Performed by: John Banks, Gareth Armstrong, Sean Barrett, Robin Bowerman, 
Jonathan Keeble, Toby Longworth, Annemarie Gaillard, David Seddon


Traitor Space Marines and xenos races with their own hopes for galactic conquest pose endless threats to humanity, and this collection of audio dramas takes you deep into their territory with full-cast recordings. 

Contents:
Throne of Lies by Aaron-Dembski Bowden
Perfection by Nick Kyme
Chosen of Khorne by Anthony Reynolds
Ahriman: The First Prince by John French
Fabius Bile: Repairer of Ruin by Josh Reynolds
Key of Infinity by John French
Heart of Decay by Ben Counter
The Embrace of Pain by Ian St Martin
Asurmen: The Darker Road by Gav Thorpe
Howl of the Banshee by Gav Thorpe
The Path Forsaken by Rob Sanders
Heirs of the Laughing God: A Deadly Wit by Gav Thorpe
Heirs of the Laughing God: Death's Mercy by Gav Thorpe
Hand of Darkness by Gav Thorpe
The Kauyon by Andy Smillie
Klaw of Mork by Guy Haley
Prophets of Waaagh! by Guy Haley

©2021 Games Workshop Limited (P)2021 Games Workshop Limited
 
 
* * * * *
 
Some incredible 'bundles' there, should you wish to treat yourself to a bit of audio catch-up.
 
As I mentioned above, the year's final audiobook kicks off tomorrow, so I'll wrap up here now and enjoy the rest of what's meant to be a 'day off' - yeah, right!
 
So, 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