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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Friday 12 August 2022

In The Heat of The Night... and the day!

Good afternoon and welcome to a sizzling UK, where we are currently experiencing unprecedented summer temperatures; welcome also, to only the third posting of the year.

At the moment, I'm in the position of having completed the recording of an audiobook and awaiting notes from the proof listener, so that I can go back and correct whatever errors I've made and fix whatever technical blips and glitches that have somehow slipped, unnoticed, through the initial editing process. Once those corrections have been made, I can call a wrap on the project and allow myself a little time for rest and recuperation; a short break, which is much needed - my first time-out since June 2020.

The timing of such a break has been pretty good, as temperatures continue to rise and my home studio becomes too hot to work in. Much as I love my job, I'm truly looking forward to kicking back for a while, before starting up again with a variety of recording projects, which are already scheduled through to April '23! 

So here are details of the latest releases since the mid-June update:

 

The Long Dark: Doan Series Book 2

The road to becoming a Doan warrior is a long one.

While Cam must face distrust and long days of training, he also attracts the interest of Uelia, the beautiful Festival Master of High Home. 


 

His acts of bravery swell his fame and the jealousy of his brother. With winter approaching, the people of High Home decide to cross the Long Dark to see what’s on the other side. 

What they find splits the Doans and the people of High Home, and Cam and his new mother are faced with an awful choice: leave the people of High Home to suffer or flee with their Doan companions to find their people?

 

Written by Brian K. Fuller, Produced by Mitch Raynes & Performed by John Banks 
 
Audiobook: 9 hours - 59 minutes 
 
©2022 Brian K. Fuller (P)2022 Podium Audio 
 
* * * * *
 
Stargate SG - 1
 

A shooting in the heart of Stargate Command is only the beginning for Daniel Jackson and Vala Mal Doran.

Suddenly it’s friend against friend, none of their allies can be relied upon and they’re the universe’s only hope to foil the latest scheme concocted by the last System Lord, Ba’al.

Will Daniel, Vala and a few of Vala’s less than savoury friends be enough to stop a conspiracy that reaches deep into the heart of Stargate Command and threatens to destroy everything they’ve spent years building?

 


 

3.1 Half Life by James Swallow
Daniel Jackson is in custody for a crime and no one believes he is innocent - because Stargate Command has absolute proof of his guilt.

Luckily, one person is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Unluckily, that person is Vala Mal Doran, reformed thief and least trustworthy member of team SG-1.

Can she clear Daniel’s name and help him discover what’s really going on?

3.2 An Eye for an Eye by Sally Malcolm
A visit from Vala’s 'friend' Keto results in the Sun Tzu, Daniel and Vala being sent to investigate a rapidly disintegrating ship.

Once there, they discover evidence of Ba’al’s experiments - but they’re not prepared for what else he’s left behind.

It’s a case of nature or nurture - but will Daniel and Vala make a decision that will save the Sun Tzu or condemn all on board to death?

3.3 Infiltration by Steve Lyons
Having discovered that Ba’al has placed a clone infiltrator close to one of his old friends, Daniel accompanies the Sun Tzu to warn him of the imminent danger the clone poses.

Meanwhile, Vala enlists the aid of some of her former ‘associates’ to track down Ba’al and bring him to justice. But can she trust any of them to complete the mission without betraying her for their own ends?

3.4 Excision by Peter J Evans
A visit to Vala's 'friend' Keto turns into a family reunion when she and Daniel are abducted by Vala's former associate Zoder and the crew of his ship, The Capital Venture.

Zoder has discovered a vast construct in space and plans to strip it of any assets it may contain. But he needs Daniel and Vala's expertise to complete the mission safely. Unfortunately, the group is about to stumble upon a secret which someone is murderously keen to keep quiet...

3.5 Duplicity by Richard Dinnick
A series of thefts from a planet's library piques Daniel's interest, so he and Vala investigate.

With some help from Keto, the pair go undercover in an attempt to find out why the treasures are being taken.

But in a spaceport where the locals find it difficult to trust anyone, are they wandering calmly in front of the barrel of a gun?

3.6 Time's Wheel by Sharon Gosling
While visiting the planet Gezegen, Daniel starts to notice disparities between what he thought he knew and the world around him.

Seeking answers, Daniel gets Vala to contact the Asgard, believing they will have some insight into the changing reality. But once Daniel and Vala discover the full extent of the problem, will they be able to avert the end of the universe as they know it?

And, more importantly, will they want to?

 

These stories were originally published in 2012, and were previously available to purchase in two boxsets from Big Finish.

 Running time: 369 minutes


A note from Series Producer, Paul Spragg:

"Without a local actor and director to turn to out in Vancouver, it was decided to link up the UK and Canada so that Michael could be directed from London and recorded in Vancouver, with John Banks coming in to read other parts alongside the ones he’d already been playing in the stories. 

It was a difficult process, with Skype turning out to be the most effective way of linking the two studios and reducing to almost zero the satellite delay that can slow things down and spoil the energy of a scene. Michael slipped back into character effortlessly, and John Banks helped enormously by changing voices and accents to differentiate characters."

 

Audio Drama performed by: 

Michael Shanks (Daniel Jackson / Thor)
Claudia Black (Vala Mal Doran) 
Cliff Simon (Ba'al / Aziru) 
John Banks (Korek / Surtr / Vey / Mansu) 
Ken Bones (Lerat) 
Lisa Bowerman (Ranni) 
Andrew Collins (Keto) 
Susan Franklyn (Dr Rix) 
Stephan Hogan (Colonel Olssen) 
Paul Hyu (Lt Colonel Yin / Airman) 
Alex Mallinson (Airman / Robot / Jaffa) 
Harry Myers (Soric) 
Regina Reagan (Shara Wellan / Skadi / Ratatosk) 
John Schwab (Major Hunter) 
Anna Tolputt (La'Rath / Geror) 
Andrew Whip (Perran Zoder)
 
STARGATE: SG-1 is a trademark of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. © 1997-2022 MGM Television Entertainment Inc, and MGM Global Holdings Inc. STARGATE: SG-1 SERIES 3 © 2022 and TM Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. 
 
All rights reserved.
 
* * * * *
 
 
Vaults of Terra Book 3: The Dark City
 

Separated from Inquisitor Cowl, Interrogator Spinoza hoists her crozius and sets to protecting what’s left of their organisation while continuing her quest for truth. But can she survive the dire straights she finds herself in, as she guards humanity from enemies within and without?

Luce Spinoza comes into her own, with the weight of her lord’s fate sitting heavy on her shoulders, while pushing forward with their mission. With enemies closing in on all sides, she must choose a path for herself.

 

The Throneworld is in turmoil, wracked by the opening of the Great Rift and the failure of the Astronomican. Inquisitor Erasmus Crowl, his mind and body ravaged by what he has seen in the Hollow Mountain, is missing, taking with him the clues to the conspiracy that has come to obsess him. 

Luce Spinoza, his interrogator, must choose whether to seek him out or defend her diminished realm from the many forces that still seek to destroy it. As enemies circle, Interrogator Spinoza enters a race against time to find the evidence she needs. But with the fate of humanity itself hanging in the balance, she must decide what lengths she is willing to go to in order to uncover the truth.

 


Written by Chris Wraight, Produced by Richard Stephenson and Performed by John Banks. 

 

Audible UK review samples:

"John Banks and his voice acting, wow! Unlike some audio books where the narrator puts little effort in distinguishing different parts, John somehow manages to make male and female characters easily distinct and convey so much emotion. Bravo."

 

"...great voice acting performance from John Banks!"

 

 Running time: 10 hours - 30 minutes
 
©2022 Games Workshop Limited (P)2022 Games Workshop Limited 
 
* * * * * 
 
 
Lupercal's War: A Horus Heresy Anthology Audiobook
 

The Horus Heresy is an epic conflict spanning hundreds of worlds and thousands of battles, laced with countless tales of heroism and valour, betrayal and villainy. This anthology collects some of the most memorable, featuring every one of the Loyalist and Traitor Legions.

Whether you're a veteran Legionary or exploring the grim setting of the Horus Heresy for the first time, this handpicked collection of 21 existing short stories features gripping tales for each of the Loyalist and Traitor Legions that waged wars of betrayal and destruction on an immeasurable scale.


Never has the Imperium known a weapon as deadly as the massed might of a Space Marine Legion. Together, these mighty warriors form an unbreakable spear at the fore of the Great Crusade. Together, they quest to reclaim humanity's birthright – its dominion over the stars. Each Legion is led by a legendary primarch, and the greatest among them is Horus Lupercal, Warmaster of the Imperium. Yet at the height of his power, this beloved son betrayed his oaths, taking half his brothers with him into damnation. 

Condemned to an eternity of war, the galaxy burns as loyal Space Marine Legions and their traitorous kin tear apart everything they bled to build. This anthology collects over 20 existing stories from a variety of authors, featuring every one of the Space Marine Legions and ranging from the Unification Wars to the most brutal days of the Age of Darkness. 

Contents: Produced by Tara Rawson, I recorded ten of these stories:

                                                         The Last Church by Graham McNeill
                                                    Savage Weapons by Aaron Dembski-Bowden
 Imperfect by Nick Kyme
  
The Iron Within by Rob Sanders 
Black Oculus by John French  
Brotherhood of the Moon by Chris Wraight  
Bjorn: Lone Wolf by Chris Wraight  
 
 
 
Bloodhowl by Chris Forrester  
Champion of Oaths by John French  
Child of Night by John French 
Lost Sons by James Swallow 
 Immortal Duty by Nick Kyme  
After Desh’ea by Matthew Farrer  
The Laurel of Defiance Guy Haley  
Daemonology by Chris Wraight  
Rebirth by Chris Wraight 
Little Horus by Dan Abnett  
   Child of Chaos by Chris Wraight  
 Artefacts by Nick Kyme  
The Grey Raven by Gav Thorpe
Liar's Due by James Swallow
                                                                         

Narrated by:

 
 John Banks, Jonathan Keeble, Stephen Perring, Gareth Armstrong, and Toby Longworth
 
Audio running time: 17 hours - 48 minutes  
 
©2022 Games Workshop Limited (P)2022 Games Workshop Limited 
 
* * * * *
 
 

The Crown of Fire & Fury

A war on two fronts. A fight for a crown. A prophecy coming to pass. The ancient enemies emerging from the shadows...


Oakharrow has been conquered—for now. But Aelthena has never given up easily. Fleeing her city, she goes to the jarls of Baegard, seeking their aid to take back her home. But politics are at play, and Ha-Sypt is on the move. Only one can wear the Iron Circle and lead Baegard's armies. In determining who will wear the crown, Aelthena must make a choice: do what is best for her nation, or for herself.

Bjorn sets his sights to a greater challenge: the arrival of a prophesied war. Knowing too little of the giant who attacked his home, he and his companions travel to the Inscribed priests to learn more. Among them, Bjorn uncovers ancient secrets and develops his newly discovered magic. But both knowledge and power have a price, and Bjorn will pay in sorrow and blood.

The Runewar has come—monarchs will rise and fall.

The Crown of Fire & Fury is book two of The Runewar Saga, a new epic fantasy series by best-selling author J.D.L. Rosell. Continue the tale inspired by Norse and Egyptian mythology and brave the war-riven land of Enea.


Written by J.D.L. Rosell, Produced by Hannah Grenfell & Performed by John Banks  
 
Audiobook: 13 hours - 57 minutes
 
©2022 J.D.L. Rosell (P)2022 Podium Audio
 
* * * * *
 
And now, a cold drink beckons! Thank you, as always, for stopping by, it's much appreciated. I'll be back soon with further updates, but until then, enjoy your summer (or winter - depending on where you are in the world!) and happy listening!  
 
 
...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