Patrick Stewart to Release Definitive Recording of Shakespeare’s Complete Sonnets
Sir Patrick Stewart, renowned for his roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation and the X-Men film series, is set to release a new audiobook featuring his complete performance of William Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets. Patrick Stewart Performs the Complete Sonnets of William Shakespeare, published by Simon & Schuster Audio, will be available on April 7.
A Lifelong Connection to Shakespeare
Stewart, a former member of the Royal Shakespeare Company from 1966 to 1982, has a long-standing relationship with the Bard’s work, having performed in plays such as The Merchant of Venice, Henry V, and King Lear. Variety reports that Stewart began sharing sonnet readings on social media during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a practice that ultimately led to this comprehensive audiobook.
An Intimate and Personal Approach
The audiobook is described as “an all-new, definitive recording” and “an audio treasury of incandescent performances and insightful personal commentary.” Kirkus Reviews highlights Stewart’s desire to create a personal connection with listeners, stating he wanted the readings to feel “immediate and down to earth.” Stewart himself expressed his delight in revisiting Shakespeare’s language after seven decades, aiming to allow listeners to experience the brilliance of the poetry on their own terms. People notes that Stewart aims to share reflections on his creative process to deepen listeners’ appreciation of the poetry.
Beyond the Sonnets: Stewart’s Audio Work
This project builds on Stewart’s experience with audiobooks, including previous recordings of his one-man stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and his bestselling memoir, Making It So. Variety states the audiobook will be available for preorder at Audible, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play, with a list price of $14.99.
A Legacy of Performance
Stewart, knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for his contributions to drama, brings his extensive theatrical background to this new endeavor. He emphasizes the unique quality of each sonnet, noting that even the lesser-known poems are “worthy of exploration,” filled with love, humor, and enduring mystery. Variety