RNIB celebrates 90 years of our beloved Talking Books service

Corinna is best known for her roles in hit series Heartstopper and The Summer I Turned Pretty.

“Pride and Prejudice is one of those books that is timeless, and people love the story as much today as when it was first published. I really hope this recording will introduce new readers to such a fantastic tale.

“It’s been fantastic to be a little part of helping RNIB’s Talking Books celebrate 90 years … here’s to hitting the century.”

Adjoa Andoh MBE is a star of stage and screen, best known for her iconic role of Lady Danbury in Bridgerton. Her many other TV appearances include Silent Witness, The Witcher, Dr Who, and Law & Order UK. Adjoa has had lead roles at the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. She is an award-winning audiobook narrator with over 250 titles to her credit. Adjoa has a long history of recording Talking Books with RNIB.

“I’ve been involved with supporting RNIB for many years. A beloved family member of mine had a tumour resulting in them losing their sight. They were an avid reader before this, and discovering Talking Books was initially a surprise, as well as a revelation, and ultimately a huge boost that allowed them to continue their love of reading.”

Phil is best known for his role as Jamie Tartt in Ted Lasso, for which he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He will next be seen starring in HBO’s Rooster opposite Steve Carrell.

“RNIB’s Talking Books service is such an incredible resource. It speaks for itself what a difference it makes to blind and partially sighted people by how long it’s existed, and it’s amazing that it’s been around for 90 years to bring the pleasure of reading to those living with sight loss.

“Talking Books is a great show of accessibility that so many people can benefit from, and I am truly grateful to be a part of something so valuable to so many people.”

Lisa starred as Beth Tinker in ITV’s Coronation Street for 13 years, leaving the soap opera in 2024 and pursuing roles in theatre across the UK. She was diagnosed with the sight condition NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) in 2022.

"From my own experience of being told I’m losing my sight, I know the importance of services like Talking Books and how they can make such a difference to everyday life, I jumped at the chance to be involved in RNIB’s recording of Pride and Prejudice.

“Talking Books is an iconic service, and Pride and Prejudice is an iconic love story, so having the chance to offer my voice to this recording has been an honour.”

Alistair has starred in the likes of Sex Education, The Night Manager, Andor, Sherlock, and a number of other hit television programmes and iconic plays.

“As an avid reader and having recorded a number of Talking Books for RNIB over the years, it has been a pleasure to be involved with this project and celebrate the 90th anniversary of this wonderful service. There is no greater pleasure than getting lost in a good story, and Talking Books has ensured that everyone can experience this joy.”

Lucy has starred on stage and screen over the course of her career, and is well loved for her role as Charlotte Lucas in the BBC’s 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice.

“It’s been a pleasure to step back into the world of Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice, 30 years after starring in the BBC’s production of this classic love story.

“Helping to bring her characters to life once more and to mark such a special occasion has been an honour, and the fact Talking Books has been such a vital resource for blind and partially sighted people for 90 years goes to show the importance and value of reading for everyone.”

Mark has starred in many incredible dramas such as Dept Q and Line of Duty, and also represented Scotland in the first series of the Celebrity Traitors.

“I’m usually known for playing morally ambiguous characters, so it was a wonderful change to step into the world of Pride and Prejudice and offer my voice for an amazing service that has brought joy to people living with sight loss for so many years.

“The world that Austen created through her writing is infamous, and to step into this world for RNIB to mark their Talking Books anniversary has been fantastic.”

Actor and comedian Kiell has made a name for himself through roles in Ghosts, Stath Lets Flats, and from appearances on Task Master and The Great British Sewing Bee.

“I know from experience what a difference services like Talking Books can make to people living with sight loss. My grandad lost his sight at a young age, so having the understanding of what my grandad experienced meant it was a no brainer to get involved with RNIB’s recording of Pride and Prejudice to celebrate the ninetieth anniversary of their Talking Books service.”

Charlotte has become a much-loved face on British television through roles in Ghosts, Call the Midwife, Fresh Meat and the hit Netflix series You.

“To know how vital the Talking Books service is to so many blind and partially sighted people has meant it’s a great honour to be involved with this recording.

"Bringing the gift of reading to so many people over the past 90 years is a massive milestone, and it’s a privilege to be involved and support the service.”

Known for his work as an actor and screenwriter, Ben is the co-creator and star of Ghosts and Horrible Histories, and has also starred in Inside No.9, The Wives and There She Goes.

“This opportunity has taught me so much about Talking Books and how it has been a lifeline to blind and partially sighted people for 90 years and still continues to be so today.

“Knowing the important role that RNIB and Talking Books play in bringing the world of literature to people with sight loss has made this a wonderful project to be part of.”

An award-winning British stand-up comedian and writer. Shazia has appeared in EastEnders, QI, Richard Osman's House of Games and Would I Lie To You.

“Having recently been involved in a storyline on Eastenders that featured a baby born with vision impairment, it’s been a fantastic opportunity to be involved with RNIB and their special recording of Pride and Prejudice. To be involved with a classic tale to celebrate a service that’s been bringing literature to life for 90 years has been a wonderful experience and I am honoured to be a part of it.”

“My eldest daughter, Evie, was diagnosed with the sight condition Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy in 2017. It’s from Evie’s experiences, and through the stories of people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting over the years that the value of services like RNIB’s Talking Books comes to life. It brings so much pleasure to so many lives and the fact it’s been doing so for 90 years is an incredible achievement.

“It was a joy to be asked to lend my voice to this recording of Austen’s classic love story Pride and Prejudice. I hope it’s enjoyed for many more years to come as Talking Books continues to bring reading to blind and partially sighted people well into the future.”