Average Romp Releases Two New Dickens' Christmas Stories

From the same team who brought us an audio dramatization of The Chimes in 2022 comes two more of Charles Dickens' classic Christmas stories. Average Romp has produced audio adaptations of both The Cricket on the Hearth and The Haunted Man. Each production has a runtime of just under an hour and was recorded at The Soundhouse in London with a full cast of talented actors. They are adapted by Eddie Robson and Jonathan Morris, directed by Lisa Bowerman, and have sound design and music by Howard Carter.

The Cricket on the Hearth is a heartwarming and humorous tale about a parcel carrier called John Peerybingle who fears his wife Dot may be unfaithful to him due to their age difference, and the ill-matched wedding between the imperious factory owner Tackleton and the free-spirited May. The Haunted Man is a more sinister tale about a scientist called Redlaw who is visited by a spirit in the form of his own shadow and given the chance to forget his troubles.

Unlike A Christmas Carol, these shows may not be suitable for all ages, as they do cover some slightly more mature topics and darker themes; The Haunted Man in particular. Full reviews are to follow soon.

These two new audio dramas are available as a digital download set via the Average Romp website. The site also has extended previews to allow you to sample the shows before committing to a purchase. And you can also bundle them with Average Romp's production of The Chimes for a discount.

J.D. Sutter is the host and producer of the Audio Theatre Central podcast and editor of the blog. A lifelong fan of audio drama, he is an industry critic who has guest lectured and spoken at conferences on the subject. J.D. is also a voiceover artist, podcast consultant, and chair of the ATC Seneca Awards, the annual awards for the family-friendly audio drama industry.