UK podcast network Noiser is launching a 25-episode audio adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” narrated by Dame Julie Andrews on September 30, marking the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth in December. The series represents Noiser’s continued expansion into classic literature adaptations for what has become a mainstream UK audience.
Andrews, 89 (turning 90 on October 1, 2025), won an Emmy Award for outstanding character voiceover performance for her role as Lady Whistledown in “Bridgerton” in September 2025, after receiving nominations in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The award adds to her previous Emmy wins in 1973 for “The Julie Andrews Hour” and in 2005 for “Broadway: The American Musical.”
“It has been a delight to revisit one of my favourite novels, Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ and bring it to life for a new generation of listeners,” Andrews says in a press release. “I’ve always adored its wit, warmth, and unforgettable characters. Even 250 years on, Austen’s brilliance still shines.”
Growing UK Podcast Market
The launch comes as podcast consumption in the United Kingdom reaches 51% of adults aged 16 and older, representing approximately 25 million people, according to Edison Research. This marks an increase from 41% in 2021. Weekly podcast consumption stands at 33% of UK adults.
Monthly podcast consumers demonstrate characteristics that appeal to advertisers. Among this group, 71% work full or part-time, compared to 52% of non-podcast consumers. Additionally, 54% hold university degrees versus 39% of non-listeners, and 50% report annual household incomes above £40,000, compared to 41% of non-consumers. The research finds 83% of UK weekly podcast consumers agree that hearing advertisements represents a fair exchange for free content.
Platform Distribution and Partnership
Noiser partners with BBC Sounds, which holds non-exclusive rights to the series. BBC Sounds accounts for 15% of UK podcast consumption, according to Edison Research, while Spotify leads at 33%, YouTube follows at 20%, and Apple Podcasts captures 13%.
The series releases twice weekly across all podcast platforms, with Noiser+ subscribers receiving early access to additional episodes. Home represents the primary listening location, with 59% of weekly podcast listeners consuming content at home.
“‘Pride and Prejudice’ is a perfect example of what podcasting does best: bringing timeless stories to life in fresh and intimate ways,” says Pascal Hughes, CEO of Noiser. “To mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with a new serialisation of ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ voiced by Dame Julie Andrews, feels like a true celebration of British creativity at its best.”
The adaptation follows Noiser’s “Sherlock Holmes Short Stories” series narrated by Hugh Bonneville, which has attracted millions of listens worldwide. The 25-episode series remains faithful to Austen’s 1813 text while launching ahead of the winter season. Noiser specializes in history and true stories, combining interviews with historians, dramatic narration, original music, and sound design.
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UK podcast network Noiser is launching a 25-episode audio adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” narrated by Dame Julie Andrews on September 30, marking the 250th anniversary of Austen’s birth in December. The series represents Noiser’s continued expansion into classic literature adaptations for what has become a mainstream UK audience.
Andrews, 89 (turning 90 on October 1, 2025), won an Emmy Award for outstanding character voiceover performance for her role as Lady Whistledown in “Bridgerton” in September 2025, after receiving nominations in 2021, 2022, and 2023. The award adds to her previous Emmy wins in 1973 for “The Julie Andrews Hour” and in 2005 for “Broadway: The American Musical.”
“It has been a delight to revisit one of my favourite novels, Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ and bring it to life for a new generation of listeners,” Andrews says in a press release. “I’ve always adored its wit, warmth, and unforgettable characters. Even 250 years on, Austen’s brilliance still shines.”
Growing UK Podcast Market
The launch comes as podcast consumption in the United Kingdom reaches 51% of adults aged 16 and older, representing approximately 25 million people, according to Edison Research. This marks an increase from 41% in 2021. Weekly podcast consumption stands at 33% of UK adults.
Monthly podcast consumers demonstrate characteristics that appeal to advertisers. Among this group, 71% work full or part-time, compared to 52% of non-podcast consumers. Additionally, 54% hold university degrees versus 39% of non-listeners, and 50% report annual household incomes above £40,000, compared to 41% of non-consumers. The research finds 83% of UK weekly podcast consumers agree that hearing advertisements represents a fair exchange for free content.
Platform Distribution and Partnership
Noiser partners with BBC Sounds, which holds non-exclusive rights to the series. BBC Sounds accounts for 15% of UK podcast consumption, according to Edison Research, while Spotify leads at 33%, YouTube follows at 20%, and Apple Podcasts captures 13%.
The series releases twice weekly across all podcast platforms, with Noiser+ subscribers receiving early access to additional episodes. Home represents the primary listening location, with 59% of weekly podcast listeners consuming content at home.
“‘Pride and Prejudice’ is a perfect example of what podcasting does best: bringing timeless stories to life in fresh and intimate ways,” says Pascal Hughes, CEO of Noiser. “To mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with a new serialisation of ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ voiced by Dame Julie Andrews, feels like a true celebration of British creativity at its best.”
The adaptation follows Noiser’s “Sherlock Holmes Short Stories” series narrated by Hugh Bonneville, which has attracted millions of listens worldwide. The 25-episode series remains faithful to Austen’s 1813 text while launching ahead of the winter season. Noiser specializes in history and true stories, combining interviews with historians, dramatic narration, original music, and sound design.
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