3 days ago
Jonathan Bailey and Ella Purnell’s Dracula Audio Drama Draws Fans
Audible has made a new audio version of the story Dracula.
Jonathan Bailey voices Dracula, and Ella Purnell voices Mina.
This version tells the story mostly from Mina’s point of view.
She searches for her missing fiancé in Transylvania by studying letters, diaries and other accounts.
As she investigates, Dracula becomes a threat to her.
Professor Van Helsing joins the story to help rescue Lucy.
A short preview of Bailey and Purnell’s performances got lots of attention online.
Some listeners praised the emotion, while others joked that they wished the story were a television show.
Audible has also released versions in several languages, with two more planned for 2027.
Audible released a full-cast audio adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, starring Jonathan Bailey as Dracula and Ella Purnell as Mina Murray.
The psychological thriller retells the story from Mina’s perspective as she investigates her fiancé’s disappearance in Transylvania.
Mina follows letters, diaries and testimonies; Professor Van Helsing later joins the effort to rescue Lucy from Dracula’s influence.
A preview of Bailey and Purnell’s exchange drew online attention for its emotional and seductive tone, prompting enthusiastic and playful fan reactions.
Audible has released French, Italian, Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish editions; German and Brazilian Portuguese versions are planned for 2027.
- Who
- Audible, with Jonathan Bailey as Dracula and Ella Purnell as Mina Murray.
- What
- Audible released an immersive full-cast audio adaptation of Dracula, and a preview featuring Bailey and Purnell drew online fan reactions.
- Where
- The production is available on Audible; the story’s investigation takes place in Transylvania.
- When
- The adaptation was available on Audible as of Thursday; German and Brazilian Portuguese versions are planned for 2027.
- Why
- The adaptation reframes the story around Mina’s investigation and agency.
Key facts
- Platform
- Audible
- Lead performers
- Jonathan Bailey as Dracula and Ella Purnell as Mina Murray
- Director
- Mary Lambert, making her audiobook directorial debut
- Writer and score
- Written by Robyn Ahern, with an original score by Ilan Eshkeri
- Released language editions
- English, French, Italian, Castilian Spanish and Latin American Spanish
- Planned editions
- German, scheduled for February 9, 2027, and Brazilian Portuguese, planned for 2027
- Online response
- A preview of Bailey and Purnell’s exchange prompted enthusiastic and playful fan reactions
Quotes
Jonathan Bailey
Actor portraying Dracula in the Audible adaptation
“What I love about this version is that it gives her real agency and puts her at the heart of the story. Acting for audio makes it so intimate; you really feel that psychological battle between them.”
telegraphindia.com
“With a character like Dracula, every inflection matters. You're building an entire world through your voice, discovering the darkest corners of who he is.”
telegraphindia.com
An online fan
A social media user reacting to Bailey’s audiobook performance.
“I . . . have . . . already dined. And, I am in love. So much nuance, so much emotion, so much depth. #JonathanBailey, you are otherworldly. Not even 10 minutes of speaking time in over 65 minutes of elapsed time, yet pure genius.#Dracula #BramStok #Audible.”
wionews.com
“Jonathan Bailey has truly said “I don’t care that this is just an audiobook, I’m now putting method acting into practice and off with the lascivious self-erotic caresses.”
wionews.com
Sources
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