Audible is launching a new take on one of literature’s most notorious figures.
Following yesterday’s release of the full-cast Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the audio giant today announced Heathcliff, an Audible Original produced with Brock Media.
The production revisits Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights by focusing on the three missing years in the life of its dark anti-hero, offering listeners a fresh and intimate perspective on his origins.
Starring Daryl McCormack in the title role, the supporting cast includes Arinzé Kene, Charlie Rowe, Gracie Oddie-James, Sagar Radia, Raffey Cassidy and Tanya Moodie, bringing together a strong ensemble from stage and screen.
Written by rising playwright Gracie Oddie-James, Heathcliff explores how the obsessive, possessive and often cruel man readers know came to be, charting a period of escape and possibility before his return to Wuthering Heights and his consuming fixation with Catherine.
The story begins with Heathcliff fleeing the Yorkshire moors after Cathy’s rejection, arriving in London desperate for distraction and oblivion, where he is taken in by Sir Francis Barber, the Black adopted son of Samuel Johnson, who encourages him to carve out an independent future.
During his time in the city, Heathcliff crosses paths with the reckless Lord Montgomery and the alluring courtesan Rhoda Pascal, whose presence allows him to glimpse a different kind of love and belonging, even as memories of Cathy and Wuthering Heights continue to haunt him.
Speaking about the role, Daryl McCormack said: “Heathcliff is one of the most complex and interesting individuals in literature, which made this such an intriguing role to play.
“This original story follows him on his missing years and his journey of self-discovery and internal redemption, which I think will allow the listener to have compassion for him despite his flaws.”
He added that the character remains deeply conflicted, describing Heathcliff as “the epitome of an anti-hero”, and suggesting that listeners’ “heart may break for him” as the story unfolds.
Aurelie de Troyer, Head of Regional Content Europe at Audible, shared on the production: “We know that Audible listeners around the world love classic literature and Wuthering Heights needs no introduction.
“Heathcliff is such an iconic character and by exploring his roots, and those three missing years, we’re excited to give listeners a different perspective on his story.”
Brought to life in Dolby Atmos, the drama features cinematic sound design from Brain Audio, an original score by Gaika Tavares, and soundscapes that move from the desolate moors of Yorkshire to the chaos of 18th century London.
Heathcliff is available now to pre-order on Audible, with membership required.
