Audible is releasing a new audio adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s short story A Pressing Engagement, bringing her work to a new audience in a multi-cast production.
The story, set in London in 1978, follows Hester, a secretary whose routine life is disrupted when she is offered a job with a film producer.
Hester’s decision to leave her current role leads her to fake an engagement with her childhood friend Nico, who is unaware of the plan.
As the ruse unfolds, the pair must convince colleagues, friends and family, while Hester begins to question whether she wants the engagement to remain a pretence.
The cast includes Rhea Norwood, Corey Mylchreest, Hannah Waddingham, Richard Ayoade, Vivian Oparah and Bessie Carter.
The production is adapted for audio by Dare Aiyegbayo, known for his work on Disney+ series Rivals, and directed by Sarah Esdaile.
It is produced in collaboration with the Estate of Jilly Cooper, her agent Felicity Blunt, and Happy Prince, the team behind Rivals.
Aurelie de Troyer, Head of Audible Content, International, commented: “Jilly Cooper’s stories are beloved for their wit, warmth and delicious romantic entanglements and A Pressing Engagement delivers all of that in abundance.
“We’re thrilled to bring her world to life in audio drama with this sparkling adaptation featuring a phenomenal cast.”
Felicity Blunt, Jilly’s agent, said: “It is bittersweet to see this glorious adaptation of A Pressing Engagement launch after Jilly’s passing. But she would have been orgasmic to know that more of her characters have been brought so perfectly to life.”
The short story was originally published in the 1981 collection Lisa & Co. Work on the audio production began before Jilly’s death in October 2025, with her direct involvement in early development.
The Audible Original is produced in Dolby Atmos and features a soundtrack reflecting the era and will be available from 16 July.
