Once on a Time (version 2 Dramatic Reading)


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.9 stars; 74 reviews)

This version of the book is done as a Dramatic Reading with various people speaking each characters part.

When the King of Barodia receives a pair of seven-league boots as a birthday present, his habit of flying over the King of Euralia's castle during breakfast provokes a series of incidents which escalate into war. While the King of Euralia is away, his daughter Hyacinth tries to rule in his stead and counter the machiavellian ambitions of the king's favourite, the Countess Belvane. Ostensibly a typical fairytale, it tells the story of the war between the kingdoms of Euralia and Barodia and the political shenanigans which take place in Euralia in the king's absence. The book introduces us to a princess who is far from helpless; a prince who, whilst handsome, is also pompous and vain; an enchantment which is almost entirely humorous; a villain who is not entirely villainous and receives no real comeuppance; a good king who isn't always good; an evil king who isn't always evil, and so on. The result is a book which children may not enjoy as much as adults. The book was written by Milne partly for his wife, upon whom the character of the Countess Belvane was partially based. (Summary from Wikipedia)

Cast:

Narration: Bob Neufeld
King Merriwig: Mark F. Smith
Princess Hyacinth: Karen Savage
Countess Belvane: Catharine Eastman
Prince Udo: Peter Eastman
Duke Coronel: Glenn Simonsen
Wiggs: Arielle Lipshaw
Woggs: Karen Savage
King of Barodia: Roger Melin
Chancellor of Barodia: Robert Keiper
Chancellor of Euralia: Denny Sayers
Fairy: Neeru Iyer
Old Woman: Catharine Eastman
Attendant: Arielle Lipshaw
Carlo, Men of Euralia, Captain of Archers, Flunkey: David Lawrence
Lookout, Cautious voice, Messenger, Wizard, Sentry: Barry Eads

Audio edited by: Barry Eads

Proof Listening by: Joy Easton and Arielle Lipshaw (5 hr 23 min)

Chapters

Chapter 1 14:01 Read by Barry Eads
Chapter 2 11:25 Read by Mark F. Smith
Chapter 3 15:23 Read by Karen Savage
Chapter 4 15:29 Read by Karen Savage
Chapter 5 18:24 Read by Catharine Eastman
Chapter 6 13:57 Read by Catharine Eastman
Chapter 7 17:12 Read by Peter Eastman
Chapter 8 13:46 Read by Glenn Simonsen
Chapter 9 11:02 Read by Arielle Lipshaw
Chapter 10 14:48 Read by Arielle Lipshaw
Chapter 11 15:08 Read by Roger Melin
Chapter 12 13:06 Read by Bob Neufeld
Chapter 13 14:01 Read by Denny Sayers (d. 2015)
Chapter 14 14:06 Read by Neeru Iyer
Chapter 15 4:50 Read by David Lawrence
Chapter 16 17:07 Read by David Lawrence
Chapter 17 23:13 Read by David Lawrence
Chapter 18 16:14 Read by David Lawrence
Chapter 19 14:07 Read by Barry Eads
Chapter 20 15:41 Read by Barry Eads
Chapter 21 17:04 Read by Barry Eads
Chapter 22 13:23 Read by Barry Eads

Reviews

A Must a Listen


(5 stars)

I believe that this is the fourth or fifth time I've listened to this story! Will no doubt listen again.

I am out of words for this one


(5 stars)

This is simply the best audiobook I have heard so far on Librivox. I cannot expect anything better. Both the author and the readers have done remarkably well. It's a really nice story to listen to. On top of that, you get an excellent team of great readers perfectly chosen for their roles doing a job that cannot be done better. It is a perfect work. You literally cannot make any improvement in this work. I thank all the readers so much for bringing this wonderful story to us!

kids fairy tale


(5 stars)

cute fairy tale story for the young with a few things happening that you didnt see coming. the wruter tells the story in a comical way which at first is confusing but after a few chapters you can start to follow his line of thought. the readers also did an excellent job!

Well read and very entertaining


(5 stars)

Each person plays their part to perfection and having different people play each character brings the story to life. This is a humorous tale, refreshingly different from a typical fairytale.


(5 stars)

I had forgotten what an enjoyable story this is. I was extremely pleased with the quality of the narration. Each character's voice was believable, and could only enhance the story. Thank you

Extraordinary Enjoyable


(5 stars)

I love this story. I love how entertaining and wonderful and, at times, silly, it is. The narration is fantastic. I could listen to this over and over.

Excellent story with good readers


(5 stars)

This is an excellent reading of Once on a Time, we really enjoyed listening to the different voices acting out the parts. Thank you.

Great dramatization.


(5 stars)

I especially like this particular version of this wonderful little book. Somehow, the dramatizations seem to be the best recordings.