**Trailblazing Audio Adaptation of Treasure Island Set to Launch**
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An innovative audio retelling of the classic novel *Treasure Island* is set to captivate listeners when it debuts on 7 July. Titled *Treasure Island: A Telling for the New World*, this ambitious miniseries has been crafted by a team of filmmakers with extensive experience in the movie industry, a fact proudly highlighted by Executive Producer Judith Walcutt.
The eight-hour production features legendary actors John Goodman, Keith David, and Glynn Turman, who lend their voices to iconic characters in this modern reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s beloved tale. Both the performances and the story have been meticulously reworked to place the narrative in 1828 New Orleans, at a time marking the tail end of the Golden Age of Piracy.
Goodman, 74, takes on the role of Billy Bones while Keith David, at 70, embodies the infamous Long John Silver. Meanwhile, Turman, aged 79, portrays James Hawkins, the storyteller guiding listeners through the unfolding drama. The cast also includes familiar faces David Ossman and Phil Proctor from the acclaimed comedy troupe, the Firesign Theatre, as well as numerous other actors drawn from the realms of stage, screen, and radio.
*Treasure Island: A Telling for the New World* has been carefully crafted to achieve a cinematic soundscape that elevates the auditory experience. The production began pre-production in autumn 2022 and reached completion in March 2023, featuring recordings made on location in Washington State, providing rich acoustic environments. The project employed Oscar-winning Sound Designer Randy Thom of Skywalker Sound, complemented by Production Sound Mixer Rob Scott, known for his work on *Westworld*.
The audio drama stands out not only for its storytelling but also for the rich sound design bestowed upon it. According to a press release, the audio track aims to offer an immersive experience far beyond what traditional studio-bound production can offer. It has been produced under the expertise of Co-Producer Katie Hendrix and the sound design team, Matt Schwartz and Tom Ouziel, alongside Walcutt and Ossman.
Adding another layer to the auditory experience is the original score composed by blues legend Taj Mahal, who also acts as the music director. His contributions, coupled with the performances of violinist Mads Tolling and percussionists Jon Otis and Joey Torres, promise to deliver a unique musical backdrop that enhances the storytelling.
Post-production concluded in January 2026, making ready this exciting new interpretation for audiences. This miniseries seeks to challenge conventional audio content production standards, as Walcutt emphasises, stating it is “made like a movie, by people who make movies” thereby setting a new benchmark for quality.
For those interested, *Treasure Island: A Telling for the New World* will be freely available for broadcast on public radio stations internationally from 7 July. Additionally, it can be accessed via popular audiobook platforms such as Audible, Libro FM, and Google Play, ensuring that listeners from a broad spectrum can enjoy this reimagined classic.
The project has attracted considerable attention for its innovative approach to storytelling and sound design, offering a fresh perspective on a tale that has enthralled generations. With a talented cast at its helm and a commitment to cinematic quality, this adaptation of *Treasure Island* promises to be an audio experience like no other.