Hi,

I'm wondering about the narration of the audio books for the Bartimaeus Trilogy and ROS books. Was there a specific reason that Simon Jones was hired? I love his work. I'm one of his big fans here in the US. I was wondering if you also listened to him on BBC radio shows when you were a kid? On the Hitchhikers Guide shows? Or did you just like his voice. Every time I read the books or think about Bartimaeus I hear Simon in my head, just as I do with Douglas Adams' work and characters. I know you're a busy guy, so give an answer if you can. Or if anybody on the forum has any insight I'd be grateful. I can hardly wait for next week! Lucky Brits and Germans...

Thanks

Hi there,

I can't remember exactly how Simon Jones was hired for the US audios - I think the audio producers suggested him and I thought it was great, because I remember him well from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy back in the late 70s. It's obviously really nice to be connected via Simon to such a seminal piece of sci-fi, but more to the point it's great to have him, because he does an excellent job. An awful lot of people that I met while I was touring in the USA said how much they loved the audios, and that's down to Simon Jones.

Meanwhile Bart is voiced in the UK versions by Steven Pacey (whom I also remember from the great BBC sci-fi serial Blakes 7), and he also does a fantastic job. One way and another, I can't complain!

J