LAMDA and Audible launch highly anticipated final series of GNR8
LAMDA and Audible are excited to announce that the highly anticipated sixth and final series of GNR8 has officially launched.
Showcasing the brightest emerging talents in both acting and writing, the final series of the celebrated audio drama includes eerie small-town mysteries, sharp commentaries on modern living and tales of nepo-babies in a world of fame and privilege.
Since its launch in 2019, the GNR8 series has served as a powerful creative incubator, allowing LAMDA students to develop their voice acting skills in Audible’s state-of-the-art studios and work alongside some of the UK’s most exciting new writers and directors. The result has been a thrilling array of original audio plays spanning five years of spine-chilling thrillers, poignant comedies and thought-provoking dramas.
"Working on GNR8 has been an incredible journey of creative discovery," says Amy Cudden, Co-Head of Screen, Audio & Innovation at LAMDA. "It’s been a privilege to support up-and-coming writers and directors from around the UK and to witness them pushing the boundaries of audio storytelling."
The final series of GNR8 is a fitting conclusion to a project that has captivated audiences with its fresh perspectives, innovative sound design and bold storytelling.
GNR8 6 is now available for streaming on Audible.
GNR8 6 includes the following stories:
“California in Norfolk”
Written by LAMDA alumni Colm Gleeson and Will Bishop, and directed by Emily Ling Williams, winner of Best Director at the 2023 Stage Debut Awards.
This atmospheric mystery follows Robin, plagued by strange headaches linked to a book of poems written by a mysterious author who doesn’t exist. Robin’s search for answers brings them back to their childhood home in the eerie small town of California in Norfolk, where old acquaintances and dark, disturbing truths lurk beneath the familiar surroundings.
“Small Town… Big Promlem”
Written by Anne Odeke, whose critically acclaimed play Princess Essex recently premiered at The Globe Theatre and directed by Gesella Ohaka.
This darkly comic drama follows Shae and his younger brother Riley in the small town of Sapton. When a jingle created by local takeaway owners Paul and Jerry goes viral, Shae disappears one Saturday morning, sparking a web of mystery and emotional turmoil. The play touches on themes of love, grief and ambition in the age of social media influencers.
“Sounds Good”
Written by Kiran Benawra, creator of Rage Room for Channel 4, and directed by Sam Stafford. In this dramatic exploration of privilege and ambition, Isobell Toole, a so-called nepo-baby, is determined to save her family’s business from being sold to a corporate giant. In an effort to prove her worth and secure her future as CEO, Isobell creates an unconventional internship scheme that becomes a chaotic adventure.
“The Orgy”
Written by Lydia Sabatini and directed by Prashant Tailor, The Orgy is a coming-of-age drama about a young woman struggling to accept that her graduation might mark the end of her close-knit friendship group. Desperate to create one last unforgettable memory, she plans an outrageous final gathering after an ill-fated attempt to throw a farewell party. The play explores themes of friendship, identity and the uncertainty of life after graduation.
Each of these compelling stories highlights the talents of LAMDA’s promising students, who have created unique audio experiences that will resonate deeply with listeners.
This final series of GNR8 marks the end of a significant chapter in the inspiring partnership between LAMDA and Audible. Over the past five years, the collaboration has provided a platform for emerging talent in the world of audio drama, offering LAMDA students the opportunity to hone their skills while giving listeners access to fresh, inventive stories.
Looking ahead, this partnership will evolve into a brand-new initiative in 2025 where LAMDA and Audible will continue to give a platform to new creatives and bring audio training to young people who have been historically underrepresented in the industry.
Amy Cudden adds, "We look forward to our continued partnership with Audible and everything we'll achieve with them next year and beyond.”
We’ll be sharing more details about the next phase of this partnership in early 2025.
To listen to GNR8 6, head over to Audible.
