Friends, Romans, Totnesians, lend us your ears.
With the forthcoming book festival in Totnes it seems a literary something is in the air – and soon in the ears.
Robert Davidson published his autobiography in time for his 80th birthday. That was three years ago. Now, thanks to a meeting over a potter’s wheel, the audiobook of I Shot Frank Zappa is soon to
be available. On what platform he has yet to work out – but knowing Robert, a good fairy will provide the answer. After all, he bought back the missing negatives of his famous Frank Zappa on the loo photo via Ebay 50 years after having them taken from him by Zappa’s manager.
you are duty bound to read the text exactly
Subsequently the poster Robert made of the portrait has been featured in a major exhibition in Sweden and he’s been able to sell copies – something denied to him for half a century.
The narrator of the audiobook is actor Piers Hampton, who lives with his wife Suzannah and their children in the South Hams. “I met Robert because Suzannah and he were doing pottery classes together and they just hit it off,” Piers explained. “He’s an extraordinary man with an extraordinary story – I wondered if it was real – but it is! I loved the book.”
Piers is an established radio actor and with Suzannah runs a theatre company, Vox. He’s the voice of dozens of audiobooks, from Patrick Hamilton’s Hangover Square, to Wilbur Smith, Roman history and much else.
“As an actor, you either love it (recording books) or hate it. I love it. As a narrator you are duty bound to read the text exactly, word for word, even the mistakes. “ He adds that the publisher has to be consulted if any changes need to be made, even to correct glaring errors.
Robert, who lives in Totnes, had tried to record the audiobook himself but realised he needed a professional. “I think Piers has captured me very well. Hearing it I suddenly thought ooh I’d like to hear the next chapter. I loved his energy and I love his family.”
Piers would like to work with other local authors thinking about the audio versions of their books. “I can do the reading – or Susannah can as she’s an actor as well – or I can produce it. Lots of
people go down the indy route and all their skill goes into that, but they are let down often at the publishing end, so a big ambition for me would be to say to local writers let me help.”