Shakespeare’s poems and sonnets are where the language turns intimate — love, desire, loss, admiration, jealousy, and everything in between. This page gathers the most expressive audio performances and creative reimaginings we could find. This page is sure to grow as some of these could be really elusive to track down.

Straight Performances

These recordings give the poems and sonnets a voice — sometimes a single reader, sometimes a full ensemble, always leaning into rhythm, emotion, and clarity. You’ll find heartfelt recitations, richly produced readings, and editions that turn even the quietest lines into vivid, living moments.

The Sonnets cover

The Sonnets

Runtime: 1h 36m
Narrator: Frank Muller
Sonnets cover

Sonnets

Runtime: 1h 50m
Narrator: Sir John Gielgud
The Complete Sonnets of William Shakespeare cover

The Complete Sonnets of William Shakespeare

Runtime: 3h 3m
Narrator: Christopher Cazenove, Susan Anspach, Ste…
Complete Poetry cover

Complete Poetry

Runtime: 6h 13m
Narrator: Charlton Griffin
The Sonnets cover

The Sonnets

Runtime: 2h 23m
Narrator: The Marlowe Society
Shakespeare's Sonnets (AmazonClassics Edition) cover

Shakespeare's Sonnets (AmazonClassics Edition)…

Runtime: 2h 30m
Narrator: Nick Sandys
Shakespeare in Autumn (Seasons Edition -- Fall): Select Plays and the Complete Sonnets cover

Shakespeare in Autumn (Seasons Edition -- Fall):…

Runtime: 15h 56m
Narrator: Nathalie Pownall, Peter Bankole…

Adaptations

These editions play with form and tone, offering new angles on some of the most famous lines ever written. Some interesting work to be found here. Go have a listen at the samples.

Everyday Shakespeare: Lines for Life cover

Everyday Shakespeare: Lines for Life

Runtime: 10h 47m
Narrator: Ben Crystal, David Crystal, Hillary Crys…
Shakespeare’s Sonnets, Retold: Classic Love Poems with a Modern Twist cover

Shakespeare’s Sonnets, Retold: Classic Love Poem…

Runtime: 5h 7m
Narrator: Stephen Fry, Paapa Essiedu, James Anthon…