The British Audio Awards 2026
Mon Nov 23, 2026
17:00 - 22:00
The British Audio Awards - aka 'The Speakies' - is a prestigious awards dedicated to celebrating excellence in audiobooks, audio drama and podcasts, brought to you by The Bookseller and The Stage.
Introduction
The UK’s leading celebration of audio storytelling returns.
Now in its second year, The British Audio Awards, aka the Speakies, are back to honour the exceptional talent behind the audiobooks, audio dramas, and now podcasts, captivating listeners across the UK. With brand new categories spanning the full breadth of spoken-word entertainment, the Speakies continue to champion the people, productions and performances that bring stories to life through sound.
In a world of distractions, domesticity and disillusionment, audio has the power to transform everyday moments into extraordinary experiences. Your kitchen? Now a glittering ballroom. Your commute? A journey through distant galaxies. Your life? Whatever you imagine it to be.
So pop your headphones on and join us in our second year of celebrating the best in audio storytelling.
For any queries, email speakies@thebookseller.com
Awards Step
Categories & Criteria
Default Step
Event & Sponsorship Info
Sponsorship Opportunities
Benefit from incredible brand visibility at one of the newest and most exciting events in the arts and publishing industry.
We have a number of sponsorship available at The British Audio Awards to suit all organisation types and sizes; from sole sponsorship of a specific award category through to a supportive role for the awards as a whole.
All contributors will help to create a truly special experience for shortlistees and guests.
To find out more contact sales manager sarah.dumay@thestage.co.uk
Timeline
Submissions open
Submissions deadline closes
Shortlist announcement
The Speakies Awards Ceremony
Testimonials
As a customer of audiobooks, I’m so thrilled; I listen to something every day, it’s part of my life. So it’s something to celebrate that and applaud that industry and all the hard work that’s going on.
David Tennant
I was so excited to come here tonight. It’s so fulfilling to work in a medium that’s so reliant on your vessel and your craft. You can play anyone. It’s really true acting. It’s so nice that there’s an award ceremony for audio.
Ncuti Gatwa, 2025 winner of Best Audio of the Year & Best Performance
The Speakies feels quite significant. It's a growth industry, and audiobooks have changed so much, they're so much more dynamic. They're here to stay.
Sally Phillips, actor and host of the 2025 Speakies
There’s this amazing symbiosis between the written and the spoken word, and I think the industry has recognised that now... when I’m at pitch meetings the audiobook is in conversation from the very first meeting.
Juno Dawson, 2025 winner of Best Audiobook: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Featured News
Jilly Cooper, Patrick Ness and Sarah Wynn-Williams among inaugural Speakies winners
Audiobooks by Jilly Cooper, Sarah Wynn-Williams, Juno Dawson and Patrick Ness were among the winners of the inaugural British Audio Awards
Ncuti Gatwa and Roy Williams win at inaugural audio storytelling awards The Speakies
Ncuti Gatwa and Roy Williams are among the artists to triumph at the first iteration of The British Audio Awards, also known as The Speakies
Videos
Video: The Speakies highlights reel
Check out the video highlights from the inaugural British Audio Awards - aka The Speakies
Video: The Speakies winners 2025
Meet the first ever winners of The British Audio Awards - aka ’The Speakies’
Video: Listen to what attendees had to say...
See what the guests at the inaugural British Audio Awards had to say about 'The Speakies'
Video: Why is audio important?
The Speakies judges reflects on the power of audiobooks to change hearts and minds, and explain why they are a performer’s dream medium.
Video: Which audio format is best?
We asked our judges what was their favourite type of audio content: audio drama, audiobook or podcast?
All Judges
Laura Aikman
Tim Bano
Michelle Elman
Stuart Evers
Nathan Hull
Pearl Mackie
Laura Mucha
Shini Muthukrishnan
Patricia Nicol
Michael Schaeble
Tyrell Williams
The British Audio Awards Sponsors
