Today we have a review of a new audio drama you might be interested in called The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty: Under Drake’s Flag. It is adapted from a book and follows Ned Hawkshaw as he travels with the 16th century English sea captain Sir Francis Drake through many adventures and battles on the high seas. Although not affiliated with Focus on the Family, this drama features the talents of Adventures in Odyssey sound designers Mark Drury and Rob Jorgensen, writer John Fornof and composer John Campbell. You can find out more information about this drama and purchase your own copy at HentyAlive.com. And you can read our full review of Under Drake's Flag below.
Our Review ★★★★★
By David
Under Drake’s Flag is a masterful compilation of exciting events crafted into a single narrative. The audio drama is so top-notch it feels like it belongs in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre’s collection. The quality of the story, the acting and the production all measure up. The narrator, played by Brian Blessed, in my opinion is the star of the show. He in particular did a very good job as he described the story and, instead of slowing down the action as sometimes narration can, his performance only added to the intensity and the drama. Along with the sound design, the details he provided in his narration helped to craft the scenes and make the action seem real.
Speaking of action, this voyage is non-stop action from start to finish. If you’re planning on listening to it be prepared for a rollercoaster, or perhaps I should call it a hurricane, of endless adventure. From sea battles to imprisonment, from the slave trade to the Spanish Inquisition, this drama never slows down. It certainly keeps you on the edge of your seat. It ignites your imagination as you follow your newfound heroes traversing the high seas through unexpected perils. The excitement and adventure keeps on coming for the full two hours.
But in the midst of all the action the story doesn’t get lost. Again and again we return to the internal struggles of the main character, Ned Hawkshaw. The importance of trusting in God, loving one’s enemies and showing mercy are themes which run throughout the drama. In this story Ned becomes a man. But it’s more than your average coming of age story. It’s a story of learning to be courageous in the face of crushing fear, a story of navigating through life with the Bible as your guide. History comes alive as it is told in an exciting way from a Christian perspective.
The connections the characters make with the audience as well as the action and humor all work together to keep listeners engaged. The story moves from adventure to adventure at a swift pace all the while maintaining its characters’ individual journeys and its core purpose. All in all it is a lot of fun and skillfully reveals deep truths. This audio drama has earned a well-deserved rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
By David
Under Drake’s Flag is a masterful compilation of exciting events crafted into a single narrative. The audio drama is so top-notch it feels like it belongs in Focus on the Family Radio Theatre’s collection. The quality of the story, the acting and the production all measure up. The narrator, played by Brian Blessed, in my opinion is the star of the show. He in particular did a very good job as he described the story and, instead of slowing down the action as sometimes narration can, his performance only added to the intensity and the drama. Along with the sound design, the details he provided in his narration helped to craft the scenes and make the action seem real.
Speaking of action, this voyage is non-stop action from start to finish. If you’re planning on listening to it be prepared for a rollercoaster, or perhaps I should call it a hurricane, of endless adventure. From sea battles to imprisonment, from the slave trade to the Spanish Inquisition, this drama never slows down. It certainly keeps you on the edge of your seat. It ignites your imagination as you follow your newfound heroes traversing the high seas through unexpected perils. The excitement and adventure keeps on coming for the full two hours.
But in the midst of all the action the story doesn’t get lost. Again and again we return to the internal struggles of the main character, Ned Hawkshaw. The importance of trusting in God, loving one’s enemies and showing mercy are themes which run throughout the drama. In this story Ned becomes a man. But it’s more than your average coming of age story. It’s a story of learning to be courageous in the face of crushing fear, a story of navigating through life with the Bible as your guide. History comes alive as it is told in an exciting way from a Christian perspective.
The connections the characters make with the audience as well as the action and humor all work together to keep listeners engaged. The story moves from adventure to adventure at a swift pace all the while maintaining its characters’ individual journeys and its core purpose. All in all it is a lot of fun and skillfully reveals deep truths. This audio drama has earned a well-deserved rating of 5 out of 5 stars.