"The cream of RADA's acting talent conspire to offer a breathtaking rendition of the Shakespearian sonnets, and then some. With a eight pieces set to music by Annie Lennox, Bryan Ferry, Ladysmith Black Mambazo et al, this was the inspiration of Joy Beresford Frye, contemporary composer Michael Kamen (Die Hard, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, The Winter Guest) and Alan Rickman. The disc comes in an exquisite small book, has 53 tracks, including sonnets read by such accomplished RADA graduates as John Gielgud, Ralph Fiennes, Diana Rigg, Kenneth Branagh and Richard Attenborough. Highlights include Rickman's sultry and intimate rendition of "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun..." (nary a drop of sarcasm to be found) and a show-stopping musical version of "When, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes..." by Rufus Wainwright, which places us all at risk of humming Shakespeare because of it! Profits benefit the training of current and future RADA trainees so as to ensure the future of such exquisite dramatic training.

"Standouts include: Joseph Fiennes' opening from the Tempest (put this on earphones and see if you don't get goosebumps); Alan Rickman's wonderfully deliberate reading of Sonnet 130 (another headphone must, if only to hear him say "goddess"); Juliet Stevenson's playful Sonnet 128; and Richard Johnson's amused rendition of Sonnet 138. Annie Lennox's "Live with me" is lush and gorgeous.

"The words of William Shakespeare are brought to life with these amazing actors, and I find that nothing sounds as brilliant as Shakespeare spoken by the English tongue. To hear Sir John Gielgud speak the Bard's words is a privilege, and when Alan Rickman speaks, well...GOOSEBUMPS. A brilliant CD.

WHEN LOVE SPEAKS

An idea conceived by Joy which developed into a combination of sung and spoken Shakespearean Sonnets. This led to memorable experiences, recording 40 of RADA alumni and co-producing the album with the late Michael Kamen, which culminated in a launch at The Old Vic. View the extensive cast of actors and musicians.

Example: Alan Rickman

My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun

Example:

Annie Lennox

Live with me and be my love

Example:

Rufus Wainwright

When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes