End of an Era: A Conversation with Anne Dover

15 April 2025

After more than 30 years bringing characters to life for listeners around the world, narrator Anne Dover has retired at the age of 82. Her final recording marks the end of an extraordinary chapter for both Ulverscroft and the wider audiobook community.

We caught up with Anne to look back on her career, hear about some of her favourite moments, and discover how she ended up building a studio in a walk-in cupboard.

Let’s go back to the beginning. What led you to narration?
I’d been working as a voiceover artist in TV and for Metro Radio as a newsreader and presenter of my own music programme for a couple of years. Audiobooks weren’t really a thing at the time, I thought they were mainly for kids to listen to in the car! But then a friend of mine, who had lost her sight, came to stay and brought a cassette with her. She said, “This is what you should be doing.” That’s where it all started.

So what happened next?
There was a phone number on the cassette box, which I decided to call the next day and a man called Derek Jones answered. He unknowingly changed my life! He ran a company called Soundings from his house in Whitley Bay. He said he loved the sound of my voice and asked if I could come up the very next day.

How did you build your career from there?
I worked with Derek as my producer for years, as well as with several other studios, but mostly Derek, he just seemed to know which books would suit my voice. He offered me a book a month! When Soundings became part of Isis, that led to new opportunities, as by then the audio industry was becoming a force to be reckoned with. Then COVID struck, and I could no longer travel to Oxford as studios were forced to close. However, some of my colleagues began recording from home, creating their own makeshift studios. I had a walk-in cupboard in my house, and after getting it soundproofed and setting up the equipment (with help), I gave it a go. Thankfully, Catherine (my boss at Isis) listened, approved my attempt and I was back in business! So thanks, Catherine.

Do you remember the first book you recorded?
I wish I did. I had all the cassettes at one point but they’re long gone. I do remember it being from a well-known author. We used to record straight from the printed book, so you’d make notes in the margins and try not to rustle the pages too loudly while recording. It was a very different process back then.

You’ve narrated hundreds of characters. Do any stand out?
Catherine Cookson’s books were a favourite of mine. Her stories were set in the North East and full of strong working-class women. I grew up in County Durham, so I knew those voices. The characters felt real. I used to cry while recording them sometimes, they were so moving.

What do you think makes a great narrator?
Preparation. You have to read the book properly before you step in front of the mic. Understand the characters, their voices, how they speak. Your voice needs to do the acting, without being seen. It’s more than just reading aloud. And your diction has to be clear.

What do you think you’ll miss the most?
Becoming the characters. I loved finding the right tone and voice for each one. It felt like acting, but without needing to learn lines! And having a producer in the studio was lovely. I’ll miss that support too.

Are there any stand out moments from your career?
Yes, I was named Narrator of the Year by the Romantic Novelists’ Association in 2023. I’d been nominated before, but to win it in my final year of work felt very special. The trophy’s on my mantelpiece. It just looks like a block of glass, but I’m very proud of it.

Do you have any advice for anyone starting out in narration?
Be prepared. Take your time with the book. Don’t just turn up and start reading. Think about the characters, their voices, where they’re from. That kind of attention to detail really makes a difference. Also, enjoy it! It’s a wonderful job.

Finally, what are you most proud of when you look back?
I think the fact that I’ve brought so many stories to life. I still get messages and reviews from listeners saying how much they enjoyed a book. That means the world. I’ve been lucky to do work I love for so long.

Thank you, Anne

 

Anne’s voice has become a firm favourite with listeners and libraries alike. Her warmth, humour and exceptional storytelling have helped define the Ulverscroft audiobook experience for decades.

From all of us – thank you, Anne. You’ll always be part of the story.