A conversation with Thomas Cardwell, Narrator of The Red Flag
By Julia Maiola
Captain Stephen Boswell sails under
the red flag, a symbol of no mercy. It’s the only reason he has lived this
long. The only reason the Navy has not found him yet. But they are closing in.
And if they catch him, they will execute him for piracy.
Ten-year-old Alice Bradford doesn’t
know why she is alive. When Captain Boswell found her hiding on his ship, she
expected him to kill her, and it seemed his own crew had expected likewise. But
now she is his prisoner and she fears that she will be forever. Somehow,
though, it seems that the captain might be more afraid of the Navy than she is
of him. Something from his past has him ill at ease, Alice realizes. Even if
the Navy cannot bring him to his knees, his own paranoia will. A gripping,
fast-paced story about one of the last pirates of the Golden Age of Piracy and
his fight for survival.
Hi Thomas, welcome to Myths, Legends, books and Coffee Pots… It is so
wonderful to have you on the blog. How did you get into Audiobook Narration?
Well, it probably started when I was little. My Dad
would read stories to me. He would always give all the characters their own
individual voices and bring the story to life. Since then I’ve primarily worked
in Theatre, often musicals, Shakespeare, or Children’s theatre - I always enjoy
the challenge of playing multiple characters in the same show, finding ways to
make them into different, believable people. I’ve also previously done a little
announcing type voice work, and then really started audiobook narrating at the
end of 2018.
How is audiobook narration different from other acting?
I’d say the biggest two differences are: First, the number
of different characters you play. I think the most different people I’ve played
in one show was about seven, in ‘Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson’. In most plays
though, I’ll only play one person, or at most two or three. Compare that with
at least 35 different characters in ‘The Red Flag’! Secondly, you get to play a
wider range of characters, because you portray all of them, including ones you
have no physical resemblance to - for example Alice Bradford. And then, of
course, you’re using your voice to create not just those characters, but also
the world of the story for the listener too, which is a fun challenge.
What attracted you to working on this project?
I’ve always had an interest in Pirates – Muppet
Treasure Island was one of favorite films as a kid. I’ve played a pirate before
in a stage adaption of the book, ‘How I Became a Pirate’ (and also the holiday
themed sequel, ‘Jingle Argh the way!’) Julia’s approach to the historical
accuracies of the time period drew me in too. I also really enjoyed the way the
story is essentially told through the eyes of both Boswell and Alice.
Do you have any other experiences with Historical fiction?
I’ve performed and directed quite a few plays by Shakespeare,
if they count as historical fiction? I’ve adapted Dracula into a Family
Friendly Musical Comedy and have also adapted one and a half Sherlock Holmes stories
into plays. (One of those has been produced, the other one I’m still working
on… hence one and a half.) In terms of narrating work, that leads into the last
question…
What’s next for you?
I’m looking forward to the release of my latest
audiobook ‘The Mysterious Affair at Styles’ which I’ve just completed my narration
work for. Hercule Poirot was a fun character to take on!
Pick up your audio copy of
The Red Flag
About the Narrator
Thomas Cardwell is a fearlessly silly actor with a
giggle that could turn lead to gold. With an almost accidental charm, he’s the
Favorite Uncle, or the Goofball Best Friend. An International Man of Mystery, a
part-time Pirate, and an occasional mustache-twirling villain. Also a Director
and Writer, he co-founded EclecticPond Theatre Company in Indianapolis, and
served as its Artistic Director for six years. Uncle to six incredible humans,
Dog Dad to two fantastic pups, and Husband to one amazing lady.
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See you on your next coffee break!
Take Care,
Mary Anne xxx