Short History Of... – “Introducing: Jane Austen Stories”

Podcast Host: Noiser
Featured Narrator: Dame Julie Andrews
Date: October 2, 2025
Episode Focus: Taster of new Noiser audiobook/podcast series with Julie Andrews reading "Pride and Prejudice"

Overview

In this special preview episode, Noiser introduces listeners to its latest audiobook project, Jane Austen Stories, beautifully narrated by Dame Julie Andrews. The episode offers a journey into Jane Austen’s world by presenting the opening chapters of Pride and Prejudice. The narration sets the stage for Austen’s blend of humor, romance, social observation, and family drama. The preview is both a celebration of the novel’s enduring charm and an invitation to explore the new series.

Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. Introduction to “Jane Austen Stories”

• Host’s Framing: Noiser presents this as a fresh way to experience Austen’s classic storytelling, promising humor, heartbreak, and romance (00:00–00:38).
• Julie Andrews Welcomes Listeners:
  • Outlines the premise of Pride and Prejudice, its history (written when Austen was 20, initially rejected), and its legendary status (00:38–01:37).
  • Invites listeners to “walk grand estates, take tea with gentlewomen, and enter ballrooms to dance with the most eligible men in the county.”

2. Julie Andrews Reading, Character Introductions & Signature Austen Wit

• Opening Lines: Julie Andrews delivers the famed opening:
  • “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (01:37)
• The Bennet Family:
  • Mrs. Bennet’s obsession with marrying off her daughters, Mr. Bennet’s dry wit, and the household’s preoccupation with new neighbor Mr. Bingley (01:40–03:55).
• First Glimpses of Lizzie (Elizabeth Bennet) & Sisters:
  • Lizzie’s quick wit contrasted with her sisters’ personalities, and Mr. Bennet’s sardonic but affectionate parenting.
• Social Customs & Gender Roles:
  • Full display of rural 19th-century English society, its formalities, and the social stakes of marriage.

3. The Arrival of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy

• Excitement Over Bingley:
  • The family’s anticipation of Bingley at the first assembly.
  • Mrs. Bennet’s persistent maneuvering to see her daughters introduced (06:30–10:15).
  • Notable exchange:
    • Mrs. Bennet: “You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them.” (02:00)
• Ballroom Scene:
  • Breakdown of Bingley’s amiable character vs. Darcy’s proud reserve (14:45–20:45).
  • Quick establishment of Darcy’s social reputation as “the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world.” (20:30)
• Elizabeth Bennet’s Ear for Irony:
  • Lizzie overhears Darcy slight her as “tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me” (22:30), which she retells with amused detachment.

4. Family & Social Dynamics Post-Assembly

• Reactions to the Ball:
  • Mrs. Bennet’s elation at Jane’s prominence with Mr. Bingley; her scorn for Darcy after his snub of Elizabeth (23:50–25:17).
  • Jane and Lizzie’s private discussion about first impressions, agreeableness, and Jane’s tendency to overlook faults (27:47–30:00).

5. Social Circles & Judgments

• Introducing the Lucases:
  • Sir William Lucas’s background and the family's dynamic with the Bennets (32:10–33:05).
  • Charlotte Lucas—the voice of practical wisdom—shares her measured take on Bingley’s preferences and Darcy’s pride (34:00–36:20).
• Vanity vs. Pride:
  • Memorable conversation led by Mary Bennet: “Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain...” (36:55)

6. Segue to Next Episode

• Teaser:
  • Elizabeth’s “revenge” on Darcy, more matchmaking intrigue from Mrs. Bennet, and a Bennet sister’s health crisis previewed for upcoming episodes (40:00).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Julie Andrews’ Classic Delivery:
  • “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (01:37)
• Witty Family Banter:
  • Mr. Bennet, deadpan to Mrs. Bennet: “You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves.” (04:55)
  • Mrs. Bennet: “You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them.” (02:00)
• Darcy’s Famous Slight (on Lizzie):
  • “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.” (22:30, Darcy)
• Lizzie’s Playfulness:
  • “I believe, ma’am, I may safely promise you never to dance with him.” (38:15)
• Mary Bennet on Human Nature:
  • “Vanity and pride are different things... Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.” (36:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–00:38 – Host’s introduction and handoff to series preview
• 00:38–01:37 – Julie Andrews’ opening remarks; background on Pride and Prejudice
• 01:37–12:00 – Andrews reads the iconic first chapters, establishing the Bennet family and core themes
• 14:45–20:45 – Ballroom scene: Introduction of Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy
• 22:30 – Darcy’s infamous slight of Elizabeth, which she overhears
• 23:50–25:17 – Family’s reactions post-ball
• 27:47–30:00 – Jane and Lizzie dissect Bingley, Darcy, and the nature of agreeableness
• 32:10–36:20 – Introduction of the Lucas family; Charlotte Lucas’s and Mary Bennet’s philosophies
• 36:55 – Mary Bennet discusses the difference between pride and vanity
• 40:00 – Teaser for next episode’s drama

Tone and Atmosphere

• Warm, Intelligent, and Witty: The narration maintains Austen’s original tone—sharp, observant, and gently comedic—matched by Julie Andrews’ elegant delivery. The family’s antics come across as endearing and exasperating in equal measure.
• Authentic and Inviting: Listeners are enveloped in 19th-century English countryside life, with its mix of subtle satire and genuine emotion.

Conclusion

This episode provides a captivating snapshot of the new Jane Austen Stories series, combining historical context, social humor, and iconic literary moments. Dame Julie Andrews’ narration highlights the novel’s wit and emotional depth, promising a rich listening experience for both longtime Austen fans and newcomers.

To continue the journey, listeners are encouraged to follow “Jane Austen Stories” in their podcast app.