Rhea Norwood, Hannah Waddingham, Richard Ayoade Join Jilly Cooper Audible Original
The audio drama, set for release in July 2026, features a star-studded voice cast including Corey Mylchreest, Vivian Oparah, and Bessie Carter.
“Jilly Cooper’s stories are beloved for their wit, warmth and delicious romantic entanglements and A Pressing Engagement delivers all of that in abundance.”
Audible is adapting Jilly Cooper’s short story “A Pressing Engagement” into an audio drama featuring a star-studded voice cast, according to Deadline. The project is set to be released on the platform on July 16, 2026.
The voice cast includes Rhea Norwood, Corey Mylchreest, Hannah Waddingham, Richard Ayoade, Vivian Oparah, and Bessie Carter. The story is set in London in 1978 and follows Hester, a secretary stuck in a monotonous job whose older boyfriend refuses to commit.
What is the story about?
When Hester gets a chance to work for an exciting film producer, she sees an opportunity for change. To leave her current job without breaking her boss’s heart, she hatches a plan to fake an engagement. The catch is that her supposed fiancé, childhood friend Nico, has no idea about the scheme.
Who is behind the adaptation?
The audio drama is adapted by Dare Aiyegbayo, a scriptwriter on the Disney+ series “Rivals,” which was also adapted from a Cooper novel. Sarah Esdaile directs. The production is a collaboration with the Estate of Jilly Cooper, her agent Felicity Blunt, and Happy Prince, the team behind “Rivals.”
Work on the production began before Cooper’s passing in October 2025, with the author involved in early development. The short story was first published in her 1981 collection “Lisa & Co.”
Aurelie de Troyer, Head of Audible Content, International, said the story delivers “wit, warmth and delicious romantic entanglements.” She called it “the perfect escapist listen for summer.”
Felicity Blunt, Cooper’s agent, said, “It is bittersweet to see this glorious adaptation of A Pressing Engagement launch after Jilly’s passing. But she would have been orgasmic to know that more of her characters have been brought so perfectly to life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I listen to 'A Pressing Engagement'?
The audio drama will be available exclusively on Audible. It is scheduled for release on the platform on July 16, 2026.
Is this related to Jilly Cooper's 'Rivals' series?
While both are adaptations of Jilly Cooper's work, 'A Pressing Engagement' is a standalone short story. The adaptation shares creative team members with the Disney+ series 'Rivals,' including scriptwriter Dare Aiyegbayo and production company Happy Prince.
What roles do the cast members play?
The specific character roles for each actor have not been detailed in the initial announcement. The core story centers on Hester, the secretary, and her childhood friend Nico, who is unknowingly part of her fake engagement plan.
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