Indira Varma to perform summer audio sensation Gloam
- Colour Editorial
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
AUDIOBOOKS NEWS
W. F. Howes, RBmedia’s UK publishing brand, has cast Indira Varma to voice the audio edition of Jack Mackay’s middle-grade horror debut Gloam, one of the most hotly anticipated children’s fiction titles of the summer. The audiobook will be published simultaneously alongside other formats on 17 August 2025.
Indira Varma is an acclaimed British actress known for her powerful performances across film, television, and stage. A recipient of an Olivier Award, she has gained international recognition for her roles in Disney’s Obi Wan Eknobi, stage productions Macbeth and Oedipus and hit TV series and films such as Game of Thrones, Obsession, Luther and Mission Impossible.
The UK and Commonwealth audio rights for Gloam, in addition to Mackay’s next title, were acquired from Savanna Wicks of Curtis Brown by W. F. Howes’ Acquisitions Editor, Kay Farrell.
Jack Mackay, who is also an actor and co-founder of Griffonage Theatre in York, commented: "I'm thrilled that Gloam is getting the chance to spook young readers in audio as well as in print. Indira was my first choice to be the voice of this story. She's a brilliantly versatile performer who I know will bring Gwen's nightmares warmly and gruesomely to life. I'll make sure to listen at night so the monster under my bed can enjoy it too."
The story follows 13-year-old Gwen who has stifled her grief since her mother died, putting on a brave face for her younger siblings as they move into their late grandmother’s house on Gloam Island. However, there’s an intruder. Esme Laverne may seem sweet and kind, but Gwen isn’t fooled by the new babysitter. As Esme’s supernatural power grows, Gwen has to fight off terrifying creatures and nightmares come to life as she battles to protect her family.
"Gloam is a book that everybody is rightfully excited about and one that publishers really competed for at the London and Bologna Book Fairs this year,” added Kay Farrell. “Mackay is a hugely promising writing talent with a really bright future ahead of him in children’s books. As soon as I read his work I instantly knew that audio would be a natural home for his pacey style, and I can’t wait to hear how Indira brings this masterpiece to life for our younger listeners.”