1997 Letters From Father Christmas (Derek Jacobi)

Release Date: 1997
Readers: Sir Derek Jacobi, John Moffatt, Christian Rodska
Language: English
Translator: n/a
Organisation: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780008234355
Duration: 2 hours 6 minutes
Unabridged: Yes
Country: UK
Licenced: Yes
Formats: Cassette, CD, Digital

Sir Derek Jacobi is a legendary British actor of stage and screen as a narrator, he brings a “grand old storyteller” energy to the poems. He manages to sound like a Shire elder recounting old rhymes by a fireplace.

This production brings J.R.R. Tolkien’s annual letters to his children to life. The production uses three distinct actors to represent the different authors of the letters, matching the varying “handwriting” found in Tolkien’s original manuscripts:

• Sir Derek Jacobi: Narrates as Father Christmas. His performance is described as warm and “grandfatherly,” perfectly capturing the weary but whimsical tone of the character.
• John Moffatt: Narrates as the North Polar Bear. Known for his refined and dry wit, Moffatt provides the voice for the accident-prone bear who often adds cheeky “asides” to Father Christmas’s letters.
• Christian Rodska: Narrates as Ilbereth the Elf. Rodska provides the voice for Father Christmas’s secretary, who takes over the writing in later years when Father Christmas is too busy or tired.

A defining feature of this production is its festive soundscape. Every letter is separated by short, chirpy arrangements of traditional Christmas carols, most notably variations of Joy to the World. The music was composed by Dick Cadbury and Peter Rinne specifically for this production. The project was produced by Peter Rinne, who was responsible for the cohesive “holiday feel” of the recording.

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