Bloomsbury announces all-female cast and production team for the audio version of Gillian Anderson’s Want

Gillian Anderson and a cast of nine women will narrate the audio version of Want, in which the actor collects and introduces anonymous letters revealing the sexual fantasies of women from around the world.

The cast comprises Georgina Sadler, Jessica Hayles, Amina Zia, Nicolette Chin, Beatriz Do O, Rachel Schwab, Kit Griffiths, Nicolette McKenzie and others who wished to remain anonymous.

The production has been overseen by a women-only team—from project management, casting, script work, sound engineering, producing, editing and proofing. The Bloomsbury Audio team working on this project, spearheaded by Emma Stephenson, said that the intention was to "ensure the actors reading the letters felt like they were in a safe environment".

Sam Halstead, head of audio at the publisher, said: "We knew that creating a safe environment for this recording was crucial in getting the most sincere readings of the letters, so the entire production process has been a solely female endeavour. I feel very privileged to have worked on such a ground-breaking audiobook."

Want will be published by Bloomsbury in hardback, audio and e-book on 5th September 2024. The book is inspired by My Secret Garden (Trident Press/ Gallery Books), compiled by Nancy Friday. As part of this publishing process, Anderson pledged a sum of £500 for each letter that is published in the book, to be split equally between Women for Women International and War Child. Bloomsbury contributed the sum of £50,000 to Women for Women International.

"Want offers a uniquely liberating intimacy in the audio format where listeners can tune in to their own sexualities in the privacy of auditory delight," Halstead said. "It is a true celebration of female sexuality in all its various forms! Our cast features a talented group of women from a range of backgrounds recorded around the globe, not to mention the sublime voice of Gillian Anderson."

Want will be published by Bloomsbury in the UK, Australia, India, Ireland, South Africa and the open markets. Bloomsbury is selling the audio masters to PRH Canada and Recorded Books USA.