Weyman and Roper win at Audio Production Awards

Actor Daniel Weyman and producer David Roper were the winners in the audiobook categories at the Audio Production Awards, held at the BFI Southbank in London last night (23rd November), and sponsored by Audible.

Roper, managing director of Heavy Entertainment, picked up the Best AudioBook/Readings Producer, sponsored by Voice Squad, from a shortlist that also included Roy McMillan, producer at Penguin Random House, Joanna Green from Pier Productions, Holly Newson at Listening Books, and freelance producer Tamsin Collison. The judges praised the "immersive quality" of his work that drew readers into the story. Picking up the prize, Roper made reference to the importance of producers, saying that it was a "team of people that made audiobooks, not just a narrator".

Weyman was named Narrator of the Year, a new award at the event, sponsored by Sue Terry Voices. He beat fellow actors Clare Corbett and Anna Parker-Naples to the accolade. Weyman praised Alan Bennett for introducing him to audiobooks via the Winnie the Pooh books, and also highlighted the role of producers. "It's vital to have someone in the studio with me reining me in . . . [a producer] who can tell you to get back to the point," he said.

Edith Bowman presented the Audio Production Awards.

The 19 awards were presented by broadcaster Edith Bowman, and organised by the Radio Independents Group. Other winners on the night included Cerys Matthews, Fi Glover, and National Prison Radio.