Another day, another Neil Gaiman adaptation. Does this guy ever take a break?
Following the success of the Good Omens radio adaptation, Gaiman’s Anansi Boys is getting the same treatment. It’s been adapted as a six-part audio series that will air on BBC Radio 4 and iPlayer this Christmas.
The original 2005 novel is a loose spinoff from American Gods, so this is excellent timing for fans of the American Gods TV show. The main characters are two estranged sons of the West African trickster god Anansi (aka Mr. Nancy), only one of whom inherited his supernatural powers.
The adaptation stars British actor and comedian (and original Neverwhere co-writer) Lenny Henry as Anansi, with Jacob Anderson (Grey Worm from Game of Thrones) as the protagonist Fat Charlie, and Nathan Stewart-Jarett (Misfits) as his brother Spider. Mrs. Anansi is played by Angela Wynter, and the supporting cast of humans and gods includes Julian Rhind-Tutt, Ariyon Bakare, and (of course) a brief cameo from Gaiman himself.
Lenny was GLORIOUS. And the rest of the cast were also AMAZING. Earl Cameron! @tanyamoodie @juliehes! Julian Rhind-Tutt! @NathSJarrett Jacob Anderson! EVERYBODY! And the script is by @DirkMaggs! https://t.co/92lAoQZuxC
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) November 22, 2017
Anansi Boys was previously adapted in 2005, but Gaiman was openly unhappy with how it turned out. He seems a lot more excited about this version, adapted by The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy‘s Dirk Maggs.
The series will begin on Dec. 25 at 11.30pm GMT. Overseas listeners will be able to catch it on BBC iPlayer.