The Screwtape Letters

The Screwtape Letters Audio Drama

Focus on the Family Radio Theatre has recently released an audio dramatization of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis. In case you’re unfamiliar with The Screwtape Letters, the book contains letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew, Wormwood. The letters detail various ways in which the demon should tempt his "patient". I had read the book over ten years ago and found it very thought-provoking. It is amazing how differently you view your own sins, when you think of them from this perspective.

I have listened to audio books before and I knew that this was more than an audio book, but I had no idea how much more. To say that the producers added sound effects and music to the production just doesn’t begin to describe how amazing this dramatization is. The key word is dramatization.  The role of Screwtape is played by Andy Serkis. He was also the voice of Gollum in the Lord of the Rings movies. He plays the role flawlessly with his voice sounding like evil personified. And his laugh is completely demonic. The drama is not recommended for children. I think this is due to some of the subjects discussed, as well as the intensity of the dialogue.

The audio drama follows the book with some additions. There are discussions between Screwtape and Wormwood as well as between the "patient", John Hamilton, and his mother which are not in Lewis’s original work. I was reminded that I do not personally agree with all of Lewis’s theology, especially his apparent belief that a Christian could lose his salvation. Even with that major disagreement, I find the drama to be a very helpful allegory to think about our temptations and entertaining too.

The set includes 4 audio cd’s lasting 4 hours, in addition to a bonus DVD of extras including interviews with the actors and background information on C.S. Lewis and the writing of The Screwtape Letters. Visit www.screwtape.com to hear previews, learn more about this audio drama, and to purchase your own copy.