The Monologue Library
The Monologue Library is a vibrant collection of over 50 audio recordings featuring renowned artists performing their favourite theatrical speeches. This free, creative resource is designed for theatre lovers, artists, teachers and students alike.
Originally launched by The Mono Box in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was created to keep the spirit of theatre alive and to inspire creativity during challenging times. Following The Mono Box’s closure in 2023, the project was taken over by Masterclass Trust, continuing its mission to make theatre accessible and inspiring.
Monologue Randomiser
fiona button
As You Like It by William Shakespeare
All monologues available to listen to for free by joining our community.
ben aldridge
Run The Beast Down
A wild hallucinogenic mystery, this is an exhilarating monologue play, combining elements of storytelling, dark comedy and magical realism. Ben reads for Charlie.
thomas aldridge
Hamlet
Set in Denmark, Prince Hamlet attempts to exact revenge against his uncle, Claudius, who has murdered Hamlet’s father in order to seize his throne and marry Hamlet’s mother. Thomas reads Hamlet’s second soliloquy, Act II, Scene ii.
alex austin
Beginners
Beginners tells the story of three families trapped in a waterlogged holiday cottage over summer. Alex reads Sandy’s (the dog) monologue.
joe bannister
Richard II
A story of power and plotting, Richard II is the first of Shakespeare’s four plays about the House of Lancaster. Joe reads Richard’s monologue from Act 5, Scene 5.
max bennett
Tis Pity She’s A Whore
The tale of an incestuous love between Giovanni and his sister Annabella that ends in disaster and death. Set in Parma, Italy, the story takes place against a background of lust, vengeance, and greed that serves as a critique of contemporary culture and morality. Max reads Giovanni’s monologue from Act I, scene ii.
leo bill
The Duchess of Malfi
The play begins as a love story, when the Duchess marries beneath her class, and ends as a nightmarish tragedy as her two brothers undertake their revenge, destroying themselves in the process. Leo reads Bosola’s monologue.
kirsty bushell
Henry IV Part II
Henry IV Part II is about the burden of power, old age and atonement for the past as King Henry dies and Prince Hal accepts the crown. Kirsty reads Lady Percy’s monologue.
fiona button
As You Like It
The play follows Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle’s court, accompanied by her cousin Celia to find safety and, eventually, love, in the Forest of Arden. Fiona reads Phoebe’s monologue.
claire cartwright
Macbeth
Three witches tell the Scottish general Macbeth that he will be King of Scotland and the play tells of the tragic events that follow. Claire reads Lady Macbeth’s Act I Scene vii monologue.
emma corrin
Swallow
The play follows the interweaving lives of 3 women as they face their individual demons. Emma plays Anna. Questions of identity, heartbreak and hope are explored with vivid, poetic intensity.
kenneth cranham
When Earth’s Last Picture is Painted
The poem describes the ‘last’ painting of mother earth and how it will be painted by the ‘good’ people. No matter how this world ends, there’ll always be a new beginning.
The Monologue Library
The Monologue Library is a vibrant collection of over 50 audio recordings featuring renowned artists performing their favourite theatrical speeches. This free, creative resource is designed for theatre lovers, artists, teachers and students alike.
Originally launched by The Mono Box in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was created to keep the spirit of theatre alive and to inspire creativity during challenging times. Following The Mono Box’s closure in 2023, the project was taken over by Masterclass Trust, continuing its mission to make theatre accessible and inspiring.
The redevelopment of The Monologue Library and the commission of education resources were generously supported by Backstage Trust.
