Making Poldark

By: Robin Ellis

Narrated by: Robin Ellis

Length: 2 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the long-awaited memoir of BBC/Masterpiece Theatre actor Robin Ellis, the original Captain Ross Poldark in the BBC classic television series. This expanded edition includes an all new chapter documenting Robin's return to television as part of the new series produced by Mammoth Screen, on behalf of the BBC and Masterpiece/PBS, with Aidan Turner as the new Poldark.

First broadcast in the 1970s, this saga of thwarted love, passion, and swashbuckling adventure, set against hard times in 18th-century Cornwall, became an international sensation, popular in over 40 countries around the world. The memoir also describes the behind-the-scenes story of the original BBC/Masterpiece Theater series, the ongoing effect of "Poldark perks" on Robin's life, and his transformation into a cookbook author.

©2015 Robin Ellis (P)2015 Robin Ellis

Updating a classic

If you could sum up Making Poldark in three words, what would they be?

Fascinating, Enjoyable, Satisfying

What was one of the most memorable moments of Making Poldark?

This audio book is an update of Robin Ellis's book about his star-making participation in the original "Poldark" series, which, in the 1970's, received frenzied attention in the UK,Europe, and in the US. Ellis's tributes to his fellow actors and author Winston Graham, and his own fine sense of story-telling, always made his book a pleasure to revisit over the years. The bonus in this new audio version, (perhaps one of the "Poldark perks", as he describes it) is that, due to his appearances in the 2015 Poldark series, he is again well-placed to provide new behind-the-scenes insights for us die-hard "Poldark" and Robin Ellis fans.

Have you listened to any of Robin Ellis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

As always,training and experience will out: the author's performance is beautifully-read, and engaging.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Always Poldark

Any additional comments?

I own the print book, but it was a new treat to hear this accomplished actor reading his narrative regarding both the vintage "Poldark" series and the 2015 version.

Brilliantly Awesome Poldark Comes Alive!!!!

Would you consider the audio edition of Making Poldark to be better than the print version?

Yes! Absolutely. I first read this book when I discovered that it was in print. When I learned about the audio version, I couldn't wait to hear it. Even though I read the print version before, it is like I never read the book. Listening to Robin tell the stories with such great detail and colorful descriptive language in his gorgeous British accent brings everything to life. The stories are interesting and funny. Robin is such a good story teller and even if you aren't familiar with the Poldark novels, you will enjoy.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Robin gives listeners the inside view of what its really like to be a professional actor. There were many times when I laughed out loud or became sad just because life is always changing and some things we wish could last forever. Picturing him as a young actor in of all places, Cornwall, in the 1970s with the likes of Richard Morant and Angharad Reese should have every romantic pining.

What about Robin Ellis’s performance did you like?

He adds honesty and is humble which makes the listener love him and the stories even more! He reveals pieces of his personal life, which for fans like me, appreciate. We feel like we are taken in by his generosity.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I like hearing about the transitions of his life. Because he is an artist and also a risk taker, he ends up in places and situations that he never expected. That's what is fun. That is what life should be about. Taking risks and going for it. That's what all of us wish we could do and Robin Ellis has done it.

Any additional comments?

One side comment. As an American, I especially liked hearing how to pronounce Angharad's name properly. I can't recommend this book highly enough. I loved it.

Poldark a real Cornish cream.

Would you consider the audio edition of Making Poldark to be better than the print version?

As soon as I heard Robin's beautiful voice speaking the words I had read so often I knew I was in for a treat and I was. I laughed and cryed,it was like having an old and loved friend for coffee.

What other book might you compare Making Poldark to and why?

One of my favourite books is The Just so book because my father use to read it to me when I was a child, and if I am in doubt or don't know what to do I just pick.up the book and dad is with me and all is well.

Which character – as performed by Robin Ellis – was your favorite?

Ross of course, he introduced me to so many other sides to this very talented actor.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes it did in many ways,the strength, the anger, but most of all the tender love that he possessed.

Any additional comments?

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing the words and Robin's full and rounded inclusion of other members of the cast, and now that the new Poldark is up.and running, his encouragement to the younger actors now taking on these roles,This is the true spirt of a very great actor and man.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good read or listen.

At last!

What a wonderful way to hear from Robin Ellis, at last. The Poldark fans have been waiting for the beloved Ross to resurface.

Bravo, Robin! We have missed you!

An very interesting look behind the scenes

What did you love best about Making Poldark?

I loved that it was written and narrated by the original Ross Poldark. Besides his acting skills, Robin Ellis is a excellent writer and raconteur. I first read the book in the late eighties and thought it felt like having coffee with a friend, confiding bits about his life. It's even better when you listen to the story instead of simply reading it -- since Robin Ellis also does the narration. My wife listened with me and felt the same; she said that it felt like sitting down with Robin and listening to him talk about his life and experiences.

What did you like best about this story?

I really liked learning "behind the scenes" bits about the filming of Poldark. It was also great to learn what Robin Ellis did afterwards - including the "what might have been" of the Poldark reboot at ITV in the nineties. (He was not involved in that, but he had information that was interesting to hear.)

Any additional comments?

I truly think this is a must-listen for any Poldark fan.

Very enjoyable and narration excellent

Robin Ellis does a lovely job of recounting memories of the original show. It is short.

Poldark lives!

Robin Ellis has done a wonderful job of giving me a look into the experience of filming the story that I love. I have enjoyed the 1975 version as well as the 2015 version made for TV. I read all 12 books during this lockdown due to COVID-19. Winston Graham’s story saved my sanity and gave me a group of dear friends that live on in my mind and my soul, and Robin Ellis just took me on a walk in and around Cornwall and the world of Poldark in his very delightful book. I know I will return to it often just as I will the series and the books. Thank you Robin!

So glad to be connected again

It was with great pleasure that I realized that Robin Ellis had written a book about his experiences with Poldark. I loved that show in the 70s and was Delighted to relive in a different way. And it is also very special to get a sense of who Robin Ellis is as a person.

Fantastic!

This book by Robin Ellis has been a favorite of mine since his first edition.
To hear his narrative of his book painted a whole new experience for me into the Poldark world! It's lovely to hear Robin tell certain stories and speak about Cornwall , you feel as if your there.
The parts about the new Poldark series are a great and much needed addition.
Not only is Robin a very good author, but also fine actor... this makes the audible book fantastic !!!

A pleasure from cover to cover

Robin Ellis is not Ross Poldark, but he did do a great job. Love the TV series where Robin played Ross and thought he did an excellent job. This book is really a good read, or listen to. Nothing startling and explained the whys and therefore of not only the TV series but also of Robin Ellis career. I thought in his later years that writing a cook book was a bit of a let down, but as he has Type 2 Diabetes and the cook book answers that, I was a little interested in getting the cook book. Actually I don't cook or have Type 2 Diabetes so perhaps not. Anyway, I enjoyed this short book and really would recommend any one who found the first series entertaining to listen to Robin narrate this book with his skill and matter of fact way.