Andrew Scott, George MacKay to star in Russell Tovey’s novel on Audible
June 2, 2026
Audible, a provider of spoken word entertainment, has today announced Starlings, a deeply emotional debut from actor-turned-author Russell Tovey (Years and Years, Looking) that explores the fragile bonds of family and the courage it takes to reclaim your identity. Starring Andrew Scott (Fleabag, All of Us Strangers) and George MacKay (1917, Marrowbone), Starlings will be released exclusively on Audible on July 1st.
Set in the heart of Clapham in London, Tovey makes his literary debut with this moving audiobook exploring family estrangement and queer identity. Starlings introduces Donald (Scott), a forty-something aspiring drag queen, who has spent years masking deep bitterness behind sharp wit and painted nails.
Exiled from his northern hometown after his father discovered him wearing women’s clothes, Donald has avoided confronting his past for decades, surrounding himself with an unruly group of friends as he navigated his identity.
When Donald’s enigmatic younger brother, Owen (MacKay) unexpectedly appears at his door due to their father’s death, Donald is forced to reckon with old wounds as the brothers reunite after years apart.
From visiting drag shows, to dive bars, the novel follows Donald and Owen as they attempt to reconcile their shared history and heal past trauma. Brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast including Michele Austin (Hard Truths), Julian Kostov (The White Lotus) and Jason Patel (Unicorns), Starlings also features iconic drag performers Dosa Cat, Gigi Zahir and That Girl, with Tovey himself appearing in the production. The novel has been crafted specifically for the intimate, immersive medium of audio, using sound design to transport listeners into the vibrant heart of London’s LGBTQIA+ scene.
Tovey commented: “It’s been the biggest privilege to bring this story and these characters alive with the best team at Audible and the most perfect and gifted cast of actors. This is a world and a community that I admire and love so much and hope in turn listeners will fall in love with too.”
Starlings, an Audible Original, will be available on Audible from 1st July at audible.co.uk. Membership may be required.
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