Podcast has chance to persuade critics, audiences

A BALLARAT National Theatre-produced podcast is in line for international honours.

Inspired by the Jane Austen novel, the Persuasion Podcast – directed by Liana Emmerson – has been nominated for a pair of Webby Awards in the category of podcasts – scripted (fiction).

The winners will be announced at the 29th Annual Webby Awards in New York City on 12 May.

The theatre’s Evelyn Zeven said members are honoured to be nominated and to represent community-driven theatre and storytelling on a global stage.

“So far, the story has been downloaded over 44,000 times in 138 different countries,” she said.

“BNT has been getting online fan mail from all over the world but in particular from listeners in America.”

It is the second time the theatre has been in contention for a Webby Award.

In 2021, their Pride and Prejudice Podcast – also directed by Emmerson – won honouree recognition, earning a place in the top 10 of the same category.

The Persuasion Podcast is billed as a cinematic audiobook that transports listeners to 19th century England, immersing them in the life, loves and longings of Anne Elliot.

The production features a talented ensemble of 21 volunteer actors, rich ambient soundscapes, and evocative original music composed by Sarah Barlow, Emmerson, and Helen Gibson.

It also features live music performed by students and staff of Ballarat Grammar’s Academy of Sound.

The Webbys are widely regarded as the internet’s highest honour, equivalent to an Academy Award for digital excellence.

Attracting nearly 13,000 submissions from around the world, Persuasion Podcast has earned a place among the top 12 per cent of all entries and is one of only five nominees in its category, standing alongside industry giants such as Audible.

Nominees from previous years include industry giants such as the BBC, Comedy Central, and HBO.

Emmerson could not be more thrilled to have scored a second Webbys nomination.

“If I had a dollar for every time I was recognised by the Webbys, I’d have two dollars – which isn’t much, but it’s very cool that it’s happened twice,” Emmerson said. “Getting recognition through the Webbys is a once-in-a-lifetime thing.

“To have that opportunity twice is rare and a very justified reward for the team that volunteered enormous amounts of time to make it happen.

“Now their work won’t be in the shadow of the recognition of the previous audiobook podcast.”

As a nominee, Persuasion Podcast is in the running for two major awards: The Webby Award selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and The Webby People’s Voice Award voted by the public.