In news that’s not entirely unexpected but nevertheless very welcome, Chris Barrie is the voice of the Red Dwarf: Titan audiobook, which will be released alongside the hardback and ebook on July 16th. We’re looking forward to some competent (by design) impressions, now we have our man in place who’s utterly suited to the role. All rather exciting, frankly.

There’d probably have been riots if it wasn’t Chris, but it’s never guaranteed that the most desirable option is the one that becomes reality. Thankfully this is yet another aspect of Titan that just feels right. The only way it could be more perfect is if it was released on a boxset of six audio cassettes instead a digital file, such as the one you can pre-order now from Audible. That listing confirms that the audiobook is unabridged, and gives a running time of ten hours. Beautiful.

Here are some similarly reassuring words from other people:

Chris Barrie said:
‘I am finding Red Dwarf Titan to be a very entertaining read. Recording any Audiobook is always a challenge with so many characters to cover, but Red Dwarf Titan, loaded as it is with laugh-out-loud lines and situations, is simply a joy!’

Co-author Andrew Marshall said:
‘I’m delighted that the portrayer of Arnold J. Rimmer himself, the fabulous multi-voiced Chris Barrie will be reading the audiobook of Red Dwarf Titan, and I’m certain that Rob would be too. In fact we would be noisily competing as to whom was the most delighted. Currently that’s me.’

One month to go until the first Red Dwarf novel in thirty years. One. Month.