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# Audio Drama Review: Brevity
- URL: https://www.earwaxmag.com/audio-drama-review-brevity/
- Published: 2026-10-11T20:55:32.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-11T20:55:32.000Z
- Author: EAR•WAX Magazine

by Adam Cecil

What would you do if you, somewhat circuitously, came into possession of an original Banksy? Would you sell it to a wealthy businessman who sees art as an asset class and not a higher pursuit, earning enough to never have to work again? Would you seek to give it back to the public by donating it to a museum? Or would you just hold on to it, hanging it up in your bathroom, hoping no one recognizes it?

Coral doesn’t really want to sell her one-of-a-kind Dioptase—the fictional Charcoal City’s version of Banksy—which she bought for a few hundred bucks at her favorite coffee shop. But she would be silly not to at least hear an offer from the union kingpin Reuben Archambeaux, a corrupt businessman who has spent millions snapping up every other Dioptase work in the city when he’s not busy importing illegal drugs. The thing about Archambeaux that Coral wasn’t ready for? He doesn’t take no for an answer.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/71/a3/71a388b3-754c-48b9-a4ac-39fd038eff37/content/images/2026/10/brevity-art.jpeg)

*Brevity*—both the title of this limited series audiodrama and the Dioptase painting at the center of it—has a thrilling premise that I’ve never seen done in audio fiction before. While parts of *Brevity* rely on familiar tropes, writer and producer Mark Johnston weaves them with fresh ideas into a well-constructed and efficient narrative that doesn’t waste a lot of time on unnecessary story beats. I listened to the first five episodes of the fourteen-episode season for this review and appreciated how short, propulsive, and highly bingeable they are.

The efficiency of the plot doesn’t translate to the narration, however. While Johnston has advertised *Brevity* as an immersive, full-cast audiodrama, it’s much closer to an audiobook with a voice cast. I’m not opposed to narration—it’s a tool like any other in the audio dramatist’s belt—but it needs to add to the story, not detract from it, and Johnston’s narration is often frustrating. It’s written like a book, with superfluous details that slow down the narrative and suck the tension out of scenes.

Dialogue is sparse, with Johnston relying too heavily on the narration to describe character interactions. When we do get extended dialogue, it’s often a relief. Not every performance here is a winner, but standouts like Melissa Jones as Coral’s friend Gem and Dan Paragon as Reuben Archambeaux bring enough charisma to balance out the scenes.

It’s unfortunate that *Brevity*’s ineffective use of narration hinders what is otherwise a thrilling story. A version told entirely through properly immersive sound design and dialogue would be compelling, especially for listeners looking for something outside the oversaturated horror and sci-fi genres. Hell, I’d even take a version with character-driven first-person narration. Having each character narrate their own sections of the story would’ve allowed us to see the city through their eyes and given us heaps more personality and spark.

If the premise intrigues you and you don’t mind audiobook-style narration, give *Brevity* a shot. At just over four hours total, it’s a digestible mini-series that won’t demand too much of you. I’ve got my eye on Johnston—if his next series has as unique a story as *Brevity* and cuts back on the narration, I think he’ll have a winner.