Andrew Scott & George MacKay reunite for Russell Tovey’s Queer audio drama Starlings; fans explode with excitement: ‘Most unhinged family reunion since Fleabag’

In one of the most buzzworthy casting announcements of 2026, All of Us Strangers star Andrew Scott is joining forces once again, this time through voice, with 1917 actor George MacKay in Starlings, Russell Tovey’s highly anticipated debut novel.

The project, released as a full-cast Audible Original on July 1, dives deep into themes of family trauma, queer resilience and reconciliation in contemporary London. The audio drama is already trending across social platforms as fans celebrate the powerhouse trio and the project’s bold and heartfelt storytelling.


The excitement arises from the rare on-mic reunion of two acclaimed British actors known for their emotionally raw performances. Andrew Scott, celebrated for his vulnerable portrayal of a grieving man in All of Us Strangers and the hot priest in Fleabag, takes on the complex role of Donald.

George MacKay, who delivered a breakout performance in the Oscar-winning war epic 1917 and has since impressed in indie dramas, plays the enigmatic younger brother Owen.

Russell Tovey, beloved for his work in American Horror Story: NYC, Years and Years, and The History Boys, not only penned the novel but also voices a role in the production. The story’s focus on queer identity and family estrangement feels especially timely amid ongoing conversations about LGBTQ+ representation and mental health in media.

Audible’s decision to publish it as a prestige audio drama underscores the platform’s growing commitment to high-profile literary adaptations that appeal to both literary fans and celebrity followers.

Set in the vibrant, multicultural heart of Clapham, South London, Starlings introduces Donald (Andrew Scott), a forty-something aspiring drag queen who has spent years masking deep bitterness behind sharp wit, painted nails, and a chosen family of colourful friends.


Exiled from his northern hometown decades earlier after his father discovered him wearing women’s clothes, Donald has built emotional walls to protect himself from past rejection.

His carefully curated world is shattered when his younger brother Owen (George MacKay) unexpectedly arrives at his door following their father’s death. The brothers are forced to navigate dive bars, glittering drag shows, and buried memories as they attempt to rebuild their fractured relationship.

The narrative blends humour with heartache and hope while exploring how chosen families and queer communities can offer healing where biological ones have failed.

Tovey’s transition from actor to novelist brings authenticity to the project. Drawing from communities he deeply admires, the story reflects real experiences of estrangement, identity and resilience within queer culture. The full-cast format is complete with live performance energy in the drag scenes, which sets it apart from traditional audiobooks.


Andrew Scott leads as Donald, infusing the character with the magnetic mix of vulnerability, charisma, and wit that has defined his recent acclaimed roles. George MacKay brings quiet intensity to Owen, the brother whose return triggers both confrontation and potential redemption.

The impressive supporting cast includes Michele Austin (Hard Truths), Julian Kostov (The White Lotus), and Jason Patel (Unicorns). Real drag performers Dosa Cat, Gigi Zahir, and That Girl lend authenticity to the club and performance sequences, ensuring genuine representation. Russell Tovey himself joins the voice ensemble, creating a deeply personal connection to the material.

The announcement has sparked immediate enthusiasm online. Few fans commented on X-

“Andrew Scott doing a drag queen voice + George MacKay as the brother?? Audible just dropped the most unhinged family reunion since Fleabag met the Hot Priest. Russell Tovey cooking with Starlings”

“Andrew Scott + George MacKay voicing Russell Tovey’s Starlings?! Audible just won. Dream team for a queer family drama. July 1 can’t come fast enough”

“Andrew Scott as a middle aged aspiring drag queen trying to reconnect with his brother? I’m seated. Family mess n queer joy is exactly what we need right now”


“Andrew Scott doing a drag queen voice + George MacKay as the brother?? Audible just dropped the most unhinged family reunion since Fleabag met the Hot Priest. Russell Tovey cooking with Starlings”

“Two talented actors narrating a novel by another actor is a stacked audio book release Tovey clearly has good friends in the industry”

“Andrew Scott and George MacKay? That’s a dream voice cast”

The buzz reflects a broader appreciation for projects that centre authentic queer narratives with top-tier talent. Supporters of Tovey praised his move into writing as a natural extension of his advocacy for LGBTQ+ stories.

Starlings will be available exclusively on Audible starting July 1, 2026. As a full-cast audio drama, it promises an immersive listening experience ideal for commutes, workouts or quiet evenings.

The project could significantly boost the profile of queer audio fiction and encourage more actors to explore original writing. It also signals Audible’s strategy to attract prestige talent for exclusive content, potentially setting a trend for similar high-profile literary adaptations in the audio space.


Tovey shared his passion in a statement to Deadline, revealing,

For Andrew Scott, the role continues his streak of choosing projects with emotional depth. For George MacKay, it offers another opportunity to explore complex familial dynamics. Together with Tovey’s vision, Starlings stands poised to become a standout release of the year.