Received Pronunciation (RP) Accents

Traditional RP, or Received Pronunciation, is an older, more formal version of the non-regional Standard British dialect. It is characterized by its precise, sometimes clipped, articulation and specific vowel shifts that distinguish it from a more contemporary sound. For actors, this accent is valuable for period dramas and roles requiring a classic, authoritative voice. Our archive provides real-world accent examples of Traditional RP speakers, offering insight into the historical and vocal texture of this specific speech style. Study the clips below to hear this accent as it’s spoken in everyday life.

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Noël Coward
Malcolm Muggeridge
Richard Burton
Diana Rigg
Edith Evans
Prunella Scales
Laurence Olivier
Ian Carmichael
John Gielgud
Ralph Richardson