Don't Panic: The Definitive Guide to BBC's Hitchhiker's Radio Saga
Did You Know? The series was the first BBC radio comedy recorded in stereo—with sound effects mixed *live* using tape loops strung around the studio!
How a Drunk Idea Became a Galactic Phenomenon
In 1978, Douglas Adams transformed a drunken epiphany in an Innsbruck field into the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a radio series that redefined sci-fi comedy. This groundbreaking production featured:
- Stereo sound (a first for BBC radio comedy)
- Eclectic music from Pink Floyd to Terry Riley
- Impeccable casting, including Simon Jones as Arthur Dent and Peter Jones as The Book
- Experimental sound design by the BBC Radiophonic Workshop
🎙️ Behind the Scenes:
"We recorded Marvin the Paranoid Android in a cupboard to get that isolated, depressed sound. Stephen Moore didn't meet the cast until after the first session!"
- Geoffrey Perkins, Producer
✉️
"Adams originally pitched 'The Ends of the Earth'—each episode would destroy Earth differently. The Guide was a last-minute addition!"
- Hitchhiker's Scriptbook
The Complete Hitchhiker's Audio Saga
📻 Primary Phase (1978)
The original radio series that started it all, broadcast on BBC Radio 4.
🌌 Secondary Phase (1980)
The continuation of the story beyond the first novel's events.
🛸 Tertiary Phase (2004)
Adaptation of "Life, the Universe and Everything" with surviving original cast.
📡 Quaternary Phase (2005)
Adaptation of "So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish".
🌠 Quinary Phase (2005)
Adaptation of "Mostly Harmless" with a new Book narrator.
🌀 Hexagonal Phase (2018)
The final radio installment, adapting Eoin Colfer's "And Another Thing...".
🎙️ Audio Preservation Note:
These recordings are preserved by the Internet Archive. For optimal experience:
- Use headphones for the full stereo effect (especially Primary Phase)
- Listen sequentially - the story builds wonderfully
- Don't forget your towel
The Voices Behind the Chaos
👨🚀 Simon Jones
Arthur Dent (the original "hoopy frood")
📖 Peter Jones
The Book (voice like "a galaxy explaining itself")
🤖 Stephen Moore
Marvin (recorded in a cupboard for maximum gloom)
🎸 Eagles
Theme music ("Journey of the Sorcerer")
Which phase is your favorite?
Primary's chaos? Tertiary's cricket lore? Email your picks!
Listener Memories
Dave (Cambridge)
"I taped Fit the Sixth off the radio in 1978 and wore out the cassette replaying the 'Infinite Improbability Drive' scene. My cat still hides when I shout 'Praise the Great Green Arkleseizure!'"
Lisa (Toronto)
"The 2004 revival made me cry—hearing Arthur meet Fenchurch with William Franklyn's narration was like getting a postcard from Douglas himself. Then Marvin 'died' and I cried harder."
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