British Comedy Guide
The cast of the radio series. Copyright: BBC / Above The Title Productions
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy

The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy

  • Radio sitcom
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 1978 - 2018
  • 32 episodes (6 series)

A science fiction radio comedy series written by Douglas Adams that started off the H2G2 multi-media franchise phenomenon. Stars Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Peter Jones, William Franklyn, John Lloyd and more.

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The Quintessential Phase, Episode 1 - Fit The Twenty-Third

In which the tenth planet in the solar system is discovered, an American Trillian has trouble with her handbag, and Ford Prefect discovers something horrible at The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy offices.

Further details

The story begins with the tale of the crew of a Grebulon space ship, who lost all of their memories on the way. They landed on Rupert, the tenth planet in the Earth's solar system. The only bit of their computer memory left tells them to 'monitor', so they do just that.

Arthur has flown around the galaxy for a year and has landed back in ZZ9 Plural Z Alpha in the hope of finding Fenchurch. He is currently on the planet NowWhat (named after the first words spoken on it), and is told a good place to go is the planet Hawalius, a planet of oracles. On arrival, Arthur learns that oracles are going out of business because of future news reports, including those from Trillian.

Zaphod Beeblebrox is back at the offices of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in an attempt to meet Zarniwoop again. Sneaking into the building dressed as a pizza delivery man, he meets with Zarniwoop who promises to explain everything. Ford also sneaks into the building's air vents and finds a robot who he calls Colin. Ford discovers from Zarniwoop that The Guide has been taken over.

Broadcast details

Date
Tuesday 31st May 2005
Time
6pm
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Simon Jones Arthur Dent
Geoffrey McGivern Ford Prefect
William Franklyn The Book
Mark Wing-Davey Zaphod Beeblebrox
Susan Sheridan Trillian
Sandra Dickinson Trillian
Rula Lenska Voice of the Bird
Roger Gregg Eddie
Jonathan Pryce Zarniwoop
Guest cast
Andrew Secombe Colin the Robot
Michael Fenton Stevens Grebulons
Andy Taylor Grebulons
John Challis Prophet
Mitch Benn Information Creature
Lorelei King Gail Andrews
Writing team
Douglas Adams Writer
Production team
Dirk Maggs Producer

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