Bird Island. Image shows from L to R: Jane (Katy Wix), Ben (Reece Shearsmith), Graham (Julian Rhind-Tutt), Mother (Alison Steadman). Copyright: BBC
Bird Island

Bird Island

  • Radio sitcom
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 2012 - 2014
  • 8 episodes (2 series)

Radio sitcom about a scientist working in the Antarctic, written by Katy Wix. Also features Reece Shearsmith, Julian Rhind-Tutt and Alison Steadman.

Key details

Genre
Sitcom
Broadcast
2012 - 2014
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Episodes
8 (2 series)
Stars
Reece Shearsmith, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Alison Steadman and Katy Wix
Writer
Katy Wix
Producer
Tilusha Ghelani
Company

On one hand, Ben is on the trip of a lifetime to Sub-Antarctica. On the other, he's trapped in an icy hell with a dodgy internet connection and a dictaphone. Loneliness is something of a problem.

His fellow travelling scientist Graham should alleviate this, but the tragi-comic fact is, they are nerdy blokes, so they can only stumble through yet another awkward exchange.

Ben experiences all the highs and lows that this beautiful, but lonely place has to offer but fails miserably to communicate this to Graham. So, Ben shares his thoughts with us in the form of an audio 'log'.

Apart from his research studying the Albatross on the Island, Ben attempts to continue normal life with an earnestness and enthusiasm which is ultimately very endearing. We're with him as chats awkwardly with Graham, telephones his mother and as he tries to form a long distance relationship with a woman through Chemistry.com.

In fact, we follow Ben as everything occurs to him. We also hear the pings and whirrs of machinery, the Squawks and screeches of the birds and the vast expanse outside. Oh, and ice. Lots of ice.

Additional details

Production
Studio

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Wednesday 13th June 2012 at 11pm on BBC Radio 4
Next repeats
  1. Series 1, Episode 1: Tomorrow at 11:30pm on Radio 4 Extra
  2. Series 1, Episode 2: Friday 3rd May at 11:30pm on Radio 4 Extra
Most recent repeats

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