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.

Episode menu

The Primary Phase, Episode 1 - Fit The First

In which the Earth is unexpectedly destroyed and the great Hitch-Hike begins.

Further details

Arthur Dent is worried about the demolition of his house, whereas visiting alien Ford Prefect is more worried about the demolition of the whole planet by the Vogons, one of the most unpleasent races in the galaxy (not actually evil, but bad tempered, bureaucratic, officious and callous).

Arthur and Ford hitchhike on one of the vessels of the Vogon Constructor Fleet, where Ford offers Arthur the chance of following him as he files entries for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

However, Arthur and Ford are captured by the Vogons and tortured by being forced to listen to their poetry, the third worst poetry in the universe.

The leader of the Constructor Fleet, Prostetnic Vogon Jeltz, offers Arthur and Ford a simple choice: Die in the vacuum of space or tell him how good they thought his poem was!

Broadcast details

Date
Wednesday 8th March 1978
Time
10:30pm
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Length
30 minutes

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Saturday 8th March 2014 6:00pm Radio 4 Extra
Sunday 9th March 2014 12:00am Radio 4 Extra
Sunday 31st July 2016 6:00pm Radio 4 Extra
Monday 1st August 2016 12:30am Radio 4 Extra
Monday 16th April 2018 10:30pm Radio 4 Extra
Sunday 8th March 2020 8:00pm Radio 4 Extra
Monday 20th December 2021 6:00pm Radio 4 Extra
Tuesday 21st December 2021 12:00am Radio 4 Extra
Sunday 9th October 2022 11:00pm Radio 4 Extra
Saturday 15th October 2022 2:00pm Radio 4 Extra
Sunday 16th October 2022 2:00am Radio 4 Extra

Cast & crew

Cast
Simon Jones Arthur Dent
Geoffrey McGivern Ford Prefect
Peter Jones The Book
Bill Wallis The Vogon Captain
Guest cast
Bill Wallis Prosser
Jo Kendall Lady Cynthia Fitzmelton
David Gooderson The Barman
Writing team
Douglas Adams Writer

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