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 Quandary Phase, Episode 1 - Fit The Nineteenth

In which Arthur Dent discovers that his home planet has somehow popped back into existence, and he meets the woman of his dreams.

Further details

Arthur Dent goes back to Earth after discovering Ford Prefect's extended entry for his home planet in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Ford, whilst creating massive bar tabs and chatting to hookers, also discovers his extended entry in The Guide and plans to go to Earth as well.

Arthur finds that the Earth has not been demolished so he hitchhikes with Rob McKenna, a lorry driver and Rain God, not noticing that he is going the wrong way. Arthur then gets picked up in a car, and instantly falls in love with the female passenger known as 'Fenny', even though she is out cold.

Arthur learns that the people of Earth believe that the Vogon Constructor Fleet, sent to demolish the Earth to make way for a new hyperspace bypass, were just a hallucination. Meanwhile, the Vogons discover that Earth has somehow popped back into existence, resulting in trouble for Prostetnic Vogon Jeltz.

Broadcast details

Date
Tuesday 3rd May 2005
Time
6pm
Channel
BBC Radio 4
Length
30 minutes

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Monday 11th June 2018 10:30pm Radio 4 Extra
Saturday 6th June 2020 6:00pm Radio 4 Extra
Sunday 7th June 2020 12:00am Radio 4 Extra

Cast & crew

Cast
Simon Jones Arthur Dent
Geoffrey McGivern Ford Prefect
William Franklyn The Book
Jane Horrocks Fenchurch
Rula Lenska Voice of the Bird
Toby Longworth Prostetnic Vogon Jeltz
Guest cast
Arthur Smith Barman
Rupert Degas Russell
Bill Paterson Rob McKenna
Bob Golding Vogon Guard
Alison Pettitt Stewardess
Fiona Carew Hooker
Michael Cule Vogon Helmsman
Chris Emmett Evil-looking bird
Chris Emmett Canis Pontiff
Writing team
Douglas Adams Writer
Production team
Dirk Maggs Producer

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