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Classic Radio Sci-Fi: BBC Drama Collection

Five BBC radio full-cast dramatisations

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Classic Radio Sci-Fi: BBC Drama Collection

By: Stanislaw Lem, Karel Čapek, Mary Shelley, Arthur Conan Doyle, H. G. Wells
Narrated by: William Gaunt, full cast, Robert Glenister, Joanne Froggatt
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About this listen

Five seminal science fiction classics are brought vividly to life in these gripping BBC Radio dramatisations, with casts including Robert Glenister, William Gaunt, Carleton Hobbs and Joanne Froggatt.

Frankenstein (1994) is adapted from one of the first science fiction novels, Mary Shelley's tale of a scientist who tries to play God and creates a monster.

The Time Machine (2009) dramatises one of the first stories to feature time travel, HG Wells' thrilling tale of an inventor who discovers a dystopian future.

The Lost World (1975) is based on a classic fantasy adventure story by Arthur Conan Doyle, whose notion of dinosaurs roaming our world was the inspiration for Jurassic Park.

R.U.R. (1989) is a radio production of Karel Kapek's thought-provoking play which introduced the word robot to the English language.

Solaris (2007) dramatises Stanislaw Lem's pioneering ghost story set in space, both a suspenseful thriller and a philosophical meditation on guilt and the human condition.

Accompanying this collection is a bonus PDF file featuring extensive sleeve notes by Andrew Pixley. Duration: 10 hours approx.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Classics Drama & Plays Science Fiction Radio Classics
All stars
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Loved the stories and imaginative role play and strong characters. Great sound effects and quality of narrative.

Great imaginative stories

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Let’s start things off on a positive note. Solaris (2007) and The Time Machine (2009) are both enjoyable stories dramatised by the BBC. The others not so much.

Frankenstein (1994) is fine, but I’ve already heard the adaptation by Big Finish which is also available on Audible and is far superior (starring Arthur Darvill). Would have enjoyed this production more if I hadn’t heard anything to compare it against.

Same issue with The Lost World (1975). I’ve already got the BBC’s more recent production (2011) and it is much better. Starring David Robb

R.U.R., Rossum’s Universal Robots (1989). There is a good story hidden there, but it is terribly dated. Especially the portrayal of the lead female, Helena Glory. Was glad when it ended. Won’t be listening to it again. Ever.

Previously these five dramatisations were available separately so although I really enjoyed only two of them, for me at least, it still seems good value. Looking forward to reading other reviews of R.U.R.. Do others agree, is it really as bad as I thought it was?

Overall 3-1/2 stars

Two great - Two fine - One really bad

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This great tale was not served well by the strange performances - at one point Frankenstein sounded like someone doing a bad impression of Prince Charles and the monster...well... Do you remember that episode of Blackadder with the actors in it - total luvvies..? Enough said. ‘Ah...daahhling...see how I place...the back of my hand....so very...very dramatically on .... my fore...head. And how I .... place gaps in the...sentences, but only....where no....gap should exist?’ Drama school nonsense. Looking forward to the other stories in the compilation tho!

Only listened to Frankenstein so far...

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How could any one who likes these classics not enjoy this? It was great feeling nostalgic as these dramas covered some of my favourite classic sci-fi in a radio drama format. I had not even read RUR before, but I will after listening to these.

Great classics Condensed.

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Loved all five stories and dramatisation. BBC Radio setting the standards for radio plays. Brilliant!

Fantastic

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