The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Primary Phase (Dramatized)

By: Douglas Adams

Narrated by: Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore, full cast

Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

A dynamic remastering of the original BBC Radio 4 full-cast serial - Fit the First to Fit the Sixth - which spawned a phenomenal hitchhiking legend.

The original series of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, remastered by Dirk Maggs (director of the Tertiary, Quandary and Quintessential Phases) to give a full, vibrant sound, now with Philip Pope’s version of the familiar theme tune and specially re-recorded announcements by John Marsh.

Join Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect, Trillian, Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the Paranoid Android in their first series of adventures as they witness the destruction of Earth to make way for a hyperspace bypass, stumble upon the ancient planet of Magrathea, dine at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe and seek an answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and everything.

Peter Jones, Simon Jones, Geoffrey McGivern, Mark Wing-Davey, Susan Sheridan, Stephen Moore and a full supporting cast star in these BBC Radio 4 episodes.

A special 55-minute bonus programme, Douglas Adams's Guide to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, explores the genesis of the radio series and its incredible success, with contributions from the original cast and production team.

Audio files were replaced in April 2021.

©2008 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2008 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

A remake?

If one expects this version to be a copy of the BBC radio show....it isn't. The story and script is executed with similar voices and subtle changes in wording. "New and Improved" applies with a positive sense that will not disappoint an old listener like me. I found it fun to listen as was the original broadcast. The mental images painted by the Douglas Adams verbiage are bright and a hoot to hear. It is simply a fun listen.

Don't Panic…it's good even in it's original form.

What did you love best about The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy?

This is the story that launched a franchise of telling the same/similar story over and over again.

Hitchhiker's via radio

If you enjoy radio programs, this combines audio books and radio beautifully. Enjoyed every minute and the post scripts.

Don't Panic

A must buy... Mostly Harmless ;)
I'm so happy I'm emotional :')
Wish there were more radio plays of this kind... Wish Mr Adams were still around...
Anyway... If you haven't read the book then please buy and listen. And if you've read the book then you don't need me to tell you that this masterpiece is essential :)

A book with many faucets to it

The comedy, the science fiction, the English buggery all comes together to create this classic of a novel. This is a great version of the series.

It's Hitchhikers, man!

What's not to love?
First segment of the radio plays. Cast & crew comments afterward.
Interesting and scratched my itch for details on how the series & book came about.

Not what I expected.

I did not realize this was an old radio broadcast. Interesting comedy, but I don't plan to listen to it again.

The best of what is to come.

The beginning of one of the best sifi stories ever told. A must read \listen if you would ever consider your self a nerd and want to alienate one's self from conversation with other mammals. The jokes are amazing and I wish Mr. Adams was alive today.

a radio classic

Douglas Adams is a master of the comedic sci-fi, the voice acting and sound desgin is spot on. one of the great radio classics i have a deep love of radio shows and am constatly on the hunt for another master piece and i am proud to add it to my colection.

A fun version of a favorite story

I've read the novel of Hitchhiker's Guide several times, and listened to its audiobook once. When I found out that the original radio dramas were available on Audible, I jumped at the chance, because I'd always been curious about those.

The story is great fun as always, the actors are great, and the mini-documentary after the episodes is a nice bonus. Unfortunately, the sound reproduction of the drama is kind of murky and made it hard for me to understand a few of the lines, especially ones where the performers' voices were heavily modulated. That's the main reason it gets four stars overall.