Journey into Space: The Host

The BBC Radio Sci-Fi Drama

By: Charles Chilton

Narrated by: Alan Marriott, Chris Pavlo, David Jacobs, Full Cast, Jot Davies, Toby Stephens

A further BBC Radio episode of the classic science fiction series created by Charles Chilton.

In this exciting adventure, Jet Morgan and his crew receive a distress call from an abandoned space freighter. But when they board the ship, Jet and Doc discover a digitised personality locked inside the ship's computer - one with a deadly intent. The crew must find a way to defeat the vastly superior Host: for if they fail, they will not only all perish, but mankind will become a dispensable stepping stone to a new chapter in evolution...

Between 1953 and 1958, Journey into Space attracted millions of listeners, gripped by the mystery and promise of space exploration in weekly cliffhanging instalments. Toby Stephens stars as Jet Morgan, with David Jacobs - who appeared in the original radio series - as the Host, Chris Pavlo as Mitch, Alan Marriott as Doc and Jot Davies as Lemmy.

Also included are 10 minutes of behind-the-scenes out-takes from the radio recording.

Production Credits
Written by Julian Simpson.
Original music and sound design by David Chilton.
A Goldhawk Essential production for BBC Radio 4.

Cast
Jet - Toby Stephens
Doc/Enceladus Control - Alan Marriott
Lemmy - Jot Davies
Mitch - Chris Pavlo
The Host - David Jacobs
Edie - Jana Carpenter
JJ Andreev - Basher Savage

First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 June 2009.

©2010 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2010 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Critic reviews

A fast-paced, innovative script is supported by excellent voice acting and sound effects, fully immersing the listener into the story. A first-rate return for a classic sci-fi series, and an excellent audio play in its own right

thanks to a mix of cryogenics and nostalgia, spacefaring '50s-style will linger in our imaginations for a while yet

Fun Early Space Adventure

I discovered this when looking for more titles by Julian Simpson. He is a British writer and director whose works I greatly enjoy. First I will mention this title and then what he is becoming known for.

I had not heard of this classic radio show that predated Dr. Who. This particular episode holds up well, even though it was written in 2009. The production is fantastic and easy to follow with a great storyline. Noted actor Toby Jones has the lead and the rest of the cast is fantastic. I really enjoyed this and it includes some outtakes at the end.

Now for why I searched for more works. If you are an HP Lovecraft fan, you must hear the superb Lovecraft Investigations podcast. It's available on Apple and Spotify. There are four seasons all based on works by Lovecraft-The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, The Whisperer in the Darkness, The Shadows of Innsmouth and the Haunter in the Dark. All have been updated to current times with great twists. This series is outstanding and is a shame the BBC chose not to continue it. Simpson wrote these and has more titles coming. Fun fact, his wife, actress Jana Carpenter is in the podcast series as Kennedy Fisher and in the The Host as well. There is a great group for the Lovecraft Investigations fans on Facebook with more information. Unfortunately, the Lovecraft Investigations are not on Audible, but Aldrich Ames is, another show that ties into it is.

Fun.

A nice little sci-fi adventure with quality acting, sound effects and plotting. A very enjoyable listen. Toby Stephens has a great voice.