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

DOWN RIGHT BRITSH: HAVING FUN BOOK

If you could sum up The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy in three words, what would they be?

The left side of the brain thinking, outrageous and fun stories. Kind of Monty Python fun

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy?

42....and recreation of Earth....and of course the Guide book itself to help explain EVERYTHING ELSE...enjoy and have a good laugh

Any additional comments?

All of sequels are just AS ENJOYABLE

finally someone writes how I imagine

a gripping intelligent adventure that makes no apologies for its science theory based high level indulgences. thank you Douglas for engaging me whole-y

Just what the robot ordered

The radio plays are northeastern as the books, bust just as funny. Done as the original radio scripts that started it all.

A Giant of British Science Fiction .

Douglas Adams has become immortal with this telling of a man's journey through existence unwittingly searching for truth. Narration done effectively in language that commands attention for a ride into reality.

not technically a book but...

I wish dramatized radio shows would make a comeback. This is one of the best of all time.

An Enjoyable Listen

I haven't read The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy books in about ten years. So, I really enjoyed listening to this book. It was fun and brought back some of my favorite parts of the story that I had forgotten about. At times, the audio quality wasn't too great as the background noises would overpower the voices or some of the voices were just plain hard to understand. The music is definitely a flashback to 1978. If you get a chance, I recommend this audio drama if for no other reason that to experience how the rest of the world was first introduced to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Just like I remembered it! Maybe better!

I first listened to the radio broadcast of Hitchhiker's in 1980. It was only aired once and served as my introduction to the books, TV series, and all things Douglas Adams. It was such a pleasure to find the original version, tidied up, and available to listen to again. I cannot say enough about the casting or the humor that stills tickles me today. If you have never experienced laugh out loud science fiction, this is the genre at it's very finest. Do yourself a favor and get this broadcast today!

Classic radio broadcast

This takes me right back to my teenage self, sitting by the radio for each episode. It is the original radio broadcast in its entirety. I can still recite parts I heard 40 years ago. Anyone with love for the Hitchhikers Guide should definitely get this!

So much fun!!!

This story and production are a lot of fun to listen to. The story is very offbeat and told in a fun way. The narration is fantastic.

A Must for Hitchhiker fans

On Wednesday, March 8th, 1978, listeners to BBC Radio 4 first learned about what is perhaps the most remarkable, certainly the most successful book ever to come out of the great publishing corporations of Ursa Minor, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the galaxy. Now, at long last, it's available through Audible! Hear how it all started. This came before the books, before the TV series and before the movie. Get it now! Don't think twice! Don't miss any of the adventures of Arthur Dent, Ford Prefect and the other characters as they take you with them on a romp through the galaxy you'll never forget! If you think you know it all because you read the books, think again. And, most of all, Don't Panic!