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Episode 1

John Wyndham's science fiction novel adapted by Val McDermid. Performed with the 大象传媒 Philharmonic Orchestra in a terrifying modern retelling of alien invasion and global flooding.

John Wyndham's science fiction novel adapted by Val McDermid. Performed with the 大象传媒 Philharmonic Orchestra in a terrifying modern retelling of alien invasion and global flooding. Starring Tamsin Greig, Paul Higgins and Richard Harrington.

The floods have recently devastated parts of Britain. But what if the flood waters never subsided? What if an apparent meteor shower was actually the invasion fleet of an alien race, incubating in the ocean deeps until they were ready to begin their war of attrition against the human race? What if we were trapped on a drowning planet?

Val McDermid is a long-time fan of Wyndham's work and retells this dramatic novel in light of contemporary fears of climate change.

Recorded with a live orchestral accompaniment from the 大象传媒 Philharmonic. Composer Alan Edward Williams worked with Val to create a brand new 50's B movie inspired orchestral score that takes on the role of the unseen Kraken during the performance .

Episode 1:
Radio reporters Mike and Phyllis Watson are drawn into the story when a Northern Lights cruise spots five fireballs landing deep in the ocean. With other global sightings, social media is agog, for a while. But governments don't lose interest when Twitter does. And when naval expeditions link up with scientists to investigate the deeps there are more shocks in store. Scientists are baffled, though theories abound then a series of disasters makes it indisputable.
There is something down there and humans are under attack.

Performed 'as live' with the 大象传媒 Philharmonic Orchestra
Composer: Prof Alan E Williams
Conductor: Clark Rundell

Director and Producer: Justine Potter
A Savvy production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.

58 minutes

Last on

Sat 14 Apr 2018 15:00

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Credits

Role Contributor
Mike Watson Paul Higgins
Phyllis Watson Tamsin Greig
Becker Richard Harrington
Denzel Richard Harrington
Dr Emma Chisholm Sally Carman
Aziz Abdullah Afzal
Humza Abdullah Afzal
Bill Gareth Cassidy
Jonah Gareth Cassidy
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Nicola Sturgeon
Director Justine Potter
Producer Justine Potter

Broadcasts

  • Sat 28 May 2016 14:30
  • Sat 14 Apr 2018 15:00

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