Reviews

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Live Radio Show

At the Manchester Opera House, Geoff Hodge enjoys a comedy that’s out of this world.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The  Live Radio Show
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: The Live Radio Show


The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
has been through many forms in its life – originally a radio show but also a series of novels, a TV programme and a movie – so it seems natural that it should now find itself as a live ‘radio' show on the stage.

It features members of the original cast, such as Simon Jones as Arthur Dent, and special guests as the voice of the book – on this occasion, Danny John-Jules of Red Dwarf fame.

As with any show which comes with a ready-made cult following, there is always a worry that the show won't live up to the original or that it will have been adapted that bit too far, but not in this case. This show is a masterpiece, bursting with Douglas Adams' original humour and staying true to the original.

For those new to the Hitchhiker's universe, the show follows Arthur Dent as he is rescued from Earth prior to its demolition to make way for a brand new hyperspace bypass. Surviving run-ins with Vogon poetry and being thrown into deep space, Arthur discovers that the Earth is – or rather was – not all it seemed, and the mice have been keeping secrets from us.

A live band, HD projections, Marvin the manically depressed android and doors with GPP (Genuine People Personality) all make this a truly mind-blowing night out not to be missed.

Whether you are an aficionado of the The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy or a well-seasoned traveller, you'll have a hell of a ride – just "Don't Panic!"

– Geoff Hodge