The Book of Strange New Things
by Michel Faber
Adapted for radio by Miranda Emmerson
15 Minute Drama, 06 to 17 October 2014
Omnibus editions, 11 and 18 October 2014
Joe Armstrong, Hayley Atwell and Dougray Scott star in Miranda Emmerson's adaptation of the astonishing new novel by Michel Faber (Under the Skin, Crimson Petal and the White).
Set in the near future, it tells the story of Peter, devoted husband and devoted man of faith, as he is called to the mission of a lifetime, one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Beatrice.
Peter has travelled to a far distant planet, called Oasis, where an enigmatic corporation called USIC have a base. He has been employed as Christian missionary to the native inhabitants - a gentle, peaceable community, who have welcomed Peter to their settlement and are eager to hear the teachings of the Bible, a book they call 'The Book of Strange New Things'.
Narrator ... Dougray Scott
Peter ... Joe Armstrong
Beatrice ... Hayley Atwell
Grainger ... Kelly Burke
Oasan / Tuska ... Mark Edel-Hunt
Jesus Lover Number One / Severin ... Michael Bertenshaw
Jesus Lover Number Five / BG ... Damian Lynch
Jesus Lover Number Four ... David Acton
USIC Psychologist ... Jane Slavin
USIC Doctor ... Elaine Claxton
Other parts played by members of the company.
Directed by Emma Harding
160/44; 157 MB total; sound quality excellent
Episode guide
1/10 Devoted husband Peter faces the mission of a lifetime, galaxies away from his wife.
2/10 Peter starts to explore the USIC base on Oasis but is eager to meet his new flock.
3/10 Peter has his first encounter with his new flock, the planet's enigmatic inhabitants.
4/10 Peter shows his Oasan congregation some photos of life on Earth.
5/10 Peter has to preside over a funeral service of one of his colleagues on the USIC base.
6/10 Bea has big news for Peter.
7/10 From distant Oasis, Peter tries to reconnect with his wife Bea on Earth.
8/10 Bea and Peter's relationship reaches crisis point, as Peter's mission continues.
9/10 Life on Earth pushes Bea to breaking point, while on Oasis, Peter has a curious encounter.
10/10 Peter is horrified to find Jesus Lover 5 gravely ill in intensive care.
Many Thanks To Sad Sack for this post. ---------------------------------- R
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