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3. First Encounters

Episode 3 of 10

Peter has his first encounter with his new flock, but letters from his wife back on Earth tell of hardship. Stars Hayley Atwell.

Peter is a devoted husband and devoted man of faith.

He's called to the mission of a lifetime.

It's one that takes him galaxies away from his wife, Beatrice.

USIC pharmacist Grainger drives Peter out to the nearest settlement for his first encounter with his new flock - the planet's enigmatic native inhabitants.

But the letters from his wife Beatrice back on Earth tell of food shortages and natural disaster.

Set in the near future, Michel Faber's powerful novel, first published in 2014.

Starring Joe Armstrong, Hayley Atwell and Dougray Scott.

Adapted by Miranda Emmerson.

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

Director: Emma Harding

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2014.

15 minutes

Last on

Thu 30 Oct 202503:45
BBC Radio 4 Extra

More episodes

Previous

2. The Explorer

Next

4. Photographs

See all episodes from The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber

Credits

NarratorDougray Scott
PeterJoe Armstrong
BeatriceHayley Atwell
GraingerKelly Burke
OasanMark Edel-Hunt
TuskaMark Edel-Hunt
Jesus Lover Number OneMichael Bertenshaw
SeverinMichael Bertenshaw
Jesus Lover Number FiveDamian Lynch
BGDamian Lynch
Jesus Lover Number FourDavid Acton
USIC PsychologistJane Slavin
USIC DoctorElaine Claxton
AdaptorMiranda Emmerson
AuthorMichel Faber
DirectorEmma Harding

Broadcasts

  • Wed 8 Oct 201410:41
    BBC Radio 4
  • Wed 16 May 201818:15
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 17 May 201800:15
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 4 Mar 202019:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Wed 29 Oct 202508:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 29 Oct 202513:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 29 Oct 202519:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 30 Oct 202503:45
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

Dougray Scott and Hayley Atwell on making The Book Of Strange New Things

Dougray Scott and Hayley Atwell on making The Book Of Strange New Things

The cast on making radio drama