The Golden Record
4 Extra Debut. A love story in science and sound based on the real romance of those tasked with sending a mix tape to space. Stars Kerry Shale.
The Golden Record was one of two phonograph records on the Voyager spacecraft, containing sounds and images of Earth's life and culture - a cosmic message in a bottle to outer space. It was created by a team lead by Carl Sagan, and there is a real love story behind the science.
Carl Sagan was an author, astronomer and sceptic who popularised science. In 1977 he was tasked, with his colleague Ann Druyan, writer, activist and academic, with creating a 'golden record', a compilation of sounds and images to be launched into space. This disc would represent life on Earth, a greeting to worlds light-years away.
Sagan and Druyan raced against time to perfect 'the ultimate mix-tape', and fell in love. It was not straightforward – Sagan was already married. However, in one phone call, they agreed that whatever lay ahead, they needed to be together.
They were together until Sagan's death in 1996. In 2012, the Voyager spacecraft left our solar system forever.
Written by Duncan MacMillan and Effie Woods.
Carl Sagan ..... Kerry Shale
Ann Druyan ..... Nancy Crane
Linda Sagan ..... Clare Cage
John Casani ..... Mathew Gravelle
Tim ..... Chris Jack
Director ..... Polly Thomas
Sound designer ..... Cathy Robinson
A BBC Cymru/Wales production or BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in October 2014.
Last on
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Carl Sagan | Kerry Shale |
| Ann Druyan | Nancy Crane |
| Linda Sagan | Clare Cage |
| John Casani | Mathew Gravelle |
| Tim | Chris Jack |
| Director | Polly Thomas |
| Writer | Duncan Macmillan |
| Writer | Effie Woods |
Broadcasts
Wed 8 Oct 201414:15BBC Radio 4- Tue 3 Sep 201911:15BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Tue 3 Sep 201921:15BBC Radio 4 Extra
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