1. Invasion

Available for 29 days

Following sightings of strange explosions on the surface of Mars, Martian ships begin to arrive on Earth. But scientific excitement quickly turns to horror - and a merciless invasion begins. At the time of the novel's writing by HG Wells (first published in 1898), Britain had never been stronger, but a sense of moral queasiness at the methods used in Empire building was growing. Melissa Murray's two-part dramatisation highlights the questions Wells poses: * What if we were the colonised? * How would we fare if a vastly superior technological invader attacked us? * How would we behave? It also reflects Wells' depiction of late-Victorian suburban life and culture, making its domestic heart a poignant and terrifying starting point for an invasion by Martians with their own imperialist agenda. Plus, the common fear which had emerged in the years approaching the turn of the century - that the apocalypse would come on the last day of 1899. Robert …. Blake Ritson Curate …. Carl Prekopp Telegraph …. David Sturzaker Vicar …. Finlay Robertson Farm Woman …. Georgie Glen Constable …. John Bowler Ogilvy …. John Dougall Dora …. Maeve Bluebell Wells Doctor …. David Sterne Carswell …. Nick Murchie Billy …. Samuel James Margaret …. Sanchia McCormack Woman 1 …. Sarah Ridgeway Director: Marc Beeby First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2017.