John Wyndham - The Chrysalids

JOHN WYNDHAM - THE CHRYSALIDS (320kbs-m4a/260mb/1hr53mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 30th November & 7th December 2024

Genetic mutation has devastated the world.

John Wyndham's post-apocalyptic sci-fi classic.

Written in 1955, it explores the dangers inherent in discrimination and the threats posed by religious fundamentalism.

The 'Old People' who caused the apocalypse are depressingly like us: 'They were shut off by different languages and different beliefs. They created vast problems then buried their heads in the sands of idle faith.'

The children of the future (the Chrysalids) are able to 'think-together' and so can rise above the selfish violence and conflicting religions of the past.

Wyndham's story of a group of persecuted teenagers is more timely than ever in our post-Fukushima, war-riven, genetically engineered and religiously divided world.

Dramatised in two parts by Jane Rogers.

Director: Nadia Molinari

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2012.

JOHN WYNDHAM - THE CHRYSALIDS - 1. GENETIC MUTATION (320kbs-m4a/130mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 30th November 2024

In the emergent bleak, primitive society, any deviation is seen as the work of the devil, ruthlessly hunted out and destroyed.

In law abiding, God-respecting Waknuk anyone who does not conform to the 'norm' must keep their deviation secret or face the consequences of discovery.

David ...... Matthew Beard
Young David ...... Ben Hanley
Young Sophie ...... Isobel Doran
Joseph ...... Conrad Nelson
Gordon ...... Conrad Nelson
Axel ...... Jeff Hordley
Emily ...... Fiona Clarke
Anne ...... Fiona Clarke
Rosalind ...... Verity-May Henry
Harriet ...... Emma Cunniffe
Rachel ...... Emma Cunniffe
Michael ...... Henry Devas
Alan ...... Henry Devas
Inspector ...... Robert Pickavance
Petra ...... Sydney Wade

JOHN WYNDHAM - THE CHRYSALIDS - 2. MUTANTS (320kbs-m4a/130mb/57mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 7th December 2024

David Strorm is one of a group of young people who can communicate by transferring thought-shapes.

In God fearing, law abiding Waknuk, David and his friends would be classed as Mutants.

Will David be forced to flee to the Fringes, the lawless territory inhabited by mutants or risk discovery?

David ...... Matthew Beard
Rosalind ...... Verity-May Henry
Petra ...... Sydney Wade
Michael ...... Henry Devas
Fringe dweller ...... Henry Devas
Sophie ...... Carla Henry
Sally ...... Carla Henry
Rachel ...... Emma Cunniffe
Zealander ...... Emma Cunniffe
Gordon ...... Conrad Nelson