Katy Wix - Bird Island: Series 1

KATY WIX - BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 1 (320kbs-m4a/129mb/56mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 3rd to 24th April 2020

An atmospheric comedy about a cheery scientist based in Sub-Antarctica. Starring Reece Shearsmith, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Alison Steadman and Katy Wix.

On the one hand, Ben is on the trip of a lifetime. On the other, he's trapped in a vast icy landscape with a dodgy internet connection and a dictaphone. Loneliness is something of a problem. So, Ben shares his thoughts with us in the form of an audio 'log'.

His fellow scientist Graham should alleviate this sense of isolation, but the tragi-comic fact is, they are nerdy blokes, so they stumble through yet another mumbled exchange. Not to mention the new arrival Jane, who Ben is even more awkward around, for reasons that aren't entirely clear to him.

Apart from his research studying the Albatross on the Island, Ben attempts to continue normal life with an earnestness and enthusiasm which is ultimately very endearing. We eavesdrop as he chats awkwardly with Graham or Jane, phones his mother or talks to himself, as he often does. We also hear the Squawks and screeches of the birds and the vast expanse outside. Oh, and ice. Lots of ice.

Bird Island is written by Katy Wix, half of sketch comedy Duo 'Anna and Katy'. Katy is also an actress who stars in 'Miranda', 'Outnumbered' and as Daisy in 'Not Going Out'.

BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 1 - EPISODE 1 (320kbs-m4a/33mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 3rd April 2020

Ben loses his watch and logs on to a dating website.

Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt

BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 1 - EPISODE 2 (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 10th April 2020

Ben and Graham are short on food supplies and can't radio main base. Tensions rise as they are forced to survive on porridge.

Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
D'Angelo ...... Jot Davies

BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 1 - EPISODE 3 (320kbs-m4a/32mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 17th April 2020

Ben and Graham encounter a seal cub that's been attacked. He takes it home and carefully nurses it back to life and share the pup's progress with his mum and Dad.

Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Beverley ...... Alison Steadman
Robin ...... Gerard Mcdermott

BIRD ISLAND: SERIES 1 - EPISODE 4 (320kbs-m4a/33mb/14mins)
BBC Radio 4 Extra broadcast: 14th April 2020

Ben gets a new telescope, and Graham gives the shock news that a new member of the team is joining them.

Graham ...... Julian Rhind-Tutt
Ben ...... Reece Shearsmith
Jane ...... Katy Wix