All Episodes

August 18, 2022 158 mins
Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/577142 to listen full audiobooks. Title: Rossum’s Universal Robots: A musical adaptation of Karel Capek’s R.U.R. Author: Susannah Pearse, Robert Hudson, Karel Capek Narrator: Paul Chahidi, Paul Hilton, Full Cast, Jasmine Hyde Format: Unabridged Audiobook Length: 2 hours 38 minutes Release date: August 18, 2022 Genres: Classics Publisher's Summary: A musical reinvention of Karel Capek's darkly comic sci-fi masterpiece First published in 1921, Karel Capek's ultra-prescient play R.U.R has become a classic of dystopian literature, giving us the word 'robot' and inspiring movies and TV series from Blade Runner to Westworld. Set in Capek's 1920s version of the future, this radio reimagining blends music, comedy and drama to tell the story of a world dominated by mechanisation and the pursuit of profit. It is the year 2000, and an incredible new technology - the robot - has been invented, freeing human beings from the need to work. Grown from human cells, these androids appear identical to humans - only stronger and cleverer. They have no free will and no desires. They want nothing - until the idealistic Lady Helen visits their island factory and persuades one of the scientists to instil consciousness into them. But once sentient, the robots become aware that they have unwittingly enabled a runaway cycle of overproduction, which is now wrecking the planet. There is only one logical solution: humanity must be destroyed... Tackling big, contentious questions with a light touch, this moving production is full of humour and heart. Made by the team behind the award-winning Magnitsky the Musical, it features an immersive, retro-futurist soundscape and stunning original songs, and stars an ensemble cast including Paul Chahidi (The Death of Stalin, This Country), Jasmine Hyde (Doctors) and Paul Hilton (Slow Horses). Also included is a fascinating episode of Radio 3's Sunday Feature, The Robots Are Us, in which Ken Hollings examines the creation and legacy of R.U.R, talking to historians and roboticists to discover how Capek's landmark play gave birth to the idea of the 'revolt of the machines' and presaged our 21st Century ethical conundrums of existence, rights and reasoning. Cast Domin - Paul Chahidi Lady Helen - Jasmine Hyde Radius - Paul Hilton Helen 2 - Clare Foster Alpha - Anneika Rose Brown Owl - Neil McCaul Alquist - Matthew Durkan Sulla - Alexandra Hannant Fabry - Michael Begley Busman - Tayla Kovacevic-Ebong Logicbot/Benoit - Chris Jack Music and Lyrics by Susannah Pearse Book by Robert Hudson Arrangements and Musical Direction: Harry Sever Production co-ordinator: Luke MacGregor Sound: Peter Ringrose Directed by Sasha Yevtushenko First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 3-10 April 2022 © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes present: Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial

Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes present: Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial

Introducing… Aubrey O’Day Diddy’s former protege, television personality, platinum selling music artist, Danity Kane alum Aubrey O’Day joins veteran journalists Amy Robach and TJ Holmes to provide a unique perspective on the trial that has captivated the attention of the nation. Join them throughout the trial as they discuss, debate, and dissect every detail, every aspect of the proceedings. Aubrey will offer her opinions and expertise, as only she is qualified to do given her first-hand knowledge. From her days on Making the Band, as she emerged as the breakout star, the truth of the situation would be the opposite of the glitz and glamour. Listen throughout every minute of the trial, for this exclusive coverage. Amy Robach and TJ Holmes present Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial, an iHeartRadio podcast.

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Come hang with Amy Poehler. Each week on her podcast, she'll welcome celebrities and fun people to her studio. They'll share stories about their careers, mutual friends, shared enthusiasms, and most importantly, what's been making them laugh. This podcast is not about trying to make you better or giving advice. Amy just wants to have a good time.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.