Journey into Space: The World In Peril, Episodes 1-20

Journey into Space is a true legend of radio sci-fi. More intelligent than most of the US offerings of the time, it was the perfect alternate to TV's Quatermass (Parts of JiS in total darkness were allegedly written in response to Nigel Kneale's argument that 'TV could do anything better than radio'!). The pace is different to modern-day offerings and the science sometimes a little daft, but overall the trilogy is wonderful listening; I have shared Jet, Lemmy, Doc and Mitch's adventures several times now, and still don't tire of them.
To pick up on a previous reviewer, these are restored episodes from the original transcription discs. The first series (Operation Luna) was not retained on original broadcast and was re-recorded in 1957, tightening up much of the early plot (by the writer, who CHOSE to re-write it) and by necessity re-casting some of the roles. However, the second and third series (Red Planet and World in Peril) ARE the originals, at least what was kept of them at the time. The full story of the re-recording, loss and recovery of these episodes can be read in the accompanying booklets.
These are well worth buying, but be aware the audio quality is not perfect, particularly due to Audible's compression, it is only a shame that the BBC flatly refuse to issue the third series on CD.

The 3rd Journery into Space radio series by Charles Chilton is a lot of things: fun, stupid, full of cheesey cliff hangers, charming in it's way, excellent value for money and repeated on BBC 7 practically every year.
This series is a direct sequel to the 'Red Planet' which you should listen to before you download this one as it starts with more of bang and serves as a better introduction to the reocurring characters and recycled plots. If you think I'm being hard on the series let me say that I am a big fan, but part of the charm is the sillyness of it. At times this is more of a space pantomine then a space opera, but it's always played straight. Annoiyingly, this version of the series is not the original but a remake with different (and hugely inferior) actors playing two of the best characters. This kind of thing is typical of the BBC's infamous archiving policy decisions!
Check out the audio sample to see what you make of the style of the show. If you think you could enjoy 10 hours of this stuff you will have a great time with this download.

It is dated and tacky in places - who am i kidding all the way through - but it is a real blast from the past for any of us that hark back to an era that dared dream about space travel and the future in this way. It is now a classic a real collectors piece. I actually felt transported back to listening round a valve radio.

To younger ears this will grate and jar and leave you wanting but to those that hail from the 50s and 60 this is a must just for the nostalgia