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About this listen

'Lying there, drifting up into those ancient lights was exactly like looking into the past. It is looking into the past. History, I think, is just a property of light.'

Charlie Fairbanks was born in the dead centre of the United States at the dead centre of the 20th century.

Americans are going to the moon, and Charlie’s sure he’ll be the first one there. But as he shines his spotlight on the moon, so too does it illuminate the darker side to his nation’s history.

Radio is a story about memory, love and spaceships.

By multi-award-winning writer Al Smith (Harrogate, Diary of a Madman) and directed by Josh Roche, winner of the JMK Award 2017 (My Name Is Rachel Corrie).

©2019 Al Smith (P)2019 AO Media LLC Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Funny
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This is easily the best thing I have listened to this year. The story gradually unfolds, drawing the listener closer and closer, so intimate, both of you poised on an emotional precipice. You really need to know if the speaker is going to be ok. Stay. Listen. Hope.

One man theatre at it's best.

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Apart from the fact that Lebanon is in Missouri and not as stated in Kansas, according to Google Maps anyway, this story does gather your attention and represents a good one hour entertaining short story. Covers the period from 1950s onwards.

Takes a bit if getting into but a fair short story listen

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I was very lucky to see this one man play live last year which was part of the 50th anniversary celebrations. A tiny set with not much more than some (wooden beams or possibly steel) a chair, a tape recorder and a radio. Adam was amazing and kept us captivated throughout. I brought the script and now I’m thrilled to own the audio version too, thank you Audible. Congratulations Adam you have transported me the journey again and I’m absolutely loving it!

Captivating

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Perfectly done and amazing storytelling. A compelling listen and easy to transport you to the past

Amazing

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Resurrecting this play for the 50th anniversary of the moon landing is a classy touch by Audible. Adam Gillen is the man chosen to represent Charles L Fairbanks Jr as he looks back on his life and his parents, his dreams of being an astronaut and their more terrestrial ones. Gillen's version of Fairbanks is compelling as he roves wistfully through memories of a life dominated by flavours of the American Dream.

There are very minimal sound effects so it's just Gillen alone to carry the show and credit where it's due he makes it work. Fairbanks is a man for whom the lustre of the dream has faded but who still remembers the spark all too well. It's a charming story of his father's attempts to exploit their home being the geographical centre of the United States and a theme of how dreams can both transport people or eventually wear them down.

There is some extremely good quality writing and the play's poignant ending and suggestion that sometimes when we gaze at the stars they distract us and make us miss what's right in front of our eyes is very satisfying. A short but very worthwhile listen.

Fragile American Dreams

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