Douglas Adams: The Man Who Imagined Our Future
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm, Saturday, February 7 on Sky Arts (350)
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About this Broadcast
Profile of the author, widely regarded as a pioneer of science-fiction, comedy, technology and environmental activism. His philosophy and the ideas he had are now seen as meaningful and visionary. Contributors include Stephen Fry, Griff Rhys Jones, Mary Allen, Jon Canter and John Lloyd
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subtitles
16x9
audio-description
Arts/Culture (without Music)
Documentary
General
News/Current Affairs
Cast & Crew
Stephen Fry
(Contributor)
Griff Rhys Jones
(Contributor)
Mary Allen
(Contributor)
Jon Canter
(Contributor)
John Lloyd
(Contributor)
Todd Austin
(Director)
More Information
Did You Know..
Stephen Fry
(Contributor)
Born:
August 24, 1957
in
Hampstead, London
Best Known For:
His sharp wit.
Early-life:
Stephen John Fry was born on August 24, 1957, in Hampstead, London. He grew up in Norfolk alongside an older brother and younger sister. His father, Alan, is a physicist. Fry attended public schools Stout's Hill and Uppingham (from which he was expelled), and spent time in a Young Offender's Institution after going on a spending spree with a stolen credit card. His writing and performing skills were honed at Cambridge University, where his contemporaries included Emma Thompson, Tony Slattery and Hugh Laurie.
Career:
After graduating, Fry and Laurie enjoyed a successful comedy partnership. Fry was a millionaire by 30, thanks to a successful rewrite of the Noel Gay musical Me and My Girl. He has appeared in numerous films and TV projects, including Blackadder, Jeeves and Wooster, Wilde, Thunderpants, Kingdom and The Hobbit. He's also written several books, and is well-known as a charming raconteur. He made his movie debut as writer and director with Bright Young Things, based on Evelyn Waugh's book, Vile Bodies. Fry is the presenter of comedy quiz QI, he has also made several acclaimed documentaries, including ones about manic depression and Aids, and he is the reader for the British versions of JK Rowling's Harry Potter series of audio books.
Quote:
"I don't need you to remind me of my age. I have a bladder to do that for me."
Trivia:
His distinctive voice has also been featured in a number of video games, including Fable II and Fable III, and as the narrator in the LittleBigPlanet games.
Griff Rhys Jones
(Contributor)
Born:
November 16, 1953
in
Cardiff
Best Known For:
His face-to-face partnership with Mel Smith.
Early-life:
Born in Cardiff on November 16, 1953, but spent his childhood in Sussex and later Essex, with brother William and sister Helen. His father was a doctor who moved jobs frequently. Despite constant upheaval, Jones claims he enjoyed his school years and had lots of friends. He went on to study English and History at Cambridge University. On leaving, he joined the BBC as a radio producer.
Career:
Jones moved into TV with Not The Nine O'Clock News, where he first worked with Mel Smith. Their series, Alas Smith and Jones, ended in 1998. His film credits include Wilt, Morons from Outer Space, Puckoon, and Up 'n' Under. Jones has also directed several plays, including Twelfth Night, The Alchemist and Le School Trip, and written novels. After gaining a reported £23million from the sale of his and Smith's production company Talkback, he dropped out of the limelight, but returned with hit series Restoration. Jones also appeared in Mine All Mine, Three Men in a Boat, Riot at the Rite, Marple and compilation show The Smith and Jones Sketchbook.
Quote:
"I don't drink so going to a party can become very tedious. By about 11 o'clock everybody goes to another planet and you're not there with them, so I tend to avoid that sort of thing."
Trivia:
Jones has won two Olivier Awards for his work in the stage productions of Charley's Aunt and An Absolute Turkey.
Mary Allen
(Contributor)
Jon Canter
(Contributor)
John Lloyd
(Contributor)
Todd Austin
(Director)
