“We’ve pretty much biffed this one.” That’s the reason humanity is searching for a new planet to terraform in the comedy science fiction series Oz 9. And with the biffing of COVID and climate change still going strong as we post this installment of Midnight Audio Theatre, we could sure use an hour of laughs!
Oz-9’s origins were in a simple audition tape, never meant to be heard by the general public. Writer and producer Shannon Perry was just helping out her friend Tim (who plays Colin in the series) record material to round out his portfolio. They started with some Sherlock Holmes readings, then decided to create something original. Shannon insisted it be sci fi with a distinctly British comedic twist. Oz-9 was born. If you pay close attention, you can hear echoes of its origins; the AI character of Olivia stems from a little street urchin in one of the Holmes stories.
Here’s the premise: Earth is dying, and the ridiculously rich can pay the Gated Galaxies corporation to whisk them off into deep space to find a new world to live on. Except the corporation could care less what happens once customers leave orbit, so the crew is left to bumble through problems on their own as they lurch through the galaxy. And, oh, what problems they have – like, for example, who is killing the passengers?
Shannon and crew would also be most appreciative if COVID didn’t kill you. One CDC-recommended measure is to wash your hands thoroughly. That takes a minimum of 20 seconds. To keep you entertained through that, they’ve created Listen, Rinse, Repeat – a collection of audio microepisodes to enjoy as you sanitize. When the microepisode ends, turn off the water and dry those digits! There are over 300 files to choose from, so you won’t be bored while you stay healthy.
Wash your hands, stay six feet apart, and wear your mask – then pop back here for more of the world’s best audio adventures!
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