A Look Back at the Future: The BBC Radio 4 Spoof Comedy Series

Brian Perkins and Kate Robbins ‘remember’ 21st Century years yet to happen in this futuristic 1994 comedy show

First broadcast (with the aid of a crystal ball) in summer 1994, the Sony Award-winning show returns for a second series starring the ‘Godfather of Radio 4’, Brian Perkins, and Spitting Image impressionist Kate Robbins. This time, they turn their comic gaze on six roller-coaster years from the 21st Century: 2001, 2005, 2010, 2021, 2025 and 2099.

Among the extraordinary events of this turbulent era were the invention of the Telepathone, the first ego transplant, the rise of the Church of the Latter Day Agnostics, and America’s invasion of Narnia. So strap in for a thrilling trip back to the extraordinary, turbulent era when ‘Toddler Power’ ran rampant, the Official Monster Raving Loony Party became the breakthrough third force in British politics – and time ran backwards...

Predicted by Spitting Image writers Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair – who also play supporting roles in the sketches – this sharp, satirical show features special guest comedians Jeremy Hardy, John O’ Farrell, Griff Rhys Jones, Tony Hawks, Nigel Planer and Hugh Dennis.

Cast and credits

Starring Brian Perkins and Kate Robbins

Special guests: Jeremy Hardy, John O’Farrell, Griff Rhys Jones, Tony Hawks, Nigel Planer, Hugh Dennis

Predicted by Spitting Image writers Mark Burton, John O'Farrell and Pete Sinclair

Produced by Caroline Leddy

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on the following dates:

2001 9 July 1994

2005 16 July 1994

2010 23 July 1994

2021 30 July 1994

2025 6 August 1994

2099 13 August 1994

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