Universe was a factual programme on the present, past, and future of the universe. It was released on CD (CDR).
The programme combined traditional audio presentation with a variety of sketch interludes, an original score, and an introduction by the late broadcaster, Sir Patrick Moore. Running time was 55 mins approx.
It was initially conceived as the first production by a company assembled locally in order to produce programmes for local distribution and consumption. Universe was to be the first part of a trilogy, with the second part concerning life, and the third human life. The script was developed over a number of months, informed by study. During this time, a cast was assembled mostly from players at Bath Drama and the Rondo Theatre, and a young composer was recruited, along with a scientific consultant. Sir Patrick was approached following his annual lecture as President of the Herschel Society, delivered in Bath, which had been home to the discoverer of Uranus. Production and post-production were completed at home. Recordings were made using a MiniDisc unit and condenser microphone. Post-production was done using a MacBook. Production of the second programme was aborted following the demise of my computer and a change in my personal circumstances.
Universe was premiered outdoors during a number of Starwalk events held during the Bath Fringe Festival in 2004. Copies of the CD were deposited with Bath Hospital Radio, University Radio Bath, and Bath Central Library. The events were promoted by Bath Fringe Festival, with advance coverage by the Big Issue Southwest, Bath FM, and the Bath Chronicle. More than a hundred people attended the Starwalk events, with both the events and the programme being received enthusiastically. Starwalk was a Pick of the Fringe that year.
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