Very British Futures

Gareth Preston
  • 5.0 (2)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Enthusiastic, informed analysis of British television's most interesting science fiction series. From cult favourites like "The Tripods" to obscurities such as "The Uninvited". Each episode, host Gareth Preston is joined by special guests to discuss a show, celebrating its ideas, achievements and sometimes its mistakes. Visit our website at https://westlakefilms.uk/verybritishfutures/ Follow us on Twitter @futuresvery Visit our Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/verybritishfuturespodcast/ Visit uk.bookshop.org/shop/verybritishfutures for books relating to the podcast and its contributors

  1. Terrahawks

    JAN 10

    Terrahawks

    In this episode, Gareth Preston is joined by Ken Moss and Andrew Roe-Crines to venture into one of the quirkier corners of British science fiction television: Terrahawks. Zelda, a centuries old android with incredible powers over matter, an army of renegade aliens, and a grievance against all humanity, threatens the Earth. Standing in her way are the Terrahawks, a secret organisation of pilots and scientists and their fleet of advanced vehicles. Not to mention their Zeroids, ball-shaped self-aware robot soldiers. Created by Gerry Anderson and Christopher Burr and first broadcast by ITV in 1983, Terrahawks arrived at a moment of transition for Anderson’s career. Mixing model work and puppetry with early video effects, broad humour, and moments of genuine darkness, the series has long divided audiences. Was it a deliberate satire of the Supermarionation era, a children’s show struggling with changing tastes, or something odder and more stylish than it’s usually given credit for? As ever, the conversation ranges across production history, aesthetics, tone, and legacy, asking what Terrahawks tells us about British television science fiction in the early 1980s—and why, decades later, it stubbornly refuses to be forgotten. Hosted and produced by Gareth Preston. Guests Ken Moss (The Extonmoss Experiment) and Andrew Roe-Crines (Westlake Films). Music by Chatri Art Listen to The Extonmoss Experiment here Find out more about Andrew S Roe-Crines' work Buy the Big Finish Terrahawk stories Visit Gareth Preston's blog for more info on the podcast

    1h 15m
  2. The Guardians

    11/19/2025

    The Guardians

    In this episode of Very British Futures, Gareth is joined by writer Stephen Hatcher to explore The Guardians (ITV, 1971), the gripping 13-part dystopian drama that imagined a Britain under authoritarian rule.  Together, they revisit the series’ chilling vision of a one parry state, controlled media, violent political resistance, and a society kept in line by the brutal paramilitary force and secret police known as the Guardians, or ‘the G’s’. Gareth and Stephen examine its themes, production history, and the ways this drama resonates with contemporary anxieties about power and democracy. It stars a remarkable cast of actors, many before they became household names. They also consider a lost style of mainstream television, with long erudite scenes between characters.  Join us as we shine a light on one of British television’s most thoughtful and rarely discussed sci-fi political thrillers.  Very British Futures is a Phantom Frame production, hosted and produced by Gareth Preston. Music by Chatri Art. You can follow the podcast on X @futuresvery Find out more about Obverse Books Silver Archive https://obversebooks.co.uk/product-category/silver-archive/ Book now for The Quatermass Event at the Quad in Derby https://www.derbyquad.co.uk/events/thequatermassevent/The Guardians on IMDB https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066666/reference/?ref_=nm_knf_t_2

    1h 2m
  3. Sapphire and Steel

    11/01/2025

    Sapphire and Steel

    "All irregularities will be handled by the forces controlling each dimension. Transuranic heavy elements may not be used where there is life. Medium atomic weights are available: Gold, Lead, Copper, Jet, Diamond, Radium, Sapphire, Silver and Steel. Sapphire and Steel have been assigned!" This cryptic introduction sets the tone for an eerie blend of science fiction and supernatural mystery. It hints at a cosmic bureaucracy of elemental agents tasked with maintaining the integrity of time and reality — without ever fully explaining how or why. In this hauntingly nostalgic episode of Very British Futures, Gareth Preston is joined by Steve Exton and Mark Stalker to unravel the enigmatic threads of ITV’s cult classic Sapphire and Steel. Together, they dive into the eerie corridors of time where logic bends, reality fractures, and two elemental agents—played by Joanna Lumley and David McCallum—battle forces beyond comprehension. They even engage in some genuine discussion of the periodic table and its metals. Expect spirited debate, affectionate critique, and deep dives into the show’s surreal storytelling, minimalist production, and its place in the pantheon of British sci-fi. Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this episode will leave you pondering: just what is time… and who’s really keeping it in check? Very British Futures is hosted and produced by Gareth Preston, with guests Simon Exton of The Extonmoss Experiment and introducing Mark Stalker. Music by Chatri Art. Listen to The Extonmoss Experiment on your favourite app or here https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-extonmoss-experiment/id1451454324 Buy Big Finish's revival of the series here https://www.bigfinish.com/ranges/v/sapphire-steel At the time of publication you can watch Sapphire and Steel on ITVX in the UK.

    1h 14m
  4. Codename Icarus

    09/13/2025

    Codename Icarus

    Welcome to Very British Futures, the podcast that dives deep into the hidden vaults of British science fiction television, uncovering the bold, the bizarre, and the brilliant. Hosted by Gareth Preston. Today we’re decoding a 80’s cold war thriller with a cerebral twist: the 1981 BBC teen drama Codename: Icarus. Martin Smith may seem like a typical Northern teenager but he might be the next Einstein. An offer from the mysterious Icarus Foundation for gifted children seems like his golden ticket but soon Martin and his friend Susan suspect that the school is a front for something much more sinister. Part spy story, part psychological mystery, and part techno-thriller, Codename: Icarus dared to ask what mighthappen if the brightest minds of tomorrow were weaponised today. With its moody visuals, strong cast, and a plot that spirals from boarding school corridors to global conspiracy, it’s a series that still resonates with viewers who like their sci-fi served with a dose of paranoia and intellect. Joining me to dissect this enigmatic gem are two brilliant minds of our own: Kara Dennison, writer and pop culture analyst with a keen eye for British genre television, and Nicky Smalley, sci-fi enthusiast whose love for vintage drama runs deep. Together, they’ll explore the show’s themes, its place in the BBC’s legacy of ambitious children’s programming, and why Codename: Icarus deserves a place in the best of genre television. So flex your keyboard skills, adjust your frequency, and prepare to enter a world where genius is dangerous and nothing is quite what it seems. Let’s begin. Follow us: X https://x.com/FuturesVery Threads https://www.threads.com/@preston_gareth BlueSky https://bsky.app/profile/garethpreston.bsky.social Find out more about Gareth Preston and the podcast atgarethpreston.blog Read more about Kara Dennison on her blogkaradennison.blogspot.com Kara at Crunchy Roll TV Learn more about Codename: Icarus from these excellentarticles: https://www.curiousbritishtelly.co.uk/2015/10/codename-icarus.html https://ayearinthecountry.co.uk/codename-icarus-hidden-teatime-cold-war-intrigues-wanderings-23-26/ https://www.the-medium-is-not-enough.com/2010/02/lost_gems_codename_icarus_1981.php

    55 min
  5. The Tomorrow People

    08/16/2025

    The Tomorrow People

    Welcome to a special episode of Very British Futures, where we dive deep into the UK cult classics that shaped sci-fi television history. Today, we're rewinding the clock to explore The Tomorrow People—the original 1970s British TV series that dared to imagine a new evolution of humanity. With its blend of telepathy, teleportation, and teenage idealism, this show captured imaginations and sparked debates about what it means to be truly human, and what you might do if you "broke out" too. Joining Gareth Preston for this nostalgic journey are two voices well-versed in retro sci-fi: Tim Reid and Charles Auchterlonie, the dynamic duo behind The Randomiser podcast. Together, they’ll unpack the series’ legacy, its quirky charm, and the bold ideas that made it a standout in the world of children's television. Expect lively discussion, behind-the-scenes trivia, and maybe even a jaunt through hyperspace. So grab your belts of power and tune your mind to the frequency of tomorrow—because the future starts now. Please subscribe to the show for more informed British geekiness. Follow us on X at @futuresvery or on Bluesky at @garethpreston.bluesky.com Contact us at verybritishfuturespodcast@gmail.com Listen to The Randomiser podcast at Apple Podcasts Find out more about Very British Futures at garethpreston.blog

    1h 49m
  6. Blake's 7

    08/09/2025

    Blake's 7

    Welcome to Very British Futures—the show where cult British TV series get the future-facing conversations they deserve. In this episode, host Gareth Preston is joined by special guests Amy Elizabeth and Una McCormack to dive deep into the world of Blake’s 7, the iconic space opera that launched a thousand philosophical debates and more than a few dodgy costume choices. Together, they unpack two standout episodes: the intense showdown of “Seek-Locate-Destroy,” which introduces the formidable Servalan and her relentless pursuit of the Liberator crew, and the mind-bending intrigue of “Deathwatch,” where diplomacy and entertainment collide in the strangest of arenas. Expect sharp insights, fond memories, and lively discussion as they revisit the show's bold storytelling and enduring legacy. So, strap in—it's time to teleport back to the Federation. Find out more about Una McCormack's work at https://www.unamccormack.com/ Book tickets for "Calendar Girl with Amy, at the Lyric Theatre. Follow us on X at @futuresvery or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/verybritishfuturespodcast Visit garethpreston.blog for more info on the podcast, reviews, fiction and more about host Gareth Preston

    1h 6m
  7. Easter 2016 - Play for Tomorrow

    08/02/2025

    Easter 2016 - Play for Tomorrow

    2016. Northern Ireland’s New Community College of Education is a symbol of integrated living between Protestant and Catholic communities. When founder and Director Cyril Brown returns from three weeks of convalescence, he is disturbed by the increased influence of his Security Chief turned Vice-Director, Lennie North. History lecturer Connor Mullan wants to turn a proposed art exhibition about the centenary of the 1916 rising into a fully-fledged protest march against the government. North is bitterly against this and Brown finds himself caught in a power struggle of ego and prejudice. Easter 2016 was written by Graham Reid, who would go on to write Play for Today's famous "Billy" trilogy. It stars Derrick O'Connor, Bill Nighy and Denys Hawthorne. This is the final play in the Play for Tomorrow mini-season produced by the team behind Play for Today. Featuring special guest Carolyn Arnold. Find out more at https://westlakefilms.uk/verybritishfutures/ Find out more about Carolyn Arnold's work as a Time Travel Coach Follow us on X at @futuresvery or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/verybritishfuturespodcast

    40 min
  8. Shades - Play for Tomorrow

    07/26/2025

    Shades - Play for Tomorrow

    1999.A time when technology has created a comfortable materially rich UK. The government has converted empty office blocks into luxury living accommodation for all single young people, where they move in after turning 18. In return for an hour of work, all their physical needs are catered for, and the residents spend their days lost in virtual reality worlds. Sheena is a recent arrival. Invited to choose the theme for her birthday party, she and her friends research history and choose the “psycho-masochists” of the early Eighties.Sheena becomes intrigued by the CND protestors and wonders why none of her friends worry about nuclear war anymore. Then one day she wakes up and finds herselfliving in 1981, as a young woman called Abigail. "Shades" was written by Stephen Lowe and stars Tracy Childs and Neil Pearson. Presenting a special mini series examining BBC1's "Play for Tomorrow" from 1982. Six looks into the future by up and coming playwrights, produced by the "Play for Today" team. Featuring regular guest commentator John Isles from "I Don't Do Sci-Fi" podcast. Listen to it at https://open.spotify.com/show/6vPllHxYmotp85gcFFxmJd?si=008d9101248b4790 Find out more at https://westlakefilms.uk/verybritishfutures/ Follow us on X at @futuresvery or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/verybritishfuturespodcast Visit garethpreston.blog for more info on the podcast, reviews, fiction and more about host Gareth Preston Please like and subscribe!

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Enthusiastic, informed analysis of British television's most interesting science fiction series. From cult favourites like "The Tripods" to obscurities such as "The Uninvited". Each episode, host Gareth Preston is joined by special guests to discuss a show, celebrating its ideas, achievements and sometimes its mistakes. Visit our website at https://westlakefilms.uk/verybritishfutures/ Follow us on Twitter @futuresvery Visit our Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/verybritishfuturespodcast/ Visit uk.bookshop.org/shop/verybritishfutures for books relating to the podcast and its contributors

Information

  • Creator
    Gareth Preston
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Gareth Preston
  • Show Website
    Very British Futures