For 35 years Douglas Adams’ grammatically complicated and deliberately contradictory Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy has transcended a variety of genres from radio series to book form.

Its most recent incarnation a show adapted by Dirk Maggs from the original radio scripts recaptures the magic of its predecessors while maintaining much in the way of originality.

From the moment Arthur Dent and his alien friend Ford Prefect stow away on a Vogon spaceship after it blows up the Earth to make way for an interstellar by-pass the show s magnificent cast deliver sci-fi parody at its very best.

Joining original radio stars Simon Jones (Arthur Dent) and Geoff McGivern (Ford Prefect) on stage are Susan Sheridan as Trillian and Mitch Benn who brought a new meaning to the double take as twin-headed alien Zaphod Beeblebrox. Samantha Beart also recreates her radio role of Random while diversifying and taking on several other roles throughout the show.

The stroke of genius for the Cardiff presentation was the wonderful Miriam Margolyes playing the voice of the book. Miriam put a unique twist on the role providing a variety of comic voices and making the part her own.

A sound effects booth, live rock band and on stage extras recreating Vogons and Marvin The Paranoid Android (voiced by Stephen Moore) ensured the most ardent Hitch-Hikers fan was kept laughing from start to finish.

I would be at risk of been thrown to The Bug Bladder Beast of Trall if I revealed further details of the shows plot but if your curious visit hitchhikerslive.com for further tour information. Oh yes and Don’t Panic!