GRAMS: The Space Monkeys theme
NARRATOR: (Over theme) Space Monkeys! Simian science fiction across time and space. Episode 1 - Lift Off!
GRAMS: Fadeout Space Monkeys theme
NARRATOR: 20th century Earth. The dawn of the Space Age. Before Man takes his first steps into the great unknown, scientists decide to send the next best thing - monkeys.
FX: Laboratory effects. Animals can be heard moving in the background. Occasional monkey cries. Plays throughout the scene.
DR MURDOCH: (A gravelly, male voice) So, are the test subjects ready for their flight?
MELISSA: (Bright, female voice) They're not just test subjects, Dr Murdoch. They're our first proper astronauts!
DR MURDOCH: Melissa - you mustn't anthropomorphise these creatures. They're test subjects, and that's that. Really, my dear, if you want to be a scientist then you must learn not to let your feelings overrule your intellect.
MELISSA: (Downbeat) Yes, doctor. I've prepared the ... test subjects.
DR MURDOCH: (Pleased) Good.
MELISSA: They're all tranquilised and in their telemetry suits. They just need to be taken out to the capsule.
DR MURDOCH: Please do so. When they're in the capsule, meet me in mission control.
NARRATOR: And so the Space Monkeys are taken to their rocket, ready to be flung into the void of space in the name of Science!
FX: Rocket pad. Sounds of electronic machinery, overlaid with the hissing of air pipes. Plays throughout the scene.
MELISSA: Well, there you go - all strapped in. You have no idea what's going to happen you, do you? Even if you make it back safe and sound, that won't be the end of it. Poor things. If only you knew what you were doing for us ...
TECHNICIAN: (Shouting from a distance) Miss! You have to get off the tower! We need to seal the hatch and start the countdown!
MELISSA: (Shouting) Alright! I just need to check our astronauts!
MELISSA: Goodbye, monkeys. God speed.
FX: Sound of hatch being shut and dogged. The pad noises stop abruptly, to be replaced by the softer electronic sounds of the capsule. Sound of monkeys can be heard. Then, all fade out.
FX: Mission control. Sounds of electronic machinery play throughout the scene, with technical sounding muttering from technicians.
NARRATOR: In mission control, the scientists await the start of their experiment.
DR MURDOCH: Are the test subjects in place?
CONTROLLER 1: (Professional voice) A-OK, Dr Murdoch. Telemetry is coming in five by five.
DR MURDOCH: Good. Ah - Melissa! Any problems with our subjects?
MELISSA: (Out of breath) No doctor. They're strapped in. I saw to it myself.
DR MURDOCH: Keep this up, we'll make a scientist of you yet.
CONTROLLER 2: (Professional voice) Fuel tanks at nominal pressure. We are ready for launch.
CONTROLLER 1: Release umbilicals. Check vehicle telemetry.
CONTROLLER 3: (Professional voice) All systems green.
YOU ARE READING
Space Monkeys - Season 1
Science FictionSpace Monkeys - follow the adventures of experimental subjects Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta as they blast off into space and into a galaxy of adventure, intrigue and old-fashioned radio serial drama. Season 1 is a collection of eight radio scripts t...
