the BMDS take a playful swipe at science fiction in next week's production of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Adapted for the stage from the five best-selling books by Douglas Adams, the play is a "concoction'' of excerpts from the epic that started out as a BBC radio serial play.

Comedy on a celestial scale was a new twist for science fiction enthusiasts reared on a diet of the awesome exploits of Isaac Asimov and Star Trek. Its success was instant -- and was soon dispatched to an equally appreciative America.

Making his debut as a director is Chris March, veteran sound expert who has worked on the last five pantomimes and Gilbert & Sullivan Society productions as well as other Daylesford shows.

"The play is a real technical challenge, which is why I wanted to do it. But I was interested in the sound department -- I didn't expect to end up directing it!'' he says.

Out of a cast of about 35 characters, only four or five are human -- the rest are assorted aliens and robots. "Although there are a lot of people milling about the stage, there are just as many working backstage. The sound, light and stage effects are probably the most important part of the play,'' adds Mr.

March.

Beverley Waddell takes on the arduous task of stage manager and Artie Reese has designed the lighting. The set has been designed by Stephen Conger with Bob Duffy and Max Van-Brauge responsible for its construction. The music, which focuses on 70s rock, is by Jon Borrill.

Heading the large cast are Annette Hallett, John Lough, Paul Matthews and Juli Crockett.

The play is produced by Liz Ryder.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy opens on Monday, May 4 through May 9 (8 p.m.).

Tickets at $12 may be obtained from the BMDS box office at Daylseford, Monday to Friday between 5.30 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday from 12.30 to 2.30 p.m., and on performance nights. Tickets for Friday and Saturday nights are sold out.

GALACTIC REFLECTIONS -- Paul Matthews (left) and George Rushe in a scene from the BMDS production of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, which opens on Monday evening.