Microserfs & Girlfriend in a Coma: Two Full-Cast BBC Radio Dramatisations

Coupland's iconic novels brought to life in two full-cast adaptations

Bursting onto the literary scene in 1991 with his debut Generation X, Douglas Coupland's novels swiftly established themselves as modern classics and brought the term 'Gen X' into the mainstream. His work still has resonance in today's world, with his vivid explorations of identity and creativity in the post-Baby Boomer generations. These pitch perfect adaptions probe our modern popular culture, with the author's signature wry twists and unsettling revelations.

In this brand new adaptation by Theo Toksvig-Stewart, Douglas Coupland's brilliantly funny novel Microserfs takes a microscope to working culture in the early days of the tech boom. Dan is a Microsoft employee in desperate need of 'a life'. His world can be summed up as eat, sleep, code, repeat, and he's not quite feeling himself. So when the chance comes along for him and his friends to leave Microsoft to form a Silicon Valley start-up called OOP!, will they take the risk and leap into the unknown? In an unflinching and hilarious story, Dan and the other Microserfs try to find purpose, love and identity in the real world.

Perhaps one of Coupland's most iconic novels, Girlfriend in a Coma begins in December 1979 when 17-year-old Karen unexpectedly falls into a deep coma after a teen house party. Frighteningly, she'd predicted the end of the world in a letter sent to her boyfriend before she collapsed. Fifteen years later, Karen wakes up. The world in 1997 is a very different and confusing place. Her friends have grown up and their reality bears little resemblance to the hopes and dreams they shared in their youth. There are questions that need to be answered, time is running out and Karen must act.

Available as a double bill for the first time, these stunning adaptations are a fantastic listen. Performed by a full cast with production by Sony award-winning producer Dan Rebellato, these stories make for a stellar audio experience not to be missed.

Cast and credits

Microserfs Written by Douglas Coupland Dramatised by Theo Toksvig-Stewart Directed by Anne Isger Production Co-ordination by Luke MacGregor Sound by Cal Knightley, Pete Ringrose, David Gregory, Billy Godfrey

Dan - Will Merrick Karla - Samantha Dakin Bug - Matthew Needham Michael - Freddie Meredith Todd - Chris Lew Kum Hoi Susan - Chloë Sommer Abe - Hughie O'Donnell Ethan - Tom Kiteley Dan's Mum - Joanna Monro Dan's Dad - Roger Ringrose Dusty - Fiona Skinner Amy - Grace Saif

First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, 27 November 2022

Girlfriend in a Coma Written by Douglas Coupland Dramatised by Dan Rebellato Produced by Polly Thomas Music by Alice Trueman Sound Design by Steve Brooke

Jared - Florian Hutter Karen - Rayisa Kondracki Wendy - Maggie Blake Richard - Jason Durran Hamilton - Simon Lee Phillips Pamela - Heather Dann Doctor - Peter Marinker Megan - Julia Summer Gloria - Buffy Davis

First Broadcast BBC Radio 3, 24 February 2008

©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

© 2023 BBC Digital Audio (Lydbog): 9781529916102

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Lydbog: 23. november 2023