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.

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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

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.

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Contact us at verybritishfuturespodcast@gmail.com

Listen to The Randomiser podcast at Apple Podcasts

Find out more about Very British Futures at garethpreston.blog

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.

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Visit garethpreston.blog for more info on the podcast, reviews, fiction and more about host Gareth Preston