Stand by For Action

From death defying heroics to fantastic visions of the future and adventures beyond imagination. For decades the world has been enthralled by the television and film productions of Gerry Anderson. Perhaps the one thing which binds this remarkable canon of work together is an incredible tapestry of music which enriches each series and instalment. Despite all the impressive techniques and technical wizardry employed by Derek Meddings and his special effects crew, Stingray’s launch wouldn't have half the impact if robbed of Barry Gray’s sweeping crescendo. Similarly, the ponderous ache of the Alphans plight and a police cruiser chase in Demeter City are brought to life by their respective musical accompaniments. The Stand By For Action! concert in April 2022 was a celebration of this incredible body of music which helped to bring life to some of the most popular television series ever made. This sensational show transported fans through over 60 years of the Gerry Anderson back catalogue, paying homage to his special partnership with composers including Barry Gray, Richard Harvey and Crispin Merrell.

Gerry Anderson and Christopher Burr’s Terrahawks turns 40 this autumn. On Saturday 8 October 1983, Terrahawks was broadcast for the very first time on ITV. The cult show was Anderson’s first in over a decade to use puppets for its characters, and also his last. Set in the year 2020, the series followed the adventures of the Terrahawks, a taskforce responsible for protecting Earth from invasion by a group of extraterrestrial androids and aliens led by Zelda. Like Anderson’s previous puppet series, futuristic vehicles and technology featured prominently in each episode.