Episode 1

Adapted from the Jules Verne novel by Moya O'Shea
The first of the extraordinary tales from the golden age of adventure. Three intrepid explorers venture into the heart of a dormant Icelandic volcano where there is shock and peril at every turn beneath the earth's layers.

In the first drama from To The Ends of the Earth: extraordinary tales from the golden age of adventure, renowned professor, Otto Lidenbrock, discovers a mysterious, runic cryptogram in a rare manuscript he has bought. It is his nephew, Axel, who accidentally cracks the message which is by a sixteenth century alchemist who claims to have found a pathway to the centre of the earth! "Descend, bold traveller into the crater of the Jokul of Snæfell, which the shadow of Scartaris touches before the kalends of July and you will attain the centre of the earth."

Lidenbrock decides he must see for himself if such a journey is possible and with the reluctant Axel in tow, and the help of their guide, Hans, the three venture into the heart of a dormant, Icelandic volcano on a dangerous expedition beneath the earth's layers.

It's the ultimate adventure story in the best Victorian tradition with plenty of action, science, knowledge, discovery and surprise. The three attempting this tremendous feat are - the somewhat cowardly, dewy-eyed romantic, Axel; the highly strung and oh, so eccentric, Otto Lidenbrock and the calm, phlegmatic Danish speaking, Icelandic guide, Hans.