Star Wars:
The Empire Strikes Back

The Radio Drama

Spring 2021

In this 10-episode event, Payton Players brings to life one of cinema's most thrilling and acclaimed stories as a radio drama.

Based on the film Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, this series first aired on National Public Radio in the United States on February 14, 1983. With a script written by Brian Daley, the series featured scenes not depicted in George Lucas' original story, and featured the actors Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, and Anthony Daniels reprising their roles as Luke Skywalker, Lando Calrissian, and the droid   C-3PO; actor John Lithgow appeared as Yoda.

Join Payton Players and hear Star Wars like you've never heard it before.

All 10 episodes airing now!

Payton Players presents Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back The Radio Drama poster

Check Out Interviews with the Cast and Crew!

Eva Murillo
(Director) Interview

Payton Players' Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back The Radio Drama director Eva Murillo shares how she works with actors to find their voices, and discusses what it takes to adapt such an epic story to the radio drama format.

Graeme Christensen
(Chewbacca) Interview

Graeme Christensen, voice of Chewbacca in Payton Players' Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back The Radio Drama, discusses his process for bringing everyone's favorite Wookiee to life.

Michelle Escobedo
(Crew Head/Costume Designer) Interview

Michelle Escobedo, Payton Players Costume Designer and Crew Head for Payton Players' Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back The Radio Drama, discusses the joys (and challenges) of working behind the scenes to bring such an iconic story to life.

Wendy Walter
(Princess Leia) Interview

Wendy Walter, voice of Princess Leia Organa in Payton Players' Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back The Radio Drama discusses what makes Leia such an iconic and enduring character.