I just discovered this thread – Martini Enfield, I’m totally with you on Black Books! – and can’t wait to check out Cabin Pressure, and thought I’d mention that it looks like Amazon US will be releasing all four series in April 2015.
Take note: zombie thread.
I remember seeing this thread the first time around, and I think I checked out an episode of Cabin Pressure at some point, but it didn’t really grab me. Well, I occasionally check out the BBC radio website looking for interesting programs (sorry, “programmes”); Sue Perkins’ Dilemma is quite good. But they only post shows for a short time, I assume to coincide with on-air broadcasts. Cabin Pressure showed up recently, witht he opportunity to listen from the beginning. I decided to give it another try and it’s fantastic. Oddly, Cumberbatch is the one voice that doesn’t stand out for me. Finnemore’s unleashed enthusiasm and Allam’s dripping disdain are perfect.
Last night I heard “Ipswich” and it’s worth reviving the thread for. For anyone who didn’t have a way to access it before, it’s available here.
Four lions was brilliant. Watched it again recently, didn’t realise Benedict Cumberbatch was in it until the repeat viewing.
I’ve been binging on BBC radio comedy (they play old series on Radio 4 Extra, including pretty much all the Goon Shows) and while there are some absolutely brilliant shows Cabin Pressure and Old Harry’s Game are probably the topmost of the recent offerings, or at least the best that didn’t transition to television. A lot of sketch shows started out on radio first and then moved to TV - Goodness Gracious Me, Little Britain, That Mitchell & Webb Sound, to name a few. Americans unfamiliar with Mitchell & Webb who have access to either their radio or television shows (the TV show title being That Mitchell & Webb Look) are strongly encouraged to seek them out, as they are insanely funny.
One which may not qualify as “best” but certainly wins awards for “unique” is Murder in Successville. I’m not sure I can explain it in a way that does it justice, but essentially it’s a mashup of semi-scripted improvisation in a setting filled with celebrity impersonators. An actual (usually D-list) celebrity guests each episode and plays the role of a rookie cop under the direction of DI Sleet (played by Tom Davis, the one real constant in the show). The rest of the cast are fictional versions of celebrities who play the suspects in various bizarre murder mystery scenarios. Worth a watch, if only to inspire incredulity.
ipswich is one of my favourites. i think the cast and mr finnemore really started clicking in the second series. the 5 steps thing is fantastic and helpful in many situations. gdansk is hilarious as well.
“Hey, chief.
I might be wrong, but… I think we’re flying into a mountain.
This makes me feel… scared of the mountain.
One thing we could do is… pull up and fly over the mountain.
How does that sound to BOOM”
Brilliant!
Another vote for Peep Show.
I’ll second this and throw in “That Mitchell and Webb Look.” Sketch comedy by the same actors.
“THAT’S NUMBERWANG!”
This is stretching it, since it came out in 2003/04, but my choice would be The Smoking Room
As a fan of British Sitcoms I’d love to have more choices, but alas, living here in the USA doesn’t allow me to sample many. PBS only air shows that are decades old (seriously, they’re STILL airing Are You Being Served?!!!) and BBC America SUCKS!
Huge thanks to whoev…whomever might be just a titch more apropos when discussing British um… things. To whomever bumped this thread.
I found Cabin Pressure episodes on archive.com, and love it. Will try other ‘reccies’ from this thread, too.
I love Olde Time Radio (especially the inadvertently hilarious like The Green Lama).
But I had NO idea that I love Modern Timey Whimey Radio, too!