Thursday, September 20, 2018

Cabin Pressure: A-Z: The BBC Radio 4 Airline Sitcom Audio CD – Audiobook, CD, Unabridged by John Finnemore (Author), Benedict Cumberbatch (Reader), Full Cast (Reader), Stephanie Cole (Reader) (BBC Books)



There are not enough good words in the dictionary to adequately describe the delight I derive from this series. (No, not even "fizz," "buzz," or "have a banana.") I am absurdly excited to own it at last, rather than having to wait for BBC Radio 4 to broadcast back episodes a few times a year. The complete set of 14 CDs does, indeed, contain each and every episode (Christmas special and 2-part "Zurich" finale included), and the bonus booklet/audio interview with John Finnemore are useful and so much fun. If you're already a fan: this set is just about everything you'd wish it to be. If you're a newcomer to MJN Air and its magnificent men (and woman) in their flying machines: do not hesitate. Buy this series immediately. It's fifty bucks of pure joy.

Every episode of the hit BBC Radio 4 airline sitcom is collected together in this special box set, including the Christmas special final episode and several bonus features. Cabin Pressure is set in the wing and a prayer world of a tiny, one-plane charter airline, staffed by two pilots—one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. Whether flying a cat to Abu Dhabi, dealing with a nervous bassoonist, hunting for a cleverly-hidden lemon, or attempting to celebrate Christmas in seven minutes, no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult. Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, MJN Air's formidable boss, has employed two of the very cheapest pilots money can buy: Captain Martin Crieff, who's always wanted to fly and won't let a little thing like lack of ability stop him, and First Officer Douglas Richardson, smooth-voiced old sky-god and eternal schemer. Passenger service is provided by the relentlessly cheery Arthur. Written by John Finnemore, Cabin Pressure stars Stephanie Cole as Carolyn, Benedict Cumberbatch as Martin, Roger Allam as Douglas, and John Finnemore as Arthur.

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