Thursday 20 August 2009

Out of Office

Right, I'm on holiday for a bit. A very small amount of walking in Italy, followed by a large amount of lazing around in Italy, which I will pretend has been justified by the walking, but which, in fact, isn't. So, nothing here until the end of the month... but the last of the second series of Cabin Pressure goes out tomorrow on Radio 4 at 11.30, and will be on Listen Again and iPlayer for a week afterwards. It's a bit different from the others - hope you like it.

23 comments:

riffle said...

IMO, Cabin Pressure is the best sitcom with new episodes currently on radio or TV in the UK or the USA. Skillfully executed, humane, and hilarious.

I'm a bit stunned that the last episode of this series, in a bid to be "different," is an attempt at silent comedy on radio. Still, you have a bright future.

Your holiday is well-deserved. It's too bad Italy has to suffer through it.

Some bits above are japes. But "Cabin Pressure" really is evidence of genius.

AM said...

Agree - Cabin Pressure is genius. I dont think I've laughed this much in a long time. I really hope R4 recommission it and that I can get tickets to one of the recordings.
Will Italy feature in the next series of Cabin Pressure then??

Mike Reyes said...

AM - Series 1 has an episode in Cremona. It's actually one of my favorites out of the original run, if anything for the catchy little modification to Ride of the Valkyries. ("As it was wri-tten, so it shall beeee.")

Yes, I do have a life. It's just that I have Series 1 on my iPod and have listened to its contents quite a few times now.

John - It's upsetting you're already at the end of the run. Different is definitely the word for this series, because the characters naturally have developed into deeper beings than when we last left them. (And it was interesting that some of the really fun adventures were on the ground, rather than in the air. Ipswitch was a fine example of that.) Sorry to see you go, but eager for Series 3. Enjoy your restful holiday!

Unknown said...

Where can I purchase a copy of the first series of Cabin Pressure?

AM said...

Thanks Mr Controversy - buying Series 1 is next on my list. I only stumbled upon Series 2 by chance.
Warren the Radio 4 website has a link to 2 places to buy the last series http://www.bbc.co.uk/buyersguide/retailers/9781408417133 on the Cabin Pressure site on the Radio 4 website. I'm not v. up on these things so not sure if there are better places to buy.

heyjimtitus said...

Cabin Pressure Series 2 was a delight. A sitcom with heart, wit and, above all, a breezy style that sails along at an effortless pace.

Yes, the final episode was something of a departure, but I think the second series overall had a tighter focus on the crew, and less of the situational plots of series 1 and was in many ways the better for it. With considerably more interaction within the crew and less with the passengers of the week, the follow-up series gave us an intimate look at the characters you and the cast have clearly grown quite comfortable with.

John, I hope you enjoy your vacation. Meantime, I'll look forward to whatever you turn your pen to in future.

Anonymous said...

John,

Just caught the final episode, and in Arthur's words "Brilliant!"

An original concept, well researched and strucutred, not sure if there was ever a plane spotter in your murky past!

Enjoy your hols

qrter said...

A Dutch listener here - a quick note to say I love both series. One of the best Radio Four comedies I've heard in years. Really sublime, intricate writing.

I hope you want and can do a third series - you know, after you've had your holiday.. ;)

simon said...

Boncore!

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to disagree with the people who weren't that keen on the final episode. I think using the last episode in each series to give it some extra heart is a brilliant idea. Make us cry then make us laugh. Please, please, please write another series - Cabin Pressure is definitely the most rounded radio sitcom I've heard.

Anonymous said...

Loved the last episode - made really good use of the brilliant actors in the cast. Not sure about the bloke who plays Arthur though...

pennyforyourdreams said...

I loved Cabin Pressure. Thanks very much! More please?!

Sara said...

Cabin Pressure is a fabulous exception to the sitcom norm; 'sitcom' usualy being synonymous for 'not very funny'.

In addition to being a laugh out loud comedy, the characters are entirely real. Even your own idiot Arthur.

The last episode of this second series was exceptional even by your own high standards.

On another topic, are you by any remote chance descended from the John Finnemore who wrote the 'Teddy Lester' books a century back?

Niel Bushnell said...

Curses! I've missed two or three of series 2 due to holidays, trips etc!

Stu said...

Gosh, it would appear that you get more messages now you've 'left the building' ... even only for a short time.

So, before it starts reading like a 'pseudo-obituary', well done on the last series of "Cabin Pressure". I'll have to wait for any replays on BBCr7 to catch the last 3 shows.

Excellent attention was also paid to both aeronautic and technical detail. An award to "the chap who was actually paying attention" is surely due (either that or his Dad told him everything?)

Think about the transfer to TV ... go on ... think about it?

John Finnemore said...

Aww, you guys!

Thank you all very much - I'm absolutely delighted you enjoyed the series, and I appreciate you taking the time to tell me so.

Riffle - oddly enough, I did have a shot at a plot which would build up to three minutes at the end in which no-one was speaking to anyone else, but the sound effects told the story. Couldn't quite pull it off- maybe next time.

Warren - where AM said, but also from the Pozzive site.

Sara - no direct relation that I know of, but Finnemore is an unusual enough name that there is probably only one original source. I used to enjoy his existence, because it meant I have some hundred year old books on my shelf with my name on the spine; but lately I've gone off him, because he's 'John Finnemore (author)' on Wikipedia, relegating me to 'John Finnemore (writer)'.

Everyone else - thanks again for saying such nice things!

qrter said...

I think you mean the Pozzitive site.. which actually directs you through to audible.co.uk

I just bought the first series on iTunes, eventhough the audio versions I already have are much better quality (and not in one big file) - as long as the money ends up in the (sort of) right place!

Anonymous said...

I can see that your slightly less elevated Wikipedia status than your namesake would be a bit off putting, but you can console yourself that you hold the advantage in the whole not being dead stakes.

Sara

John Finnemore said...

Yeah! Take that JF,(A)! Being born in 1863 not looking quite so clever now, is it?

dave seabright said...

Series 2 - once again, highly inventive use of language and characterization...and, more importantly, side-splittingly funny! Could this transfer to TV??
Also, any news on more John Finnemore, Apparently?? (or anything similar in the pipeline??)
Apologies for the extravagant use of the question mark - its just enthusaism!!! (and the ! mark! ? !).

Ellie said...

Hey John just to say I love Cabin Pressure (hoping there is a new series soon please??) :) I think you are all amazing actors, and I have only just found these fantastic shows and would love to see it live! :) xx

Gordiana17 said...

I had cry from joy, hearing this episode. I must have looked rather stupid in an aeroplane ;)

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