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Cabin Pressure  By  cover art

Cabin Pressure

By: John Finnemore
Narrated by: Stephanie Cole, Roger Allam, Benedict Cumberbatch
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Publisher's summary

Anyone looking to let off some steam is bound to find something to love in Cabin Pressure. The combination of snappy repartee and brilliant voice-acting makes this a side-achingly funny experience from start to finish.

Stephanie Cole ("Doc Martin"), Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam ("The Thick Of It") star in the complete first series of the hit sitcom about the pilots of a tiny charter airline for whom no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult. Written by John Finnemore, writer for The News Quiz, and That Mitchell & Webb Sound.

Run by the forbidding divorcée Carolyn Knapp-Shappey (an unfortunate marriage, namewise, but in Carolyn's opinion, marginally better than Carolyn Shappey-Knapp), her two pilots are the smooth, experienced and almost-certainly-fired-by-a-big-airline-for-all-round naughtiness Douglas, and struggling almost-competent pilot and sweaty man Martin. All-round help is provided by Carolyn's near-idiot son, Arthur....

©2008 John Finnemore (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd

Critic reviews

"Unexpectedly brilliant." - (Time Out)

"An inspired new sitcom." - (The Observer)

"The more I listen to John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, the more I think what a stonking masterpiece it is. Perfect in every department." (Philip Pullman)

Featured Article: The Best Scripted Audio Comedies to Listen to Right Now


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What listeners say about Cabin Pressure

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  • 03-12-15

A very funny series.

A very witty series that harkens back to the golden age of series radio. A delight to listen to over and over again.

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1 person found this helpful

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So funny, and Benedict Cumberbatch too!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It is hysterically funny, my friends would love it!

What did you like best about this story?

The humor, and Benedict Cumberbatch's voice

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

There was no book, this is a radio show

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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GENIUS COMEDY!

What did you love best about Cabin Pressure?

the wittiness of the situations and characters

Who was your favorite character and why?

ooo that's hard- um Martin. His preeminence to failure despite his efforts creates great conflict.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It's a radio show so all the actors just bring this to life!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

This is Martin, You Captain Speaking

Any additional comments?

Really great series!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant!

This is a really funny show! It's a pity there won't be any more episodes, I thoroughly enjoyed all seasons.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Everything a radio comedy should be! PERFECTION

Classic BBC radio for a modern audience. The cast, including Benedict Cumberbatch, is delightful. Perfect Chemistry!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Extremely enjoyable listen

I'm on my 5th time through the series. Love the humor! The story lines are so clever too.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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HIRALIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my goodness! These episodes are hilarious! I've listened to them several times now and find myself laughing silly every time. A MUST LISTEN if you're into radio dramas!

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Five plus stars!

I have listened to this series many times because it is excellent in every way. John Finnemore knows how to create delightful, interesting characters that somehow, understandably, get into ridiculous situations. All the actors are superb and the sound effects are just right. Certainly one of the best audio series I have ever purchased. There are 4 series and a holiday special "Molokai", plus the finale "Zurich". I have to especially thank Mr. Finnemore for episode 3 in series 1 because of the delightfully contrarian love relationship between 'Caroline and Herc' and congratulate him for the amazing finale when all the loose ends are tied, character's dilemmas resolved, and happiness reigns! I feel very lucky to have discovered this series.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic!

I absolutely LOVE this series. Funny, cleverly written material and terrific performers. I especially relish Roger Allam's deadpan, sardonic, quietly superb, and all-knowing "sky god" Douglas. The most fun you'll ever have in connection with air travel. Enjoy!

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15 people found this helpful

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An absolute gem!

Laugh out loud, tickle my funny bone silliness. A charter plane flys into high turbulence of comedy. I love it when the owner of MJN Air tells the pilot he is not an airline pilot because you can't put one plane into a line. This is a terrific series and I hope they'll be more!

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5 people found this helpful