John Finnemore's Double Acts: Series 2

6 full-cast radio dramas

De: John Finnemore

Narrado por: John Finnemore

Duración: 2 h y 48 m

Resumen del Editor

This is the second series of one-off comedies written by the genius behind the smash-hit radio sitcom Cabin Pressure - John Finnemore. The first series won the coveted Writers Guild of Great Britain award for Best Comedy.

Each show is a comedy perfumed by just two actors - including (across the series) famous household names such as Martin Clunes (Doc Martin), Julia McKenzie (Fresh Fields) and the inimitable voice of Carolyn in Cabin Pressure, Stephanie Cole.

The show comes from Pozzitive, proud producers of Cabin Pressure, Thanks A Lot, Milton Jones!, Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation, The Brig Society, The Castle, Armando Iannucci's Charm Offensive, Shush! and Kevin Eldon Will See You Now....

Stephanie Cole and Kerry Godliman (Derek) star in the first episode - 'The Queen's Speech' - Victoria is very much hoping to see a conjuror, or at the very least a parrot - but instead meets Mabel....

In Episode 2, Julia McKenzie (Fresh Fields) and Gus Brown star in 'Mercy Dash' - Malcolm needs some help. Sue has a spot of time on her hands. Winchester beckons....

In the third show, newcomers Kieran Hodgson (2017 South Bank Arts - Breakthrough Comedy Award) and Ethan Lawrence (Bad Education) are Pidge and Gavin in 'Here's What We Do' - Pidge and Gavin! The old team back together again for one last mission....

And Show 4 pairs the inimitable Una Stubbs (Sherlock) and Tamzin Outhwaite (Redcap) in 'The Rebel Alliance' - Eileen and Lizzie are both determined to enjoy the wedding. No matter what Yvonne does....

Show 5 stars Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) and Tom Goodman-Hill (Humans) with a bit of 'Penguin Diplomac'"- when a chance meeting between Søndergaard and Bunning could very well lead to a new Cold War....

And John Finnemore himself stars in the final show alongside comedy hero Michael Palin in 'The Wroxton Box' - Alec is late as usual. But Percy is wearing different socks. Something big is brewing....

Duration: 3 hours approx.

©2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2017 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Mixed Bag

What did you love best about John Finnemore's Double Acts: Series 2?

John is one of the best writers in his field. He's amazing. He writes some of the most clever stuff that has ever been put on paper, then on radio. Series One of Double Acts was absolutely masterful. 'Red Handed' is a marvel of writing. So clever it defies description. Out of the 6 episodes of Series One, 5 of them are "boundaries" for six. Only one stays inside the field of play but even then is a 4 just tapping the rope.

This series is hit and miss. There are 2 Great. 2 Quite Good. 1 Good, and 1 not very clever. The not very clever one is just preaching, without the twist of mystery, or phrasing.

John is so good, such a good writer and thinker. The one story, while I have no quarrel with the subject matter, is merely two characters standing on a soap box. Which is fine. He can write what he wants and has every right to do so, and it won't stop me from pre-ordering everything that comes from his mind and pen.

Comparing the stories of Series One to Series Two isn't really fair. They are in two different leagues. I have literally listened to Series One two dozen times at least. Series Two will have to pick and choose.

But again. John Finnemore is a genius. He's not just funny and clever, he's a genius. How he tied together "Cabin Pressure" in Zurich is a masterpiece in literature. I heartily recommend anything he does. His genius is just too great. He has the right to write what he wants, and his audience will continue to purchase in droves as they should, but these six stories are just a bit of a step slower than Series One.

The acting in these stories is superb. No quarrel there. Easily as good as Series One. The production, sound, editing, foley, and all other aspects of the episodes is again first class all the way.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

You'l have to listen to them

Which character – as performed by John Finnemore – was your favorite?

They are all great.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Mostly made me Laugh Out Loud

Any additional comments?

I can't wait for the next "Souvenir Programme" to come out. Already have it on pre-order.

I’m crazy about these beautiful and funny stories

I’m a huge fan of all John Finnemore’s work, and have listened to Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore’s Souvenir Program several times, so I’m so happy to have these Double Acts.

Sometimes during the setup for the act I’ll think “hmm, I’m not sure I’ll be particularly interested in this one,” and I’m ALWAYS wrong. They are always spectacular.

Vintage John Finnemore

John continues to deliver the laughs in beautiful and unexpected ways. In the space of 30 minutes he tells a story that makes you fall in love with the characters and wish there was more. He captures the human condition so well that anyone can relate and smile at our own quirks.

Delightful! Again!!

More clever hilarity from hands-down the best comedy writer I know!
Second only to his Cabin Pressure series…maybe!
Thank you John Finnemore! Penguin Diplomacy is the gem of this series, I’d say!

John Finnemore is an international treasure!

I've loved all of his material that's available on Audible. Cabin Pressure is brilliant! Souvenir Programme is hilarious! And his new show Double Acts is fantastic!

While not a true comedy program, Double Acts series one featured an awesome cast and brilliant writing. This series 2 is no exception. Once again the cast for each story are all great and Finnemore's writing is as amazing as ever. Each story is different, but they are all supremely entertaining.

I really hope that John Finnemore writes a series 3 for Double Acts and continues creating more series for the Souvenir Programme as well. And that they will be available on Audible!

Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry

Laughter, laughter more laughter

very funny. if you're unfamiliar with a British accent, then become familiar on the lighter side. No Piers Morgan stuffiness to be found here, just laughter. I will listen to this several more times to be sure.

Yes, it's a lot of fun - will listen again too

John Finnemore is talented, and the actors are talented. This is quality entertainment, witty, human, and insightful. And, funny.

My favorite is the fifth play. I have listened to it over and over again in 2018. When I first putchased this Series 2 I was still looking for another Cabin Pressure - a long running series of interactions with the same characters that evolve over time. I set this aside after one listen, but reloaded it into my ipod in 2018 for another go.

The fifth radio drama, Penguin Diplomacy, upon relistening this year, was deeper and more sophisticated and layered than I had picked up on in the first listen. I think it is the very best drama/comedy/play I have ever listened to. While relistening I discovered nuances I had missed before. The writing and acting and sound effects are all top notch.