The Masterson Inheritance: Series 1-3 Plus Specials

A BBC Radio Sketch Comedy

De: Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, Caroline Quentin, Jim Sweeney, Phelim McDermott

Narrado por: Caroline Quentin, Jim Sweeney, Josie Lawrence, Lee Simpson, Paul Merton, Phelim McDermott

All three series of the improvised family saga starring Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, Caroline Quentin and others – plus two special Christmas episodes

Based entirely on audience suggestions, this hysterically funny historical drama tells the thrilling extended story of an aristocratic family at war with itself. From Ancient Rome to 1920s Hollywood, we follow the Mastersons’ turbulent history across the centuries, as their fortunes wax and wane, and their fates hang on objects as diverse and unlikely as a tumble dryer, a rabbit’s foot and a pair of Siamese twins.

In these three series, their adventures include setting sail across the Atlantic (with a cargo of dangerous sheep), mucking out at the court of King Arthur, becoming embroiled in murder and intrigue aboard a luxury cruiser and running away to join a Victorian travelling circus. There’s family revenge in the Wild West over dodgy dental work; the medieval Mastersons face land struggles and an overcrowded castle; and in the Edwardian era, suffragettes split the family, sparking drama at the races. Plus, in two Christmas specials, the Mastersons face repercussions from a child’s innocent gift, and the family’s ancient culture reveals some curious customs…

Starring in this comic chronicle of pride, passion, iniquity and inbreeding are celebrated comedians and improv veterans Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, Caroline Quentin, Jim Sweeney, Lee Simpson and Phelim McDermott.

Production credits

Starring Josie Lawrence, Phelim McDermott, Paul Merton, Lee Simpson, Jim Sweeney and Caroline Quentin

Produced by Phil Clarke

First broadcast BBC Radio 4: 22 April-27 May 1993, (Series 1), 25 December 1993 (The Stuffing of the Mastersons), 11 June-16 July 1994 (Series 2), 8 July-12 August 1995 (Series 3), 25 December 1995 (The Mastersons’ Christmas Cracker)

©2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2020 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The Review of the Mastersons!

This wildly-funny improv radio show features a wonderful collection of witty, intelligent, and silly comedians and actors making up plots based on suggestions from the audience. All involving the Masterson family. As it's all improv, there are hits and misses, with some episodes being more successful than others. But when it works, it's truly hilarious. My favorite episode is "The Sweat of the Mastersons" which features blackmail, secret babies, female impersonation, and a villain with his own theme song. It's all very silly and a tremendous amount of fun.