Cabin Pressure: From A to Z

Cabin Pressure #1-5

by John Finnemore

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.

Genres: Humor, Audiobook, Fiction

Audio CD

First published February 5, 2015

About the author

John David Finnemore (born 28 September 1977) is a British comedy writer and actor. He wrote and performs in the radio series Cabin Pressure, John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme, and John Finnemore's Double Acts, and frequently features in other BBC Radio 4 comedy shows such as The Now Show.

Reviews

[Dev]

Cabin Pressure is by far the best thing that Benedict Cumberbatch has ever done

But seriously, I was absolutely OBSESSED with this show back in the day. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've listened to this. Although hilariously enough, I don't think I ever listened to the very last episode. The finale is a two-parter and I think I just listened to part 1 - which left it on a cliff hanger but I still thought was good as an ending - and I apparently just never listened to part 2 because I was listening now like ??? what is this ??? Anyway, absolutely love this series. It's hilarious and all the characters are great. I find myself quoting it way too much, even though no one else ever knows what it is lol

[(Mellifluous Grant)]

Freaking hilarious! Loved every moment!

[lov2laf]

This is the funniest, most clever, well-written radio sitcom to grace the BBC, bar none. Even being a big fan of 'Clare in the Community' and 'Old Harry's Game', I have to put this one first. I've listened to the program in its entirety many times but I never get tired of it. In the words of Arthur, "Brilliant!"

[Ilovesweets]

The dry humor, the over-the-top stories, the absolutely perfect interpretation, the lovable (but oh so flawed) characters, omg, the games(!) , everything! I loved everything. And I have photographic proof of spraying water all over myself when bursting out laughing over Martin's polar bear story. So you know this is funny!

[Rory]

It's brilliant ! As Arthur would say.......

Wonderful one liners. Perfect timing. The concept and ideas for even silly things like yellow car - they just make me laugh out loud.

Ipswich and Uskerty are my all time favourites. Martin up a tree is incredible.

Just the best ever.

[Gabri]

I know it's not a book, but it's on Goodreads and it deserves a high rating because it's BRILLIANT!

[Amy J]

OUTSTANDING. DONT MISS

[Miriam]

I have listened to this entire series at least four or five time, and I love it. I think the first series was probably only 3 1/2 stars or so, at least for me, but I felt like it just got better and better, and the final episodes ("Zurich") are a perfect ending for the show. I feel that a lot of British humor is clever but classist and mean-spirited, and although this show does take a few cracks at wealthy people and Americans (because it wouldn't be a British production if it didn't), in general it is a lovely show, with mostly nice, if imperfect people who really do care about one another. I love the fact that all of the characters get a happy ending of one sort or another, and it is the happy ending that is perfect for them. It's a warm, mostly kind series.

[literaryaura]

I listened to the first book, then decided I need to continue with the rest. This show is freaking brilliant. It had me laughing out a whole lot. I really got caught up in the lives of these four people, and was sad to have to say goodbye to them in the end. I do hope John Finnemore comes up with more stuff.

The cast was truly amazing. One thing though, the laugh track was a bit annoying at times, and at other times, made me feel like I was a part of the live audience. I am not sure if it was filmed in front of a live audience, or if the laugh track was added on. Not even sure if it would have sounded better or worse without it.

[Ana]

Very clever and funny. I felt instantly attached to the lovable crew due to the great voice actors and the interesting format. No more than 28 min per episode, this is a great listen especially for commuters and you can just start the series in the middle and it won't matter.

[S]

In a word: Brilliant.

I don't even remember how I stumbled upon this show, but I laugh just as hard when I listen to it now as I did when it first aired. Well written, well acted, and I recommend it to anyone whenever the opportunity comes up.

[Jason Dillingham]

I absolutely love Cabin Pressure! The characters feel so real to me and I love the way their personalities clash, merge, and develop through the series. For sure, there are some episodes I enjoy more than others, but I still quote much of Cabin Pressure on a daily basis. I will generally listen to Cabin Pressure about once a year, and will always highly recommend it to anyone looking for recommendations.

[Nomad nimrod]

Magnificent.
This is one of those programmes which you can listen again and again.

[Mikayla]

Such an epic series. I can always rely on this for a good laugh.

[Nick Adamson]

Simply brilliant

[freeze]

Relisten.

[James]

Probablyvthe best comedy experience ever.

[Florence🏳️‍🌈]

i’ve listened to this - from beginning to end - 4 times in the last 10 days, and i’m starting my 5th listen through now. take that as you will.

[glass.curtain]

I must have listened to these episodes at least twenty times by now, and still I'm not tired of them. They are amongst my favorites whenever I can't decide which new book to pick for a drive or a walk.

If you have the chance, do give it a go, come for Benedict Cumberbatch, and soon you'll stay for a magnificent cast with not a single weak member and mesmerizing stories that make you smile.

This is definitely one of the greats of British radio and deserves all the praise its gotten and even more.

[Bri_winter]

From the first episode I thoroughly enjoyed „Cabin Pressure“ a lot and it is still a favorite of mine. Especially when dealing with sad times in my life the crew always cheers me up.

Carolyn Knapp-Shappey is MJN Air’s formidable boss and she employs two of the very cheapest pilots money can buy: Captain Martin Crieff and First Officer Douglas Richardson. Cabin crew are Carolyn and her son, the relentlessly cheery Arthur.

After all those years still a wonderful experience!

[Amber]

As Arthur would say, "That was brilliant". Sad to reach the end of this hilarious series. I'm not sure all of the tears rolling out of my eyes as I listened to the last episode were from only laughing so hard. I will miss the crew of MJN Air, but I guess I can always listen again.

[Anne Barwell]

Laugh out loud funny. Not a dud episode over the whole series. The behind the scenes on the last disc is worth listening to as well.