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Cabin Pressure #5
Cabin Pressure: Zurich
The complete finale of the hit BBC Radio 4 sitcom- 2 episodes.
Cabin Pressure is set in the wing and prayer world of a tiny, one-plane airline, staffed by two pilots, one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. In this, the finale of the whole series, we discover that for MJN Air, whether it's choosing an ice-cream flavour, putting a princess in a van or remembering your grandmother's name, 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 cheerful Arthur, proud inventor of both Surprising Rice and his own hat.
Cabin Pressure is set in the wing and prayer world of a tiny, one-plane airline, staffed by two pilots, one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. In this, the finale of the whole series, we discover that for MJN Air, whether it's choosing an ice-cream flavour, putting a princess in a van or remembering your grandmother's name, 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 cheerful Arthur, proud inventor of both Surprising Rice and his own hat.
1 pages, Audiobook
First published January 15, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 17, 2015
It is sad that it is all over now, but everything turned out for the best for everyone in the end, and you can't ask for more than that!
I am going to miss Martin, Douglas, Caroline and Herc, but I am going to miss Arthur most of all. What a brilliant comedic character! I am glad I own all the series' on CD so that I can have a listen whenever I need a good laugh :-)!
I am going to miss Martin, Douglas, Caroline and Herc, but I am going to miss Arthur most of all. What a brilliant comedic character! I am glad I own all the series' on CD so that I can have a listen whenever I need a good laugh :-)!
January 29, 2019
A review of the Complete Cabin Pressure:
First of all its a radio play but because I listened to it like an audiobook I think its completely valid for me to count it towards my reading challenge.
The plot: Cabin Pressure is episodic with some recurring themes and the looming threat of one day going bankrupt. It features a small airline (or rather airdot as its only one plane) and many flight deck shenanigans.
The characters: we have Arthur, see steward and not the brightest bulb in the box but an absolute sweetheart, very optimistic ("Brilliant!") and manages to save the day several times. His mum is the CEO and probably the scariest boss you could imagine but you also completely love her? Douglas is the snarky first officer, a bit of a schemer and con, a sober alcoholic, sky god and master of sarcasm. Martin is the socially awkward Captain that no one believes is the Captain, he goes by the book that he knows by heart and tries and fails to be authoritative and also is not a very good pilot. (John Finnemore also said that he originally didn't mean for him to be autistic but now considers him on the spectrum)
The performance: I admit that I started listening because I thought Comfypants Bandersnatch playing an awkward pilot?! But I stayed for the overall performance. John Finnemore manages to play Arthur in a way that you can hear the ":D" expression and Roger Allams voice is just so god damn smooth I need an audiobook narrated just by him. Could be the yellow pages for all I care.
The humour: I laughed my ass off at about every single episode. It's very British humour and there's lots of sarcasm and snark in there. A highlight are always the games (the lemon is in play), schemes, the squabbles between the crew and I want to mention the recurring background character of the ATC Karl
The emotional component: even though its a comedy there's a lot of emotion in it too. Douglas and Martin finding out each others secrets, the human goldenretriever Arthur having to face his father (the only person he can't describe as Brilliant), the realism of financial insecurities of MJN and personal insecurities of Martin and also Douglas as we realise later. The last episode (a two part special) almost made me tear up a little.
Overall: everyone should listen to this masterwork of British comedy at least once and at least a little
First of all its a radio play but because I listened to it like an audiobook I think its completely valid for me to count it towards my reading challenge.
The plot: Cabin Pressure is episodic with some recurring themes and the looming threat of one day going bankrupt. It features a small airline (or rather airdot as its only one plane) and many flight deck shenanigans.
The characters: we have Arthur, see steward and not the brightest bulb in the box but an absolute sweetheart, very optimistic ("Brilliant!") and manages to save the day several times. His mum is the CEO and probably the scariest boss you could imagine but you also completely love her? Douglas is the snarky first officer, a bit of a schemer and con, a sober alcoholic, sky god and master of sarcasm. Martin is the socially awkward Captain that no one believes is the Captain, he goes by the book that he knows by heart and tries and fails to be authoritative and also is not a very good pilot. (John Finnemore also said that he originally didn't mean for him to be autistic but now considers him on the spectrum)
The performance: I admit that I started listening because I thought Comfypants Bandersnatch playing an awkward pilot?! But I stayed for the overall performance. John Finnemore manages to play Arthur in a way that you can hear the ":D" expression and Roger Allams voice is just so god damn smooth I need an audiobook narrated just by him. Could be the yellow pages for all I care.
The humour: I laughed my ass off at about every single episode. It's very British humour and there's lots of sarcasm and snark in there. A highlight are always the games (the lemon is in play), schemes, the squabbles between the crew and I want to mention the recurring background character of the ATC Karl
The emotional component: even though its a comedy there's a lot of emotion in it too. Douglas and Martin finding out each others secrets, the human goldenretriever Arthur having to face his father (the only person he can't describe as Brilliant), the realism of financial insecurities of MJN and personal insecurities of Martin and also Douglas as we realise later. The last episode (a two part special) almost made me tear up a little.
Overall: everyone should listen to this masterwork of British comedy at least once and at least a little
November 12, 2017
There isn't nearly enough of these to meet my standards, so if you're the type that gets overly attached to fictional characters, this might not be the series for you. Each one is full and fleshed out in a way a lot of 600+ page novels can't accomplish. They creep into your thoughts after you listen to the series; you'll think of how Arthur would respond to situations at random. You'll wish Douglas was around to think of something clever and save the day. You'll want to be friends with Martin, and also torture him mercilessly like Douglas. You'll want to be Carolyn- in charge of this ragtag team of brilliance.
January 27, 2026
Simply fabulous ending. I love my found family so much.
April 25, 2024
The finale of the series is this two-parter. Not only did Cabin Pressure manage to maintain the high standard set by the first episode, it actually managed to improve as it went along
September 13, 2017
BRILLIANT!!! I liked the ending for all the characters. The bonding between them throughout the episodes was charming and real. This is not just funny, this is witty, clever and very well written and performed .The bad thing is that it's over. But I listen over and over again and it gets even better!
November 20, 2019
I bought this audio-book to complete the Cabin Pressure series (I had found A-Y through iTunes; this remained the last letter of the alphabet to locate)
It took some time, but it was worth the wait! It wraps up the series very nicely. I was very pleased with the production quality and this conclusion to the series.
It took some time, but it was worth the wait! It wraps up the series very nicely. I was very pleased with the production quality and this conclusion to the series.
May 2, 2025
I love the way the entire series comes to a close. We’ve traveled so far with these amazing characters and their jet, and I love how everyone has an ending that suits them perfectly.
Cabin Pressure will forever be one of my all-time favorite audiobooks/radio shows, and I listen to it about twice a year at least. 😊
Cabin Pressure will forever be one of my all-time favorite audiobooks/radio shows, and I listen to it about twice a year at least. 😊
April 14, 2022
A fabulous and fitting finale for G-ERTI and her crew. I wish this show went on forever, but I guess it's hard to find letters after Z... Bravo John Finnemore and thank you for the excellent journey!
November 18, 2024
"What do you have in the back of your van?" "1000 ice lollies and the princess of Liechtenstein!"
I have listened to Cabin Pressure many many times over the years and it remains ome of my absolute favourites.
I have listened to Cabin Pressure many many times over the years and it remains ome of my absolute favourites.
June 13, 2017
Now *that* is how you go out in style.
December 2, 2017
i wish this series had been running longer and there were more episodes. Truly love it <3
May 8, 2019
Save this for last!!!!
May 9, 2019
Unexpected ending! Laughs guaranteed!
November 6, 2020
What a fitting end to a fantastic series!
November 18, 2022
A fantastic end to the series :')
April 7, 2023
So fun, a great ending to a fabulous show. Didn’t want it to end. They should do more!
July 27, 2024
Great ending to a great series.
What more need be said? This was a fantastic ending to a great series. Will recommend.
What more need be said? This was a fantastic ending to a great series. Will recommend.
May 16, 2021
This series is probably one of my all-time favourite pieces of media, and this is certainly the best finale to anything I've ever read/watched/listened to.
June 8, 2023
John Finnemore is a genius. My favourite writer.
February 3, 2019
‘Four of The Most Inept, Unskilled People Try to Run an Airline on Good Faith’
- Ashley V. Robinson, Ep. 49 of Geek History Lesson Podcast
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
I’m sure you’re thinking, but that’s 6 stars? Out of 5? That’s an improper fraction!
Well, I had to because it really is, that good. Hands down the funniest thing I’ve ever heard (and not just because I am a sucker for British comedy) Cabin Pressure is one of many brilliant recommendations I have scooped out of my favourite podcast, Geek History Lesson.
The title, quoted from one of GHL’s co-hosts, is really all you really need to know since if I were to go into all the reasons I love this audiobook/show/drama, I’d ruin it for a new listener. The least spoiler-y reasons come down to Douglas and his never-ending genius wit and the many recurring references and jokes that litter the 26 instalments of the show – since it is technically an audio-show by origin but I consider it an audiobook since its distribution on Audible.
I have discovered John Finnemore, writer and also actor, of Cabin Pressure to be the unseen mastermind behind much of my favourite television and he is clearly gifted in his craft. Cabin Pressure has foreshadowing, running jokes, and intelligent and engaging stories and a brilliant core cast of all-star British talent including John Finnemore, Rodger Allam, Stephanie Cole and Benedict Cumberbatch.
If Cabin Pressure announced a second series of episodes tomorrow, I would be right there ready for them and would happily listen and re-listen to all of the existing ones again.
I can’t recommend it enough, you can buy the episodes individually I think, but I think the best way to listen is via Audible subscription since you get to keep them afterwards in easily manageable series.
- Ashley V. Robinson, Ep. 49 of Geek History Lesson Podcast
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
I’m sure you’re thinking, but that’s 6 stars? Out of 5? That’s an improper fraction!
Well, I had to because it really is, that good. Hands down the funniest thing I’ve ever heard (and not just because I am a sucker for British comedy) Cabin Pressure is one of many brilliant recommendations I have scooped out of my favourite podcast, Geek History Lesson.
The title, quoted from one of GHL’s co-hosts, is really all you really need to know since if I were to go into all the reasons I love this audiobook/show/drama, I’d ruin it for a new listener. The least spoiler-y reasons come down to Douglas and his never-ending genius wit and the many recurring references and jokes that litter the 26 instalments of the show – since it is technically an audio-show by origin but I consider it an audiobook since its distribution on Audible.
I have discovered John Finnemore, writer and also actor, of Cabin Pressure to be the unseen mastermind behind much of my favourite television and he is clearly gifted in his craft. Cabin Pressure has foreshadowing, running jokes, and intelligent and engaging stories and a brilliant core cast of all-star British talent including John Finnemore, Rodger Allam, Stephanie Cole and Benedict Cumberbatch.
If Cabin Pressure announced a second series of episodes tomorrow, I would be right there ready for them and would happily listen and re-listen to all of the existing ones again.
I can’t recommend it enough, you can buy the episodes individually I think, but I think the best way to listen is via Audible subscription since you get to keep them afterwards in easily manageable series.
July 26, 2017
I've postponed listening to this for a very, very long time, simply because I didn't want Cabin Pressure to have a definite ending. All of the other episodes I've listened to so often, I know them by heart and yet I still find all of them incredibly funny. The whole series is a real gem, that probably won't come along again.
But onward to this review.
It's the final (double-) episodes of Cabin Pressure. A radio series that takes audio to a new high.
Caroline (the owner of MJN Air which only consists of one airplane named GERTI), Arthur (her son and the ever so helpful steward on-board of GERTI), Douglas (the first officer and a hoot to boot) and Martin (the captain of the airplane and more by the book, than the book itself) are on their final trip with MJN Air.
Since I don't want to spoil anything (this being their final trip, really isn't a spoiler, since it's named Zurich and John Finnemore declared very early on, that he wanted to do the alphabet) I'll leave you with this.
Carol has to make a tough decision and Arthur is there helping Douglas save the day, with Martin finally making a decision.
Almost a 5/5, but since it's the final episode, I couldn't help listening to it with a wistful ear, which kinda spoiled it a little for me.
But onward to this review.
It's the final (double-) episodes of Cabin Pressure. A radio series that takes audio to a new high.
Caroline (the owner of MJN Air which only consists of one airplane named GERTI), Arthur (her son and the ever so helpful steward on-board of GERTI), Douglas (the first officer and a hoot to boot) and Martin (the captain of the airplane and more by the book, than the book itself) are on their final trip with MJN Air.
Since I don't want to spoil anything (this being their final trip, really isn't a spoiler, since it's named Zurich and John Finnemore declared very early on, that he wanted to do the alphabet) I'll leave you with this.
Carol has to make a tough decision and Arthur is there helping Douglas save the day, with Martin finally making a decision.
Almost a 5/5, but since it's the final episode, I couldn't help listening to it with a wistful ear, which kinda spoiled it a little for me.
July 15, 2019
4.50 stars - rated pg13 (secular, fairly clean)
British radio sitcom released on Audible. I love Stephanie Cole in other British tv sitcoms so was looking forward to listening to this. I laughed and loved the hilarious season #1 and immediately bought all the other Cabin Pressure series' and anything else done by John Finnemore. This Cabin Pressure radio sitcom is fairly clean for a secular program but I've since discovered that other things done by John Finnemore can be rather unwholesome, tasteless and offensive so I've deleted his other programs off my audible. But the ensemble cast of this Cabin Pressure series is great together and I wish they'd done more than 5 years worth of hilarious programs.
British radio sitcom released on Audible. I love Stephanie Cole in other British tv sitcoms so was looking forward to listening to this. I laughed and loved the hilarious season #1 and immediately bought all the other Cabin Pressure series' and anything else done by John Finnemore. This Cabin Pressure radio sitcom is fairly clean for a secular program but I've since discovered that other things done by John Finnemore can be rather unwholesome, tasteless and offensive so I've deleted his other programs off my audible. But the ensemble cast of this Cabin Pressure series is great together and I wish they'd done more than 5 years worth of hilarious programs.
April 23, 2016
This is where the series end, because all good things come to an end, even though they should. Sigh...
Anyway, it's brilliant. It's a doublelength episode and it wraps everything up neatly, giving the whole series a satisfying end, even if it might not be what we wished for.
And I don't know for how long the creators planned this episode, but there are parts that points back to the earlier season, not just the fourth and the feeling of continuity and ending several story arches is just amazing.
I'll miss this series, but it is the greatest ending I could have imagined.
Anyway, it's brilliant. It's a doublelength episode and it wraps everything up neatly, giving the whole series a satisfying end, even if it might not be what we wished for.
And I don't know for how long the creators planned this episode, but there are parts that points back to the earlier season, not just the fourth and the feeling of continuity and ending several story arches is just amazing.
I'll miss this series, but it is the greatest ending I could have imagined.
December 27, 2021
I really do not know what else I can say about this series. After finishing the final episode my praise remains just as effusive as when I began. It is funny, entertaining and over too soon! I should also note, it is so nice to have an actual ending to a series, that is both bitter sweet and satisfying, almost like a fairy tale!
I have enjoyed this series so much I am going to make it a Christmas listen going forward. I really cannot say enough good things about it. Just download and listen already!
I have enjoyed this series so much I am going to make it a Christmas listen going forward. I really cannot say enough good things about it. Just download and listen already!
August 15, 2016
A brilliant wrap-up to my favorite series of all time. I will certainly miss all of these characters! Despite a pretty significant break in between Series 4 and this finale, writer John Finnemore wraps up all plot threads wonderfully.
Cabin Pressure is better than nearly any comedy offering available, be it TV or Radio. If you haven't yet, do yourself a favor and check it out! You won't regret it!
Cabin Pressure is better than nearly any comedy offering available, be it TV or Radio. If you haven't yet, do yourself a favor and check it out! You won't regret it!
March 21, 2015
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.
September 6, 2015
BRILLIANT!
July 8, 2016
If you haven't heard this show and you are a fan of British comedy, you will love it.
December 26, 2015
Just brilliant !
Great to see what happens to all the wonderful characters.
So sad this it's ended. It was the best !
Great to see what happens to all the wonderful characters.
So sad this it's ended. It was the best !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews