Cabin Pressure

Zurich: The BBC Radio 4 airline

By: John Finnemore

Narrated by: Stephanie Cole, Full Cast, Benedict Cumberbatch

Length: 55 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2015 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2015 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Critic reviews

"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)

Such an incredible show

I drive 50 minutes each way to work every day, and it's always so boring. Nothing brightens up my day more than this piece of brilliance by John Finnemore. Just so incredible. Highly recommend!

Perfect ending to the perfect radio series!!!

This series is, by leaps and bounds, the best thing I've ever heard. Ridiculously witty and incredibly hilarious, with exquisite performances by all those that lend their voices to this gem. I was a little apprehensive about how the series would end, but I needn't have been, Finnemore did a fantastic job of wrapping it up. If you appreciate British humour, listen to this series - you will not be disappointed!!

Perfect finish to a great series:

I had been putting off finally listening to this because i was so sad the series was ending, but my fears were completely unfounded! What a perfect, perfect finisher to a well-crafted series!

Absolutely Brilliant!

The final installment of Cabin Pressure soars above the rest of the series. A well rounded, hilarious, and touching radio show leaving you happy and just a tad bit sad there aren't more episodes.

Brilliant!

Best comedy series of all time!
Touching and hilarious, wish it never ended. Once you start it you won't be able to stop till you've heard them all.

brilliant

If you could sum up Cabin Pressure in three words, what would they be?

unprecedented talent ... writing, acting, concept, sophisticated humor

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cabin Pressure?

all of the openings were shockingly clever.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Cumberbatch as actor. Finnimore as writer

Any additional comments?

I loved this so much... I cried when it ended

There are fairy tale endings

I'd recommend this to all my friends. I can't think of a program I've enjoyed more; Finnemore is, in a word: brilliant.

Best radio comedy series of all time

It was with trepidation that I purchased Season 1 of Cabin Pressure, not knowing if I would like it. The series is so great that once I started listening, I couldn't wait to go thru the rest of the seasons as well as the Christmas special and this final episode. The final episode is a great story and ending to the series. My only complaint is that there are not more episodes and seasons. The entire series is excellently written and acted and it is very easy to picture the action, even though it's audio only and not video (like a TV show). I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it during my commute.

perfect ending to a fabulous show.

I was really excited to know that there was more after season 6! it is a great series finale. very satisfying. spoiler alert: I wish Arthur has found someone!

BRILLIANT!

As a fan of the show, John Finnemore really nailed a great finale to a wonderful sitcom. it's absolutely charming, funny, and everything you want in a show as the curtain falls for the last time. I got series one because Benedict Cumberbatch was in it, and I've bought all the other available shows since. This is the last part and absolutely wonderful to have listened to on my way to work or home.