Product Description

For the first time on CD, here comes the complete "Series Three & Four" of Andy Hamilton's award-winning BBC Radio 4 comedy set in Hell. In "Series Three", love is in the air and Satan becomes concerned about his image; the Professor meets Bill Clinton; Satan holds a major football tournament and remakes Casablanca with a mutant alien; Satan and the Professor enter Scumspawn's brain; and, God hears that rules are being broken in Hell. In "Series Four", Satan punishes a feng shui expert; Scumspawn tries to deal with a lager lout; there are complaints about the lighting in Hell; Satan visits Yeats and tries to sleep for the first time; and, God turns up for a chat. This series stars James Grout as the Professor, Jimmy Mulville as Thomas, Robert Duncan as Scumspawn and Andy Hamilton as Satan. 'It is satirical, philosophical, inventive, topical yet timeless' - Gillian Reynolds, "Daily Telegraph".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4396 in Books
• Published on: 2009-09-03
• Format: Audiobook
• Binding: Audio CD

Customer Reviews

Old Harry's Game, The complete Series 3 and 4. As funny as, well... Hell!
Finally the BBC have seen fit to release these series properly after years of making do with the pointless 'Old Harry's Game Volume 2', which contained only six of the twelve episodes presented here.

If you're reading this you probably don't need any introduction to Old Harry's Game. You know all about Andy Hamilton's excellent portrayal of the Devil, cynical and twisted with a voice like Anthony Newly. You know about Scumspawn, his most revolting and fawning demon, played by Robert Duncan. You're familiar with the most damned of damned souls, Thomas Crimp, and the Professor, who would be in heaven if only he believed in him with a capital H. You know this is a wickedly funny comedy, which follows Satan as he tries to win philosophical arguments with the Prof, whilst inventing cruel and unusual torments for those unlucky enough to find themselves in his realm.

For some reason, the BBC issued these two series years ago with half the episodes missing. This has finally been corrected, and all 12 are presented here. I really can't see why the cut episodes were removed, they are of an equally high quality as the ones which were issued, and indeed, in some cases are even funnier (especially 'a reasonably fantastic journey', where a miniature Satan and Professor take a stroll through Scumspawn's brain). It is great to have all the episodes at last, those of you with the old Volume 2 release, I would heartily recommend replacing it with this.

There are 6 discs in total, with 2 episodes per disc, collected into two three disc boxes, which in turn are held in a thin cardboard cover that serves very little purpose. There are minimal liner notes listing broadcast dates of the series and a track listing so you can skip to your favourite episodes.

Highly recommended to all fans of 'Drop the dead donkey', 'Chelmsford 123' and existing fans of 'Old Harry's Game' wondering if they should update their old Volume 2.

As good as it gets
I'm constantly surprised by the number of people who've never heard(or even heard of) this consistently brilliant comedy series. Set in hell,it's a wonderful mix of belly laughs and and thought-provoking ideas. Hard to imagine any fan of classy comedy being disappointed. Every bit as good as the first two series.

Sparkling comedy.
I came by Old Harry's game by accident and what serendipity it was. In one word the series is excellent. That is an overworked adjective and to be honest does not do justice to the brilliant writer Andy Hamilton. I believe Hamilton himself has said that it could never translate to television and he is right. Television just isn't big enough for the shere breath and depth of Hamilton's brilliant creation. Myriad charaters from history flit in and out each with wonderful one liners or fantastic descriptions. Who else would depict Jane Austin as a foul mouthed slatern? Hamiltion flits in and out of our world and has a 'satanic' view of the world. The cast is excellent and fully suports the world play, cut and thrust. And my how Hamilton can turn a phrase or joke. One almost has to stop the CD to let the laugh finish before another comedic equal gem follows. as to Hamilton for me he really brings a brilliant facet to his major part yet is generous to give the support cast fantastic dialogue. You finish each episode with regret rather than relief to some comedy shows I could mention. Everything is perfect in this hell setting in that it is overcrowded, funny, just in that certain types get there just punishments.. the 8 month pregnant Popes for one. Hamilton pokes just enough fun without it being too cruel. Cruel? did I mention the punishments?

This series is an absolute gem and if you have just discovered it recently your in for a wonderful ride thru the 8 series.
For once 5 stars does not do it justice. Its a perfect ten.