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SimonD · 26th January 2008, 13:02

Old Harry's Game

BBC 7 - Listen again

Leonardo da Vinci is still fuming about not receiving royalties for his helicopter design when the Professor meets him.

BBC - Comedy - Old Harry's Game

Most people in comedy are there to make a point about something. Andy Hamilton wanted to find a way to discuss the nature of mankind, and did it through the best observer there was: Satan.

Starring Hamilton himself as the Devil, Old Harry's Game takes place in Hell, where the Devil reigns over his minions, including the Professor, an idealistic man who died in a car crash, yet ended up in Hell despite his idealism because he's an atheist.

Each episode begins with a posit by the Devil over the awfulness of mankind and his vile nature, whereupon the Professor, keen to see the good in people, denies this.

The Devil then sets out, usually with the help of his assistants Scumspawn and Gary, to show the Professor the truth, often using the man who caused the Professor's death, corrupt wastrel Thomas.

Both are usually correct: the Devil shocks the Professor with revelations about the Professor's wife, with adventures in past and present including conversations with the Emperor Nero and witnessing murder and exploitation - but the Professor usually finds something to feel positive about in the end.

After a couple of series set primarily in Hell, the Devil character begins to evolve. By series five, broadcast in 2005, the Devil decides to move up to earth since it's too crowded in Hell, and try to stop the flow of sinners.

Nothing he does, however, in the world of Sport, Politics or Media, seems to do any good.

Old Harry's Game reveals Andy Hamilton's dry, caustic wit to perfect effect, with Grout and Mulville, as well as other Hamilton regulars Nick Revell, Colin Bostock-Smith and David Swift (as God) making appearances.

After years principally as a writer, the show brought Hamilton back to the comedy stage he began on.

Old Harry's Game is a dominating force in the extremely competitive 6:30 slot on Radio 4, a perennial favourite with listeners there and on BBC7, where the show can now be found.

Cast

Andy Hamilton
Annette Crosbie...Edith
Robert Duncan...Scumspawn
Jimmy Mulville...Thomas
David Swift...God
James Grout...Professor Richard Whittingham
Steve O'Donnell...Gary

Michael Fenton Stevens...performer
Philip Pope...performer
Felicity Montagu...performer
Geoffrey Whitehead...performer
Hugh Dennis...performer
Tony Maudsley...performer
Nick Revell...performer

Crew

Andy Hamilton - writer
Andy Hamilton - director
Paul Mayhew-Archer - producer

26th January 2008, 13:02	#8479 (permalink)
SimonD SimonD is..... A man who loves his Roses Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bangbuathong Posts: 5,492 vCash: 500 Rep Power: 237	Re: What are you listening to right now? Old Harry's Game BBC 7 - Listen again Leonardo da Vinci is still fuming about not receiving royalties for his helicopter design when the Professor meets him. BBC - Comedy - Old Harry's Game Most people in comedy are there to make a point about something. Andy Hamilton wanted to find a way to discuss the nature of mankind, and did it through the best observer there was: Satan. Starring Hamilton himself as the Devil, Old Harry's Game takes place in Hell, where the Devil reigns over his minions, including the Professor, an idealistic man who died in a car crash, yet ended up in Hell despite his idealism because he's an atheist. Each episode begins with a posit by the Devil over the awfulness of mankind and his vile nature, whereupon the Professor, keen to see the good in people, denies this. The Devil then sets out, usually with the help of his assistants Scumspawn and Gary, to show the Professor the truth, often using the man who caused the Professor's death, corrupt wastrel Thomas. Both are usually correct: the Devil shocks the Professor with revelations about the Professor's wife, with adventures in past and present including conversations with the Emperor Nero and witnessing murder and exploitation - but the Professor usually finds something to feel positive about in the end. After a couple of series set primarily in Hell, the Devil character begins to evolve. By series five, broadcast in 2005, the Devil decides to move up to earth since it's too crowded in Hell, and try to stop the flow of sinners. Nothing he does, however, in the world of Sport, Politics or Media, seems to do any good. Old Harry's Game reveals Andy Hamilton's dry, caustic wit to perfect effect, with Grout and Mulville, as well as other Hamilton regulars Nick Revell, Colin Bostock-Smith and David Swift (as God) making appearances. After years principally as a writer, the show brought Hamilton back to the comedy stage he began on. Old Harry's Game is a dominating force in the extremely competitive 6:30 slot on Radio 4, a perennial favourite with listeners there and on BBC7, where the show can now be found. Cast Andy Hamilton Annette Crosbie...Edith Robert Duncan...Scumspawn Jimmy Mulville...Thomas David Swift...God James Grout...Professor Richard Whittingham Steve O'Donnell...Gary Michael Fenton Stevens...performer Philip Pope...performer Felicity Montagu...performer Geoffrey Whitehead...performer Hugh Dennis...performer Tony Maudsley...performer Nick Revell...performer Crew Andy Hamilton - writer Andy Hamilton - director Paul Mayhew-Archer - producer __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Arthur Dent watches as the clouds scud away in the lorry's wake. The rain ceases, allowing Arthur to dry off. All Rob McKenna knows is that he can't remember his last sunny holiday. All the clouds know is that they love him, they want to be near him, to cherish him, to nurture him and to WATER him. For Rob McKenna is, in fact, a Rain God. Last edited by SimonD; 26th January 2008 at 13:08.