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George Cragge: In the Red & Other Mysteries

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George Cragge: In the Red & Other Mysteries

By: Mark Tavener
Narrated by: Barry Foster, full cast, Hugh Laurie, John Bird, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Peter Serafinowicz, Rebecca Front, Stephen Fry
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About this listen

A collection of four blackly humorous crime mysteries featuring the fictional BBC Radio crime correspondent George Cragge.

Adapted from the novel by Mark Tavener, In the Red sees the anarchic George Cragge investigate a spree of bizarre murders in the world of City finance, a small political party contesting a by-election, and a plan to overthrow the Director-General of the BBC.

The sequel, In the Balance, features George Cragge kicking off a murder trail during the FIFA World Cup at Wembley Stadium. And with Europe becoming a hot potato, can the Prime Minister hold on to his job?

In the Chair follows the maverick hack as he looks into a series of murders of dentists linked to New Labour policy.

The final drama, In the End, sees George Cragge investigating a series of murders of journalists.

These four comedy thrillers star Michael Williams as George Cragge with Barry Foster as Police Supertintendant Frank Jefferson. The star casts also include Stephen Fry, John Bird, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Peter Serafinowicz, Hugh Laurie, Rebecca Front and Richard Griffiths.

©2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2018 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd Crime Thrillers Dramatisations Thriller & Suspense Witty Funny

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All stars
Most relevant  
From start to finish dry wit at its best I would recommend this to everyone who loves radio 4 extra

Very entertaining

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Really enjoyable and whacky comedy old style. Politicians, the BBC, journalists and police mercilessly but hilariously exposed. All with tongue in cheek. British humour, irony and satire a5bits best. And it’s LONG too …

Great listening

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These were very strong performances in increasingly weaker stories. George Cragge was thoroughly unlikeable though. I sympathised with his editor and with his friend Frank because anyone who told me that they could do my job better than me in that tone of voice would get short shrift.

The Labour Party story, while funny, was unnecessary in the final tale. Great to see Charles and Martin from Absolute Power though.

A Rather Unlikeable Hero

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I love Mark Tavener. His ability to write clever, intelligent relatable prose makes his scripts ageless. I also have Absolute Power, all episodes & High Table, lower orders. I can highly recommend them all.

Well written

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Michael Williams (late-husband of Judi Dench) is fantastic, he makes the series’ shine with his portrayal of BBC reporter George Cragge.

Stars many a famous name: Hugh Laurie, Kenneth Cranham, Rebecca Front, Richard Griffiths, Stephen Fry, John Bird, Peter Serafinowicz, Anton Rodgers

- In the Red (1995) 7 episodes
- In the Balance (1997) 6 episodes
- In the Chair (1998) 6 episodes
- In the End (1999) 6 episodes

These stories include Charles Prentiss and Martin McCabe, played by Stephen Fry and John Bird, which in 2000 (-2006) starred in their own spin-off series ‘Absolute Power’ which is also written by Mark Tavener.

** Would suggest not to binge listen in one go as the stories do get rather similar/ formulaic **

Prequel to BBC Radio 4's ‘Absolute Power’

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well acted by all concerned, although sadly some are no longer with us.

good stories which also feature a nice sense of humour, pity there were not more episodes.

good fun

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This is excellently written and performed by a great cast. It would be spiffing if audible could obtain both series of Higher Table Lower Orders also by Mark Tavener and equally brilliant! Please audible crack on!

Quite brilliant!

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Cleverly written and funny script, with a brilliant cast including Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Anton Rodgers and John Bird. I enjoyed the 4 stories, some focused heavily on political satire, more than the crime story, but an enjoyable listen nonetheless. Would recommend, but not if you are looking for intricate crime drama.

Great cast, bit too political for my liking

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Enjoyed the stories a lot, liked the comedy touches and the plots were fine. Well voice acted too.

George Cragge

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They might relate to new labour and Blair but they are still funny and some parts topical for today - politics and the BBC haven’t changed that much.
Anyone who remembers those days will particularly enjoy them.
Bird and Fry went on to the Absolute Power series from these.
Well worth a credit.

Still funny even though 20 years old

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