Steve Martin is a funny guy. He once pointed out how the French do not speak English because they lack common courtesy. Well, it was funny the way he said it, trust me. Lucky for Moby those blokes in the UK do not display such a lack and produce their media in English and all, and so Moby was able to recently discover and absolutely enjoy an instant classic from BBC Radio called ‘Old Harry’s Game’. It is hands-down the funniest thing since…well, Steve Martin I suppose.
‘Old Harry’ is a British term for the devil and the program takes place ‘Down Below’ as you might imagine it should. The show is a radio comedy and was created by British comedy legend Andy Hamilton, who also writes and stars as Satan. We yanks might not be familiar with Andy’s work, but cut him some slack; at least he has common courtesy and all.
The show is based on the idea that Hell is overcrowded and generally run-down, with Satan being burdened by incompetent subordinates. One day he receives yet another load of new damned souls and discovers one that amuses him, the Professor.
Played by James Grout, the Professor is a good man who died in a car accident and is in hell only because he is an athiest. Believing in the basic goodness of mankind, he and Satan engage in various challenges, bets, and such in order to prove to the other whether man is good or not. Not helping the Professor’s case is Thomas, played by Jimmy Mulville, a total douchebag and the very guy responsible for not only his own death but that of the Professor as well.
Rounding out the regulars are Satan’s assistants, Gary and Scumspawn. I don’t want to give away any spoilers here, but let’s just say they are not very helpful most of the time.
Flickerpix independent animation did a Stop motion pilot episode for a possible television version. Sadly, the whole thing’s not available, but a 7 minute ‘selected scenes’ cut is and will help to give you an idea of how funny the radio show is. It would be great if the TV series gets picked up.
The series itself spans 7 series over a 12 years period, a testament to just how truly good it is. ‘Old Harry’s Game’ is available in the US through Amazon and Audible, and is highly recommended by Moby.
