The Island is a drama about the Desert Island Discs island.
It's now crowded with castaways, littered with their discarded bibles and Shakespeares, and their weird luxuries: terrific idea! Inhabitants are now chopping up their pianos, and burning the pages of Henry IV, Part 1 on the campfire. They are exasperated that the latest islander has brought yet another bloody coffee machine – and what use is Ian Hislop's lifetime supply of Frosties?
Scriptwriters Tom Oxenham and Simon Alcock have a ball, with so many Monty Pythonish possibilities.
But it doesn't quite live up to its promise, despite Stephen Mangan (a recent castaway, with the enthralling story of his huge Irish family) narrating. Some impressions from Dead Ringers might have helped.
A new Radio 3 series, Facing the Music, also…
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The Oldie (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2025