This is an interesting spin on the Dead Ringers show, with a structured plot line acting as a vehicle for the usual impressions and political satire.
An alien has descended to Earth, and the episode is presented as a retrospective news programme, one year on, looking back at what influence Geoff (the alien), played by Sanjeev Bhaskar, has had on human society.
The structure of an extended news programme (being three quarters of an hour instead of the typical half), allows the show to hang together more than the programme normally does, tying each impression to the main plotline. It feels more of a cohesive whole than usual, where it's pulled in the direction of each individual news story.
That format also allows it to run shorter snippets than the sketches in the standard show. It keeps it fast-paced, and avoids any of the jokes becoming tired (for example, it's free of David Davis, which is excellent).
And it allows the cast to really show off, hitting an absolute (slightly damaged) shedload of voices. It does admittedly contain a bit more Louis Theroux than wanted, but that's probably true of life in general.
While it does a rather astounding combination of fiction and satire, its most impressive trick is probably to make a valid excuse for a Thora Hird impression, fifteen years on.
It's a format I'd be intrigued to see more of, and probably has a couple of other possibilities.
Highly recommended.
Tagged: Radio Comedy Cast Sitcom News/Political