British Comedy Guide
The Harpoon
The Harpoon

The Harpoon

  • Radio comedy
  • BBC Radio 4
  • 1991 - 1994
  • 14 episodes (3 series)

Comedy series based on a spoof magazine for young boys. Stars Julian Dutton, Peter Baynham, Susie Brann, Alistair McGowan, Mary Elliott-Nelson and Bryonie Pritchard

F
X
R
W
E

The Harpoon

The Harpoon

All three series of the BBC radio spoof boys' magazine - plus winter and Christmas Specials.

Nominated for a British Comedy Award for Best Radio Comedy, The Harpoon is a nostalgic, spiffing spoof of adventure story papers for boys from yesteryear - but on the wireless. In the style of publications such as the Boys' Own Paper - but with its tongue firmly in its cheek - it features a veritable feast of thrilling serials, 'How-Tos', readers' letters and patent cures - all introduced by 'your old chum, the Editor'.

Flick through its pages to find out about whaling for the under-fives, broadcasting secrets, the complete story of evolution from Little Blobby Thing to Homo Erectus Britishus Imperius and great beverages from history. There's also a star-spangled American issue (howdee y'all!), a 'Laughing through the Depression' budget edition, a lovingly hand-tooled issue incorporating Lathe Monthly and a special wartime edition which asks such pertinent questions as Do you know your submarines? Are you bored with your biscuits? and, most importantly, Are you German?

Also included is a bumper winter edition of the Empire's favourite magazine and a rip-roaring Yuletide special, with snow-capped lettering and a silver sixpence hidden in the middle. Hip hip!

Written by Julian Dutton and Peter Baynham and starring Alistair McGowan, Julian Dutton, Peter Baynham, Susie Brann, Mary Elliott-Nelson and Bryonie Pritchard, The Harpoon is wacky, fast-paced and packed with fun and frolics. Subscribe now!

First released: Thursday 23rd February 2023

BCG may earn commission on sales generated through the links above.

Not in the UK?

Fear not! Many items can still be ordered. Amazon in the UK delivers to many international territories, whilst their Australia, USA and Canada stores also supply many equivalent or imported items.

If you are in the North America, look out for US/Canadian flag icons on popular product listings for direct links.

If you order from a UK store, please note that the UK is in Region 2 and B, respectively, for DVDs and Blu-rays - check your player's compatibility, or look for multi-region products if you are located in another region.

If you are in Australia or New Zealand (DVD Region 4), note that almost all DVDs distributed in the UK by the BBC and 2entertain are encoded for both Region 2 and Region 4. The UK and Australasia are in the same Blu-ray region (B).

Share this page