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» » Yes Minister The Official Visit (1980–1984)

Short summary

The Minister finds himself in charge of an official visit from the President of Biranda, a newly independent former British colony. Hacker decides that they should all travel to Balmoral rather than have the Queen travel to London. Only a week before the visit, the President is overthrown in a coup and against Sir Humphrey's advice, the Minister insists that the visit go ahead. When he sees what the new President has to say in his formal speech about the yoke of British rule and his support for a free Scotland and Ireland, he realizes that the government is on the brink of disaster.

While on the train to Scotland, Jim has all the cabinet flunkeys and the Foreign secretary in his compartment. On the wall over Jim's shoulder is a notice attached to the wall with the instructions in case of fire, fire alarm etc. While the headings are in English, the instructions under each heading are gibberish.

The moment where Bernard's briefcase opens up and spills his files on the station platform was unscripted, but left in the episode anyway due to the creators feeling it was a good fit for his character. While Derek Fowlds actually swore out loud during the take, it was allowed to remain in the episode, as it was largely inaudible over the sound of the trains.


Episode complete credited cast:
Paul Eddington Paul Eddington - James Hacker
Nigel Hawthorne Nigel Hawthorne - Sir Humphrey Appleby
Derek Fowlds Derek Fowlds - Bernard Woolley
Tenniel Evans Tenniel Evans - Martin, Foreign Secretary
John Savident John Savident - Sir Frederick 'Jumbo' Stewart
Thomas Baptiste Thomas Baptiste - President Selim Mohammed
Robert Dougall Robert Dougall - Robert Dougall
Anthony Carrick Anthony Carrick - Bill Pritchard (as Antony Carrick)
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