Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys Jones

Review

by David Butcher

Nobody could argue British viewers have been exactly deprived of series where comedians take exotic journeys on our behalf. But you have to admit this has a winning premise. The minute you gather that Griff Rhys Jones will take scenic trips along Africa's breathtaking (and often colonially old-fashioned) railway system, you know how this will work – and it doesn't disappoint.

Griff's first trip takes him 1,700 miles across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, starting in Marrakesh, which he describes as "sitting here since about the time of William the Conqueror". That's typical of the way he finds slight new angles on things, though there's the merest smattering of history here and rather more jaunty encounters with locals. In the labyrinth of Fes, Griff meets a man even more giggly and ebullient than he is and has a go at softening leather in a vat of pigeon droppings.

But if there's one thing to watch this for (ideally in HD), it's the photography. The colours , the details of the architecture, the people are all captured beautifully.

Summary

The comedian makes five train journeys taking in the spectacular sights of Africa, travelling to unexpected places in deserts and forests, villages and cities, and finding out how the railways are used today. He begins in the north, on a line that links the trading cities of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Stocking up for his trip at a souk in Marrakesh, he boards the train for a seven-hour ride to the ancient city of Fes, and eventually reaches the Sahara - and his final destination of Tozeur.

Cast & Crew

Presenter Griff Rhys Jones

Executive Producer Ross Harper

Series Producer Graeme Hart

Lifestyle

Source: Slow Train Through Africa with Griff Rhys Jones