Extra Extra - Episode 18

The scene in The City is this: Hair salons are buzzing with clients. Three trims a day might soon be compulsory. Hairdressers are wielding immense political leverage (believe us: they are powerful), and Michael, your host, guide and favourite chest hair, needs their help. In episode 18 of the Extra Extra Radio Show, our trusted sonic shaman is threatened by a smooth, sleek and irresponsibly sexy AI, poised to replace him. We know, it’s outrageous! You’re Team Michael, and so are we. Anyway, surely a machine who’s never even had sex has nothing on the real deal? How could an AI have a real voice, one as moreish as catnip, vibrating hornily in our eardrums, so tasty we want it on a drip, its tone molten gold, its smouldering pitch rumbling us feverishly towards a state of world-shattering pleasure… Oh dear listeners, you see, even we can be tempted. It’s a good thing that Tony Pamplemousse, Chair of the Hairdressers Media Oversight and Regulation Committee, and a smart Scouse seagull are here for some sweet-talk. So join us as Real Michael must fight for his place at the helm of Extra Extra Radio, but stay wary of AI Michael’s sexy sorcery. Are you ready to test your capacity for love over lust? For hair over hairlessness? Will AI Michael’s oozing, languid tones lap gently at the shore of Real Michael’s integrity, or will he defend his position as radio’s number-one hottie? Hold your hair, your lover’s hair, your pet’s hair, anyone’s hair tightly, as the throbbing network of interconnected salon workers hurl themselves at the task of the day: defending their customers, their curls and, most importantly, their craft. The show is written and performed by Dan Fox and Michael Portnoy in close collaboration with Loes Verstappen who selected the music, and Monte Masi. Voice acting by Thomas Dudkiewicz, Dan Fox, Michael Portnoy, Loveday Smith and Johnny Vivash. Editing and sound design by Tobias Withers. Artwork by Joost Halbertsma.