A weekly look at one of the most enigmatic tv shows ever made, Patrick McGoohan's 'The Prisoner'. Each week screenwriter Cai Ross and media lecturer Chris Bainbridge, delve into the 17 episodes of The Prisoner interpreting them in their own unique way. With guest interviews including original cast members, Free For All is a light hearted, funny, critical and sometimes analytical exploration of McGoohan's televisual magnum opus.
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Live from PortmeiriCon - Dave Barrie Book Launch (Number 48)
In this very special follow-up episode, Chris and Cai once again swap the studio for the stunning North Wales village of Portmeirion—the iconic filming location of The Prisoner—returning to record live from PortmeiriCon 2026. Surrounded by devoted fans, striking architecture, and no shortage of Number Six lookalikes, the conversation picks up where it left off, reflecting on another year of celebrating the series’ enduring legacy. Joining them once again is Dave Barrie, who brings fresh insights following last year’s discussionwith the launch of his book What’s It All About? The Prisoner – Question Everything.
Recorded live on Sunday 26th April 2026 in Hercules Hall, this episode captures the spirit of the convention at its most lively, reflective, and delightfully surreal.
To order Dave's book, visit https://sixofone.co/ (https://sixofone.co/) or https://www.fbs-publishing.co.uk/ourshop/prod_8381338-Pre-Order-Whats-It-All-About-The-Prisoner-Question-Everything.html (https://www.fbs-publishing.co.uk/ourshop/prod_8381338-Pre-Order-Whats-It-All-About-The-Prisoner-Question-Everything.html)
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12 Apr 2026
A Splash of Objection on a Canvas: The Prisoner, Sixty Years On
In this special episode, Chris Bainbridge and Cai Ross are joined by ITC Entertained the World's Rodney Marshall and Al Samujh, along with The Unmutual's Rick Davy to discuss the launch of the new Prisoner book - A Splash of Objection on a Canvas: The Prisoner, Sixty Years On. Recorded live at Portmeirion on 7th April 2026, the writers discuss and debate the book and its themes. Available now in hardback and paperback at https://amzn.eu/d/0av9kRuU. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion.
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21 Dec 2025
Rebellion on Prime Time: The Press and Public Reactions to The Prisoner
In this episode, Chris Bainbridge and Cai Ross dive deep into the original press and public reactions to The Prisoner when it first aired in 1967. Lauded by some as visionary and condemned by others as baffling, Patrick McGoohan’s enigmatic series sparked one of the most divided responses in British television history. Chris and Cai explore contemporary newspaper reviews, viewer letters, and broadcast commentary to uncover how audiences really felt about the show’s surreal storytelling, political undertones, and groundbreaking style. Was The Prisoner celebrated as a work of genius, dismissed as nonsense, or something in between? Join us as we step back into the social and cultural climate of the late 1960s to understand why this strange, defiant series confused, captivated, and ultimately transformed its viewers. The only Prisoner podcast produced in north Wales, home of the Village itself, Portmeirion.
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Who has been a guest on Free For All
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Gavin Hignight
Chris "Doc" Wyatt
Cyril Martin
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
25 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 30 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
39
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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