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Interviews

The Penguin Podcast: John Finnemore

The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: Series 8

John Finnemore presents the eighth series of his multi-award-winning Souvenir Programme

John Finnemore is a British comedy writer and actor, best known for his radio sitcom Cabin Pressure and his radio sketch show John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme, as well as for frequent appearances on other BBC Radio 4 comedy shows such as The Now Show.

John Finnemore presents the eighth series of his multi-award-winning Souvenir Programme 
 
‘The best sketch show in years, on television or radio’ Radio Times 
 
John Finnemore, creator and star of Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore’s Double Acts, is back with Series 8 of his highly acclaimed radio sketch show, winner of the Academy Silver Award, a Broadcasting Press Guild award and two BBC Audio Drama awards. 
 
In these six episodes, John cooks a particularly good lasagne, Noah gets some bad news about the ark, we hear a legendary swansong, and there’s some helpful guidance on the etiquette of ‘Thank Yous’ – as well as a look into the devastating consequences of World Peace. Plus, there’s some merry names, some handy mnemonics, an epiphany and a show that will make you feel like a princess – whether you want it to or not. And, well… since you ask him whether he believes in ghosts… 
 
Hailed by The Daily Telegraph as ‘funny enough to make even the surliest cat laugh’, John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme also features his regular ensemble cast of Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan.

John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: Series 7

The award-winning BBC Radio 4 sketch show returns for a seventh series, written by and starring John Finnemore.

Six more episodes of BBC Radio 4’s multi-award-winning sketch show, written by and starring John Finnemore. 
 
‘The best sketch show in years, on television or radio’ Radio Times. 
 
John Finnemore, writer and star of Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore’s Double Acts, returns for a seventh series of his hugely acclaimed Souvenir Programme, which won him Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the 2016 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards. 
 
Expect sketches! Expect songs! They’re what made up the previous series, so it seems a pretty safe bet that that’s what will be in this series as well.

6 full-cast radio dramas

John Finnemore's Double Acts: Series 2

A further series of two-hander comedy playlets, written by Cabin Pressure's John Finnemore.

This is the second series of one-off comedies written by the genius behind the smash-hit radio sitcom “Cabin Pressure” – John Finnemore. The first series won the coveted Writers Guild of Great Britain award for Best Comedy. 
 
Each show is a comedy perfumed by just two actors - including (across the series) famous household names such as Martin Clunes (“Doc Martin”), Julia McKenzie (“Fresh Fields”) and the inimitable voice of Carolyn in “Cabin Pressure”, Stephanie Cole. 
 
The show comes from Pozzitive, proud producers of Cabin Pressure, Thanks A Lot, Milton Jones!, Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation, The Brig Society, The Castle, Armando Iannucci’s Charm Offensive, Shush! &amp; Kevin Eldon Will See You Now... 
 
Stephanie Cole and Kerry Godliman (“Derek”) star in the first episode – “The Queen’s Speech” - Victoria is very much hoping to see a conjuror, or at the very least a parrot - but instead meets Mabel... 
 
In Episode 2, Julia McKenzie (“Fresh Fields”) and Gus Brown star in “Mercy Dash” - Malcolm needs some help. Sue has a spot of time on her hands. Winchester beckons... 
 
In the third show, newcomers Kieran Hodgson (2017 South Bank Arts - Breakthrough Comedy Award) and Ethan Lawrence (“Bad Education”) are Pidge &amp; Gavin in “Here’s What We Do” - Pidge &amp; Gavin! The old team back together again for one last mission... 
 
And Show 4 pairs the inimitable Una Stubbs (“Sherlock”) and Tamzin Outhwaite (“Redcap”) in “The Rebel Alliance” - Eileen and Lizzie are both determined to enjoy the wedding. No matter what Yvonne does... 
 
Show 5 stars Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) and Tom Goodman-Hill (“Humans”) with a bit of “Penguin Diplomacy”- when a chance meeting between Søndergaard and Bunning could very well lead to a new Cold War... 
 
And John Finnemore himself stars in the final show alongside comedy hero Michael Palin in “The Wroxton Box” - Alec is late as usual. But Percy is wearing different socks. Something big is brewing...

John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: Series 6

The award-winning BBC Radio 4 sketch show returns, written by and starring John Finnemore.

One of the most consistently funny sketch shows for quite some time

Combination of witty writing and fine performers

John Finnemore is a British comedy writer and actor, best known for his radio sitcom Cabin Pressure and his radio sketch show John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme, as well as for frequent appearances on other BBC Radio 4 comedy shows such as The Now Show. Cabin Pressure is a Pozzitive production, produced by David Tyler. His radio credits include Armando Iannucci’s Charm Offensive, Cabin Pressure, Bigipedia, Kevin Eldon Will See You Now, Another Case Of Milton Jones, Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation, The Brig Society, My First Planet, Giles Wemmbley Hogg Goes Off, The 99p Challenge, The Castle, The 3rd Degree and even, going back a bit, Radio Active. His TV credits include Paul Merton – The Series, Spitting Image, Absolutely, The Paul &amp; Pauline Calf Video Diaries, Coogan’s Run, The Tony Ferrino Phenomenon and exec producing Victoria Wood’s dinnerladies.

Six more episodes of BBC Radio 4’s multi-award-winning sketch show, written by and starring John Finnemore. 
 
‘The best sketch show in years, on television or radio’ Radio Times. 
 
John Finnemore, writer and star of Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore’s Double Acts, returns for a sixth series of his hugely acclaimed Souvenir Programme, which won him Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the 2016 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards. 
 
Expect sketches! Expect songs! They’re what made up the previous five series, so it seems a pretty safe bet that that’s what will be in this series as well. And, well, since you ask him for some tall tales… Kicking off with a seasonal special, this series takes in TV adverts, woodland talent contests, a song about the best day of the Christmas season and what is almost certainly the greatest story a Finnemore has ever told. 
 
Described by The Daily Telegraph as ‘funny enough to make even the surliest cat laugh’, John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme also features Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin, Carrie Quinlan and, at the piano, Susannah Pearse. Duration: 2 hours 50 mins approx.

John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme: Series 5

The complete fifth series of BBC Radio 4’s award-winning sketch show, written by and starring the writer of Cabin Pressure.

John Finnemore's Double Acts Series 1 is the winner of the Writers Guild Award for Best Radio Comedy and the Comedy.co.uk awards for Best Radio Sketch Show! 
 
The complete fifth series of BBC Radio 4’s award-winning sketch show, written by and starring the writer of Cabin Pressure. 
 
'One of the most consistently funny sketch shows for quite some time' The Guardian 
 
John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme has won a host of awards, including the 2015 BBC Audio Drama Award for 'Best Scripted Comedy with Live Audience'. Written by and starring John Finnemore, this fifth series of the hit show returns with more witty wordplay and laugh-out-loud sketches. 
 
These six episodes include an unlikely wager, a troubled bluesman, a rip-roaring adventure on the high seas, a new approach to the News; and, well, since you asked him for a tale of espionage… 
 
In addition, the voices in John's head push him to the tipping point, we look back at a career in accounting, hear of an over-rated experience and, we're sorry to say, Patsy Straightwoman returns with an interview sketch. 
 
John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme also features Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan. Duration: 3 hours.

Six BBC Radio 4 Comedy Dramas

John Finnemore's Double Acts

Celia Imrie, Alison Steadman, John Bird and Rebecca Front are among the cast of these six comedy two-handers written by Cabin Pressure's John Finnemore.

Winner of the Writers Guild Award for Best Radio Comedy and the Comedy.co.uk awards for Best Radio Sketch Show! 
 
Celia Imrie, Alison Steadman, John Bird and Rebecca Front are among the cast of these BBC Radio 4 comedy dramas from the writer and producers of Cabin Pressure. 
 
These six self-contained duologues, each one brimming with humour and charm, come from the pen of John Finnemore, author and star of the award-winning John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme. 
 
A Flock of Tigers 1934. Edmund and Dolorosa are sharing a train carriage – and embarking on an unexpected adventure. Starring Charles Edwards and Celia Imrie. 
 
Wysinnwyg In the Sales Support Department of Willard &amp; Son, new girl Kerry meets Adele. Starring Alison Steadman and Isy Suttie. 
 
Red-Handed Arriving home early, Joel is surprised by an unexpected visitor named Henry. Starring John Bird and Lawry Lewin. 
 
The Goliath Window It is 1820, and Mark and Luke have arranged an appointment in the vestry of St Anne's Church, Mayton Chennett. Starring Simon Kane and John Finnemore. 
 
English for Pony-Lovers In a German guest house, Elke is waiting to receive an English lesson from Lorna. Starring Rebecca Front and Beth Mullen. 
 
Hot Desk A receptionist and a security guard meet every day at 7am and 7pm to hand over a desk. Starring Matthew Baynton and Jenny Bede. 
 
With a star cast, memorable characters, witty dialogue and beautifully crafted plots, these heartwarming plays are an utter joy. Duration: 3 hours approx

John Finnemore

Margaret Cabourn-Smith

Simon Kane

Carrie Quinlan

Lawry Lewin

The complete ninth series of BBC Radio 4's award-winning sketch show 
 
'One of our best sketch writers' Observer 
 
John Finnemore returns with his multi-award-winning sketch show, but this series is very different to the previous eight. There are still sketches and songs, and it's still written and performed by him and his usual fantastic ensemble cast - but with no live studio audience, John has taken the opportunity to try something new. 
 
Each episode in this series of Souvenir Programme consists of scenes from one person's life, played in reverse order. There's no narrative as such - it's still a sketch show - but as we follow the characters back in time, from lockdown Zoom calls to childhood birthdays and funerals, the individual sketches link up to form an overall picture, portraying the sprawling history of an entire multi-generational family. 
 
And, as if that wasn't enough, there are also some terrific tall tales, a paean of praise, and a truly unforgettable earworm... 
 
Clever, complex, hilarious and poignant, these Souvenir Programmes with a twist star Lawry Lewin as Russ, Margaret Cabourn-Smith as Deborah, Simon Kane as Jerry, Carrie Quinlan as Vanessa and John Finnemore as Newt. 
 
 
Cast and credits 
Written and performed by John Finnemore 
Ensemble cast: Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin, Carrie Quinlan 
Original music composed by Susannah Pearse and Sally Stares, and arranged by Susannah Pearse and Tim Sutton 
Recorded and edited by Rich Evans at Syncbox Post 
Production coordinator: Beverly Tagg 
Producer: Ed Morrish 
A BBC Studios production 
 
© 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd 
(p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

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