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Interviews

The Penguin Podcast: John Finnemore

The BBC Radio 4 Comedy Sketch Show

John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme: 2023-2025

A trilogy of special episodes from the multi-award-winning show 
 
‘The funniest man on the radio’ The Telegraph 
 
In 2023 John Finnemore and the Souvenir Programme team returned to Radio 4 with a new format – annual, one-off, 45-minute Specials. Some are in the style of Series 1-8, with sketches, jokes and songs, while others are more discursive and experimental, like Series 9. Collected together here, they all feature his trusty ensemble cast of Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan. 
 
2023’s Special sees a palaeontologist try to not lose his head, a husband try to explain why he’s going to Milan, and the world’s top golfer getting a surprise. We also meet an admirer of Dr Watson, hear from a member of the silent majority, and our regular interviewer, Patsy Straightwoman, hears some home truths from the experts. And… well, since you ask him for a fantastical tale about an amazing voyage... 
 
In 2024’s edition, John regales us with the story of the small Dorset village he’s moved to, and the big, collective decision the residents just made. We’re introduced to his neighbours – including Joy from The Forge, Human Roo, the Cherrys and Melody, who can’t park in the dark – and learn all about the local landmarks, from Staveacre Farm to the tiny, ancient church of St Thomas’; the ex-pub that’s now part house, part speakeasy; and the dog-grooming salon that’s definitely a front for something (though probably not a meth lab). Warm-hearted, charming and quirky, it’ll make you want to pay a visit yourself – just watch out for the cows as you go past Farmer Teal’s place... 
 
2025's instalment is forty-five minutes of the funniest things John thought of in the last year, performed by John and his regular cast, with composer Susannah Pearse at the piano and Sally Stares on the cello. Please note that listening to these sketches about seahorses, time travel and sirens may cause side effects, unless you're listening to the placebo version of the show. 
 
Cast and credits 
Written and performed by John Finnemore 
Ensemble cast: Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan 
Original music composed by Susannah Pearse and performed by Susannah Pearse and Sally Stares 
Recording: Jerry Peal and Jon Calver 
Studio managers: Chris Maclean and Jon Calver 
Editing and sound design: Rich Evans 
Production coordinator: Katie Baum 
Exec Producer: Richard Morris 
Producer: Ed Morrish 
A BBC Studios Audio production for Radio 4 
 
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 27 May 2023 (2023 Special), 27 May 2024 (2024 Special), 25 August 2025 (2025 Special) 
 
© 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2025 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme: Series 9

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

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

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

The BBC Radio 4 Airline Sitcom

Cabin Pressure: A-Z

Every episode of the hit BBC Radio 4 airline sitcom is collected together in this special box set, including the Christmas special final episode, and several bonus features.

Cabin Pressure is one of the best written, cast, acted and directed comedies on anywhere.

I cannot find a single flaw in it. So top marks.

The more I listen to John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, the more I think what a stonking masterpiece it is. Perfect in every department.’

Every episode of the hit BBC Radio 4 airline sitcom is collected together in this special box set, including the Christmas special final episode, and several bonus features. 
 
Cabin Pressure is set in the wing and a prayer world of a tiny, one-plane charter airline, staffed by two pilots - one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. Whether flying a cat to Abu Dhabi, dealing with a nervous bassoonist, hunting for a cleverly-hidden lemon or attempting to celebrate Christmas in seven minutes, no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult. Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, MJN Air's formidable boss, has employed two of the very cheapest pilots money can buy: Captain Martin Crieff, who's always wanted to fly and won't let a little thing like lack of ability stop him, and First Officer Douglas Richardson, smooth-voiced old sky-god and eternal schemer. Passenger service is provided by the relentlessly cheery Arthur. 
 
Written by John Finnemore, Cabin Pressure stars Stephanie Cole as Carolyn, Benedict Cumberbatch as Martin, Roger Allam as Douglas, and John Finnemore as Arthur. 
 
‘The more I listen to John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, the more I think what a stonking masterpiece it is. Perfect in every department.’ – Philip Pullman

The Finale Special of the full-cast BBC Radio Comedy

Cabin Pressure: Zurich

The final episode of the hit BBC Radio 4 comedy series written by John Finnemore and starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Stephanie Cole.

The more I listen to John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, the more I think what a stonking masterpiece it is. Perfect in every department.

The complete finale of the hit BBC Radio 4 sitcom- 2 episodes. 
 
Cabin Pressure is set in the wing and prayer world of a tiny, one-plane airline, staffed by two pilots, one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. In this, the finale of the whole series, we discover that for MJN Air, whether it's choosing an ice-cream flavour, putting a princess in a van or remembering your grandmother's name, no job is too small, but, many, many jobs are too difficult. 
 
Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, MJN Air's formidable boss, has employed two of the very cheapest pilots money can buy. Captain Martin Crieff, who's always wanted to fly and won't let a little thing like lack of ability stop him, and First Officer Douglas Richardson, smooth-voiced old sky-god and eternal schemer. Passenger service is provided by the relentlessly cheerful Arthur, proud inventor of both Surprising Rice and his own hat. 
 
‘The more I listen to John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, the more I think what a stonking masterpiece it is. Perfect in every department.’ – Philip Pullman

John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme: Series 3 & 4

The complete third and fourth 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

combination of witty writing and fine performers

**WINNER of the BBC Audio Drama Award 2015 for Best Scripted Comedy (Studio Audience)** 
 
The complete third and fourth series of BBC Radio 4’s award-winning sketch show, written by and starring the writer of Cabin Pressure. 
 
In the third and fourth series of his hit sketch show, John Finnemore examines a typically eclectic range of issues including making friends, the problem with polymath bestselling authors, the colour of posh men’s trousers, and a history of choice. 
 
There’s also a sketch that is much, much too rude, advice on dealing with bullies, the truth behind some famous anecdotes, and the curious tale of a hard-bitten dame. 
 
Intelligent, absurd and laugh-out-loud funny, John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme also features Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan. 
 
Awarded Best Radio Comedy at the Chortle Awards, John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme comes from the writer of Cabin Pressure and regular contributor to The Now Show.

John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme: Series 2

The complete second series of BBC Radio 4's award-winning sketch show - winner of the Chortle Radio Award of the Year.

the best sketch show in years, on television or radio

**WINNER of the BBC Audio Drama Award 2015 for Best Scripted Comedy (Studio Audience)** 
 
In these six episodes, which make up the complete second series, you'll hear some moth-based lunacy, an awkward celestial relationship, a heartwarming tale of the days before health and safety, a sketch about messengers, a sketch about alchemy and a sketch about the word sketch. Plus, how The Archers sounds to people who don't listen to The Archers and the world's oldest hymn - as well as many other sketches featuring acute observations and wonderful wordplay. John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme is written by and stars John Finnemore (The Now Show, Miranda, That Mitchell and Webb Look). It also features Carrie Quinlan (The News Quiz, The Late Edition), Lawry Lewin (The Life &amp; Times of Vivienne Vyle, Horrible Histories), Simon Kane (Six Impossible Things) and Margaret Cabourn-Smith (Lab Rats, A Very British Cult).

John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme: Series 1

The complete first series of the award-winning BBC Radio comedy starring John Finnemore.

head, shoulders and some of the torso above most radio comedy: every sketch is a clever idea neatly executed, with tricksy wordplay and dazzling ideas

**WINNER of the BBC Audio Drama Award 2015 for Best Scripted Comedy (Studio Audience)** 
 
John Finnemore, writer and star of Cabin Pressure, returns in four episodes of his own sketches, as heard on BBC Radio. These episodes feature a tiger with a gun, reveal the truth behind the war effort, visit some documentary-makers, has a big debate and then treats itself to a little trophy. Plus, there are also some musical interludes from the zoo. John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme is written by and stars John Finnemore (The Now Show, Miranda, That Mitchell and Webb Look). It also features Carrie Quinlan (The News Quiz, The Late Edition), Lawry Lewin (The Life &amp; Times of Vivienne Vyle, Horrible Histories) and Simon Kane (Six Impossible Things).

A full-cast BBC Radio Comedy

Cabin Pressure: The Complete Series 4

Stephanie Cole, Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam star in the fourth series of the hit BBC radio sitcom.

Hurray! Here's the fourth series of John Finnemore's splendid comedy made magical by the brilliance of its cast.

Cabin Pressure is set in the wing and a prayer world of a tiny, one-plane charter airline; staffed by two pilots, one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. Whether it's dealing with a stuffed sheep, an angry princess or a rogue fruit tray, no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult. 
 
Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, MJN Air's formidable boss, has employed two of the very cheapest pilots money can buy: Captain Martin Crieff, who's always wanted to fly and won't let a little thing like lack of ability stop him, and First Officer Douglas Richardson, smooth-voiced old sky god and eternal schemer. Passenger service is provided by the relentlessly cheery Arthur, proud inventor of both Surprising Rice and his own hat. 
 
Written by John Finnemore (John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme, The Now Show), Cabin Pressure stars Stephanie Cole as Carolyn, Benedict Cumberbatch as Martin, Roger Allam as Douglas and John Finnemore as Arthur. 
 
‘The more I listen to John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, the more I think what a stonking masterpiece it is. Perfect in every department.’ – Philip Pullman 
 
'Unexpectedly brilliant' - Time Out 
 
'An inspired new sitcom' – Observer

Cabin Pressure: The Complete Series 3

Stephanie Cole, Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam star in the third series of the hit BBC radio sitcom.

the writing and acting are so tight they're in danger of cutting off your blood supply

Cabin Pressure is one of the best written, cast, acted and directed comedies on anywhere.

Cabin Pressure is set in the wing and a prayer world of a tiny, one-plane charter airline; staffed by two pilots, one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. Whether hunting for polar bears or a cleverly-hidden lemon, no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult. And then there are the otters... 
 
Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, MJN Air's formidable boss, has employed two of the very cheapest pilots money can buy: Captain Martin Crieff, who's always wanted to fly and won't let a little thing like lack of ability stop him, and First Officer Douglas Richardson, smooth-voiced old sky god and eternal schemer. Passenger service is provided by the relentlessly cheery Arthur, proud inventor of both Surprising Rice and his own hat. 
 
Written by John Finnemore (John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme, The Now Show), Cabin Pressure stars Stephanie Cole as Carolyn, Benedict Cumberbatch as Martin, Roger Allam as Douglas and John Finnemore as Arthur. 
 
‘The more I listen to John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, the more I think what a stonking masterpiece it is. Perfect in every department.’ – Philip Pullman 
 
'Unexpectedly brilliant' - Time Out 
 
'An inspired new sitcom' – Observer

Cabin Pressure: The Complete Series 1

Stephanie Cole (Doc Martin), Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam (The Thick of It) star in the complete first series of the BBC radio hit sitcom.

John Finnemore's writing flies in first class.

a superb cast. Roger Allam, Stephanie Cole and Benedict Cumberbatch give their all

Cabin Pressure is set in the wing and a prayer world of a tiny, one-plane charter airline; staffed by two pilots, one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. Whether flying actresses to Italy, cricketers to the Sahara, or a cat to Abu Dhabi, no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult. 
 
Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, MJN Air's formidable boss, has employed two of the very cheapest pilots money can buy: Captain Martin Crieff, who's always wanted to fly and won't let a little thing like lack of ability stop him, and First Officer Douglas Richardson, smooth-voiced old sky god and eternal schemer. Passenger service is provided by the relentlessly cheery Arthur, proud inventor of both Surprising Rice and his own hat. 
 
Written by John Finnemore (John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme, The Now Show), Cabin Pressure stars Stephanie Cole as Carolyn, Benedict Cumberbatch as Martin, Roger Allam as Douglas and John Finnemore as Arthur. 
 
‘The more I listen to John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, the more I think what a stonking masterpiece it is. Perfect in every department.’ – Philip Pullman 
 
'Unexpectedly brilliant' - Time Out 
 
'An inspired new sitcom' – Observer

The Christmas Special episode of the full-cast BBC Radio Comedy

Cabin Pressure: Molokai

A special Christmas episode of the hit BBC Radio comedy.

Stephanie Cole, Benedict Cumberbatch, Roger Allam and John Finnemore star in the hit sitcom about the tiny charter airline for whom no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult. 
 
In this festive special, it's Christmas morning on board MJN Air, so get dressed, you merry gentlemen! But when Carolyn decides to schedule an extra stop-off to the Hawaiian island of Molokai, Arthur has just seven minutes to celebrate the big day. How can Douglas and Martin make this the best Christmas Arthur's ever had, when all they have on board are some chocolate raisins and a Russian oligarch? 
 
With special guest Ben Willbond (Horrible Histories). 
 
Written by John Finnemore (The News Quiz, That Mitchell and Webb Sound). 
 
‘The more I listen to John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, the more I think what a stonking masterpiece it is. Perfect in every department.’ – Philip Pullman

Cabin Pressure: The Complete Series 2

Stephanie Cole ('Doc Martin'), Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam ('The Thick Of It') star in the complete second series of the hit BBC radio sitcom

Cabin Pressure is set in the wing and a prayer world of a tiny, one-plane charter airline; staffed by two pilots, one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. Whether flying a nervous bassoonist to Gdansk or a horrible sister to Helsinki, no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult. 
 
Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, MJN Air's formidable boss, has employed two of the very cheapest pilots money can buy: Captain Martin Crieff, who's always wanted to fly and won't let a little thing like lack of ability stop him, and First Officer Douglas Richardson, smooth-voiced old sky god and eternal schemer. Passenger service is provided by the relentlessly cheery Arthur, proud inventor of both Surprising Rice and his own hat. 
 
Written by John Finnemore (John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme, The Now Show), Cabin Pressure stars Stephanie Cole as Carolyn, Benedict Cumberbatch as Martin, Roger Allam as Douglas and John Finnemore as Arthur. 
 
‘The more I listen to John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, the more I think what a stonking masterpiece it is. Perfect in every department.’ – Philip Pullman 
 
'Unexpectedly brilliant' - Time Out 
 
'An inspired new sitcom' – Observer

P.G. Wodehouse

Frank Skinner

Roddy Doyle

Alan Titchmarsh

Dominic Sandbrook

Deborah Frances-White

Andrew Hunter Murray

Scarlett Curtis

Jasper Fforde

John Finnemore

Ian Moore

William Rayfet Hunter

Fergus Craig

A multi-voiced tribute to a literary great . . . jolly good fun

The funniest writer to ever put words to paper

He has made a world for us to live in and delight in

Wodehouse is the greatest comic writer ever

Paper has rarely been put to better use than printing Wodehouse

For as long as I'm immersed in a P.G. Wodehouse book, it's possible to keep the real world at bay and live in a far, far nicer one where happy endings are the order of the day

Incomparable and timeless genius - perfect for readers of all ages, shapes and sizes!

I'm not sure I can entirely like or trust anyone who doesn't love Jeeves and Wooster

Twelve New Stories

'FULL OF FIZZ AND VARIETY' Sunday Times 
 
'JOLLY GOOD FUN' i Paper 
 
'WHIP-SMART' Daily Mail 
 
'FUN AND FROLICS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON' Saga Magazine 
 
FEATURING HUGE NAMES FROM LITERATURE, COMEDY AND BEYOND - INCLUDING RODDY DOYLE, FRANK SKINNER AND ALAN TITCHMARSH - THIS ANTHOLOGY OF STORIES REIMAGINES JEEVES AND WOOSTER THROUGH FRESH EYES. 
 
The irrepressible duo first appeared on the page in 1915, coming to feature in more than 35 short stories and eleven novels over the course of Wodehouse’s lifetime. 
 
Each story in this new collection offers a delightful and original reimagining of the incomparable Bertie Wooster and his gentleman’s gentleman – seeing them journey to the horse races in Paris, solve puzzles at a wartime Bletchley Park, and even transported forward in time to the year 2025. 
<ul><li>Frank Skinner</li><li>Roddy Doyle</li><li>Alan Titchmarsh</li><li>Dominic Sandbrook</li><li>Deborah Frances-White</li><li>Andrew Hunter Murray</li><li>Scarlett Curtis</li><li>Jasper Fforde</li><li>John Finnemore</li><li>Ian Moore</li><li>William Rayfet Hunter</li><li>Fergus Craig</li></ul> 
JEEVES AGAIN is a joyful celebration of Wodehouse as a much-beloved British literary icon – as well as a timely and entertaining reminder of the lasting impact of his characters on a whole new generation of readers and writers. 
 
*** 
 
HEAR FROM THE WRITERS . . . 
 
'A Wodehouse book is a journey into joy.' RODDY DOYLE, Booker Prize-winning author of PADDY CLARKE HA HA HA 
 
'Anybody who has even a vague interest in good writing should read Wodehouse.' DOMINIC SANDBROOK, author and co-host of THE REST IS HISTORY 
 
'I simply adore Wodehouse.' ALAN TITCHMARSH MBE, broadcaster and writer 
 
'To stumble into the world of Wodehouse is like sinking into a warm bath.' SCARLETT CURTIS, Sunday Times bestselling author of FEMINISTS DON'T WEAR PINK (AND OTHER LIES) 
 
'What Wodehouse is still today, just as much as ever, is funny.' JOHN FINNEMORE, creator of CABIN PRESSURE

John Finnemore

Praise for Jeeves Again

Reviews for JEEVES AGAIN

Full of fizz and variety

A multi-voiced tribute to a literary great . . . jolly good fun

Reviews for JEEVES AGAIN

Full of fizz and variety

A multi-voiced tribute to a literary great . . . jolly good fun

Reviews for JEEVES AGAIN

Full of fizz and variety

A multi-voiced tribute to a literary great . . . jolly good fun

Books by John Finnemore

Articles featuring John Finnemore

The Penguin Podcast: John Finnemore

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