John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme
John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme is a BBC Radio 4 sketch-comedy series built around the writing and performances of John Finnemore. Finnemore is also known for creating the radio sitcom Cabin Pressure and writing John Finnemore’s Double Acts. His comedy often combines precise wordplay, oddball premises, songs and sketches that reward close listening. The programme began in 2011; after nine series, it returned as a run of one-off specials in 2023–2025.
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Finnemore writes the show and plays a wide range of characters, while the regular ensemble gives each sketch its quick changes of voice and comic chemistry:
The ensemble is Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan and together, they move between characters, sketches and musical pieces; later specials also feature original music composed by Susannah Pearse, with Sally Stares performing on cello. The result has the variety of a traditional radio sketch show, but Finnemore’s careful writing gives it a distinctive thread of recurring ideas and unexpected connections.

Cast and Credits
Writer and Performer: John Finnemore
Performer: Margaret Cabourn-Smith
Performer: Simon Kane
Performer: Lawry Lewin
Performer: Carrie Quinlan
Production Company: BBC Studios
Producer: Ed Morrish
Broadcaster: BBC Radio 4
Sound Design: Rich Evans
Executive Producer: Richard Morris


