John Finnemore

We don't need writers. Not in the sense that we need farmers, plumbers or even estate agents. Consequently, many of history's greatest wordsmiths - all of whom had bills to pay - put their literary flair to some surprising uses before finding success.

Ian Leslie presents this new comedy show uncovering the surprising nine-to-fives of our literary idols' formative years. With Mathew Baynton and John Finnemore among the guests, the show exposes the bizarre early writings of extraordinary authors and poets, from Jilly Cooper's abortive foray into war reporting to Hunter S Thompson's unlikely stint in customer relations for a major American airline.

Cabin Pressure FAQ

I've been getting a few questions about Cabin Pressure recently and I thought I'd put the answers to as many of them as I can think of here.

A mainstay of Friday nights (whenever The News Quiz of the Edinburgh Fringe isn't on), Steve Punt and Hugh Dennis's satirical comedy returns for its 37th series.

Along with other regulars Mitch Benn and Jon Holmes, this week's guests were Pippa Evans and John Finnemore. While all had their strengths, my favourite moment was Finnemore's routine about the Eurozone crisis using what was described as, "the longest, most torturous and yet simultaneously the most over-simplistic analogy in Now Show history."

One of the other things I found enjoyable was the show's coverage of the Diamond Jubilee, mainly due to the fact I got just about all of my jubilee coverage from satirical shows. It's less tedious and more spiritually up-lifting than watching the news. I'm not a monarchist - I couldn't care less about some posh lady in a rather fancy hat - so for me this was a nice way of getting all the news while cutting out all the rubbish filling-in that TV channels feel they need to do.

The Now Show proves once again that it's a highly competent satirical comedy that could well continue for another 37 series...

More good news - there is to be a second series of John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme! We don't know precisely when yet; but we do know that there will be six episodes this time round. Which means that, along with series four of Cabin Pressure, I now have twelve half hours of radio comedy to write. Gulp.

Sunday night comedy - after The Archers

This Sunday sees the launch of Radio 4's new Sunday Night Comedy strand with John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme. On the blog here's Radio 4 and 4 Extra controller, Gwyneth Williams, and star of the first show in the slot, John Finnemore, to tell you about it.

John Finnemore - Episode 1 blog

The one thing I have always most wanted to do in comedy is write and perform my own radio sketch show, and... now I have.

The most appealing of controller Gwyneth Williams's schedule changes to R4 is turning this slot into a place for top-notch comedy series. Sue Perkins and Rory Bremner will be arriving soon but the run begins with a sketch show from the creator of Cabin Pressure, John Finnemore. The gags are predominantly observations on the vagaries of the English language and clever pokes at our obsession with nostalgia. Not a word is wasted - this is a chill-out zone for smart people.

Radio review: John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme

Best known for his contributions to The Now Show, comedian John Finnemore now has his own sketch show - and what a treat it is.

John Finnemore: blog about St Petersburg episode

Well, I thought it was about time I did an exciting final episode. Both the final episodes of the first two series were 'shut-in' ones...