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John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme: Series 9
- The BBC Radio 4 Comedy Sketch Show
- Narrated by: John Finnemore, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Carrie Quinlan, Lawry Lewin
- Length: 2 hrs and 46 mins
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John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme: Series 9
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Summary
The complete ninth series of BBC Radio 4's award-winning sketch show.
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
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Critic reviews
"One of our best sketch writers." (Observer)
What listeners say about John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme: Series 9
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 13-02-22
Genius
Different to previous JFSP but so, so perfect. Listen once and you'll want to listen again (and a gain and again) immediately.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- James Massey
- 30-05-22
Simply beautiful
A wonderful saga. Truly uplifting. There were so many opportunities for sentimentality and emotional manipulation, but all were side stepped deftly.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Martin
- 27-12-21
The best possible use of your time
This is simply the most wonderful, adventurously told and heartbreakingly beautiful exploration of a family I've ever come across. And funny. properly funny. And a little heartbreaking. It's pointillist storytelling, yet simple and luscious.
Just in case you've not got the hint by now, buy it. Buy it now.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dev H
- 13-03-22
Persevere with it!
Like so many others, I hated this to begin with. I wasn’t sure what had happened to the souvenir program that I knew and loved. Many reviews said it was trash, and others said that it was amazing, and I can’t believe I’m about to say this… it is really bloody good. First listen is difficult but repeat listens are getting better and better. I think the one-star reviewers aren’t giving it a chance. You just gotta trust the process!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- xraymike
- 24-05-23
Very different but SO clever
Like many previous unfavourable reviewer, I too was disappointed with the initial format of the series.
However, I did take advice from those who recommended persistence and completion.
I can honestly say I have never heard such a clever, interesting and in some ways challenging comedy show.
I share many other reviewers opinion that John Finnemore is a truly remarkable comedy genius.
If you have the chance, his live show is truly excellent – and again different from most live comedy.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Paperchain
- 20-08-21
Not as good as hoped
I've loved pretty much all the radio comedy John Finnemore has done - Cabin Pressure in particular - and the absolute gem that was Cabin Fever helped me get through the first covid lockdown. Therefore, I'm deeply disappointed in this latest series of the Souvenir Programme. The premise is interesting but I think it would have worked better as its own thing, like Double Acts, rather than being the latest series of the Souvenir Programme, and it definitely loses something without the energy of a live audience (although for obvious reasons, live recording wouldn't have been possible). I was listening wondering where all the clever sketches and hilarious songs had gone, and I barely chuckled throughout. Don't mistake me - as always, the show was well written and clever, and the performances were their usual high quality - and there were some good moments - but this latest series just wasn't what I was expecting, and it simply wasn't for me.
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7 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amy Goodenough
- 03-12-21
Comedy to make you cry
John Finnemore has always created incredible comedy. In Series 9, he has created something entirely new. A strange, funny, moving, heart rending saga of family and heritage and love and secrecy. It’s one of the most wonderful things in the world. It will break your heart in several places.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- dippy dino
- 16-10-21
Wonderful, funny and touching
Definitely not your average sketch show but full of fun characters, memorable moments but above all warmth and humanity.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Nicholas Smith
- 12-02-22
More Finnamore genius
I missed this when it was first aired on Radio 4 and came across it by accident but am so happy I did. John Finnamore has the gift of blending the silly with deeply affecting content in a way you don't see coming. I love all he does but this series is a very special one.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Andy T
- 04-02-23
Funniest guy alive
I love John Finnemore’s quirky intelligent humour, wonderfully complemented by Margaret Caborn-Smith and the cast. But while this series had some sublime moments, it’s not his best work. Look for series 1-8 for more of his classics.
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