10 Hilarious Sketches From John Finnemores Souvenir Programme That You Need To Hear

Are you a fan of British comedy and have yet to dive into the delightful world of "John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme"? Known for its clever scripts, brilliant performances, and a knack for blending the absurd with the everyday, this BBC Radio 4 show is a goldmine of laughter. Today, we're highlighting 10 sketches that encapsulate the spirit of the show and are absolutely essential listens for anyone looking to tickle their funny bone.

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The Very, Very Tired Accountant

John Finnemore plays the titular role of an accountant who is so tired, he's losing touch with reality. His repetitive job of auditing has left him in a state where he can't even remember his own name, mistaking it for mundane office supplies. This sketch is a hilarious take on the often overlooked comedy in the mundanity of office life.

Key moments:

• 🖋️ "Oh, I've forgotten my name again, haven't I?"
• 📄 "Ah, my name's Derek... No, that's my calculator."

<p class="pro-note">💡 Note: The delivery of lines in a deadpan manner significantly enhances the comedic impact, showcasing Finnemore's mastery in comedy timing.</p>

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The Horse and the Cart

This sketch cleverly plays with the well-known phrase "don't put the cart before the horse" by introducing a literal conversation between a horse and a cart discussing the merits and logistics of their relationship. The absurdity of the scenario is brilliantly played out through the characters' logical discussions on the order of things.

Key moments:

• 🐎 "We need to have a serious talk about our relationship."
• 🛑 "And I refuse to be the one trailing behind as if I’m second best!"

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The Yes Men

A pair of characters who can only respond with "Yes." The humor arises from their predicament in ordinary situations where they inevitably say yes to everything, leading to comedic escalations:

Key moments:

• 👍 "Do you need help with those heavy boxes?"
• 🧐 "Do you want to confess to a crime you didn't commit?"

<p class="pro-note">💡 Note: The simplicity of the concept allows the listener to quickly grasp the premise, setting up an endless loop of amusing possibilities.</p>

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Pretending to Love Wenceslas

A sketch where characters humorously elaborate on their supposed love for the obscure Czech king, Wenceslas, creating an absurd backstory filled with imagined tales of heroism and romance:

Key moments:

• 🏰 "He was a great king, a visionary... who definitely wasn't afraid of snowball fights."
• 🎻 "And his favorite instrument was the zither, not that anyone else knows what that is."

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The Things In The Corner

In this delightful skit, an ordinary person discovers extraordinary things in the corner of their room, leading to increasingly bizarre and ridiculous items, each more surreal than the last:

Key moments:

• 📺 "What's that? A television... from the 19th century?"
• 🌟 "And over there, a fully operational time machine made of corn."

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The Fan Mail and the Super-Fan

A sketch where John Finnemore portrays an overly enthusiastic fan of a minor celebrity, sending increasingly desperate and obsessive fan letters, pushing the boundaries of what's considered 'fan mail':

Key moments:

• ✉️ "I've painted my walls with your image and I think you'd really appreciate it."
• 😲 "How did you know I had your exact hairline tattooed on my back?"

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The Time Machine

Imagine finding a time machine but using it for mundane tasks like making sure you never run out of milk or getting to work on time. This sketch takes this premise and escalates it to hilarious levels:

Key moments:

• ⏳ "I've gone back to last week to remind myself to remind myself to go back to last week..."
• 🥛 "And now, I never run out of milk, but I've accidentally formed a small cult of past selves."

<p class="pro-note">💡 Note: This sketch exemplifies how something as extraordinary as time travel can be made hilarious through everyday applications.</p>

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The King and the Taxman

A clever conversation between a king and his taxman that highlights the absurdity of tax collection and royal privileges, using humor to point out systemic flaws:

Key moments:

• 👑 "How dare you tax me, your King?"
• 💰 "Sire, your tax bill is due next week, but I'll give you a royal discount for calling me 'Sire' again."

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The Newsreader

A newsreader who can't quite seem to get the story straight, delivering increasingly bizarre reports that defy logic and reality:

Key moments:

• 📰 "And now to the weather, where the dolphins are making the clouds part with their song."
• 📢 "In other news, all cows have decided to become accountants to escape the daily grind."

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The Negotiator

Finally, we have a sketch about a negotiator trying to convince a man not to jump off a ledge, but through a series of absurd conditions:

Key moments:

• 🚨 "If you come down, I'll arrange for you to have lunch with the Queen... and her cats."
• 🤝 "No, you can't have a castle, but would a nice, cozy barn do?"

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When you're in need of laughter or simply want to explore the creative genius of John Finnemore, these sketches provide a perfect window into why "John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme" is beloved by fans of radio comedy. The ability to weave everyday life with the fantastical, the mundane with the bizarre, all while delivering punchlines with impeccable timing, showcases Finnemore's unique talent. This show might not have the visual element that many sketch comedies rely on, but it more than makes up for it with its sharp writing, memorable characters, and an enduring appeal that has fans coming back for more.

The charm of "John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme" lies not just in its humor but in its commentary on the peculiarities of human nature, the satire of societal norms, and the love for the English language, spoken and manipulated with deft skill. Whether you're a seasoned listener or new to the series, these sketches offer a delightful journey into British wit at its finest. The next time you're looking for something to make your day brighter, tune in and let John Finnemore take you on a laugh-filled adventure.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I listen to John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can listen to John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme on BBC Radio 4 or stream past episodes on BBC Sounds, which is available on the web or through a mobile app.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are there any plans for more episodes of the show?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While no specific plans have been announced, John Finnemore has occasionally revisited the show for specials, so keep an eye on BBC Radio 4 announcements for any updates.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Who is John Finnemore, and what other shows has he worked on?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>John Finnemore is a British comedy writer, performer, and musician known for his work on shows like "Cabin Pressure," where he wrote and starred alongside Benedict Cumberbatch, and "The Now Show."</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Where can I find scripts or transcripts of the show?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Some fan-made transcripts might be available online, but for official content, you might need to wait for a published collection, if any.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>