One of 'best radio shows of all time' is returning for new series this year

BBC Radio 4 favourite John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme is officially returning - with a brand-new instalment set to air later this year. The hit sketch show, widely hailed by fans as one of the best radio comedies ever made, originally ran for nine series between 2011 and 2021. It then returned with one-off specials in 2023 and 2024, and now creator Finnemore has confirmed another recording is on the way.

John is bringing back his trusted ensemble cast - Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan - alongside pianist Sue Pearse. The team reunited in London in July to record the latest episode at Bush Hall in Shepherd's Bush, West London. Free tickets were snapped up via Standing Room Only. Producers joked that the show has now become "an exciting once-yearly event. Like Christmas! Or Easter. Or the deadline for filing tax returns. Or the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. But a lot more fun than at least some of those".

Each special follows a different format, with some episodes packed with sketches, songs and quick-fire gags in the style of the original series, and others leaning more discursive and experimental, as seen in series nine.

The 2023 edition featured surreal set-pieces including a palaeontologist trying not to lose his head, a husband explaining why he was flying to Milan, and the world's top golfer receiving an unexpected surprise.

Listeners also met an admirer of Dr Watson, heard from a member of the "silent majority" and tuned in to Patsy Straightwoman, the straight-talking interviewer who pulled no punches with her guests.

In 2024, Finnemore turned his wit to life in a small Dorset village, introducing listeners to eccentric neighbours like Joy from The Forge, Human Roo and Melody, who struggles to park in the dark.

From quirky landmarks such as Staveacre Farm and the ancient church of St Thomas' to a dog-grooming salon that's "definitely a front for something," the show painted a vivid portrait of rural life with trademark charm.

This year's 2025 special promises more of the same offbeat brilliance - "forty-five minutes of the funniest things John thought of in the last year".

Alongside the familiar cast, the show will also feature original music from composer Susannah Pearse on piano and Sally Stares on cello.

John has already proved his knack for sharp writing beyond Souvenir Programme, penning the cult sitcom Cabin Pressure and co-writing the second season of Amazon's Good Omens.