Audiobooks narrated by John Finnemore

Decameron: A BBC Radio drama adaptation of the Renaissance classic

Terry Jones introduces ten choice Florentine Fancies dramatisations, adapted from Giovanni Boccaccio's classic human comedy by the BBC Monty Python star and medieval historian Terry Jones presents ten BBC Radio dramatisations of tales from Giovanni Boccaccio's humane and comic masterpiece. Composed in the early 1350s, in the wake of the Black Death, The Decameron comprises 100 short stories from all over the world, reset by Boccaccio among the flourishing merchant classes of Renaissance Italy. Their universal themes - love, sex, religion, fate, morality - resonate with us to this day, and their witty, satirical, bawdy voice sounds utterly modern. Beautifully realised in vivid, vernacular prose, they have become a bedrock of our storytelling tradition, mined ever since by authors from Chaucer to Shakespeare, Keats, Molière and Thomas Mann. The scene is the onset of the Black Death, Italy and a group of seven young women and three young men escape to the countryside, to shelter in a secluded villa just outside Florence in order to escape the Plague, there they tell each other tales from all over the world. These ten radio retellings are performed by a stellar cast, including John Finnemore, Ingrid Oliver, Geoffrey Streatfeild, Lydia Leonard, Tim McInnerny, Samuel Barnett, Neil Pearson, Louise Brealey, and Tameka Empson. Cast and credits Saint Ciappelletto Ciappelletto - Colin McFarlane Musciatto - Sam Dale Holy Friar - Michael Bertenshaw The Burgundians - Monty d'Inverno & Paul Heath Doctor - Ian Conningham Federigo and His Falcon Federigo degli Alberighi - John Finnemore Monna - Ingrid Oliver Elena - Carrie Quinlan Beppo - Shaun Mason Niccolo - Adam Thomas Wright How Elena Blew Hot and Cold Elena - Lydia Leonard Violante - Elaine Claxton Rinieri - Cyril Nri Pyrrhus - Paul Heath How to Get It Off Your Chest Zeppa - Ian Conningham Mrs Zeppa - Hannah Genesius Spinelloccio - Shaun Mason Mrs Spinelloccio - Bettrys Jones Narrator - Jude Akuwudike Kind Hearts and Bayonets Mithridanes - Samuel Barnett Nathan - Sam Dale Beggarmaid - Bettrys Jones The Sweetest Young Man in Perugia Pietro - Tim McInnerny Madam - Hannah Genesius Pandara - Jane Slavin Masetto - Monty d'Inverno Ercolano - David Acton The Wager Musciatto - Michael Bertenshaw Ambrogiuolo - Geoffrey Streatfield Bernabo - Paul Ritter Zinevra - Louise Brealey Sultan - Jude Akuwudike Captain - Shaun Mason A Job for the Boys Masetto - Neil Pearson Sister Donna - Tameka Empson Sister Lisa - Rhiannon Neads Hildegard - Jane Slavin Nuto - Sam Dale Steward - Michael Bertenshaw Love Lies Sleeping Silvestra - Laura Molyneux Beppo - Rudi Dharmalingam Giovanni - Joseph Drake Mother - Jane Slavin Rinaldo - David Acton A Quiet Night in Naples Andreuccio - Gunnar Cauthery Filomena - Roslyn Hill Scarabone - Shaun Mason Neighbour - David Acton Ludo - Paul Heath Bruno - Ian Conningham Sister Lisa - Elaine Claxton Sister Donna - Hannah Genesius First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 1-12 December 2014 Written by Giovanni Boccaccio Adapted by Robin Brooks Music arranged and performed by Robert Hollingworth and Paula Chateauneuf Translations by Silvia Reseghetti Script consultant: Guyda Armstrong Produced and directed by Jonquil Panting © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Giovanni Boccaccio (Author), Colin Mcfarlane, Full Cast, John Finnemore, Louise Brealey, Neil Pearson, Paul Ritter, Samuel Barnett, Tameka Empson, Terry Jones, Tim Mcinnerny (Narrator)

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John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme: Series 9: The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

The complete ninth series of BBC Radio 4's award-winning sketch show 'One of our best sketch writers' Observer 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 © 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (p) 2021 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

John Finnemore (Author), Carrie Quinlan, John Finnemore, Lawry Lewin, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane (Narrator)

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28 Acts in 28 Minutes – A BBC Radio 4 stand-up comedy show: Fast, fun, witty comedy against the cloc

John Humphrys hosts the quick-fire comedy show featuring 28 acts performing for one minute each 'Hilarious ... great fun' Elisabeth Mahoney, The Guardian 28 Acts in 28 Minutes is a traditional variety show with a difference: the performers have just 60 seconds in which to entertain a live audience. Making the most of their minutes are a plethora of top-class talents, including Adam Buxton, Jason Manford, Nicholas Parsons, Sarah Millican, Richard Herring, Miles Jupp, Frankie Boyle, Isy Suttie, Tim Key, John Bishop, Tim Minchin, Jason Byrne, Stephen K Amos, Shappi Khorsandi, Stewart Lee, Marcus Brigstocke, Phil Cornwell and John Finnemore. Featuring a mix of award-winning comedians and newcomers to the scene, there's something for everyone, from stand-up to sketches, satire, songs and poems - with a few surprises thrown in. And if you don't like any of the acts, well... another will be along in about 55 seconds. Presiding over this comedy maelstrom is John Humphrys (the fierce one from the Today programme), who sits at the side of the stage with a stopwatch, ready to cut the microphone when the time is up. So hurry up and get ready for the fastest show on air, delivered with a frenetic urgency that makes for a truly unique experience. First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 21 June-5 July 2006 (Series 1), 25 August 2006 (Edinburgh Festival Special), 20 December 2007-3 January 2008, 27 March 2008 (Series 2)

John Humphrys (Author), Adam Buxton, Full Cast, Isy Suttie, John Finnemore, John Humphrys, Miles Jupp, Nicholas Parsons, Sarah Millican, Stephen K Amos, Tim Key, Tim Minchin (Narrator)

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John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: Series 8: The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

John Finnemore presents the eighth series of his multi-award-winning Souvenir Programme 'The best sketch show in years, on television or radio' Radio Times John Finnemore, creator and star of Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore's Double Acts, is back with Series 8 of his highly acclaimed radio sketch show, winner of the Academy Silver Award, a Broadcasting Press Guild award and two BBC Audio Drama awards. In these six episodes, John cooks a particularly good lasagne, Noah gets some bad news about the ark, we hear a legendary swansong, and there's some helpful guidance on the etiquette of 'Thank Yous' - as well as a look into the devastating consequences of World Peace. Plus, there's some merry names, some handy mnemonics, an epiphany and a show that will make you feel like a princess - whether you want it to or not. And, well... since you ask him whether he believes in ghosts... Hailed by The Daily Telegraph as 'funny enough to make even the surliest cat laugh', John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme also features his regular ensemble cast of Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan.

John Finnemore (Author), , Carrie Quinlan, John Finnemore, Lawry Lewin, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane (Narrator)

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John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: Series 7: The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

Six more episodes of BBC Radio 4's multi-award-winning sketch show, written by and starring John Finnemore. The best sketch show in years, on television or radio' Radio Times . John Finnemore, writer and star of Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore's Double Acts , returns for a seventh series of his hugely acclaimed Souvenir Programme , which won him Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the 2016 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards. Expect sketches! Expect songs! They're what made up the previous series, so it seems a pretty safe bet that that's what will be in this series as well.

John Finnemore (Author), , John Finnemore (Narrator)

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John Finnemore's Double Acts: Series 2: 6 full-cast radio dramas

This is the second series of one-off comedies written by the genius behind the smash-hit radio sitcom “Cabin Pressure” – John Finnemore. The first series won the coveted Writers Guild of Great Britain award for Best Comedy.Each show is a comedy perfumed by just two actors - including (across the series) famous household names such as Martin Clunes (“Doc Martin”), Julia McKenzie (“Fresh Fields”) and the inimitable voice of Carolyn in “Cabin Pressure”, Stephanie Cole.The show comes from Pozzitive, proud producers of Cabin Pressure, Thanks A Lot, Milton Jones!, Jeremy Hardy Speaks To The Nation, The Brig Society, The Castle, Armando Iannucci’s Charm Offensive, Shush! & Kevin Eldon Will See You Now...Stephanie Cole and Kerry Godliman (“Derek”) star in the first episode – “The Queen’s Speech” - Victoria is very much hoping to see a conjuror, or at the very least a parrot - but instead meets Mabel...In Episode 2, Julia McKenzie (“Fresh Fields”) and Gus Brown star in “Mercy Dash” - Malcolm needs some help. Sue has a spot of time on her hands. Winchester beckons...In the third show, newcomers Kieran Hodgson (2017 South Bank Arts - Breakthrough Comedy Award) and Ethan Lawrence (“Bad Education”) are Pidge & Gavin in “Here’s What We Do” - Pidge & Gavin! The old team back together again for one last mission...And Show 4 pairs the inimitable Una Stubbs (“Sherlock”) and Tamzin Outhwaite (“Redcap”) in “The Rebel Alliance” - Eileen and Lizzie are both determined to enjoy the wedding. No matter what Yvonne does...Show 5 stars Martin Clunes (Doc Martin) and Tom Goodman-Hill (“Humans”) with a bit of “Penguin Diplomacy”- when a chance meeting between Søndergaard and Bunning could very well lead to a new Cold War...And John Finnemore himself stars in the final show alongside comedy hero Michael Palin in “The Wroxton Box” - Alec is late as usual. But Percy is wearing different socks. Something big is brewing...

John Finnemore (Author), , Full Cast, Gus Brown, John Finnemore, Julia Mckenzie, Martin Clunes, Michael Palin, Stephanie Cole, Tamzin Outhwaite, Tom Goodman-Hill (Narrator)

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John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: Series 6: The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

Six more episodes of BBC Radio 4's multi-award-winning sketch show, written by and starring John Finnemore. 'The best sketch show in years, on television or radio' Radio Times. John Finnemore, writer and star of Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore's Double Acts, returns for a sixth series of his hugely acclaimed Souvenir Programme, which won him Radio Broadcaster of the Year at the 2016 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards. Expect sketches! Expect songs! They're what made up the previous five series, so it seems a pretty safe bet that that's what will be in this series as well. And, well, since you ask him for some tall tales... Kicking off with a seasonal special, this series takes in TV adverts, woodland talent contests, a song about the best day of the Christmas season and what is almost certainly the greatest story a Finnemore has ever told. Described by The Daily Telegraph as 'funny enough to make even the surliest cat laugh', John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme also features Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin, Carrie Quinlan and, at the piano, Susannah Pearse. Duration: 2 hours 50 mins approx.

John Finnemore (Author), , John Finnemore, Margaret Cabourn-Smith (Narrator)

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John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme Series 5: The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

John Finnemore's Double Acts Series 1 is the winner of the Writers Guild Award for Best Radio Comedy and the Comedy.co.uk awards for Best Radio Sketch Show! The complete fifth series of BBC Radio 4’s award-winning sketch show, written by and starring the writer of Cabin Pressure. 'One of the most consistently funny sketch shows for quite some time' The Guardian John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme has won a host of awards, including the 2015 BBC Audio Drama Award for 'Best Scripted Comedy with Live Audience'. Written by and starring John Finnemore, this fifth series of the hit show returns with more witty wordplay and laugh-out-loud sketches. These six episodes include an unlikely wager, a troubled bluesman, a rip-roaring adventure on the high seas, a new approach to the News; and, well, since you asked him for a tale of espionage… In addition, the voices in John's head push him to the tipping point, we look back at a career in accounting, hear of an over-rated experience and, we're sorry to say, Patsy Straightwoman returns with an interview sketch. John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme also features Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan. Duration: 3 hours.

John Finnemore (Author), , Full Cast, John Finnemore (Narrator)

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John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: The Complete Series 3 & 4

**WINNER of the BBC Audio Drama Award 2015 for Best Scripted Comedy (Studio Audience)**The complete third and fourth series of BBC Radio 4’s award-winning sketch show, written by and starring the writer of Cabin Pressure.In the third and fourth series of his hit sketch show, John Finnemore examines a typically eclectic range of issues including making friends, the problem with polymath bestselling authors, the colour of posh men’s trousers, and a history of choice.There’s also a sketch that is much, much too rude, advice on dealing with bullies, the truth behind some famous anecdotes, and the curious tale of a hard-bitten dame.Intelligent, absurd and laugh-out-loud funny, John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme also features Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawry Lewin and Carrie Quinlan.Awarded Best Radio Comedy at the Chortle Awards, John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme comes from the writer of Cabin Pressure and regular contributor to The Now Show.

John Finnemore (Author), , Carrie Quinlan, Full Cast, John Finnemore (Narrator)

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John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: Series 2: The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

**WINNER of the BBC Audio Drama Award 2015 for Best Scripted Comedy (Studio Audience)** In these six episodes, which make up the complete second series, you'll hear some moth-based lunacy, an awkward celestial relationship, a heartwarming tale of the days before health and safety, a sketch about messengers, a sketch about alchemy and a sketch about the word sketch. Plus, how The Archers sounds to people who don't listen to The Archers and the world's oldest hymn - as well as many other sketches featuring acute observations and wonderful wordplay. John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme is written by and stars John Finnemore (The Now Show, Miranda, That Mitchell and Webb Look). It also features Carrie Quinlan (The News Quiz, The Late Edition), Lawry Lewin (The Life & Times of Vivienne Vyle, Horrible Histories), Simon Kane (Six Impossible Things) and Margaret Cabourn-Smith (Lab Rats, A Very British Cult).

John Finnemore (Author), Carrie Quinlan, John Finnemore, Lawry Lewin, Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane (Narrator)

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John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme: Series 1: The BBC Radio 4 comedy sketch show

**WINNER of the BBC Audio Drama Award 2015 for Best Scripted Comedy (Studio Audience)** John Finnemore, writer and star of Cabin Pressure, returns in four episodes of his own sketches, as heard on BBC Radio. These episodes feature a tiger with a gun, reveal the truth behind the war effort, visit some documentary-makers, has a big debate and then treats itself to a little trophy. Plus, there are also some musical interludes from the zoo. John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme is written by and stars John Finnemore (The Now Show, Miranda, That Mitchell and Webb Look). It also features Carrie Quinlan (The News Quiz, The Late Edition), Lawry Lewin (The Life & Times of Vivienne Vyle, Horrible Histories) and Simon Kane (Six Impossible Things).

John Finnemore (Author), Carrie Quinlan, John Finnemore, Lawry Lewin, Simon Kane (Narrator)

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Cabin Pressure: The Complete Series 4

Cabin Pressure is set in the wing and a prayer world of a tiny, one-plane charter airline; staffed by two pilots, one on his way down, and one who was never up to start with. Whether it's dealing with a stuffed sheep, an angry princess or a rogue fruit tray, no job is too small, but many, many jobs are too difficult. Carolyn Knapp-Shappey, MJN Air's formidable boss, has employed two of the very cheapest pilots money can buy: Captain Martin Crieff, who's always wanted to fly and won't let a little thing like lack of ability stop him, and First Officer Douglas Richardson, smooth-voiced old sky god and eternal schemer. Passenger service is provided by the relentlessly cheery Arthur, proud inventor of both Surprising Rice and his own hat. Written by John Finnemore (John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme, The Now Show), Cabin Pressure stars Stephanie Cole as Carolyn, Benedict Cumberbatch as Martin, Roger Allam as Douglas and John Finnemore as Arthur. 'The more I listen to John Finnemore's Cabin Pressure, the more I think what a stonking masterpiece it is. Perfect in every department.' - Philip Pullman 'Unexpectedly brilliant' - Time Out 'An inspired new sitcom' - Observer

John Finnemore (Author), , Benedict Cumberbatch, Full Cast, John Finnemore, Roger Allam, Stephanie Cole (Narrator)

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Audiobooks Narrated by John Finnemore