John Finnemore: The Versatile Career of a Comedy Writer and Puzzle Master
John Finnemore is a multifaceted talent in the British entertainment landscape, renowned for his sharp wit, intricate plotting, and a unique ability to blend comedy with complex puzzles. From the airwaves of BBC Radio 4 to the screens of major television networks and the pages of The Times, Finnemore has established himself as a prolific writer, actor, and intellectual adventurer.
Key Facts
- Creator of Cabin Pressure: Wrote the acclaimed BBC Radio 4 sitcom and played the character Arthur.
- Puzzle Expert: One of only four people to solve the legendary literary puzzle Cain's Jawbone.
- Collaborative Writer: Co-wrote the second series of Good Omens with Neil Gaiman.
- Crossword Author: Writes cryptic crosswords for The Times under the pseudonym 'Emu'.
- West End Debut: Set to premiere a five-play cycle, The Traitors: Acts of Betrayal, in May 2027.
Mastery of Radio Comedy
Finnemore's most enduring contribution to radio is Cabin Pressure, a sitcom that aired four series between 2008 and 2014. In addition to writing the show, he portrayed Arthur, the consistently cheery steward. The series concluded with a two-part finale spanning Christmas and New Year 2014–2015.
His versatility extended to the sketch format with John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme. Debuting on BBC Radio 4 in 2011, the show ran for nine series through 2021, including a special 2012 edition recorded at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This success transitioned to the stage as John Finnemore's Flying Visit, which completed two UK tours in 2018 and 2019.
Further expanding his radio portfolio, Finnemore created John Finnemore's Double Acts, an anthology of loosely connected two-handers (plays written for only two actors). The first series aired in 2015, followed by a second in 2017.
Television and Collaborative Writing
Beyond his own creations, Finnemore has been a vital contributor to some of the UK's most successful comedy programs. He wrote for That Mitchell and Webb Sound, That Mitchell and Webb Look, Dead Ringers, Tittybangbang, Safety Catch, The Now Show, and The Unbelievable Truth. He also co-wrote the podcast David Mitchell's Soap Box from 2009 to 2012.
In the realm of high-profile television, Finnemore co-wrote the second series of Good Omens alongside Neil Gaiman. He also contributed teleplays for Armando Iannucci's space comedy Avenue 5, where he also appeared as Paul, a Space Shuttle pilot.
Other Notable Projects
- George and Bernard Shaw: A 2011 BBC One pilot about an elderly gay couple, starring Robert Lindsay and Richard Griffiths.
- Miranda: Appeared as the recurring character Chris in several episodes between 2009 and 2014.
- 24 Hours to Go Broke: Served as the narrator for various international episodes on Dave in 2014.
Puzzles, Crosswords, and Literary Feats
Finnemore's passion for logic and linguistics is evident in his side pursuits. Since 2016, he has authored cryptic crosswords for The Times using the pseudonym 'Emu'. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he engaged his audience via YouTube with "Cabin Fever" videos, appearing as his character Arthur Shappey to present games and puzzles.
His most significant intellectual achievement came when he became the fourth person to solve Cain's Jawbone, a notoriously difficult literary puzzle created by Edward Powys Mathers in 1934. This feat led Finnemore to write his own sequel, The Researcher's First Murder: A New Cain's Jawbone Puzzle, published by Unbound on August 22, 2024.
Career Summary Table
| Category | Project | Role | Period/Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radio | Cabin Pressure | Writer & Actor (Arthur) | 2008–2015 |
| Radio | Souvenir Programme | Writer & Performer | 2011–2021 |
| Television | Good Omens (Series 2) | Co-writer | Recent |
| Television | Avenue 5 | Writer & Actor (Paul) | Recent |
| Literature | The Researcher's First Murder | Author | 2024 |
| Theatre | The Traitors: Acts of Betrayal | Writer | May 2027 (Premiere) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Finnemore's connection to Cain's Jawbone?
Finnemore is one of only four people to have successfully solved the 1934 literary puzzle Cain's Jawbone. He subsequently wrote a sequel puzzle titled The Researcher's First Murder, published in 2024.
Under what name does he write for The Times?
He writes listener cryptic crosswords for The Times under the pseudonym 'Emu'.
Which major TV series did he co-write with Neil Gaiman?
John Finnemore co-wrote the second series of Good Omens, which starred David Tennant and Michael Sheen.
What is the upcoming West End project for Finnemore?
In May 2027, his five-play cycle The Traitors: Acts of Betrayal, based on the reality TV show The Traitors, will premiere at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
What was his specialist subject on Celebrity Mastermind?
When he appeared as a runner-up on Celebrity Mastermind in 2016, his specialist subject was the ghost stories of M.R. James.