Some of you who read this, or even if you don’t, will know that I am a somewhat big fan of Mr Finnemore of the John variety.
He’s written material for many, but especially Mitchell and Webb, he’s crafted his own Souvenir Program which is a series of sketches, recently started on some Double Acts but best of all, in my opinion, he wrote Cabin Pressure.
Now Cabin Pressure is an all time favourite and one that I have managed to convert friends and colleagues alike to listen and laugh along with. Its a great taster of how well he writes.
His Souvenir Program stars some regular folk, well regular participants. Having seen them in action tonight as part of JF’s entourage, they’re anything but normal – though that’s in the good way.
Margaret Cabourn-Smith, Simon Kane, Lawny Lewin and Carrie Quinlan aid him magnificently in his sketch series which has run for seven series, so far.
Tonight the five of them did magnificently in a variety of guises and, most especially, Carrie reprised her role of Patsy Straightwoman interviewing Arthur, yes that Arthur, Shappey Esq. Hearing what happened to the crew of MJN/OJS Air after the two Zurich episodes was great, and to know that they had just returned from San Salvador and on their way to Trinidad & Tobago will give people in the know hope that perhaps a new run may yet still be possible.
There were a lot of other closet fans at the show as I heard many gave knowing sniggers, grunts or other similar indications that when certain names, phrases or similar keywords were uttered, meant we all knew what would happen next.
And whilst the secret of comedy is sometimes in the timing.
Tonight the secret of comedy was repetition.
Especially the phrases “yellow car”, “the lemon is in play” and utterances involving Pavlov’s dogs.
If you get the chance to see it in its flying visit to a town near you – go and enjoy.
(And don’t forget to keep the secret secret!)
