We're back… last week.

So, the fourth series of John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme began, er, this time last week. So, what better time for a post about that episode? I can't think of a better time. I don't think there is one. Shut up.

Teaching Aid

This sketch, about someone getting an idea whilst trying not to watch a muted TV in a pub, was an idea I got whilst trying not to watch a muted TV in a pub. True story!

Bodyguards

Simon has pointed out that every series there's at least one sketch of he and I trapped somewhere, and getting on each other's nerves (e.g. Snow Leopards, Go East, Train Manager). And when that happens, he generally chooses to be Scottish.

Snap

This was originally about Noughts and Crosses. We recorded the Noughts and Crosses version twice for the last series, but both times the audience laughed a bit at the initial reveal, and then politely waited for it to be over So, I rewrote it completely, to be about Snap, and for some reason that worked much better. I think perhaps because the main joke of the Noughts and Crosses one was that two competent players will always draw, which is quite a dry detail to build a sketch around, whilst this one builds to a sort of climax, however meaningless.

Trio

Interestingly, I am one of a select band of vocalists whose singing voice is actually improved when I hold my hands tightly over my mouth.

Emmeline and Albert

I just don't understand the obsession with getting the vote out. Motivate people to want to vote, by all means. But don't encourage people to vote when they don't know what they're voting about, just for the sake of it. It's not like recycling. (In Australia, I believe, voting is compulsory. And the Prime Minister is Tony Abbott.)

Sisyphus

Apologies if you found this sketch baffling. In the recorded version, there was a speech where we set out the details of Sisyphus' punishment. In the edit, we decided that this was Radio 4, and everyone would know already, so we cut it. Yesterday, I discovered a member of my own family didn't know it, and so had no idea what was going on. Uh-oh...


The BBC iPlayer has rather splendidly extended how long they keep episodes up, so you can still listen to this episode here. And you can hear the next episode this very evening, at 6:30, and here after that.