John Finnemore is best known for writing and co-starring in Cabin Pressure, which ran from 2008 – 2014. The multi award-winning sitcom broke R4 box office records with over 23,000 fans applying to see the final show being recorded. His other notable work includes the sketch show, John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme, which he performs with Simon Kane, Carrie Quinlan, Lawry Lewin and Margaret Cabourn-Smith. 

1.       What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies, check for spinach between teeth and check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt)?

I sort of bob up and down on the balls of my feet, and pull slightly embarrassed ‘Well! Here we go then!’ faces at my fellow cast-members. I imagine you would have got exactly the same answer from Lenny Bruce. 

2.       What irritates you?

People who are not only self-indulgent enough to say exactly what they think without any regard for other people’s feelings; but who then go on to congratulate themselves for this as if it were a rare virtue, rather than a common vice. 

3.       What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?

There was a sand quarry near our house when I was a boy, and my friends and I used to take bin bags up there and slide down the sides of it, very much in the manner of the first half of a public information film about why children shouldn’t play in quarries. It was only through dumb luck that we never reenacted the second half. 

4.       What is the most stupid thing you have ever done?

Apart from the above, attempted to boil water on the hob in a plastic jug. 

I hope these answers are helping you build up a picture of a pretty smart kid. 

5.       What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?

Having answered the last two questions, that I have lived long enough to have one. 

Interview continues here.