John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme series nine - multipost: The ninth series is a drastic shake-up of the formula of the show, going from a typical radio sketch show to a series of humorous, heartfelt and sometimes saddening series of vignettes about one British family from 1899 to 2021 with each episode focusing on the life of one specific family member.
Character: Oswald “Uncle Newt” Nightingale
Representation: Asexual, Aromantic
Their Importance: Newt is an unusual character, being a reconfigured version of a character that appeared in all the previous series of the sketch show. He’s a beloved uncle figure to several generations of the family, spinning elaborate and ridiculous stories. Contrary to stereotype he is an incredibly warm and loving man to his family and students, and he lives an incredibly long and happy life surrounded by loved ones-all long before the concept of a-spec identities received any kind of societal recognition. In his spotlight episode he reveals that he’s never had sex or felt any interest which is immediately accepted as normal by his sister and her partner. Having a character who’s been a beloved fixture of one of my favourite shows since the beginning turn out to be ace was very special to me.
Characters: Susanna Noone and Gally Midnight
Representation: Lesbian, Drag King(Gally)
Their Importance: Despite being born in the 19th century Gally and Susanna are completely free of hang-ups about their relationship and they live together for decades, raising a child (Vanessa) together. They start off as a music hall duo (with Gally as a male impersonator which is a tradition of the era), creating the first version of the re-occurring Woof song that’s become a century-long family tradition, symbolising how their relationship has indirectly brought about the subsequent generations of the family.
Character: Russ Golding
Representation: Gay
Their Importance: Russ is the first viewpoint character we’re introduced to and the episode sets up a lot of the intricate plotlines. Refreshingly, he’s frequently unconfident and insecure it has nothing to do with his sexuality. His coming out scene with his mother is awkward, humorous and heartfelt. In the present he lives a happy domestic life with his partner Alex and their daughter Toby.
Character: Jeremy “Jerry” Wilkinson
Representation: Disability (Stroke -- Wernicke’s Aphasia)
Their Importance: Jerry is infamous in-universe for his constant compulsion to create poetry and general yammering. Despite this his episode of aphasia, turning his speech into “word salad” after having a stroke isn’t milked for angst. The rest of the family is very supportive while helping him re-learn how to speak and don’t pity or infantilise him either. While there are humorous scenes about his bizarre mode of speech it isn’t mean-spirited in the slightest and Jerry frequently laughs at himself. It’s implied that his recovery takes several years instead of being the overnight miracle common in fiction. Also, he’s generally an infectiously enthusiastic, endearing person.
Character: Walter Wilkinson
Representation: Blind
Their Importance: While Walter is a more minor character, he still cuts a dignified figure. He was blinded during the war and manages to conceal this from several family members for decades. He lacks the stereotypical bitterness and destructive drive for total independence at all costs that many disabled characters (particularly male ones) have. Instead he has an interdependent relationship with his wife, Vanessa, who subtly gives hints about his surroundings so he can confidently navigate while in company. When one of Walter’s younger relatives works out his secret it’s accepted as just another thing about him.
Character: Hilde Goldfarb
Representation: Jewish(German Jewish)
Their Importance: Hilde is a more minor character who still has a reaching impact within the story. She’s proud of how she and her father managed to survive the war and she passes down some of her customs to the generations after her. She initially appears to be cold and indifferent but quickly proves to be a warm, imaginative person.
Note this only applies to the 9th series which is completely different to the previous series.
