When the announcement came that BBC's psychological reality hit The Traitors would be adapted for the stage, one name caught many by surprise: John Finnemore. While the comedy writer and Radio 4 stalwart may not be a household name to everyone, his selection to helm this ambitious theatrical project is no accident. Finnemore brings a unique combination of puzzle-making prowess, comedic brilliance, and structural innovation that makes him the perfect choice to translate the tension and treachery of The Traitors from screen to stage.
A Radio Comedy Legend
Born on September 28, 1977, in Reading, Berkshire, John David Finnemore has carved out an extraordinary career in British comedy. After studying English at Peterhouse, Cambridge—where he served as vice-president of the legendary Cambridge Footlights—Finnemore began his journey into comedy writing and performance. His breakthrough came with Cabin Pressure, the BBC Radio 4 sitcom he created, wrote, and performed in alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Roger Allam. The show, which ran for four series, became one of the most beloved radio comedies of all time. So successful was his work that Radio Times named him the only individual with two entries in their list of the top ten greatest radio comedies ever: Cabin Pressure and John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme.
An Award-Winning Career
Finnemore's trophy cabinet is impressive by any measure. He has won 13 Comedy.co.uk Awards—more than any other writer—including Comedy of the Year in 2014 for Cabin Pressure. The Writers' Guild of Great Britain recognized his exceptional contributions with their Outstanding Contribution to Writing award in 2020, as well as Best Radio Comedy honors for Cabin Pressure (2011) and Double Acts (2017). His sketch show, John Finnemore's Souvenir Programme, has won BBC Audio Drama Awards for Best Scripted Comedy in both 2015 and 2019. Beyond radio, Finnemore has made significant contributions to television. He co-wrote episodes of Good Omens season 2, worked on teleplays for Avenue 5, and wrote for That Mitchell and Webb Look, Dead Ringers, and Tittybangbang. He's also appeared on screen in shows like Miranda and Avenue 5.
A Master of Literary Puzzles
What truly sets Finnemore apart—and makes him uniquely qualified for The Traitors adaptation—is his brilliance with puzzles and structural innovation. He is one of only four people to have solved Cain's Jawbone, a notoriously difficult 1934 literary murder mystery puzzle that requires readers to rearrange 100 pages in the correct order to identify six murders and their perpetrators. Not content with merely solving the puzzle, Finnemore authored his own sequel, The Researcher's First Murder, published in 2024. This box of postcards and murder mystery puzzle showcases his ability to create intricate, multi-layered narratives that challenge and delight audiences. He also compiles cryptic crosswords for The Times under the pen name "Emu," further demonstrating his love for complex wordplay and logical construction.
The Traitors: From Castle to Stage
In January 2026, it was announced that Finnemore would write a stage adaptation of The Traitors, set to open in London's West End in 2027. The production represents a collaboration between Studio Lambert (the show's original producer) and Neal Street Productions, co-founded by Sam Mendes. The play will be directed by Robert Hastie, the National Theatre's deputy artistic director and Olivier Award winner for Operation Mincemeat and Standing at the Sky's Edge. Producers have promised a "bold and surprising" theatrical experience that will feature a new story inspired by the TV format. Rather than simply recreating the reality show on stage, the production will incorporate what they call a "structural twist" unique to live theater—faithfuls hunting secret traitors in an immersive, ambitious experience.
Why Finnemore Is the Perfect Choice
On his Substack newsletter, Finnemore addressed potential skepticism about adapting a reality TV show for the stage: "I would not blame you if you felt a little dubious about the idea of a stage show of a reality TV show; and/or a little surprised that it will take two years of my time to write it. Well… all I can say is that I'm enormously excited by it, and it's easily the most ambitious thing I've ever attempted to write." He went on to compare the project to his recent work: "If you liked series 9 of JFSP, or The Researcher's First Murder, I think you'll like this." This comparison is telling—both works showcase Finnemore's talent for structural innovation and narrative complexity. Stephen Lambert, CEO of Studio Lambert, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "Taking The Traitors from screen to stage is a hugely exciting next step for this much-loved brand. Partnering with Neal Street Productions, a true theatrical powerhouse, allows us to reimagine the show as a bold and surprising theatrical performance. Faithful fans should expect an intense, joyful night out as we reveal a thrilling new hunting ground for our Traitors." Caro Newling, co-founder of Neal Street Productions, added: "In developing The Traitors for the stage, Neal Street and Studio Lambert have curated a team of brilliant faithful theatre-makers led by director Rob Hastie and writer John Finnemore to bring a bold, structural twist to the format that only the live medium can provide."
A Writer at the Peak of His Powers
At 48 years old, John Finnemore stands as one of Britain's most accomplished comedy writers. Often described as "Britain's greatest modern-day comedy writer," his work spans multiple mediums and showcases an extraordinary range—from hilarious character-driven sitcoms to intricate literary puzzles. His personal accolades extend beyond writing. A runner-up on Celebrity Mastermind in 2016 (with the ghost stories of M.R. James as his specialist subject), Finnemore is clearly someone who thrives on intellectual challenges and deep literary knowledge.
What to Expect from The Traitors Play
While specific details about the play remain under wraps, Finnemore's track record suggests audiences can expect something far more sophisticated than a simple stage recreation of the TV show. His ability to construct elaborate puzzles, create compelling characters, and innovate within established formats means The Traitors stage play is likely to be a genuinely unique theatrical experience. The combination of Finnemore's writing, Hastie's direction, and the production power of Studio Lambert and Neal Street Productions positions this project as one of the most intriguing theatrical events of 2027. For fans of the TV show, Finnemore's work, or innovative theater, this adaptation promises to be unmissable. As the theatrical world continues to explore adaptations of popular screen properties—from Stranger Things: The First Shadow to various film-to-stage transfers—The Traitors represents something different: a reality format reimagined through the lens of one of Britain's most inventive storytellers. If anyone can successfully transform the psychological gameplay of The Traitors into compelling live theater, it's John Finnemore.