Jon Canter
Writing
Biography
Jon Canter is an English television comedy writer for Lenny Henry and other leading comedians. Canter was born and brought up in the Jewish community of Golders Green, North London and studied law at the University of Cambridge, where he became President of Footlights. After a spell in advertising, copywriting (and as a housemate of Douglas Adams) he became a freelance comedy writer, setting up home in Aldeburgh with his wife, painter Helen Napper. He became a principal writer for the comedian Lenny Henry, also writing for Dawn French, Angus Deayton, Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones, as well as script editor for Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. He co-wrote the 2003 BBC television satirical comedy Posh Nosh with the co-star Arabella Weir; and the BBC Radio 4 situation comedy Believe It! and, with Guy Jenkin, Legal, Decent, Honest and Truthful. He wrote a Radio 4 Afternoon Play, I Love Stephen Fry in 2008; and in 2017 Radio 4 broadcast the short series Homes and Watford in its 15 Minute Drama slot. His comedy Boswell's Lives (starring Miles Jupp) ran on BBC Radio 4 for four series, 2015–2018. He wrote for the ITV animated cartoon version of Mr. Bean, and the screenplay for the film Full Monty 2. His first novel, Seeds of Greatness, a comic story inspired by his upbringing, was published in 2006 (ISBN 978-0-224-07773-6), and was abridged by Fiona McAlpine as a BBC Radio 4 Book at Bedtime. His subsequent novels have been A Short Gentleman (2008) and Worth (2011). An adaptation of A Short Gentleman was first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in January 2012. Since 2008, he has been a regular contributor to The Guardian's comment pages. In 2014, The Rev. Diaries was published: this was based on the TV programme starring Tom Hollander, and was written with help from Hollander and James Wood.
Known For
The animated daily trials and tribulations of clueless yet clever loner Mr Bean (aided by his best friend Teddy of course!) as he stumbles from one mishap to the next, always finding complex solutions to the simplest of problems.
Mr. Bean: The Animated Series
Comedienne Dawn French tackles dark, tongue-in-cheek thrillers as her various characters embark on a different mystery every episode. In one way or another, she is involved with murder — either committing the crime or even getting bumped off herself!
Murder Most Horrid
Classic sketch comedy show satirising the news and culture of the late 70s and early 80s which introduced Rowan Atkinson, Mel Smith, Griff Rhys Jones and Pamela Stephenson.
Not the Nine O'Clock News
A British stand-up comedy programme performed from the Hammersmith Apollo Theatre in west London.
Live at the Apollo
A British comedy sketch television series featuring Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones that ran on BBC One and BBC Two from 31 January 1984 to 14 October 1998. From series 5 in 1989 the 'Alas' title was dropped and became simply Smith and Jones.
Alas Smith and Jones
Simon and Minty prepare various dishes ranging from architect's fish and chips to bread AND butter pudding, offering snooty and frequently surreal commentary along the way.
Posh Nosh
Daring 1980s alternative comedy sketch show that helped launch the careers of a number of British comedians. Often parodies the channel it aired on. Recurring characters include Terry and Wang-Wang - a pair of swearing Pandas.
Who Dares Wins
Margi Clarke presented the show which was broadcast on late nights on ITV. The show ran for three series. The Good Sex Guide which gained unheard-of audience figures of 13 million for a show that aired at 10.35pm. She was rewarded with a win at the RTS Awards for "Best Female Presenter" in 1994. A second series was equally successful, and a third, The Good Sex Guide Abroad, soon followed. Clarke turned down an offer to take the series into a late night chat show format, the host eventually being Toyah Wilcox.
The Good Sex Guide
Just for Laughs is a sketch comedy show hosted by Rick Miller that shows clips from the Canadian version of the show. Good ratings during the summer airings in 2007 resulted in ABC adding the show to the network lineup as a midseason replacement for 2007-2008. It returned to the schedule on January 1, 2008, before being canceled on May 12, 2008. However, on June 4, 2009, it was announced that a third season would begin airing on June 21, 2009.
Just for Laughs
Debut series for impressionist and satirist Rory Bremner. Stars Rory Bremner, Sara Crowe, John Dowie, Jeremy Hardy, Steve Steen and more.
Now - Something Else
A zany comedy sketch show for children, which took its name from the Fast Forward button on VCRs. Children's sketch comedy featuring Floella Benjamin, Andrew Secombe, Joanna Munro and Nick Wilton.
Fast Forward
A reboot of the wonderful British sketch show "Alas Smith and Jones", where the creators and lead actors of go over some of there favorite sketches and episodes throughout the show's 10 season history.
The Smith & Jones Sketchbook
A short film staring British comedians Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones that seeks to update the Santa Claus myth. Made for the Finnish tourist board
Finland For Adults
Lenny Henry plays the boss of an ailing (so he is broke) travel agency and he alo sings in an R&B pub band.
The Man
Lenny has some perplexing dreams.
In Dreams
from the Comedy Theatre, London featuring Sue Aldred Clive Anderson , Jon Canter Jane Ellison , Geoff McGivern Griffith Rhys Jones Martin Smith , Crispin Thomas Written by ADAMS- SMITH-ADAMS CLIVE ANDERSON , ROBERT BENTON JON CANTER , SIMON LEVENE GRIFFITH RHYS JONES and JIM SIEGELMAN
Cambridge University 1974 Footlights Revue
A look back at the career of Lenny Henry to celebrate his 60th birthday, presenting new iconic sketches including music legends Stevie Wonder and Stormzy
The Lenny Henry Birthday Show
Smith and Jones debate on an awe inspiring range of themes from Devon to death, self assembly furniture to the summer of love and aids to anal retention.