Last updated on the 1 August 2024 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: September 1, 1967, Blackburn, Lancashire,

Steve Pemberton went to Saint Michael’s Church of England High School in Chorley and graduated from Bretton Hall in Yorkshire with a BA (Hons) in Theatre Arts in 1989.

He is a renowned actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer best known for his work in the BBC sketch comedy series “The League of Gentlemen” and “Psychoville.” His contributions to British television have earned him numerous accolades, including four BAFTA awards.

Steve Pemberton’s journey into comedy began at an early age. Inspired by the Monty Python troupe and the satirical humour of British comedy, he started writing and performing his own material during his school years. His talent and passion for comedy led him to study drama at the University of Manchester, where he met his future collaborators, Mark Gatiss and Reece Shearsmith.

Their partnership blossomed during their university years, and together they formed the sketch comedy group “The Unspeakables.” Their unique blend of dark humour, surreal imagery, and sharp social commentary caught the attention of industry professionals, leading them to secure a BBC Radio 4 pilot in 1992. The pilot, titled “Squaring Up,” showcased their distinct comedic style and paved the way for their breakthrough television series, “The League of Gentlemen.”

Debuting in 1999, “The League of Gentlemen” quickly captivated audiences with its grotesque characters, outlandish scenarios, and sharp social satire. Pemberton, Gatiss, and Shearsmith played multiple roles, each character more eccentric and unsettling than the last. The series ran for three seasons, garnering critical acclaim and establishing the trio as pioneers of dark comedy.

Their success with “The League of Gentlemen” prompted them to create another critically acclaimed series, “Psychoville,” in 2009. Set in a fictional seaside town, “Psychoville” delved into the darker corners of human psychology, exploring themes of obsession, guilt, and revenge. The series ran for three seasons, cementing Pemberton’s reputation as a master of dark comedy.

Beyond his work with Gatiss and Shearsmith, Pemberton has established himself as a versatile actor, appearing in various television shows, films, and stage productions. He has lent his voice to animated projects, such as the British sitcom “Fonejacker” and the children’s television series “Thomas & Friends.”

Steve Pemberton resides in Fortis Green, London, with his partner, Alison Rowles and their three children. He is multilingual, proficient in German and French. In 2003, the University of Huddersfield conferred upon him an honorary doctorate of letters. Additionally, Pemberton is an enthusiastic football fan and supports Blackburn Rovers F.C.

Steve Pemberton’s contributions to British comedy have been immense. His unique brand of dark humour, coupled with his sharp wit and comedic timing, has earned him a place among the most celebrated comedians of his generation. His legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.

WINNER | Television: New Media for Psychoville (2012) | Television Craft:  Writer – Comedy for Inside No. 9 (2015) | Television Craft: Writer – Comedy for Inside No. 9 (2018) | Television: Male Performance in a Comedy Programme for Inside No. 9 (2019) | Television: Scripted Comedy for Inside No. 9 (2021)

Suggested viewing

Inside No. 9 (2014)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.5

An anthology series that takes the audience into a unique and suspenseful world where dark humour, psychological twists and social commentary intertwine. Each self-contained 30-minute episode features a new set of characters and a new setting, often exploring the themes of guilt, obsession, and the unexpected consequences of our actions.

Top cast: Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton.

The League of Gentlemen (1999)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.4

In the peculiar town of Royston Vasey, a collection of grotesque and eccentric characters navigate their daily lives with an unsettling blend of humour and horror. From the xenophobic shopkeepers to the overly enthusiastic taxi driver, each resident contributes to the town’s unique atmosphere, making “The League of Gentlemen” a surreal and unforgettable comedic experience.

Top cast: Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton, Reece Shearsmith, Jeremy Dyson, Paul Hays-Marshall, Rosy Deacon, Michael Gallagher.

Psychoville (2009)

Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.2

In the sinister town of “Psychoville”, a group of seemingly unconnected individuals are thrown together when they receive a ominous note stating “I know what you did.” As the mystery deepens, their dark secrets and hidden desires come to light, leading to a twisted and hilarious journey through the depths of human psychology.

Top cast: Reece Shearsmith, Steve Pemberton, Dawn French, Eileen Atkins, Daniel Kaluuya, Imelda Staunton, Adrian Scarborough, Jason Tompkins.

Benidorm (2007)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.5

Set in the heart of Spain’s bustling resort town, “Benidorm”, the series revolves around a group of British holidaymakers and staff members at the Solana Hotel. Through their hilarious misadventures, the show offers a satirical take on British culture and the pursuit of fun and relaxation in the sun-drenched Spanish paradise.

Top cast: Jake Canuso, Janine Duvitski, Tony Maudsley, Elsie Kelly, Tim Healy, Sheila Reid, Siobhan Finneran, Steve Pemberton, Oliver Stokes.

Similar to

Mapp & Lucia (2014)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.4

In the quaint English seaside town of Tilling, two formidable women, Elizabeth Mapp and Lucia Lucas, embark on a comedic battle for social dominance. Their rivalry intensifies as they vie for control over the town’s social events, leading to a series of hilarious escapades and witty exchanges that showcase their eccentric personalities and obsession with maintaining their status within the community.

Top cast: Anna Chancellor, Miranda Richardson, Poppy Miller, Felicity Montagu, Gemma Whelan, Steve Pemberton, Mark Gatiss, Julian Rhind-Tutt.

Alternative version

Whitechapel (2009)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 8.0

A fast-tracked inspector, a hardened detective sergeant, and an expert in historical homicides investigate modern crimes with connections to the past in the Whitechapel district of London. As they examine the city’s murky history, they must confront the haunting legacy of Jack the Ripper, while also dealing with the present-day dangers lurking in the shadows of London’s East End.

Top cast: Rupert Penry-Jones, Phil Davis, Steve Pemberton, Sam Stockman, Ben Bishop, Hannah Walters, Claire Rushbrook, Johnny Harris.

Happy Valley (2014)

Bftv 9.5 / IMDb 8.5

In the rugged Yorkshire Dales, Sergeant Catherine Cawood is a resilient and straightforward police officer dealing with inner struggles and an unwavering commitment to upholding justice. Her life takes a dramatic turn when a girl disappears, pushing her to face the sinister aspects of her town and the hidden truths from her own history.

Top cast: Sarah Lancashire, Steve Pemberton, Siobhan Finneran, James Norton, Joe Armstrong, Adam Long, George Costigan, Karl Davies.

Full filmography (@Wikipedia)

Steve Pemberton Gallery

League of Gentlemen