Pemberton's early work centred mainly around fringe theatre; he was a founding member of the 606 Theatre with Gordon Anderson, Tom Hadley, and Producer Shane Walter. He has produced, performed in, and directed various stage productions. He has written for Variety and was the assistant Editor of the International Film Guide from 1991 to 1998. His TV credits include Whitechapel, Doctor Who, Benidorm, Under the Greenwood Tree, Hotel Babylon, The Last Detective, Randall and Hopkirk, Blackpool and Shameless. In 2004, he played Dr Bessner in Death on the Nile. He also appeared in the film Lassie (2005).