Born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, he works frequently with Irvine Welsh. In 2003 was BAFTA nominated for his half hour comedy "Dose" co-written with Irvine Welsh and again in 2007 for "Wedding Belles" also written with Welsh. He co-created the internet series "Svengali" and also wrote the cult UKTV comedy series "Honky Sausages". His stage play, "Babylon Heights", also co-written with Irvine Welsh premiered at The Exit Theatre, San Francisco in June 2006 before transferring to Dublin and then touring the world. Cavanagh also produces and is about to make his directorial debut, "Kubricks" for Alan McGee's production company, Escalier 39 LTD. He makes music under names of Pig & Narco Bear and his artwork & screen prints are represented by Opus Art Gallery.