Kenneth Williams (1926 - 1988)
"I'm a cult, an enormous cult. People have said that to me; you're a cult"- Kenneth Williams
I don’t think that there is much that has not already been written about Kenneth Williams in books, documentaries and various publications. The mystery surrounding his last days is as much of an enigma in many ways as the great man himself. He died on April 15, 1988, from an overdose of barbiturates. The day before – as revealed in his previously published diaries – he wrote his final entry: 'Oh, what's the bloody point?'.
In 1993, only five years after his death, his notorious diaries were published in an abridged format. I remember asking my parents for a copy for Christmas that year which probably seemed quite odd for a 14 year old who should have had more ‘normal’ interests. However, my request was honoured, and the hefty book was there wrapped up waiting for me under the tree. I think I took myself off into a quiet corner for hours to pour over them and was instantly spellbound.
In 1993, only five years after his death, his notorious diaries were published in an abridged format. I remember asking my parents for a copy for Christmas that year which probably seemed quite odd for a 14 year old who should have had more ‘normal’ interests. However, my request was honoured, and the hefty book was there wrapped up waiting for me under the tree. I think I took myself off into a quiet corner for hours to pour over them and was instantly spellbound.
Kenneth starred in 26 Carry On films between 1958 and 1978. Despite his well-known and often publicised personal opinion on the film series, this being that they were ‘beneath’ him, he stayed a loyal regular and part of the core cast during those 20 years. In fact, even up to the year of his death he was not completely against doing another Carry On. Several were planned only to die a death for one reason or another and never progress past the pre-production stage (see my section on ‘The Lost Carry On’s’). However, by the mid 1980’s I believe Kenneth has resigned himself to the fact it wouldn’t happen stating in a personal letter in the mid 1980’s that he ‘shouldn’t think it will happen’.
April 2018 marks the 30th anniversary of Kenneth’s death & the same years also marks the 60th anniversary of the Carry On films. It therefore seemed logical to look again at the legacy of this comedy genius...
As with many other of the Carry On stars, Kenneth was honoured with various blue plaques in London marking his former residences, including one on his final residence at Marlborough House, Osnaburgh Street, London. Sadly, Kenneth’s final home no longer exists and was demolished in 2007 to make way for a new development of office space. However not before fellow fan, writer and broadcaster, Wes Butters and Kenneth expert and actor David Benson gave one last nod to his final home and memory. They undertook a bold and ballsy mission of gaining access into his old, now derelict flat, one dark night in 2007 with the aim of leaving a picture of Kenneth in what would have been his living room. The full details of this successful mission are documented in more detail in Wes’ book ‘Kenneth Williams Unseen’. Speaking to Wes about his ‘adventure’ recently he fondly recalls the evening in question with a chuckle and he recounted that story to me with enthusiasm and a definite hint of mischief. I only wish that I could have joined him on that memorable night in 2007.
Below are the pictures from that night, including the picture that proves ‘mission accomplished’ - the picture of Kenneth left in his living room. Looking at these last pictures it is hard to imagine the once clean and clinical (if not sparsely furnished) flat where Kenneth spent his final years, and in fact his final evening, living across the hall from his mother Louie. However, it isn’t hard to imagine as you look at those long windows him stood gazing out over London contemplating life and lost in his own thoughts.
April 2018 marks the 30th anniversary of Kenneth’s death & the same years also marks the 60th anniversary of the Carry On films. It therefore seemed logical to look again at the legacy of this comedy genius...
As with many other of the Carry On stars, Kenneth was honoured with various blue plaques in London marking his former residences, including one on his final residence at Marlborough House, Osnaburgh Street, London. Sadly, Kenneth’s final home no longer exists and was demolished in 2007 to make way for a new development of office space. However not before fellow fan, writer and broadcaster, Wes Butters and Kenneth expert and actor David Benson gave one last nod to his final home and memory. They undertook a bold and ballsy mission of gaining access into his old, now derelict flat, one dark night in 2007 with the aim of leaving a picture of Kenneth in what would have been his living room. The full details of this successful mission are documented in more detail in Wes’ book ‘Kenneth Williams Unseen’. Speaking to Wes about his ‘adventure’ recently he fondly recalls the evening in question with a chuckle and he recounted that story to me with enthusiasm and a definite hint of mischief. I only wish that I could have joined him on that memorable night in 2007.
Below are the pictures from that night, including the picture that proves ‘mission accomplished’ - the picture of Kenneth left in his living room. Looking at these last pictures it is hard to imagine the once clean and clinical (if not sparsely furnished) flat where Kenneth spent his final years, and in fact his final evening, living across the hall from his mother Louie. However, it isn’t hard to imagine as you look at those long windows him stood gazing out over London contemplating life and lost in his own thoughts.
Above left to right: The scaffolding outside the flat & the start of the demolition, the hallway (ironically complete with cooker but with no cling film in sight!) & bathroom.
Below left to right: The small gallery kitchen, sitting room (pictures 2&3) and the picture left in the sitting room prior to demolition, the new building on the site of the fomer flats.
Below left to right: The small gallery kitchen, sitting room (pictures 2&3) and the picture left in the sitting room prior to demolition, the new building on the site of the fomer flats.
Pictures courtesy of Wes Butters.
My thanks & gratitude to Wes Butters for the use of these pictures.
When Kenneth died in 1988 his will became as much as mystery as the man himself. There was a provision for his 87 year old mother Louie, via instructions left to Kenneth's friend Michael Whittaker. However, the remainder of his estate was split between his close friend and neighbour Paul Richardson, his Godson Robert Chiddell and his agent. This included his huge volume of private diaries and letters. Having sat in a bank vault for many years, after some previous exchanges of ownership, in 2015 these were finally acquired by the British Library who intend to archive the diaries electronically and make available to future researchers. This move will at least guarantee, one would hope, their future security and preserve the legacy for many years to come.
The debate over Kenneth’s death has been ongoing for many years between fans, his colleagues and friends. Each has their own thoughts and opinions. I recall attending an event in 2007 at Pinewood Studios where, during a Q&A session, someone asked Leslie Phillips if he thought that Kenneth took his own life. The silence and atmosphere that descended in the room was palpable, but Leslie responded after a moment of quiet reflection stating that he did not think he did. To me, the circumstances surrounding his death are largely irrelevant. The pertinent point is that we lost a comedy legend far too young at only 62 years old. We all have a degree of curiosity about such events, particularly with public figures, and this serves to demand further clarity and answers to such mysteries and only adds to the fascination with our heroes.
The debate over Kenneth’s death has been ongoing for many years between fans, his colleagues and friends. Each has their own thoughts and opinions. I recall attending an event in 2007 at Pinewood Studios where, during a Q&A session, someone asked Leslie Phillips if he thought that Kenneth took his own life. The silence and atmosphere that descended in the room was palpable, but Leslie responded after a moment of quiet reflection stating that he did not think he did. To me, the circumstances surrounding his death are largely irrelevant. The pertinent point is that we lost a comedy legend far too young at only 62 years old. We all have a degree of curiosity about such events, particularly with public figures, and this serves to demand further clarity and answers to such mysteries and only adds to the fascination with our heroes.
There is an interesting feature that was researched and written by Wes Butters that was created for BBC Radio 4 on Kenneth and his legacy entitled ‘The Pain of Laughter - The Last Days of Kenneth Williams’. It can be accessed via Wes’ website (www.wesbutters.com) and is well worth a listen.
In the Summer of 1979 a young Gyles Brandreth, in his twenties, wrote to Kenneth via Kenneth's agent. Gyles had an idea for a book and so sent the proposition to Kenneth. He asked if Kenneth would like to lend his name to a collection of caustic quips and witty put-downs. They met, got on well and the end result was 'Acid Drops'. It was Kenneth's first book and his most successful. The idea and title belonged to Gyles but the book - and it's success - belonged to Kenneth. When it appeared in 1980 it was an immediate best-seller.
Gyles had first met Kenneth in 1971 at a BBC photocall on the roof of Broadcasting House. But it wasn't until 'Acid Drops' that he became one of Kenneth's friends and, over several years, quite a close one. Gyles recalls "We spent hundreds of hours in each others company, shared countless meals, train journeys, trips to the cinema. He was a star and a mate. He loomed large in my life. So when, on the night of the 14th April 1988, he took his own life, I felt a sense of real loss and sadness, though I wasn't surprised".
Gyles had first met Kenneth in 1971 at a BBC photocall on the roof of Broadcasting House. But it wasn't until 'Acid Drops' that he became one of Kenneth's friends and, over several years, quite a close one. Gyles recalls "We spent hundreds of hours in each others company, shared countless meals, train journeys, trips to the cinema. He was a star and a mate. He loomed large in my life. So when, on the night of the 14th April 1988, he took his own life, I felt a sense of real loss and sadness, though I wasn't surprised".
In February 2018 I contacted Gyles to ask him for a contribution to my website to mark the 60th Anniversary of 'Carry On' & the 30th Anniversary of Kenneth's death:
“I am currently introducing my 7 grandchildren to all the 'Carry On' films. We are watching them together in chronological order - and the good news is that they are loving them. It’s exciting to be introducing a new generation to the unique world of the Carry On's - entertainment that’s essentially British and oddly both of its time and timeless.
Here’s to your venture - to celebrating the genius of the Carry On's in general and my special friend, Kenneth Williams, in particular". - Gyles Brandreth, February 2018.
My sincere thanks to Gyles Brandreth for his time and contribution to my website and for his kind permission to reproduce sections from the introduction he wrote for 'Acid Drops'.
“I am currently introducing my 7 grandchildren to all the 'Carry On' films. We are watching them together in chronological order - and the good news is that they are loving them. It’s exciting to be introducing a new generation to the unique world of the Carry On's - entertainment that’s essentially British and oddly both of its time and timeless.
Here’s to your venture - to celebrating the genius of the Carry On's in general and my special friend, Kenneth Williams, in particular". - Gyles Brandreth, February 2018.
My sincere thanks to Gyles Brandreth for his time and contribution to my website and for his kind permission to reproduce sections from the introduction he wrote for 'Acid Drops'.
An interview with Kenneth's Godson, Robert Chidell.
In January 2018 I was privileged to chat with Kenneth’s Godson, Robert Chidell, who at only 12 years old found himself a beneficiary in Kenneth’s will. Below is a transcript of my conversation with Robert.
CP: It is hard to believe that it is coming up to 30 years since Kenny died yet he lives on through his brilliant performances that are still regularly on TV. It must be nice to know that he is still so popular?
RC: I guess it doesn’t surprise me that he is still popular because he was such an outgoing character and that sticks with people. Few attempt to be as humorous and outgoing and most that do fail as they are trying too hard. He could just do it. He was funny, unusual and different, unique. People just attach to that kind of persona as it is so rare.
CP: 30 years on do you still get approached and asked about Kenneth?
RC: I don’t get approached as much these days. I do occasionally and have in the past by radio for interviews. I do mention Kenneth when I meet people of a certain age as they are always excited to hear about it, or they just don’t believe me. I am lucky to have been connected with him at all. It was thanks to my family knowing him since war times.
CP: It must have been a lot to take in and process at such a young age. Did you realise at the time how popular he was?
RC: When I was young yes, I knew how popular he was. I used to tell my friends about him at school and people knew about it. It was pretty awesome. He would pop around to our house at Christmas or just to say hello sometimes, but I was too young to really remember that. I didn’t have to process much early on. It got more heavy and complicated when he died as I was left half his will and so had legalities to sort out.
CP: It is great that his diaries are now safely preserved and in the ownership of the British Library for future researchers and academics to hopefully access someday. Did you read his diaries?
RC: I am very pleased that his diaries are now in the right place. I am ashamed to say that I have not read all of them. I used to have his entire archive of diaries and letters in my bedroom for a few months whilst we were sorting through them. I used to dip in and out of them. It was an enormous collection of what must have been 15 or so boxes full of his diaries, incredible. What the public sees in the published book of the diaries is a mere snippet of what he logged from his life. It is wonderful that they are now in the British Library.
CP: If you had the chance to ask or tell Kenneth anything what would it be?
RC: I don’t know that answer. I just wish that we could have had a chat when I was grown up, one to one, but that can never happen.
CP: Do you remember much about the memorial service?
RC: I do remember the service and having the paparazzi surrounding my 12 year old self. I told them that it was a very respectful service, but I was misquoted by The Sun newspaper as saying ‘Godson says service was fun’.
CP: It is hard to believe that it is coming up to 30 years since Kenny died yet he lives on through his brilliant performances that are still regularly on TV. It must be nice to know that he is still so popular?
RC: I guess it doesn’t surprise me that he is still popular because he was such an outgoing character and that sticks with people. Few attempt to be as humorous and outgoing and most that do fail as they are trying too hard. He could just do it. He was funny, unusual and different, unique. People just attach to that kind of persona as it is so rare.
CP: 30 years on do you still get approached and asked about Kenneth?
RC: I don’t get approached as much these days. I do occasionally and have in the past by radio for interviews. I do mention Kenneth when I meet people of a certain age as they are always excited to hear about it, or they just don’t believe me. I am lucky to have been connected with him at all. It was thanks to my family knowing him since war times.
CP: It must have been a lot to take in and process at such a young age. Did you realise at the time how popular he was?
RC: When I was young yes, I knew how popular he was. I used to tell my friends about him at school and people knew about it. It was pretty awesome. He would pop around to our house at Christmas or just to say hello sometimes, but I was too young to really remember that. I didn’t have to process much early on. It got more heavy and complicated when he died as I was left half his will and so had legalities to sort out.
CP: It is great that his diaries are now safely preserved and in the ownership of the British Library for future researchers and academics to hopefully access someday. Did you read his diaries?
RC: I am very pleased that his diaries are now in the right place. I am ashamed to say that I have not read all of them. I used to have his entire archive of diaries and letters in my bedroom for a few months whilst we were sorting through them. I used to dip in and out of them. It was an enormous collection of what must have been 15 or so boxes full of his diaries, incredible. What the public sees in the published book of the diaries is a mere snippet of what he logged from his life. It is wonderful that they are now in the British Library.
CP: If you had the chance to ask or tell Kenneth anything what would it be?
RC: I don’t know that answer. I just wish that we could have had a chat when I was grown up, one to one, but that can never happen.
CP: Do you remember much about the memorial service?
RC: I do remember the service and having the paparazzi surrounding my 12 year old self. I told them that it was a very respectful service, but I was misquoted by The Sun newspaper as saying ‘Godson says service was fun’.
Top: Robert trying on Kenneth's spectacles; Middle: Kenneth's spectacles; Bottom: A pair of Kenneth's cufflinks.
Images courtesy of Robert Chidell & reproduced here with kind permission from Robert for this feature.
Images courtesy of Robert Chidell & reproduced here with kind permission from Robert for this feature.
CP: Do you have any anecdotes or memories to share?
RC: One anecdote I remember is meeting Kenneth when I was about 10 years old at my grandmother’s house in London, they were good friends. I can’t remember the conversation, but Kenneth had me and my brother in pain from laughing. He could just do that, switch on his enigmatic comedy like that.It was my dad’s side of the family that knew Kenneth. My dad told me a story, from about 65 years ago. He remembers going out to a restaurant with Kenneth with a small group of people when he was quite young. He recalls that Kenneth spoke at full ‘Kenneth Williams volume’ and he found it embarrassing as it made them all the centre of attention with all the other diners, but Kenneth undoubtedly loved the attention!
Although Robert sold many of the possessions that he was left a few years ago he does still have some pictures & personal items that belonged to Kenneth & items that Kenneth gave to him. These are reproduced here with kind permission of Robert Chidell.
Left to Right:
A letter to Robert from Kenneth apologising for missing his 10th birthday & including a signed picture; Robert's copy of 'I Only Have to Close My Eyes' by Kenneth Williams. Robert was in fact told that the boy on the cover was supposed to be him; The inlay to the book with a message from Kenneth to Robert; Kenneth at Robert's Christening.
My sincere thanks and gratitude to Robert Chidell for sharing his memories and personal pictures with me for this section of the website.
There is an interesting, if not eerie, account of a strange event that is detailed in Wes Butters book 'Kenneth Williams Unseen'.
This account is by Kenneth's close friend & neighbour, Paul Richardson:
'I'm not a religious person but on the night of the 14th (April) I was lying in bed and I suddenly looked up and - this is absolutely true - I saw this figure. All I could see was the head and down to the stomach. And I looked, And it was someone grinning at me. And I pushed at it and said ,"Go away, go away!" And it just disappeared'.
Extract from the book 'Kenneth Williams Unseen' by Wes Butters.
This account is by Kenneth's close friend & neighbour, Paul Richardson:
'I'm not a religious person but on the night of the 14th (April) I was lying in bed and I suddenly looked up and - this is absolutely true - I saw this figure. All I could see was the head and down to the stomach. And I looked, And it was someone grinning at me. And I pushed at it and said ,"Go away, go away!" And it just disappeared'.
Extract from the book 'Kenneth Williams Unseen' by Wes Butters.
Throughout my research I have been fortunate to chat about Kenneth with some of his former colleagues and co-stars in the Carry On's. Here are few anecdotes from those conversations:
‘We all wore navy blue battledress, with three yellow tapes, and yellow trousers, all standing in a line-up on the stage. We then sang ‘We’re men of the service, we’re at your service entertaining — YOU!’ Fingers pointed at the audience, ‘We’ll bring you songs both old and new — fun and laughter — if you’re blue! Men of the service, We’re at your service, Snappy, smart and — gay! So be happy and bright as we’re with you tonight, We’re at your service now.’ We then saluted, did a smart left turn and marched off, ten bodies piling up in whatever we were using for wings or backstage.
Kenneth, however, instead of marching off on the end of the line, would let us go, give a disgusted gesture to the audience and say ‘Oh, I can’t be doing with all that, yesss! I’m not with that lot! Don’t worry!’, turned back and went straight into his impersonations. It broke the ice with the audience.’
- Stanley Baxter 2017.
Kenneth, however, instead of marching off on the end of the line, would let us go, give a disgusted gesture to the audience and say ‘Oh, I can’t be doing with all that, yesss! I’m not with that lot! Don’t worry!’, turned back and went straight into his impersonations. It broke the ice with the audience.’
- Stanley Baxter 2017.
On a trip to London in February 2018 I took myself off in search of some of the key places associated with Kenneth. Many of these locations were featured in the BBC 'Comic Roots' feature on Kenneth that originally aired in 1983. It was repeated in May 1988 a month after his death. It was an autobiographical program that saw Kenneth take us around London, talking us through the various notable places where he grew up, lived & the places that held special memories for him.
I can remember seeing this show many years ago which may have been the May 1988 repeat. Having recently revisited it for this feature many streets, landmarks & places remain largely unchanged. It is a very nostalgic, & quite touching, program which was made only 5 years before his death.
The show can be seen on YouTube & the link is here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnyrFoJOfaw
Right: "Not today thanks ducky!" - Me outside 57 Marchmont Street, taken 16th February 2018. The shop was Kenneth's Father's barbers shop & oddly it is still a hairdressers today! The family lived above the shop from 1935 to 1956.
I can remember seeing this show many years ago which may have been the May 1988 repeat. Having recently revisited it for this feature many streets, landmarks & places remain largely unchanged. It is a very nostalgic, & quite touching, program which was made only 5 years before his death.
The show can be seen on YouTube & the link is here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnyrFoJOfaw
Right: "Not today thanks ducky!" - Me outside 57 Marchmont Street, taken 16th February 2018. The shop was Kenneth's Father's barbers shop & oddly it is still a hairdressers today! The family lived above the shop from 1935 to 1956.
I visited several locations following mainly in Kenneth's footprints from his accounts in 'Comic Roots'. The English Heritage plaque was installed on the block in Farley Court on Marylebone Road, where Kenny lived for seven years in the 1960s. Kenneth lived in Flat 62 between 1963 & 1970 when classics such as 'Carry On Cleo', 'Carry On Screaming', 'Carry On Up The Khyber' & 'Carry On Camping' were filmed.
Kenneth wrote in his diary about the excitement of moving into the flat, noting: "My bedroom looks out over Regent's Park. The trees are turning now and the sight is beautiful". He also commented in his diaries at looking out through his windown down onto neighbouring 'Madame Tussauds' & seeing all the 'nits' attending the waxworks. He clearly wasn't a fan of Tussauds. The plaque was unveiled by Barbara Windsor on what would have been his 88th birthday on 22nd February 2014. Barbara recalled "He will be staring down at us wetting himself saying 'Look at the silly old cow still climbing ladders at her age!'".
Kenneth wrote in his diary about the excitement of moving into the flat, noting: "My bedroom looks out over Regent's Park. The trees are turning now and the sight is beautiful". He also commented in his diaries at looking out through his windown down onto neighbouring 'Madame Tussauds' & seeing all the 'nits' attending the waxworks. He clearly wasn't a fan of Tussauds. The plaque was unveiled by Barbara Windsor on what would have been his 88th birthday on 22nd February 2014. Barbara recalled "He will be staring down at us wetting himself saying 'Look at the silly old cow still climbing ladders at her age!'".
Left: Kenneth's English Heritage plaque is unveiled on 22nd February 2014 by Barbara Windsor. Right: Me outside Farley Court, Marylebone, London NW1 in February 2018 - (Barbara was stood on something for the picture just to put height into perspective!
Cromer Houses (now simply called Cromer House) was also featured in 'Comic Roots' as Kenneth grew up at number 14 Cromer Houses, on the third floor. He describes it as a poor area back then. He recalled how his mother, Louie, used to send him off on errands & for various groceries but by the time he got to the bottom of the long stairwell he would have forgotten what it was he had been sent for! He also recalls one night he was sleep walking & somehow managed to knock all the flower pots off the windowsill, narrowly missing a neighbour & friend of his mother. They proceeded to run around to the local pub, The Boot, where his mother was drinking and declared "Your boy's out there at the windowsill throwing flower pots down in his pyjamas! I could have been concussed if I hadn't been wearing two felt hats on me 'ead!".
The Boot is still there today & the name remains unchanged. Kenneth tells of how his parents used to drink in there all the time and their friends used to 'trundle' a piano all the way across the road from Lucas Place in to the pub for a singalong!
The Boot is still there today & the name remains unchanged. Kenneth tells of how his parents used to drink in there all the time and their friends used to 'trundle' a piano all the way across the road from Lucas Place in to the pub for a singalong!
Left to Right: Cromer Street, WC1; Me outside Cromer House (the entry is now gated off so you cannot gain access); Kenneth outside Cromer Houses during the making of 'Comic Roots' in 1983; The stairwell at the bottom of the flats & 'The Boot' public house a stone's throw from Cromer House.
Top: Me outside 57 Marchont Street, London, WC1N & the blue plaque for Kenneth erected in 2009.
Kenneth Williams lived at 57 Marchmont Street, Bloomsbury WC1 from 1935 to 1956. There is another blue plaque for Kenneth at this location. This joint blue plaque between The Heritage Foundation & the Marchmont Association is attached to the building on the south west side of Marchmont Street in London.
The shop beneath the flat was where Charlie Williams, Kenneth's father, had his barbers shop. The shop was derelict for a number of years (as Kenneth reflects on during 'Comic Roots') but today it is, again, a hairdressers, although far more 'la de da' of course than the one run by Kenneth's father. The staff seem to be used to us mad Kenneth & 'Carry On' fans as my presence there didn't even raise as second glance.
The top left window is where Kenneth did his piece to camera for 'Comic Roots' & where he declared that upon moving to Marchmont Street he went 'up in the world'. In October 2009 fans flocked to No 57 Marchmont Street to watch the plaque being unveiled by actor Bill Pertwee & radio presenter Nicholas Parsons.
The plaque at Marchmont Street came about after a campaign by councillors, residents & fans after the plaque marking the place of his last residence & death at Marlborough House, Osnaburgh Street, Euston was lost due to demolition of the block to make way for a new office block (see section above detailing the demolition).
The shop beneath the flat was where Charlie Williams, Kenneth's father, had his barbers shop. The shop was derelict for a number of years (as Kenneth reflects on during 'Comic Roots') but today it is, again, a hairdressers, although far more 'la de da' of course than the one run by Kenneth's father. The staff seem to be used to us mad Kenneth & 'Carry On' fans as my presence there didn't even raise as second glance.
The top left window is where Kenneth did his piece to camera for 'Comic Roots' & where he declared that upon moving to Marchmont Street he went 'up in the world'. In October 2009 fans flocked to No 57 Marchmont Street to watch the plaque being unveiled by actor Bill Pertwee & radio presenter Nicholas Parsons.
The plaque at Marchmont Street came about after a campaign by councillors, residents & fans after the plaque marking the place of his last residence & death at Marlborough House, Osnaburgh Street, Euston was lost due to demolition of the block to make way for a new office block (see section above detailing the demolition).
It was The British Comedy Society who first honoured Kenneth Williams with the plaque on Marlborough House in 1994. It was dedicated by Barbara Windsor & Norman Wisdom.
However, I have since discovered that against popular belief that the plaque was lost/destroyed this does not appear to be the case. I have discovered through my research that the plaque was in the safe hands of the developer of Osnaburgh Street site. It seems that they were undecided what to do with it but hoped to erect it again in the vicinity to mark where his last home was. I have since contacted the developer for further information on this version of events & for some clarity as to what happened to the plaque. I will update the outcome on here as & when I find out!
In any case the original plaque located at Marlborough House was inaccurate as the people who occupied the flat he lived (& died) in didn’t want to have the plaque outside their window, perhaps because he died there – so it was actually put up one floor below.
There was however another plaque that was erected by The British Comedy Society in his memory in the Diorama Theatre not far from Kenneth's final home. This is the new plaque to replace the one that used to be on the now-demolished Marlborough House, a short distance to the west.
However, I have since discovered that against popular belief that the plaque was lost/destroyed this does not appear to be the case. I have discovered through my research that the plaque was in the safe hands of the developer of Osnaburgh Street site. It seems that they were undecided what to do with it but hoped to erect it again in the vicinity to mark where his last home was. I have since contacted the developer for further information on this version of events & for some clarity as to what happened to the plaque. I will update the outcome on here as & when I find out!
In any case the original plaque located at Marlborough House was inaccurate as the people who occupied the flat he lived (& died) in didn’t want to have the plaque outside their window, perhaps because he died there – so it was actually put up one floor below.
There was however another plaque that was erected by The British Comedy Society in his memory in the Diorama Theatre not far from Kenneth's final home. This is the new plaque to replace the one that used to be on the now-demolished Marlborough House, a short distance to the west.
Left to Right: The plaque at Marchmont Street, London WC1N; The plaque at Farley Court, Marylebone, NW1; the original plaque that was located on Marlborough House (now demolished), Osnaburgh Street & the new plaque located in the Diorama Theatre near Kenneth's last residence at Osnaburgh Street, London, NW1.
Above Top: I arrive at The British Library; Bottom: Part of the Kenneth Williams collection - picture reproduced by kind permission of The British Library. Picture copyright of The British Library.
On a crisp & sunny morning in February 2018 I arrived in London on a very special visit. It had taken weeks of careful planning, negotiation, patience & countless emails but I had finally been granted access to an archive that I never expected to see, let alone handle.
In late 2015 The British Library acquired the personal archive of Kenneth Williams, including 42 personal diaries & approximately 2,000 letters spanning his entire life & career from the age of 18 until his death in 1988. The archive was acquired by the British Library from Paul Richardson, Kenneth’s friend and neighbour, to whom he left his entire estate, for the princely sum of £220,000.
The diaries span the period 1942 – 1988, with only one gap of four years at the beginning of the sequence. The run makes up approximately 4 million words altogether and is unusual in its degree of comprehensiveness and regularity. The entire collection is far from catalogued & archived by the library, a task that will take them many months if not longer.
However, on 16th February 2018 here I was in London with access granted to this truly unique collection & the ultimate 'Holy Grail' for fans of Kenneth Williams. I was not sure what to expect as I had never even been to The British Library. I had not had a great deal of sleep the night before as I was both excited & also somewhat nervous about this wonderful privilege.
This very special section covers my visit in great detail & I hope that fellow fans & Kenneth enthusiasts will find this experience as intriguing & breathtaking as I did.
The Kenneth Williams Archive
In late 2015 The British Library acquired the personal archive of Kenneth Williams, including 42 personal diaries & approximately 2,000 letters spanning his entire life & career from the age of 18 until his death in 1988. The archive was acquired by the British Library from Paul Richardson, Kenneth’s friend and neighbour, to whom he left his entire estate, for the princely sum of £220,000.
The diaries span the period 1942 – 1988, with only one gap of four years at the beginning of the sequence. The run makes up approximately 4 million words altogether and is unusual in its degree of comprehensiveness and regularity. The entire collection is far from catalogued & archived by the library, a task that will take them many months if not longer.
However, on 16th February 2018 here I was in London with access granted to this truly unique collection & the ultimate 'Holy Grail' for fans of Kenneth Williams. I was not sure what to expect as I had never even been to The British Library. I had not had a great deal of sleep the night before as I was both excited & also somewhat nervous about this wonderful privilege.
This very special section covers my visit in great detail & I hope that fellow fans & Kenneth enthusiasts will find this experience as intriguing & breathtaking as I did.
Even though Kenneth died in 1988 his legacy lives on & continues to evolve with new & old fans alike through not only the constant repeats of the 'Carry On's' & the documentaries & shows dedicated to him but also through numerous direct or indirect parodies on television & in the theatre.
Actor & comedian, Chris Barrie, of 'Mr Brittas' fame once said, when asked who 'Mr Brittas' was based on said, partly, Kenneth Williams. In fact, Barrie provided the voice of Kenneth for his 'puppet' in the TV series 'Spitting Image'. I understand Kenneth was not too happy about his latex counterpart & I can see why.
Further examples of this is the wonderful play by Terry Johnson, 'Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle & Dick'. Terry Johnson's play takes some familiar faces and gets a bit familiar with them. It premiered at the Royal National Theatre, London, in 1998 starring Geoffrey Hutchings as Sid, Adam Godley as Kenneth & Samantha Spiro as Barbara & was produced on TV under the title 'Cor, Blimey!', featuring the same cast. The show has toured over the years & I was thrilled to see it when it came to the Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield s a few years ago.
Actor & comedian, Chris Barrie, of 'Mr Brittas' fame once said, when asked who 'Mr Brittas' was based on said, partly, Kenneth Williams. In fact, Barrie provided the voice of Kenneth for his 'puppet' in the TV series 'Spitting Image'. I understand Kenneth was not too happy about his latex counterpart & I can see why.
Further examples of this is the wonderful play by Terry Johnson, 'Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle & Dick'. Terry Johnson's play takes some familiar faces and gets a bit familiar with them. It premiered at the Royal National Theatre, London, in 1998 starring Geoffrey Hutchings as Sid, Adam Godley as Kenneth & Samantha Spiro as Barbara & was produced on TV under the title 'Cor, Blimey!', featuring the same cast. The show has toured over the years & I was thrilled to see it when it came to the Pomegranate Theatre in Chesterfield s a few years ago.
Then in 1996 the award winning one man show 'Think No Evil of Us: My Life with Kenneth Williams' written & performed by David Benson, character actor, writer and comedian played to great reviews. The show is about the life & career of the late comedian, for which David won the Scotsman's Fringe First award in 1996. It then went on national tour, culminating in a short West End run during 1998. It was revived in 2001 & still tours today: Benson claims he will continue touring the show "'till I drop". It was also David who in fact accompanied Wes Butters in 2007 on their mission to gain access to the condemned final home of Kenneth (see above).
More recently a new talent has emerged by the name of James Hurn. Known as the 'voice wizard' James has brought his remarkable impressions of many of the great comic actors, from Sid James, Kenneth Williams & Tony Hancock to name a few to audiences in his touring show. His latest stop was at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham & you can catch the many voices of James on his Facebook page & on YouTube.
You can check out his Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/Jameshurnvoices
More recently a new talent has emerged by the name of James Hurn. Known as the 'voice wizard' James has brought his remarkable impressions of many of the great comic actors, from Sid James, Kenneth Williams & Tony Hancock to name a few to audiences in his touring show. His latest stop was at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham & you can catch the many voices of James on his Facebook page & on YouTube.
You can check out his Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/Jameshurnvoices
In 2006 a new television play all about Kenneth Williams entitled, 'Fantabulosa!', was released by BBC Four. It starred Michael Sheen as the English comic actor & was based on Williams' own diaries. Cheryl Campbell plays Williams's beloved mother, Lou. Michael Sheen performed extensive research for the role, watching hundreds of hours of archive footage and reading dozens of books. He also followed the cabbage soup diet to lose 2.5 stone (35 lb; 16 kg) to play Williams. Michael Sheen (OBE) won the 2006 Royal Television Society best actor award for his heart-breaking portrayal of Kenneth Williams, a consummate entertainer who was loved by everyone but himself. Created from the intimacy of Kenneth's diaries & other sources it creates a portrait of a fastidious performer who hankered after recognition, adulation and companionship throughout his career. 'Fantabulosa!' has been repeated several times on television & is now availble to buy on DVD.
Above: Michael Sheen as Kenneth Williams in BBC Four's 'Fantabulosa!'
Pictures: Top (Right): The 'Spitting Image' puppet of Kenneth Williams (picture courtesy of Adam Endacott); Middle (Left): The theatrical poster for Terry Johnson's stage play 'Cleo, Camping, Emmanuelle & Dick'.
The 15th April 2018 marked 30 years since the death of Kenneth Williams. It is quite hard to believe that it really has been 30 years and I remember the news reports in April 1988 that announced his death. Although I was only 8 years old I remember those reports very clearly.
To mark the anniversary, I was fortunate to attend a special event at Elstree Studios on the 15th April 2018 where my friend, Adam Endacott, was launching his new book all about Kenneth - The Kenneth Williams Companion.
The day was packed full with fans of all ages and backgrounds, celebrity guests that had known and worked with Kenny, new and old anecdotes and some wonderful Kenneth impersonators including a rendition full of double entendres of the famous duo, Julian & Sandy, from the BBC Radio programme 'Round the Horn'. Amongst the many guests were Nanette Newman, Lorraine Chase, Patricia Franklin & Valerie Leon.
The day covered every aspect of his long and varied career from him starting out in 'the biz' right up to the time he passed away. It was a very touching day too in many ways as it was clear what a huge legacy Kenneth had left and also such a large hole (Maaatron!).
Seriously, this event really did show that, although he may have said it in jest, he really was a 'cult' and so he remains.
I never thought I would see Kenneth Williams cupcakes, but it just goes to show you...never say never!
The Kenneth Williams Companion by Adam Endacott is available to buy now.
To mark the anniversary, I was fortunate to attend a special event at Elstree Studios on the 15th April 2018 where my friend, Adam Endacott, was launching his new book all about Kenneth - The Kenneth Williams Companion.
The day was packed full with fans of all ages and backgrounds, celebrity guests that had known and worked with Kenny, new and old anecdotes and some wonderful Kenneth impersonators including a rendition full of double entendres of the famous duo, Julian & Sandy, from the BBC Radio programme 'Round the Horn'. Amongst the many guests were Nanette Newman, Lorraine Chase, Patricia Franklin & Valerie Leon.
The day covered every aspect of his long and varied career from him starting out in 'the biz' right up to the time he passed away. It was a very touching day too in many ways as it was clear what a huge legacy Kenneth had left and also such a large hole (Maaatron!).
Seriously, this event really did show that, although he may have said it in jest, he really was a 'cult' and so he remains.
I never thought I would see Kenneth Williams cupcakes, but it just goes to show you...never say never!
The Kenneth Williams Companion by Adam Endacott is available to buy now.
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