Great Lives

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Life Stories

Biographical series in which guests choose someone who has inspired their lives.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 4 FM

Great Lives: Tom Allen on Kenneth Williams

Tom Allen on Kenneth Williams

BBC Radio 4 - Great Lives, Tom Allen on Kenneth Williams

Comedian Tom Allen chooses the entertainer Kenneth Williams.

4 Extra Debut. Comedian, presenter, and writer Tom Allen chooses the entertainer, Kenneth Williams. With Matthew Parris. From 2020.

Comedian and presenter Tom Allen first discovered Kenneth Williams as a young boy, watching the Carry On films and listening to Round the Horne with his mum. 

He joins Matthew Parris and Kenneth's biographer, Christopher Stevens, to explore the life of the famous twentieth century entertainer. 

Together, they discuss stealing the show, sexuality and living solo. 

Featuring clips from Kenneth's performances from Parkinson to Just a Minute, as well as Desert Island Discs to Hancock's Half Hour.

The trio reflect on Kenneth's dexterity and complexity, as a performer and as a person. 

Producer: Camellia Sinclair

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in September 2020.

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Great Lives

Tom Allen on Kenneth Williams

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4