"Resurrecting the King of Camp: A Tribute to Kenneth Williams"
Thirty years have passed since David Benson first staged his hit show about Kenneth Williams, but the raconteur's centenary birthday marks another revival. The new production is more than just a mimicry – it's an extraordinary tribute that brings back memories for those who grew up with Williams as a mainstay of British life.
Benson, himself a former Jackanory story competition winner, recounts his own journey to becoming a comedian and impressionist. His winning entry in 1975 was read by Williams on national TV, leaving him mortified at being associated with the 'campest man in the UK' by school bullies. This early experience shapes Benson's act one, which also showcases his teenage awakening as an exponent of funny voices.
As the show progresses, Benson delves into the life and times of Williams – a dazzling array of impressions, from Frankie Howerd to Sergeant Bilko, and even the entire cast of Dad's Army. However, it's not just a nostalgic romp; the second act offers a poignant snapshot of Williams' life, capturing his complex personality and vulnerabilities.
Williams was both beloved and insufferable, and Benson's portrayal brings both aspects to life. His Williams is an extraordinary performer, with vocal gymnastics that are as impressive as they are hilarious. The facial contortions and mannerisms are unmistakable decades after the man's death. There is also a poignancy to his fear of intimacy and feelings of worthlessness.
Ultimately, "My Life with Kenneth Williams" is a show about capturing an extraordinary man at a moment in time. It's not just a biographical sketch but an arresting tribute that brings back memories for those who grew up with the King of Camp. Benson's Williams may be thin-skinned, self-absorbed, and permanently performing, but his performances are captivating – if sometimes overwhelming.
At 100 years old, it's clear that Kenneth Williams' legacy will endure, thanks to a show that not only celebrates his life but also invites us to reflect on what made him tick. It's a testament to Benson's skill as a comedian and impressionist that he can evoke both laughter and tears in equal measure.
For those who may have grown up too young to experience Williams' heyday, this show offers an extraordinary chance to connect with the man behind the legend. For those who knew him, it's a loving tribute to a performer who continues to captivate audiences with his wit, charm, and irrepressible spirit. "My Life with Kenneth Williams" is more than just a revival – it's an opportunity to celebrate the life of a true British comedy icon.
Thirty years have passed since David Benson first staged his hit show about Kenneth Williams, but the raconteur's centenary birthday marks another revival. The new production is more than just a mimicry – it's an extraordinary tribute that brings back memories for those who grew up with Williams as a mainstay of British life.
Benson, himself a former Jackanory story competition winner, recounts his own journey to becoming a comedian and impressionist. His winning entry in 1975 was read by Williams on national TV, leaving him mortified at being associated with the 'campest man in the UK' by school bullies. This early experience shapes Benson's act one, which also showcases his teenage awakening as an exponent of funny voices.
As the show progresses, Benson delves into the life and times of Williams – a dazzling array of impressions, from Frankie Howerd to Sergeant Bilko, and even the entire cast of Dad's Army. However, it's not just a nostalgic romp; the second act offers a poignant snapshot of Williams' life, capturing his complex personality and vulnerabilities.
Williams was both beloved and insufferable, and Benson's portrayal brings both aspects to life. His Williams is an extraordinary performer, with vocal gymnastics that are as impressive as they are hilarious. The facial contortions and mannerisms are unmistakable decades after the man's death. There is also a poignancy to his fear of intimacy and feelings of worthlessness.
Ultimately, "My Life with Kenneth Williams" is a show about capturing an extraordinary man at a moment in time. It's not just a biographical sketch but an arresting tribute that brings back memories for those who grew up with the King of Camp. Benson's Williams may be thin-skinned, self-absorbed, and permanently performing, but his performances are captivating – if sometimes overwhelming.
At 100 years old, it's clear that Kenneth Williams' legacy will endure, thanks to a show that not only celebrates his life but also invites us to reflect on what made him tick. It's a testament to Benson's skill as a comedian and impressionist that he can evoke both laughter and tears in equal measure.
For those who may have grown up too young to experience Williams' heyday, this show offers an extraordinary chance to connect with the man behind the legend. For those who knew him, it's a loving tribute to a performer who continues to captivate audiences with his wit, charm, and irrepressible spirit. "My Life with Kenneth Williams" is more than just a revival – it's an opportunity to celebrate the life of a true British comedy icon.
it's amazing that they're doing justice to kenelm williams' legacy 30 yrs after his first show and david benson is like a dream cast to tell his story, he's got the humor & emotional depth to bring wiliams' complex personality to life 
i'm defo seeing this show, i grew up hearing about kenelm from my grandma and it'll be so cool to connect with him on a different level 
. I mean, I grew up watching him on TV and he was always a bit too much for me. Still, I think David Benson is doing a pretty good job with this show, even if it feels like just a bunch of impressions and old clips strung together 
. The part that really gets me is how they're trying to make Williams out as some kind of tragic figure? Dude was a bit of a diva, yeah, but that's what made him funny in the first place 
. And don't even get me started on all these emotional bits that are supposed to be poignant... feels like just a bunch of malarkey to me 
. Still, I suppose it's nice to see someone giving him some love after all these years 
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I've seen some crazy stuff about the King of Camp over the years, but this new production sounds like a real tribute 
. I love how they're not just mimicking his style but really exploring what made him tick. His impressions are insane btw 
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. Even if you didn't grow up watching Kenneth Williams, it's still worth checking out for a glimpse into the life of a true comedy legend 
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. and I loved how the show didn't just focus on his funny side but also showed his vulnerabilities too 
. I feel like we need more shows like this that really get to know the person behind the legend 
. I'm definitely gonna check this out, especially since I'm not around when he was alive... 30 years is a long time, but it's good to see that his legacy lives on 
It's so great to see Kenneth Williams' legacy being celebrated in such a wonderful way. I was there when my mum was growing up and she always told me about how much she adored him, but now I can see what all the fuss is about 
. And can we talk about the impressions? Frankie Howerd and Sergeant Bilko are always gold 
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. I loved how they showed both his vulnerable side and the confidence he had on stage too 
. It's amazing to see how this show can still make people laugh and cry decades after Williams passed away 
. As someone who didn't grow up watching him, it was great to experience his world for a bit 
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the guy was such a legend but also super weird & self-absorbed 
kenneth williams for life 
I'm totally stoked about this new production, it's like, a total love letter to Ken Williams 
I'm also loving the way Benson pokes fun at Williams' flaws while still celebrating his genius - it's like he's saying "yeah, Ken was a bit of a diva, but we love him for it" 
Benson's show is all about nostalgia, but its not just that...its also a pity fest 
Williams was a complicated person, thin skin & all, but thats part of why we loved him 
still, i guess if u grew up witin it u'll prob love this show 
! Thirty years after David Benson first performed about him, and now with a fresh production celebrating Williams' centenary, it's clear that his legacy is still as strong as ever 
. And Benson's portrayal is spot on – from the vocal gymnastics to the facial contortions, it's like watching an old friend bring it back to life