Bona Cornucopia...

event:   Homotopia venue:   Unity Theatre review date:   Wednesday, 9 November 2005 words by:   Richard de Pesando

review

Isn't he just that warbling nasal hysteric from the Carry on films? Well... yes and no. He was certainly one of the most popular and best loved character actors in the country (if you count only having one character part to play) but he was also far more than that. A clever, witty, talented man - tortured by his own self image as much as was by his legendary haemorrhoids.

Starting as an actor and director in a more classical vein, he relieved the tedium of National Service by discovering comic theatre. In Carry On Seargant, his first Carry On role, his performance was a far more refined comic creation that the figure he became. The writings and diaries throughout his life provide some of the most moving and brilliant observations of a rich, if tortured life.

David Benson is already well known for his legendary performances that bring Kenneth back to life. It's been a life- long obsession. I was particularly moved by his reminiscences of writing a tale for Jackanory as a child that was actually read by the great man himself on air. David obviously knows his stuff, it's well researched and full of obvious affection and he takes his references from Kenneth’s diaries, letters, some rare performances and television appearances.

Tonight was a fairly low key affair. No fuss or frills, just simple anecdotal asides and clips on the big screen: a superb episode of Jackanory that I actually remember myself (‘The Dribblesome Teapots’ - does that bring back any memories?); a marvellous episode of Comic Roots that took Ken back to his childhood home; and the classic Russell Harty clip that served to remind us what brilliant stars they both were.

I would have liked more from the letters and diaries. David Benson is a wonderful mimic and really brought them to life. In fact, an entire evening of David reading directly from Ken’s words would have been brilliant. Who knows? Maybe next time.

I understand he’s planning an evening with Frankie Howerd. I'll be first in the queue for tickets!

about Homotopia

The end of October 2006 sees the launch of Homotopia where Liverpool plays host to an already hugely successful queer arts festival. In association with the [cid:1148], the event is spread over several weeks and will showcase a variety of cultural events including film, theatre, comedy, heritage, cabaret and art. Click for more info and complete listings for Homotopia