David Benson will revive his legendary portrayal of Kenneth Williams in My Life with Kenneth Williams at Circle & Star Theatre, Hampstead on Friday 23 January at 7.30pm and Saturday 24 January at 3pm and 7.30pm, ahead of a nationwide tour.
The revised 30th anniversary edition of Benson’s acclaimed solo show, originally titled Think No Evil of Us: My Life with Kenneth Williams, celebrates what would have been Williams’ 100th birthday in February 2026.
Mark Gatiss said:
“We all miss Kenneth Williams but thanks to David Benson, we’ve got him back!”
Benson’s performance offers an unsparing portrayal of the tormented comic genius, moving from hilarity to self-pity in public and private. The show has earned praise from Williams’ closest friends, including Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Barbara Windsor.
Dame Barbara Windsor remarked:
“How did you know all that? That’s just what it was like having dinner out with Kenny. A bloomin’ nightmare!”
Dame Maggie Smith wrote to Benson after hearing his impersonation:
“You ‘put the heart across me,’ as the Irish say – for I thought it was Kenneth!”
The production also revisits Benson’s personal connection to Williams, stemming from a 1975 BBC Jackanory contest where Williams performed Benson’s winning story on national television. Benson reflects on this experience with characteristic honesty, incorporating rare audio extracts from the broadcast.
UK Tour Dates for My Life with Kenneth Williams:
- Faversham – The Alex – Sunday 25 January at 7:30pm
- Winchester – Theatre Royal – Wednesday 28 January at 7:30pm
- Henley – Kenton Theatre – Thursday 29 January at 7:30pm
- Kendal – Brewery Arts – Friday 6 February at 8pm
- Stirling – Macrobert Arts Centre – Saturday 7 February at 7:30pm – On sale TBC
- Bedford – Quarry Theatre – Friday 13 February at 7:30pm
- Shrewsbury – Theatre Severn – Saturday 14 February at 7:30pm
- Colchester – Mercury Theatre – Tuesday 17 February at 7:30pm
- Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre – Friday 27 February at 7:45pm & Saturday 28 February at 2:45pm & 7:45pm
- Gorleston – Pavilion – Friday 6 March at 7:30pm – On sale TBC
- Peterborough – Cresset – Friday 13 March – On sale TBC
- Exeter – Barnfield – Friday 20 March at 7:45pm – On sale TBC
- Weymouth – Pavilion – Sunday 28 March at 2:30pm – On sale TBC
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
