The Bona History Of Julian And Sandy

To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Round The Horne star Hugh Paddick (born 22 August 1915) – 4 Extra celebrates his most notable radio role as Julian in his legendary camp double-act with Kenneth Williams.

Just their catchphrase “Hello, I'm Julian and this is my friend Sandy” was enough to spark audience laughter, as Maureen Lipman reveals in this half-hour documentary featuring Hugh Paddick, Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Barry Took and Kenneth Horne.

Thanks to the sharply written scripts of Barry Took and Marty Feldman, Paddick and Williams helped introduce the camp gay language of polari to BBC listeners. Each week, straight man Kenneth Horne found himself trolling into a variety of bona scenarios, being mercilessly sent up by the innuendo-loving duo.

Lipman explains some of the mysteries of speaking polari, along with classic clips from Bona Law, Rentachap, Bona Tours, Ballet Bona and Bona Productions.

Written and produced by Turan Ali

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 1998

Publicity contact: Radio 4 Extra Publicity