Horne of Plenty: Beyond Our Ken to Round The Horne

The fascinating inside story behind two of BBC radio's all-time favourite comedies: 'Beyond Our Ken' and 'Round the Horne'.

Presented by a former BBC Head of Radio Light Entertainment, Jonathan James-Moore

Featuring cast members: Ron Moody and Bill Pertwee. Plus, the son of Beyond Our Ken scriptwriter Eric Merriman - Andy Merriman, Lyn Took - who was married to Barry Took, writer for both series – and the last surviving Round The Horne scriptwriter, Brian Cooke.

Extracts from Kenneth Williams diaries are read by David Benson.

Beyond Our Ken ran for 7 series, while Round The Horne ran for 4.

Hear the very first and last editions of both series starring:

Kenneth Horne
Kenneth Williams
Hugh Paddick
Betty Marsden
Bill Pertwee
Ron Moody
Stanley Unwin
Douglas Smith

The FIRST Beyond Our Ken - 1st July 1958:
Kenneth Horne’s diary, poking fun at tax bills and Horn-o-rama.

The LAST Beyond Our Ken - 16th July 1964:
Kenneth Horne’s week, Horn-o-rama and Drama of the Week

The FIRST Round the Horne - 7th March 1965:
Trends, the BBC's Backroom Boys and part one of 'The Clissold Saga'.

The LAST Round The Horne - 9th June 1968:
Nobody knew it was the last show, but a surprise was in store for Julian and Sandy

Producer: Peter Reed

Made for BBC 7 and first broadcast in May 2004.