Episode 2
Nicholas Boulton reads Christopher Stevens' biography of Kenneth Williams. Kenneth is offered a role in an exciting new radio comedy series.
Now an established star of the Carry On films, Kenneth is offered a role in an exciting new radio comedy series
Kenneth Williams was the stand-out comic actor of his generation. Beloved as the manic star of Carry On films and as a peerless raconteur on TV chat shows and radio comedies, he was also acclaimed for serious stage roles.
Since the publication of edited extracts from his diaries, much controversy has surrounded Williams's personal and professional lives. But journalist and author Christopher Stevens has been granted access by the estate to Williams's complete archive - the forty-three volumes of diaries and hundreds of unseen letters to and from the star.
Born Brilliant: The Life of Kenneth Williams (the first full-length authorised biography) traces the complex contradictions that characterised an extraordinary life.
Abridged by Libby Spurrier
Read by Nicholas Boulton
Producer: Joanna Green
A Pier Production for BBC Radio 4.
Last on
Broadcasts
- Tue 30 Nov 201009:45BBC Radio 4 FM
- Wed 1 Dec 201000:30BBC Radio 4
Listen to more Audio Books
Including My Sister The Serial Killer, Queenie, The Flatshare and more.
Opening Lines
John Yorke unpacks the themes behind the stories in Radio 4's weekend afternoon dramas.
Sample our books and authors Clip Collection
Interviews, previews and reviews
Subscribe to the Short stories podcast
Featuring the best stories from the UK's finest writers
How many of these 100 Novels have you read?
After a passionate debate, our panel has come up with this surprising literary selection.
Finding Your Story
Ten remarkable novels about identity: Which one will help you discover yourself?
BBC Arts: Books
Celebrating reading and the 100 novels that have shaped our world.
