Diary of a Madman by Nikolai Gogol

An insight into the mind of a man sliding into madness: Kenneth Williams brings Nikolai Gogol's demented masterpiece to life.

In 1963, Richard Williams directed Kenneth Williams in a recording of Nikolai Gogol's Diary of a Madman, for a planned animated film. The film was never completed.

Nikolai Gogol's Diary of a Madman was first published in 1835. Adapted by James Burke.

Re-mixed for radio by John Whitehall.

Music by Peter Shade.

Read by Kenneth Williams.

Producer: Ned Chaillet

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in February 1991.

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Diary of a Madman is part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s Kenneth Williams Day marking what would have been his 100th birthday on 22 February 2026.