Review of An Audience with Kenneth Williams

This 1982 Granada television recording of Kenneth Williams talking to and answering questions from an audience of friends and coworkers reveals Williams as actor, singer and brilliant comediene. It begins with Kenneth in his dressing room speaking directly to the camera as the audience arrives, then we see Kenneth on stage, telling the studio audience of his life as an entertainer in the army, the theatre, revue, on radio, television and film. My favourite anecdotes are his working with Orson Welles on Moby Dick, his observations of Noel Coward, Edith Evans, a touching remembrance of Hatti Jacques, his impression of Phil Silvers and Sinatra meeting the Pope, coping with fame, and the demonstrations of the different kinds of humour. He sings the folk parody "The Young Court Wangler", and a parody of French songs "Crepe Suzette". Kenneth's hilarious vocal ability and moral innocence make him an individual talent.