Main content

Benny Hill

Playwright Jonathan Maitland picks Benny Hill, who he claims was a TV pioneer.

Biography show in which the guest picks someone they admire. Benny Hill is a thorny choice but playwright Jonathan Maitland is determined that - despite accusations of sexism and racism later in his career - Britain's most successful comedian deserves a second look. Benny was fired by Thames TV in 1989. "The show was past its sell-by date," was the official line. Critics had been questioning The Benny Hill Show for almost a decade, but in the 1950s and 1960s he was seen as a pioneer, particular for his work on TV. Joining the discussion is the comedian and writer Helen Lederer, bringing a little nuance to the show.
Contains archive of Ruth Jones, Barry Cryer, David Cameron and Benny himself.

The producer in Bristol is Miles Warde

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Mon 14 Apr 2025 15:00

Featured

  • .

Broadcast

  • Mon 14 Apr 2025 15:00

Great Rock and Roll Lives

Great Rock and Roll Lives

Stories of inspiration from great musicians from Bowie to Billie Holliday

Download this programme

Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.

Podcast