Great Lives - Benny Hill
- Radio documentary
- BBC Radio 4
- 2025
- 1 episode
Playwright Jonathan Maitland nominates the life of Benny Hill. Also features Matthew Parris, Helen Lederer, Ruth Jones, Barry Cryer and David Cameron
- Due to be broadcast on Monday 14th April on Radio 4 at 3pm
Key details
- Genre
- Documentary
- Broadcast
- 2025
- Channel
- BBC Radio 4
- Episodes
- 1
- Features
- Matthew Parris, Jonathan Maitland, Helen Lederer, Benny Hill, Ruth Jones, Barry Cryer and David Cameron
- Producers
- Miles Warde
- Company
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.