What's Wrong with Benny Hill? (16+)

Auditorium 126 Plan, Saturday 4 May 2024, 19:30  - ends at 21:20

From the producers of Old Herbaceous, Three Men in a Boat, Into the Breach and Fagin? comes the new musical comedy What’s Wrong with Benny Hill?


Benny Hill died alone in his spartan flat in 1992, he was 68. His body was undiscovered for several days. Benny was, had been and still is, one of the most successful comedians of all time.

 

When Apollo Eleven landed on the moon in 1969, millions watched live on TV but that evening many more had tuned in to The Benny Hill Show.


Today The Benny Hill Show is broadcast regularly in over a hundred countries around the world. In Britain he has, effectively been ‘cancelled’.


What’s Wrong with Benny Hill? is a brand-new comedy that explores the life and legacy of a very peculiar and brilliant comedian. It tells the story of his life and shows why he was considered by many of his peers to be the best, an “Imperial Clown”.

 

Benny was Charlie Chaplin's favourite comedian. Anthony Burgess described him as “One of the great artists of our age.” He has millions of avid fans all over the world so why has he been airbrushed from British Comedy History? Why is there no statue or memorial in his home town of Southampton?


Mark Carey, in his latest play sets out to address these questions and provide an insight into a unique and deeply private man with a very public face, and tackles current issues such as cancel culture and freedom of speech.


"Brilliant! Provokes discussion and debate.....whatever your views on comedy. Star quality performances."

Tony Homer, Downstagewrite


"Ruddy marvellous! Brilliant performances! Thought provoking and challenging!"

Gill Sutherland, Stratford Herald


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