Kenneth Williams has narrated 20 audiobooks on Listento.it by 11 authors, with an average listener rating of 4.9★ across 22 ratings. The most-rated is Monkey.
Monkey
Summary
Considered one of China's great classical novels, Wu Ch'êng-ên's Journey to the West was translated by Arthur Waley in abridged form as Monkey in 1942 and has delighted English readers ever since. It is a riveting adventure story about a priest's quest to obtain holy Buddhist scriptures for the Tang emperor; joining him on this rollicking journey: Sandy, Pigsy, and the mischievous monkey king, Sun Wukong, whose flying cloud and magic cudgel are never far from his infamous deeds. Waley's accessible rendition of Wu Ch'êng-ên's novel has become a classic in its own right: Gods, demons, and disobedient monkey spirits all come alive in this entertaining work. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©1981 Nimbus Records Ltd. (P)2015 Naxos AudioBooks
Beyond Our Ken: The Collector's Edition Series 2
Summary
Four more episodes from the first series of the classic BBC Radio comedy starring Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, Ron Moody and Pat Lancaster. Between 1958 and 1964, 'Beyond Our Ken' lit up the airwaves and it remains as funny today as when it was first broadcast. In these 4 episodes, pick up some of Kenneth Horne's beauty tips in 'Tittle Tattle Magazine', learn how to deal with a stork up the chimney, find out 'What to Do in London' and listen to Parisian cabaret artist Maurice Chandelier. In addition, you can hear about English imperturbability at home and abroad; go hunting with Charles and Rodney; meet Felicity and Ambrose, the happiest couple in Great Britain and join roving reporter Cecil Snaith at the Monte Carlo Rally. With musical entertainment from Pat Lancaster and The Malcolm Mitchell Trio, join genial host Kenneth Horne and his ensemble in this fantastic forerunner to Round the Horne.
©2012 Eric Merriman (P)2012 AudioGO Ltd
Round the Horne
Summary
Four more bona shows from one of the most popular comedies in the history of radio, chosen by Lyn Took and Lauretta Feldman, the widows of writers Barry Took and Marty Feldman. Starring Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, and Bill Pertwee, Round the Horne ran for four series between 1965 and 1968. It was a groundbreaking piece of broadcasting, famous for its catchphrases, clever innuendo, colourful characters, and brilliantly inventive scripts. With an introduction specially written by Lyn Took, these four classic episodes feature such much-loved characters as Charles and Fiona, Rambling Syd Rumpo, Seamus Android, and the inimitable Julian and Sandy.
©2007 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2007 BBC Audiobooks Ltd
Round the Horne: Complete Series 3
Summary
Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden and Hugh Paddick star in 20 episodes of the anarchic 1960s radio comedy.
Round the Horne arrived on BBC radio in 1965, bringing laughter to Sunday lunchtimes throughout the land. It carved a niche in the history of broadcast comedy, a sketch show which prodded the boundaries of propriety and innuendo. At its heart was the suave and upstanding Kenneth Horne, around which revolved the multiple naughty personas of Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick and Bill Pertwee.
Among the parade of regular characters were Julian and Sandy, the camp couple of resting thespians happy to turn their hands to anything; Rambling Syd Rumbo, the musical cordwangler; Fiona and Charles, the passionate duo; and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock, the world's dirtiest man. Meanwhile regular film parodies, spoof sagas and musical interludes peppered the mix.
Round the Horne earned its place in the annals of comedy history and is fondly remembered today as a groundbreaking series that influenced many more to come. Duration: 10 hours approx.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2015 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)2015 BBC Worldwide Ltd
Round The Horne
Summary
Another volume of the best episodes from the classic BBC radio comedy series, which took comedy to a new level of outrageousness in the late 1960s. Kenneth Horne is the suave host, whilst around him orbit those no-holds-barred satellites Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick, and Bill Pertwee. Regular characters Julian and Sandy and Rambling Syd Rumpo make a number of appearances, in amongst the usual comedy collage of sketches, songs, spoof series, and news reports.
©1965, 1966, 2006 BBC Audiobooks LTD (P)1965, 1966, 2006 BBC Audiobooks LTD
Round the Horne: Complete Series 4
Summary
Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden and Hugh Paddick star in 17 episodes of the anarchic 1960s radio comedy, including the 1967 Christmas special.
Round the Horne arrived on BBC radio in 1965, bringing laughter to Sunday lunchtimes throughout the land. Over the course of 16 weekly episodes it carved a niche in the history of broadcast comedy, a sketch show which prodded the boundaries of propriety and innuendo. At its heart was the suave and upstanding Kenneth Horne, around which revolved the multiple naughty personas of Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick and Bill Pertwee.
Among the parade of regular characters were Julian and Sandy, the camp couple of resting thespians happy to turn their hands to anything; Rambling Syd Rumbo, the musical cordwangler; Fiona and Charles, the passionate duo; and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock, the world's dirtiest man. Meanwhile regular film parodies, spoof sagas and musical interludes peppered the mix.
In addition to the 16 episodes of series four, this edition also includes the 1967 Christmas special episode 'Cinderfella and the Bona History of Julian and Sandy', in which Maureen Lipman takes a vada at Round the Horne's most flamboyant omipalonies.
Duration: nine hours approx.
©2016 BBC Worldwide Limited (P)2016 BBC Worldwide Limited
Beyond Our Ken: Complete Series 4
Summary
All nineteen surviving episodes from the fourth series of Beyond Our Ken, plus bonus programme Forty Laughing Years. A superb mélange of sketches and songs, liberally sprinkled with puns and double entendres, Beyond Our Ken made millions of listeners laugh out loud between 1958 and 1964. These nineteen fantastic episodes, published for the first time on audio, were initially broadcast on the BBC Light Programme between 1960 and 1961. Featuring favourite characters including Charles and Rodney, Ambrose and Felicity and Cecil Snaith, not to mention Kenneth Horne himself, these classic shows are full of fun and laughter. Musical interludes are provided by Janet Waters, the Hornets and the BBC Variety Orchestra, conducted by Paul Fenoulhet. The episodes include Suddenly Last Summer, Spring in Park Lane, The Gentleman’s Agreement, Three Coins in a Fountain, The Man with the Golden Arm, House of Wax, Desire Under the Elms, Brief Encounter, The Thirty-Nine Steps, Gale Warning (followed by Scrooge), Room at the Top, The Horse Soldiers, All Quiet on the Western Front, The Charge of the Light Brigade, A Hatful of Rain, Twelve O’Clock High, Tea and Sympathy, Some Come Running and Tunes of Glory. Also included is the 1962 tribute programme Forty Laughing Years, hosted by Kenneth Horne. (NB: This volume contains the nineteen surviving episodes from Series 4, plus bonus programme Forty Laughing Years. No recording of Episode 12, Thames Suicide Attempt, is now known to exist, and this episode cannot therefore be included.)
©2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd
Round the Horne
Summary
Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, and Hugh Paddick star in 16 episodes of the anarchic 1960s radio comedy.
Round the Horne arrived on BBC radio in 1965, bringing laughter to Sunday lunchtimes throughout the land. Over the course of 16 weekly episodes it carved a niche in the history of broadcast comedy, a sketch show which prodded the boundaries of propriety and innuendo. At its heart was the suave and upstanding Kenneth Horne, around which revolved the multiple naughty personas of Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick, and Bill Pertwee.
Among the parade of regular characters were Julian and Sandy, the camp couple of resting thespians happy to turn their hands to anything, Rambling Syd Rumbo the musical cordwangler, Fiona and Charles the passionate duo, and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock the world’s dirtiest man. Meanwhile regular film parodies, spoof sagas and musical interludes peppered the mix.
Round the Horne earned its place in the annals of comedy history, and is fondly remembered today as a groundbreaking series that influenced many more to come. Here the entire first series can be enjoyed once again.
©2014 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)2014 BBC Worldwide Ltd
Round the Horne: Complete Series 2
Summary
Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden and Hugh Paddick star in 15 episodes of the anarchic 1960s radio comedy.
Round the Horne arrived on BBC radio in 1965, bringing laughter to Sunday lunchtimes throughout the land. Over the course of 16 weekly episodes it carved a niche in the history of broadcast comedy, a sketch show which prodded the boundaries of propriety and innuendo.
At its heart was the suave and upstanding Kenneth Horne, around which revolved the multiple naughty personas of Kenneth Williams, Betty Marsden, Hugh Paddick and Bill Pertwee.
Among the parade of regular characters were Julian and Sandy, the camp couple of resting thespians happy to turn their hands to anything, Rambling Syd Rumbo the musical cordwangler, Fiona and Charles the passionate duo, and J. Peasemold Gruntfuttock the world’s dirtiest man.
Meanwhile regular film parodies, spoof sagas and musical interludes peppered the mix.
Round the Horne earned its place in the annals of comedy history and is fondly remembered today as a groundbreaking series that influenced many more to come.
Here the entire second series can be enjoyed once again, plus the 1966 Christmas episode, "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", and a special Transcription Services episode, "The Man with the Golden Thunderball".
©2015 BBC Worldwide (P)2015 BBC Worldwide
Round the Horne
Summary
As one of the most consistently funny radio series of the 1960s, Round the Horne was always a favourite among listeners to the BBC Light Programme's comedy hour on Sundays. With its colourfully bizarre collection of characters and memorable catchphrases, its brilliantly inventive and sometimes outrageous scripts, Round the Horne was a unique chapter in the history of radio comedy. Ramling Syd Rumpo, Julian and his 'friend' Sandy, Charles and Fiona, Gruntfuttock, Daphne Whitethigh, and many more, they're all here in two classic shows, plus a hilarious compilation from some of the very best programmes. One listen and the memories will come flooding back.
©1988, 2001 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)1988, 2001 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
Round the Horne
Summary
As one of the most consistently funny radio series of the 1960s, Round The Horne was always a favourite among listeners to the BBC Light Programme's comedy hour on Sundays. In Round The Horne 3 you can hear Armpit Theatre's parody of '30s Chicago gangsters in Little Caesar, an episode of the Round The Horne version of The Three Musketeers, a western adventure starring Kenneth Williams as the Palone Ranger, and Williams again as the mysterious, hynotic figure of Svengali in the Round the Horne version of Trilby. There's Rambling Syd Rumpo too, and Daphne Whitethigh, Charles and Fiona, and a great deal of Julian and Sandy, whose camp drolleries made them perhaps the most liberated chatacers of the swinging '60s, and much more.
©1998, 2001 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)1998, 2001 BBC Worldwide Ltd
Round the Horne
Summary
With its memorable catch phrases, brilliant scripts, and Kenneth Horne as its deft anchorman, Round the Horne easily assumed its mantle as one of the most consistently funny radio series of the 60s. Along with regulars, including Rambling Syd Rumpo and Julian and Sandy, these four episodes are from the first series and feature the first appearance of Charles and Fiona and Seamus Android.
©1995, 2001 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)1995, 2001 BBC Worldwide Ltd
Round the Horne
Summary
With its memorable catch phrases, brilliant scripts, and Kenneth Horne as its deft anchorman,
Round the Horne easily assumed its mantle as one of the most consistently funny radio series of the '60s.
And the assortment of characters was certainly colourful: rambling Syd Rumpo, Julian and Sandy, Charles and Fiona, Seamus Android, Daphne Whitethigh, and many, many more.
In these four hilarious programmes, the cast perform classic screenplays with the story of Hank Fist, a tale from the Reservation featuring Sitting-Duck, a daring wartime escape story, plus Kenneth Williams as Bona Prince Charlie.
One listen and the memories will come flooding back.
©1998, 2001 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)1998, 2001 BBC Worldwide Ltd
Don't Breathe While I Smoke
Summary
This is a funny look at the world of smoking and what smokers go through: the stigma, the stereotyping, and the general malaise of the uncaring nonsmoker. Get a few laughs, but if you're willing, get some very helpful tips to, once and for all, kick the habit. Take it from a smoker. You can't learn from someone who's never done it, can you?
©2015 Marcus Albey (P)2015 Marcus Albey
Beyond Our Ken Series 3
Summary
Kenneth Horne, Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden and others star in the complete third series of the madcap forerunner to Round the Horne.
A hectic mix of sketches and songs, Beyond Our Ken kept millions of listeners in stitches between 1958 and 1964. These 14 fantastic episodes, published for the first time in audio, were first broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1960.
In these uproarious half hours, you can enjoy a series of plays to remember; hear all about Kenneth Horne's adventures in Switzerland, Macau and the North West Frontier; check out the latest film releases in Picture Go Round; and learn about the worlds of photography, hobbies, food, the city and more in documentary feature Hornerama.
In addition, Russian comrades Rodney and Charles launch their rocket, Felicity and Ambrose enjoy some home movies, Cecil Snaith goes on a polar expedition and there's a special edition of The Archers, American style.
So join Kenneth Horne and friends for more witty wordplay, larger-than-life characters, comic catchphrases and sublimely silly humour from the hugely popular 'sort of radio show'. Written by Eric Merriman, with musical accompaniments provided by Pat Lancaster, the Fraser Hayes Four, Edwin Braden and the BBC Variety Orchestra. Duration: seven hours approx.
©2017 Eric Merriman (P)2017 BBC Worldwide Limited
Beyond Our Ken, Series 2
Summary
Kenneth Horne is joined by Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee and Pat Lancaster in the second series of the classic weekly radio show.
Between 1958 and 1964, Beyond Our Ken was one of radio's most popular comedy shows, with a regular audience of 10 million listeners.
A hilarious mix of sketches and music, packed with witty wordplay, comic catchphrases and larger-than-life characters, this fabulous forerunner to Round the Horne remains just as funny today. In these 14 episodes, written by Eric Merriman and Barry Took, listen to some extraordinary incidents from Kenneth Horne's week and enjoy special 'Hornerama' investigations into the worlds of show business, communications, the film industry, shipping and many more.
Say hello to Rodney and Charles, follow roving reporter Cecil Snaith to the depths of the Red Sea and join Felicity and Ambrose as they are shipwrecked on a desert island. Plus, there's a spoof of Any Questions? featuring Hankie Flowered, Ricky Livid, Fanny Haddock and Arthur Fallowfield and musical interludes from The Fraser Hayes Four and Pat Lancaster. So join urbane host Kenneth Horne and friends for more fun, puns, merriment and madcap humour from the much-loved comedy show.
©2016 BBC Worldwide Ltd. (P)2016 BBC Worldwide Ltd.
Just a Minute: Through the Years
Summary
Ten archive editions of the the much-loved BBC Radio 4 panel game plus two very special programmes, chaired by Nicholas Parsons. Seasons come and go, and years fly by, but Just a Minute has been a constant ray of sunshine on Radio 4 for over 50 years. Now, in this new collection of programmes, 10 previously unpublished editions - from the 1970s to the 2010s - are presented alongside two very special half hours: Just a Minute: 50 Years in 28 Minutes and 50 Years of Just a Minute: Paul Merton in Conversation with Nicholas Parsons. Among the many guest performers attempting to speak for 60 seconds without hesitation, repetition or deviation from the subject are Kenneth Williams, Clement Freud, Derek Nimmo, Peter Jones, Paul Merton, Andrée Melly, Patrick Moore, Kenny Everett, Tim Rice, Wendy Richard, Richard Murdoch, Jenny Eclair, Kit Hesketh-Harvey, Stephen Frost, Gyles Brandreth, Sue Perkins and Frank Skinner. Who will win enough points to take a commanding lead, who will find themselves trailing a little and who will finish in a strong fourth place? Find out as we play Just a Minute! Please note: The humour in these programmes sometimes reflects the era in which they were first broadcast. Contains strong language and mild innuendo. Due to the archive nature of some of the episodes, sound quality may vary. Published by Penguin Random House Ltd Licensed by BBC Worldwide Ltd © 2018 BBC Worldwide t/as BBC Studios Photographs © BBC Devised by Ian Messiter Chaired by Nicholas Parsons All episodes first broadcast on BBC Radio 4 Episode selection by Michael Stevens Music: The Minute Waltz (Waltz in D Flat Major, Op. 64) by Chopin 1. 12 October 1971 Featuring Clement Freud, Peter Jones, Andrée Melly, Kenneth Williams 2. 18 April 1978 Featuring Clement Freud, Patrick Moore, Derek Nimmo, Kenneth Williams 3. 5 February 1980 Featuring Kenny Everett, Clement Freud, Peter Jones, Kenneth Williams 4. 16 June 1984 Featuring Clement Freud, Peter Jones, Tim Rice, Kenneth Williams 5. 16 June 1988 Featuring Clement Freud, Derek Nimmo, Wendy Richard, Kenneth Williams 6. 28 April 1990 Featuring Peter Jones, Paul Merton, Richard Murdoch, Wendy Richard 7. 2 August 1999 Featuring Jenny Eclair, Stephen Frost, Kit Hesketh-Harvey, Peter Jones 8. 19 January 2004 Featuring Clement Freud, Paul Merton, Graham Norton, Linda Smith 9. 9 January 2006 Featuring Clement Freud, Stephen Fry, Paul Merton, Tim Rice 10. 18 August 2014 Featuring Gyles Brandreth, Paul Merton, Sue Perkins, Frank Skinner 11. 25 December 2017 Just a Minute: 50 Years in 28 Minutes Featuring panellists from across the years 12. 1 January 2018 50 Years of Just a Minute: Paul Merton in Conversation with Nicholas Parsons
©2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd (P)2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd
Julian and Sandy
Summary
In this first fantabulosa selection of sketches from BBC radio's classic comedy Round the Horne, we find that two infamously outrageous resting thesps from Carnaby Street are game on for a variety of entrepreneurial endeavours. As Kenneth Horne trolls along in search of some essential service or other, the tinkle of a doorbell invariably brings him to one of Julian and Sandy's bona establishments. In 24 lally-trembling scenarios, Hugh Paddick and Kenneth Williams run the gamut of human emotion, as Jools and Sand cater for the intimate at'omey in "Bona Caterers", shake hands with a prospective member in "Keep Britain Bona", handle all the top grapplers in "Bona Wrestlers", and have their first ever encounter with Mr. Horne's parquet floor. As Julian says, "If I'd known I would'ave bought me tap shoes." So don't be strange, come on in, rest your lallies, and let your riah down with two of the best pros in the business. It'll make your eyes stand out on stalks.
©1992, 2002 BBC Worldwide Ltd. (P)1992, 2002 BBC Worldwide Ltd.
Just a Classic Minute
Summary
Nicholas Parsons presents four more specially selected archive episodes of the ever-popular comedy panel game from its early days. Just as uproariously funny and terrifically popular today as when it first began on BBC Radio 4 in 1968,
Just a Minute challenges contestants to speak for one minute on a given subject without repetition, hesitation, or deviation.
The shows' mix of irreverent fun and ferocious competition has always attracted stellar names from the world of comedy and theatre, all of whom pit their wits against regular players, including Kenneth Williams, Derek Nimmo, Clement Freud, and Peter Jones.
Nicholas Parsons, who has been at the helm of the series since it began, as chairman and occasionally as player, introduces this sparkling quartet of editions and provides fascinating background information on the game.
©2006 BBC Audiobooks Ltd. (P)2006 BBC Audiobooks Ltd.
Just a Classic Minute, Volume 6
Summary
Nicholas Parsons and Paul Merton introduce Ian Messiter's four classic archive episodes of the ever-popular comedy panel game. Just as uproariously funny - and terrifically popular - today as when it first began on BBC Radio 4 in 1967,
Just a Minute challenges contestants to speak for one minute on a given subject without repetition, hesitation, or deviation.
Its mix of irreverent fun and ferocious competition has always attracted stellar names from the world of comedy and theatre, all of whom pit their wits - and their wit - against regular players including Kenneth Williams, Derek Nimmo, Clement Freud, and Peter Jones. Guests include Sheila Hancock and Eddie Izzard.
Each episode is preceded by extracts from a fascinating conversation between Nicholas Parsons and Paul Merton, in which they good-humouredly reflect upon the enormous appeal of the game, the various techniques for playing it, the numerous guest players who have taken part over the years, and their favourite moments in these particular instalments.
©2009 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2009 BBC Audiobooks Ltd