A writhing paradox of squeamishness and self -regard, Kenneth Williams was one of the UK ‘s most bankable comic actors in the 1960s. Having cut his teeth in theatre, he quickly established himself as a radio hit on ‘Hancock’s Half Hpur’, playing camp oddballs, to the chagrin of titular star Tony Hancock.
This drama, directed by Andy De Emmony and starring Michael Sheen, hints at something darker: narcissism, crippling OCD, and depression, combined with disgust as his homosexual desires. This is neatly contrasted with his out and proud friend Joe Orton (Kenny Doughty) whose plays scandalised London’s West end with their taboo – baiting themes.
Sheen imbues Williams with complexity and pathos, even though he comes across as arrogant, snobbish and ultimately rather pitiful. Equally brilliant and no less poignant is Cheryl Campbell as Lou, his mother, who was deeply enmeshed with her son. She cuts an equally eccentric figure as she lives vicariously through the success of Williams ‘ ‘Carry On’ franchise, before sadly succumbing to Alzheimer’s.
This is not a simple caricature of impersonation or Kenneth Williams- despite Sheen ‘s uncanny nasal voices and bizarre mannerisms- but rather a moving character study of a repressed, isolated figure who self-sabotaged as the rest of the sixties swung, then swung by.
Available to watch on BBC I player
Hit The North 
I don’t know who the actors are, or the people they portray. only that your writing is amazing.
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Thanks. He was a fascinating oddball. Like all the best people 😊
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