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My Life with Kenneth Williams
29 January @ 7.30pm to 9.30pm
About My Life with Kenneth Williams
David Benson burst onto the theatre scene in 1996, taking the Edinburgh Fringe by storm with My Life with Kenneth Williams. Critics, audiences and close friends of Williams were unanimous in their praise.
Thirty years on, and in celebration of Kenneth Williams’ 100th Birthday, David Benson revisits his classic portrait of the much-missed Carry On star in a new version of the show exploring the astonishing connection that intertwined his life with that of Williams when Benson was still a schoolboy.
In a dazzling display of impeccably honed stage craft, Benson gives an unsparing portrayal of the tormented comic genius, lurching from hilarity to self-pity in public and in private.
A captivating raconteur in his own right, Benson has many tales to tell of his time as ‘the man who does Kenneth Williams‘ and the adventures he has had since in an unconventional career.
David Benson has most recently been seen touring nationwide with Jack Lane in their acclaimed Dad’s Army Radio Show.
Reviews
“A masterpiece of comic timing”.
Evening Standard
“Brilliant… truly remarkable”.
Mail on Sunday
“An exhilarating one-man tour de force… unforgettable and inspirational theatre that has the audience cheering in admiration”.
Independent On Sunday
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
All tickets £24.75
Prices include a £1.00 Restoration Levy, a £1.50 Booking Fee and a 25p Community Fund Levy
Dates & times:
Thursday 29 January 2026 at 7.30pm
Running time:
2 hours
About Kenton Theatre
Situated in the centre of Henley-on-Thames, the Kenton Theatre is the fourth-oldest working theatre in the UK and a registered charity. Seating 240, the theatre today offers a varied programme of comedy, drama, music, talks and more – as well as being available for hire.
The theatre is home to annual performances from Henley Amateur Operatic and Drama Society (HAODS), Henley Children’s Theatre, Henley Drama Festival, Henley Literary Festival, Henley Players, Henley Youth Festival, Mike Hurst, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO), Woodley Light Operatic Society, amongst others. High-profile performers at the Kenton in recent years include Michael McIntyre, Georgie Fame, Haley Mills, Chris Barber, Dara O’Briain, Diana Rigg, Russell Brand, PP Arnold and Marti Webb.
The theatre’s first production, the farce The School of Reform took place on 07 November 1805. Celebrated performers who have graced the Kenton stage over the last five decades include Celia Johnson, John Mortimer, Anthony Newley, Kate Winslet, Tom Baker, Joe Brown, Diana Dors, David Essex, Roy Hudd and Jeremy Irons.
Discover more about the Kenton Theatre, including travel, access and venue information.