What is is about Benny Hill that makes him a comedy pariah? For thirty years he was one of the country's favourite entertainers. But as ratings slid in the 1980s, Hill cranked up the bawdiness levels and in 1989, he was dropped by ITV. Two years later he died alone in his tiny London flat.
Herald Angel winner Grant Smeaton explores the rise and fall of one of Britain's greatest comedy exports. Read more …
Smeaton wears one hat too many – the director’s. Bring in an independent overview, extend the play to a solid 90 minutes to allow for development of Hill’s back story and rework a couple of the sketches – and you’ve got a play that could run as long as Hill’s stint on television.
This is by no means an unsatisfying play, though, thanks mainly to the wonderful performance at its heart.
Grant's not over the Hill
Uncovering the dark side of Benny Hill
Tales of heaven and Hill
Tron Theatre, Glasgow from Wednesday July 20, 2011, until Saturday July 23, 2011. More info: www.tron.co.uk
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