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Table of Contents

Michael Anderson (b. 1929) One of the four beneficiaries of Kenneth Williams’s will, Michael became Kenneth’s agent (at ICM) in 1980, shortly after the death of his initial representative, Peter Eade.

Gyles Brandreth (b. 1948) The prolific author and former Conservative MP for Chester (1992–7) worked closely with Kenneth on his literary productions. Uniquely among Kenneth’s friends, he has blamed himself publicly for ‘giving up’ on Ken, deterred by his difficult behaviour in the last years.

Peter Cadley (b. 1965) He was a young employee of Michael Whittaker’s when a casual remark, mentioning his admiration for the Carry On films, led to a surprise dinner for him to meet his hero. He maintained close friendships with both Pat and Louie after Kenneth’s death.

Angela Chidell (b. 1941) The mother of Robert Chidell was a piano teacher in North London. She suggested Kenneth Williams as her son’s godfather because of their long-standing family connection.

Isabel Chidell (b. 1918) The paternal grandmother of Robert Chidell is the sister of the actor John Vere, the man who, Kenneth said, ‘taught me all I know about comedy’.

Robert Chidell (b.

Isabel Dean (1918–97) A dignified and beautiful actress, very popular in her profession, she was snubbed by the major West End manager-producer of her day, and never enjoyed the career she deserved. She was one of several women invited to consider the possibility of living with Kenneth Williams.

Sir Clement Freud (b. 1924) Grandson of Sigmund Freud, the former Liberal MP for the Isle of Ely (1973–87) was a fellow panellist on Radio 4’s Just a Minute throughout Kenneth’s involvement in the show.

John Harding (b. 1948) After reading glowing press accounts of his play, For Sylvia, in Edinburgh, Michael Codron cast him in My Fat Friend. It was his first West End engagement and was mired by another of Kenneth’s insecure walkouts that, at the time, he cited as ‘health reasons’.

Sir David Hatch (1939–2007) Successful as a Cambridge Footlights revue member in the Cleese generation, he became a radio comedy producer, originating Just a Minute, then successively Head of Light Entertainment (Radio), Controller of Radio 2 and Controller of Radio 4. He took over as Managing Director (Radio) but was out of place in the John Birt era. He ended his career as Chairman of the National Consumer Council, then finally Chairman of the Parole Board.