The Kenneth Williams and Tony Hancock theatre show

Seriously Funny - Kenneth Williams and Tony Hancock. Image shows from L to R: Wink Taylor, Iain Barton

The Museum Of Comedy in London is now well-known as the home of some treasured artefacts related to this country's entertainment history, but some people may not yet realise it also has a performance space for live shows.

Launched a year ago this month, the Museum is starting to make a name for itself in regards to putting on shows themed around some of British comedy's biggest stars of yesteryear.

The next show to appear on stage in The Cooper Room will be Seriously Funny, a brand new play which explores the extraordinary relationship of two comedy giants: Kenneth Williams and Tony Hancock.

Written and performed by Iain Barton and Wink Taylor, the show recreates some of the very greatest Hancock's Half Hour sketches written by Galton & Simpson for the duo, as well as exploring the backstage drama that went on at the time.

Producers Dreamshed Theatre, talking about the subjects at the centre of Seriously Funny, say: "They may not have got on, but they changed the face of British Comedy forever!"

Talking to BCG, creators Iain Barton and Wink Taylor comment: "Appearing in Seriously Funny has been a pleasure. The best experience has been playing these wonderful, well loved characters; the worst part is the responsibility of not messing it up and trying not to fail on delivering all the character traits that people love. However, as fans ourselves, we both relish that challenge."

Talking about his co-star, Wink adds: "Iain Barton has an amazing resemblance to Hancock and at times I have felt like I have been on stage with the real Tony. As a Hancock fan that is quite an incredible experience!"

Meanwhile Iain pays tribute to his co-star as follows: "Wink Taylor has been rightly recognised as a great tribute to Kenneth Williams - we once had a lady come to see the show who was a friend of Kenneth's Mother and justly described Wink's performance as the best she had seen."

Seriously Funny will be at The Museum Of Comedy from Friday 22nd May to Sunday 24th May 2015. Book Tickets

Published: Tuesday 12th May 2015

Share this page