Old Radio Shows

BEYOND OUR KEN - Cockeyed Optimist - UK COMEDY


Listen Later

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, "Beyond Our Ken" offers a delightful blend of humour, music, and cultural commentary. Join us as we explore the world of Kenneth Horne and his lovable but hapless companions.

Welcome to "Beyond Our Ken," a classic radio comedy series that delighted audiences from 1958 to 1964. This iconic program starred Kenneth Horne, with Kenneth Williams, Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, and Bill Pertwee, and was known for its innovative format and hilarious sketches.The Story Behind Beyond Our Ken"Beyond Our Ken" was created by Eric Merriman and Barry Took, who wrote the scripts for the first two series. The show was a groundbreaking comedy program that interspersed comic sections with musical interludes, featuring the BBC Revue Orchestra and the Fraser Hayes Four. The series was known for its unique opening format, which began with a short sketch based on a punning reference to a film title, followed by the announcer, Douglas Smith, introducing the fictional guests for the week.Key Characters and VoicesThe main cast includes:

  • Kenneth Horne as the central character
  • Kenneth Williams as various characters, including Arthur Fallowfield
  • Hugh Paddick as various characters, including Ricky Livid
  • Betty Marsden as various characters, including Fanny Haddock
  • Bill Pertwee as various characters, including Hanky Flowerd
  • Douglas Smith as the announcer
  • Influence and Legacy "Beyond Our Ken" was a significant influence on later British comedies, including "Round the Horne," which built on the success of the earlier show. The series continues to be celebrated for its innovative format and timeless humour.

    • Beyond Our Ken
    • BBC radio comedy
    • Kenneth Horne
    • Kenneth Williams
    • Hugh Paddick
    • Betty Marsden
    • Bill Pertwee
    • Douglas Smith
    • Classic comedy
    • 1950s entertainment
    • Spotify podcasts
    • Google search comedy series
    • ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      Old Radio ShowsBy Audio Shows

      • 4.4
      • 4.4
      • 4.4
      • 4.4
      • 4.4

      4.4

      7 ratings


      More shows like Old Radio Shows

      View all
      The Archers by BBC Radio 4

      The Archers

      1,070 Listeners

      The Infinite Monkey Cage by BBC Radio 4

      The Infinite Monkey Cage

      1,924 Listeners

      Just Old Time Radio by Humphrey Camardella Productions

      Just Old Time Radio

      126 Listeners

      Dad's Army podcast by Dads Army

      Dad's Army podcast

      11 Listeners

      Curious Cases by BBC Radio 4

      Curious Cases

      808 Listeners

      Boxcars711 Old Time Radio by Bob Camardella

      Boxcars711 Old Time Radio

      75 Listeners

      The spiked podcast by The spiked podcast

      The spiked podcast

      216 Listeners

      The Rest Is Politics by Goalhanger

      The Rest Is Politics

      3,175 Listeners

      The News Agents by Global

      The News Agents

      1,024 Listeners

      History's Heroes by BBC Radio 4

      History's Heroes

      502 Listeners

      The Rest Is Entertainment by Goalhanger

      The Rest Is Entertainment

      894 Listeners

      Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth by Gyles Brandreth / Plain Jaine Media

      Rosebud with Gyles Brandreth

      498 Listeners

      GSMC Classics: Hancock's Half Hour by GSMC Comedy & Family Network

      GSMC Classics: Hancock's Half Hour

      2 Listeners

      Brett’s Old Time Radio Show by Brett Orchard

      Brett’s Old Time Radio Show

      3 Listeners

      GSMC Classics: The Men from the Ministry by GSMC Comedy & Family Network

      GSMC Classics: The Men from the Ministry

      2 Listeners