It’s sad to have to relate one, never mind two sad deaths. Ken Campbell - influential playwright, director, comedian, actor and science fiction fan with more than a couple of awards under his belt - passed away on Sunday August 31st, aged 66.

He was probably best known for his role in In Sickness and in Health where he played Alf Garnett’s neighbour, as well as popping up in serious and comedy roles. His timing was legendary, and he stole the show in the Fawlty Towers episode Wedding Anniversary in 1979 - the only time any of the guest actors made such an impact. Campbell also appeared in Cleese’s A Fish Called Wanda.

Campbell founded the Ken Campbell Roadshow in the 1970s, a touring comedy improv outfit which featured Bob Hoskins and Sylvester McCoy; he was also considered for the role of Doctor Who in 1987, when the role eventually went to McCoy.

Nicki Stoddart, one of Campbell’s representatives at United Artists, said his death was (more…)

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It was a shock to read of the loss of influential comedy producer Geoffrey Perkins in such sad circumstances on Friday.

As a former BBC TV Head of Comedy, Perkins was involved with many hits, such as The Catherine Tate Show and The Fast Show, as well as earlier involement on the radio with The Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and devising the Mornington Crescent game on I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.

The BBC’s Jana Barrett described Perkins as:

“…an outstanding creator of countless comedy hits on the BBC and elsewhere, and a very distinguished former BBC head of comedy.

“He embraced comedy talent to create unique programmes which will be enjoyed for a very long time to come. All of our thoughts are with Geoffrey’s family at this very sad time.”

Rarely has one man - producer or otherwise - been involved in so many hits on different networks. Perkins was also involved in Father Ted and The IT Crowd for Channel 4, and Benidorm for ITV.

One of his final projects was the latest Harry Enfield & Paul Whitehouse series, which kicks off this Friday.

A selection of Geoffrey Perkins’ hits can be found here. (more…)

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It’s a pity to have to relate the passing of Sir Bill Cotton, one of the biggest and most influential figures in BBC history.

I suppose you could say that this chap is one of the reasons that sites like Quintessential Comedy exist.

Without his commitment, show’s like Morecambe & Wise would never have had the massive following that they did during what many call the “Golden Age” of British Television.

It was certainly the golden age of Light Entertainment, and was presided over by Mr Bill Cotton as the BBC’s head of department from 1970-1977.

He was also one of the main supporters of Dad’s Army, a show which we may never have seen thanks to BBC internal politics.

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British character actor Hugh Lloyd has sadly died aged 85. The actor was best known for appearing opposite Tony Hancock as a multitude of characters in the classic sitcom Hancock’s Half Hour in 1960-61, as well as partnering Terry Scott in Hugh and I from 1962-1968.

His later career mixed appearances in comedy series with straight roles, such as Last of the Summer Wine and Heartbeat, My Family and Foyles’ War.

Lloyd also appeared in the Doctor Who adventure Delta and the Bannermen in 1987, as well as appearing in the 1979 movie Quadrophenia.

A keen football supporter, Lloyd was a lifelong fan of Chester City, and in 2005 received an MBE for services to theatre and charity.

Former Chester Chronicle colleague Eddie McDonald paid tribute to a man he says was well known for comedy shows in local halls in Chester before finding fame.

“It’s fair to say that he remained a true Cestrian. He didn’t spend enough time on the Chronicle to leave a deep impression there but everybody knew him and most people were proud of the fact that a Chester lad had got so far in television.”

A sad loss.