REVIEW: MY LIFE WITH KENNETH WILLIAMS @ CIRCLE & STAR THEATRE

🎭 My Life with Kenneth Williams

📍 Circle & Star Theatre, 28 Heath Street, Hampstead, London, NW3 6TE

🗓 Saturday 24th January 2026

⭐️ 4 Stars

A MASTERFUL CELEBRATION OF A TORMENTED GENIUS

It isn't often that a piece of theatre feels less like a performance and more like a séance, but David Benson's revised 30th anniversary production of MY LIFE WITH KENNETH WILLIAMS does exactly that. To mark what would have been the Carry On legend's 100th birthday this February, Benson has returned to the show that first made him a Fringe sensation, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking.

Benson's portrayal of Williams is the absolute gold standard of theatrical impersonation. This isn't just about the nasal gymnastics or the flared nostrils - though those are impeccably honed - it's about capturing the soul of a man who lurched between manic hilarity and deep, dark self-pity. Watching Benson inhabit Williams is so uncanny it's almost unsettling. You truly feel the presence of the man.

What elevates this show beyond a simple tribute is its personal heartbeat. Benson weaves in his own story, specifically the extraordinary 1975 connection when, as a schoolboy, his story was read by Williams on Jackonory. This adds so much depth to the evening, especially the inclusion of poignant extracts from the original recording and a harrowing, honest look at Benson's own domestic struggles.

The two acts of the show could stand alone as separate performances, but at the same time they marry together wonderfully. Both have a different energy but complement one another wonderfully.

The second act, featuring a "dinner guest from hell" restaurant scene, is a masterclass in comic timing. One moment the audience is howling at an anecdote about unruly Americans at the next table, and the next, we are transfixed by the chilling loneliness of Williams's final hours.

The entire second act is a compelling insight into the psyche of Williams, and it's heartbreaking to see him masking his inner pain and turmoil.

This was my first time seeing David Benson and if you've never seen him perform, you need to rectify this immediately. This is a powerful, affectionate, and deeply moving tribute to a British institution. It's a riotously entertaining night out that proves, even a century after his birth, there really was nobody quite like Kenny.

Click here to find out more about the production, including upcoming tour dates.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.  

My ticket for this performance of My Life with Kenneth Williams was gifted by Kevin Wilson Public Relations who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given. 

WRITTEN BY AND STARRING:

David Benson

RUNNING TIME (approx):

1 hour 50 minutes, including interval

AGE RECOMMENDATION:

12 +

To keep up to date with all the latest theatre news and more, follow Pink Prince Theatre on social media.

Find us on Instagram, Facebook, BlueSky and TikTok.