Benny Hill, the celebrated comedian, writer, actor, and singer, passed away on the 20th April 1992 at the age of 68. His body lay undiscovered in his sparsely decorated flat for two days. During these two days, and largely ostracized in the country of his birth, his television programmes were watched by an estimated one billion people around the planet.
Performed by Liam Tobin and using Benny Hill’s unique style to re-evaluate his life and work, ‘Benny’ a new play by Owen Thomas and directed by Gareth John Bale, revisits these lost two days at the end of the life of the lad himself.
‘Benny’ was first performed at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff in September 2017 where it was very well received by audiences and critics alike. Audiences are invited to see the show at the Torch Theatre, home of previous successes for writer Owen Thomas, Gravand The Wood, on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th July 2018, with performances starting at 7:30pm. The show will be performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Summer 2018.
Speaking to Arts Scene In Wales, playwright Owen Thomas said of ‘Benny’: ” The play is not simply a straightforward retelling or celebration of his life and work, but unashamedly theatrical and incorporating multimedia. His life story is told using his comedy style and techniques to illustrate key moments.
“It is written to acknowledge that the huge success he achieved in his lifetime surely merits having the opportunity to look again at the lad himself. I hope you will come along one evening next week and see the play for yourself.”
‘BENNY’
Directed by Gareth John Bale
Tue 24 July & Wed 25 July 2018, 7:30pm
DURATION: 1hr Approx.
PRICE: £13 | £11 Concession
For more information and to book tickets visit http://torchtheatre.co.uk/or call the Box Office on 01646 695267.