Publisher Description

Nine more episodes from the fourth series of the popular radio comedy, plus bonus programme Forty Laughing Years

Full of whimsical witticisms, sketches, songs, puns and double entendres, Beyond Our Ken entertained the nation over seven series and 123 episodes. Published for the first time on audio, the nine episodes in this volume were initially broadcast on the BBC Light Programme in 1960-61.

In these evergreen shows, Kenneth Horne's escapades include trying to get his windows cleaned, recounting the story of Raffles, being offered the freedom of the city of Giggleswade, and dealing with some morning callers.

Meanwhile, Hornerama investigates topics of immediate interest, including 'Love and Marriage', 'Old British Customs' and 'The Film Industry'. There's also musical interludes from the Hornets, Janet Waters and the BBC Variety Orchestra.

The episodes include Room at the Top, The Horse Soldiers, All Quiet on the Western Front, The Charge of the Light Brigade, A Hatful of Rain, Twelve O'Clock High, Tea and Sympathy, Some Come Running and Tunes of Glory. Also included is the 1962 tribute programme Forty Laughing Years, hosted by Kenneth Horne.

Duration: 5 hours approx.

Author Biography

Eric Merriman (1924–2003) was a British radio and television writer, who provided material for numerous comedians including Frankie Howerd, Terry Scott and Morecambe and Wise. He wrote, originally with Barry Took and then solo, the radio series Beyond Our Ken, starring Kenneth Horne. He also was a writer for several Terry Scott vehicles, Scott on... and Happy Ever After. Barry Took (1928-2002) was born in London. An early career as a stand-up comedian and sketch writer led to his first radio script credit, for Beyond Our Ken. From there he went on to create Round the Horne with Marty Feldman, whilst on television he wrote for series including Bootsie and Snudge and The Army Game. Amongst a variety of later jobs in front of and behind the camera, Took wrote and presented Points of View on BBC1 and also chaired BBC radio's The News Quiz. He wrote a number of books, including The Complete and Utter History of Round the Horne and his autobiography A Point of View. He died in 2002.

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Nine more episodes from the fourth series of the popular radio comedy, plus bonus programme Forty Laughing Years

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