Kenneth Horne(1907-1969)

Probably best known for his radio shows of the 1960s. "Beyond Our Ken" and "Round the Horne" broke away from staid formulaic comedy shows. The anarchic and risqué sketches pushed censorship to the limits, the collection of writers and performers trained here paved the way to let TV audiences see Monty Python and its worthy, or less worthy, successors. Thanks to Horne, Barry Took and Marty Feldman developed a writing style that brought Britain many of its best film and TV comedies, whilst the comedic timing of Hugh Paddick, Betty Marsden, Bill Pertwee and Kenneth Williams were honed to perfection. His sudden death in 1969 closed a chapter on British Comedy, and he is still sorely missed.