‘Beyond Our Kenneth’ – a conversation with author, Bill Holland
A book that’s both a celebration and a reimagining of one of Britain’s most iconic comic voices, Kenneth Williams. You might think you know Kenneth from the ‘Carry On’ films, ‘Just a Minute’ and, of course, his unforgettable diaries. But Bill Holland’s new book, ‘Beyond Our Kenneth’, dares to imagine what might have happened if those diaries had continued beyond 1988.
It’s not a biography, it’s not a parody, but a fictional continuation that’s sharp, tender, and uncannily true to the man himself. Bill is a writer and actor who has channelled Kenneth’s voice with remarkable wit and authenticity. And we were thrilled to have him talk about the book, his creative process, and his lifelong fascination with a very singular personality.
The Challenge of Capturing Kenneth’s Voice
When asked about the challenge of getting Kenneth’s voice right in the book, Bill Holland explained that it was crucial for the venture to be as true to Kenneth’s voice as possible. He shared that his fascination with Kenneth’s diaries, which he had poured over for many years, helped him develop an ability to turn a phrase in a Kenneth-esque way. This deep familiarity with Kenneth’s writing style allowed Bill to create something that sounds authentic enough to pass for something Kenneth might have written himself.
A Bold Move to Continue Kenneth’s Story
Bill Holland’s decision to pick up Kenneth’s story and carry it on from 1988 was indeed a bold move. He felt that the melancholic and, at times, suicidal streak in Kenneth’s diaries was not the way he wanted the story to end. Bill was motivated by the desire to give Kenneth’s story the ending he felt it deserved, one that reflected the happier and more vibrant aspects of Kenneth’s life.
Writing in Chronological Order
Bill chose to write the fictional diary in chronological order, starting the day after Kenneth’s famous final diary entry. This approach allowed him to create a seamless continuation of Kenneth’s story while addressing the darker aspects of his final years. Bill’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to authenticity meant that writing the book took a considerable amount of time, but it also ensured that the tone and feel of the diaries remained true to Kenneth’s original work.
Balancing Humour and Melancholy
One of the key characteristics of Kenneth’s real diaries is the balance of humour and melancholy. Bill Holland aimed to maintain this balance in ‘Beyond Our Kenneth’. He noted that Kenneth’s diaries often shifted in tone from one day to the next, reflecting the ups and downs of his life. This allowed Bill to explore a range of emotions and experiences in the fictional continuation, making it feel as authentic as possible.
A Personal Tribute to Kenneth Williams
For Bill Holland, writing ‘Beyond Our Kenneth’ was a personal tribute to Kenneth Williams. He grew up reading Kenneth’s published diaries and felt a deep connection to the man behind the public persona. Bill’s admiration for Kenneth’s wit, charm, and complexity shines through in the book, making it a heartfelt homage to a beloved figure.
Final Thoughts
Bill Holland’s ‘Beyond Our Kenneth’ is now available from Fantom Publishing. If you’re a fan of Kenneth’s diaries or just curious to hear what that unmistakable voice might have had to say about life in the 90s, this book is a must-read!
‘Beyond Our Kenneth’ is available on the Fantom Publishing website priced at £22.
