Beyond Our Ken
Fans of Kenneth Williams, the legendary actor, diarist, and wit, are in for a treat with Fantom’s new release. Beyond Our Kenneth: The Continued Diaries of Kenneth Williams by Bill Holland imagines an alternate reality where Williams, instead of succumbing to illness and despair in 1988, continues his life and career into the early 1990s, navigating fresh adventures in a changing London.
Set to be released in late February 2025, this unique hardback delves into a fictional five-year continuation of the iconic entertainer’s private musings, blending Holland’s creative imagination with an authentic homage to Williams’ distinct literary voice. Pre-orders are now open at a discounted price of £18 (normal RRP £22) exclusively via the Fantom Publishing website.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the book, author Bill Holland explained, “Going beyond a mere interest in Kenneth Williams’ life and career — and in particular his literary style — I was inspired to write the book through a nagging sense of unfinished business with regard to the original diaries. Their gloomy, despondent conclusion left me yearning for a more cheerful denouement to the story of this comic legend.”
Holland said he was motivated by the persistent thought that Williams’ story deserved a final act: “Kenneth was only 62 years old when he passed away. Aside from the gastric ulcers that brought him so much misery in his final months, he was svelte and sprightly, and — had he been able to conquer his affliction — a productive future was quite conceivable.”
Reimagining this future, Holland brings back Williams’ trademark charm, biting wit, and complex personality, as the diarist faces new challenges and encounters both familiar faces and surprising twists. “Kenneth’s ability to be both erudite and impish, vulgar and decorous, charming and rude — all these characteristics are fascinating and hugely appealing to me,” Holland said.
Writing in Williams’ voice was both a challenge and a joy for the author. “Attempting to mimic Kenneth’s qualities as a diarist — his phraseology, pace, and vocabulary — was a constant challenge, but also the main incentive for undertaking the project in the first place. Having forty-three years’ worth of his journals there to aim for was a constant source of inspiration,” Holland noted.
For enthusiasts of British comedy, literary diaries, and lovers of Kenneth Williams’ inimitable style, Beyond Our Kenneth promises a compelling and imaginative ‘what if’ scenario, offering fans the chance to rediscover the star in a way never seen before.
Secure your discounted pre-order now via Fantom Publishing.