Written by Mark Carey
Music by Kevin Oliver Jones
Produced by Giles Shenton
Performed by Mark Carey & Dani Carbery
Benny Hill died alone in his spartan flat in 1992, he was 68. His body was undiscovered for several days.
Benny was, had been and still is, one of the most successful comedians of all time.
When Apollo Eleven landed on the moon in 1969, millions watched live on TV but that evening many more had tuned in to “The Benny Hill Show”.
Today “The Benny Hill Show” is broadcast regularly in over a hundred countries around the world. In Britain he has effectively been “cancelled”.
“What’s Wrong With Benny Hill?” is a brand-new musical comedy that explores the life and legacy of a very peculiar and brilliant comedian. It tells the story of his life and shows why he was considered by many of his peers to be the best, an “Imperial Clown”.
Benny was Charlie Chaplin's favourite comedian. Anthony Burgess described him as “One of the great artists of our age.” He has millions of avid fans all over the world so why has he been airbrushed from British Comedy History? Why is there no statue or memorial in his home town of Southampton?
Mark Carey, in his latest play sets out to address these questions and provide an insight into a unique and deeply private man with a very public face, and tackles current issues such as cancel culture and freedom of speech.
What’s Wrong With Benny Hill? features Mark Carey and Dani Carbery.
Future dates
4 May 2024 Fisher Theatre, Bungay, Suffolk
https://fishertheatre.org/FisherTheatre.dll/WhatsOn?Film=691119
11 May 2024 Ashton under Hill Village Hall (Live & Local Worcestershire)
https://www.liveandlocal.org.uk/
24 May 2024 The Bear Pit, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks
https://www.thebearpit.org.uk/whats-on/whats-wrong-with-benny-hill/
15 June 2024 Plough Arts Centre, Torrington, Devon
‘What’s Wrong With Benny Hill?’ A comedy with songs by Mark Carey. Music by Kevin Oliver Jones | The Plough Arts Centre
5 July 2024 The Albany Theatre, Coventry
https://www.albanytheatre.co.uk/shows/whats-wrong-with-benny-hill-2/
12 July 2024 Clyro Village Hall, Powys, Wales
https://buytickets.at/gilesshentonproductions
20 Mar 2025 The Ropewalk, Barton-upon-Humber, North Lincs
Past performances
12 July 2023 Ilmington Village Hall, Warwickshire
13 July 2023 Ilmington Village Hall, Warwickshire
14 July 2023 Ilmington Village Hall, Warwickshire ***SOLD OUT***
15 July 2023 Ilmington Village Hall, Warwickshire
23 Sept 2023 Southwold Arts Centre, Southwold, Suffolk
28 Sept 2023 Southwell Library, Southwell, Notts
7 Oct 2023 Cygnet Theatre, Exeter
9 Oct 2023 Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham, Glos ***SOLD OUT***
10 Oct 2023 Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham,
24 Nov 2023 Brixham Theatre, Brixham, Devon
9 Feb 2024 Clent Parish Hall (Live & Local Worcestershire)
10 Feb 2024 Clipstone Social Club (Live & Local Nottinghamshire)
17 Feb 2024 The Market Theatre, Ledbury, Herefordshire
1 Mar 2024 South Hill Parks Arts Centre, Bracknel, Berks ***SOLD OUT***
14 Mar 2024 The Astor Theatre, Deal, Kent
22 Mar 2024 Heron Theatre, Milnthorpe, Lancs