In the Best Possible Taste

Derek Lamb remembers the wireless wizardry of Kenny Everett

- Derek Lamb

Maurice Cole was born on Christmas Day 1944. As Kenny Everett, he became one of Britain's most creative, versatile and popular disc jockeys before successfully transferring to television. It was something of a rags to riches story, from the tough postwar world of Merseyside to the comfort of London's West End. A short, shy and slightly built boy, radio listening was a natural pastime. He saved his paper round money, bought a tape recorder and began to emulate his radio heroes: Dan Dare, Jet Morgan, and Jack Jackson.

The acquisition of a second machine allowed him to edit and overdub, producing a professional sound. It certainly impressed a market researcher from home electronics manufacturer Grundig. Kenny also showed her he understood the technical aspects of the unit and suggested improvements.

His talent was acknowledged by Alan Beeby of Tape Recording Magazine. He concluded his review of The Maurice Cole Quarter of an Hour Show by recommending the BBC make use of him.

It's likely Alan endorsed this by sending in the tape. In May 1964, Wilfred De'Ath, a sympathetic BBC producer, invited Kenny to London to appear on Midweek, a lunchtime magazine programme on the Home Service.

Broadcasting House in 1964 was close to paradise for Kenny: full of the most advanced equipment, staffed by welcoming people and with rooms where "the carpet went all the way to the skirting board." In the interview, this 19-year-old was witty and confident which, unfortunately, came across as cheeky. Despite being reprimanded, De'Ath arranged an audition with another BBC producer. Sadly, without De'Ath's careful chaperoning, Kenny did not impress and he returned to Liverpool certain he had ruined his one chance. Fortunately, Kenny's tape found its way to Philip Birch who needed presenters for Radio London, a US-backed pirate radio ship to be based off Frinton-on-Sea, Essex.