A Second Coming
Country Life UK|November 28, 2018

The actor and comedian on his return to the stage for a Nativity with a difference

A Second Coming
WHAT do the comedian Hugh Dennis, mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington and politician Ann Widdecombe have in common? They all worked for consumer goods giant Unilever before ditching the day job to follow a more celebrated career.

‘Imagine bumping into us three in the staff canteen—what an oddball and unlikely trio,’ remarks Mr Dennis. We’re talking as the Mock the Week star rehearses for the festive comedy The Messiah, his first stage play in 20 years.

‘Fortunately, I didn’t campaign for the retention of blasphemy laws or make the first ascent of the north face of the Eiger. I actually found it hard to leave Unilever because, aged 24, I was travelling the world and entrusted with millions of pounds to produce TV commercials.’

In the end, it was his boss who persuaded Mr Dennis it would be folly not to take up the offer of a sabbatical and appear in the radio comedy series The Mary Whitehouse Experience. ‘I’m still on that sabbatical, 28 years later,’ he says.

Fortunately, the world of toothpaste and hair shampoo’s loss has been light entertainment’s gain. Mr Dennis’s extensive CV includes the popular TV sitcoms Outnumbered and Not Going Out, plus the Radio 4 Friday-evening favourite The Now Show. He’s the longest-serving panel member on the satirical Mock the Week, appearing in every episode since 2005.

We’re talking after a full day of rehearsals, but Mr Dennis comes over as the same witty, sardonic character audiences have come to love; affable and charming, it’s easy to warm to his self-deprecating humour.

Bu hikaye Country Life UK dergisinin November 28, 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Country Life UK dergisinin November 28, 2018 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

COUNTRY LIFE UK DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Kitchen garden cook - Apples
Country Life UK

Kitchen garden cook - Apples

'Sweet and crisp, apples are the epitome of autumn flavour'

time-read
2 dak  |
October 23, 2024
The original Mr Rochester
Country Life UK

The original Mr Rochester

Three classic houses in North Yorkshire have come to the market; the owner of one inspired Charlotte Brontë to write Jane Eyre

time-read
5 dak  |
October 23, 2024
Get it write
Country Life UK

Get it write

Desks, once akin to instruments of torture for scribes, have become cherished repositories of memories and secrets. Matthew Dennison charts their evolution

time-read
6 dak  |
October 23, 2024
'Sloes hath ben my food'
Country Life UK

'Sloes hath ben my food'

A possible paint for the Picts and a definite culprit in tea fraud, the cheek-suckingly sour sloe's spiritual home is indisputably in gin, says John Wright

time-read
3 dak  |
October 23, 2024
Souvenirs of greatness
Country Life UK

Souvenirs of greatness

FOR many years, some large boxes have been stored and forgotten in the dark recesses of the garage. Unpacked last week, the contents turned out to be pots: some, perhaps, nearing a century old—dense terracotta, of interesting provenance.

time-read
3 dak  |
October 23, 2024
Plants for plants' sake
Country Life UK

Plants for plants' sake

The garden at Hergest Croft, Herefordshire The home of Edward Banks The Banks family is synonymous with an extraordinary collection of trees and shrubs, many of which are presents from distinguished friends, garnered over two centuries. Be prepared to be amazed, says Charles Quest-Ritson

time-read
7 dak  |
October 23, 2024
Capturing the castle
Country Life UK

Capturing the castle

Seventy years after Christian Dior’s last fashion show in Scotland, the brand returned under creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri for a celebratory event honouring local craftsmanship, the beauty of the land and the Auld Alliance, explains Kim Parker

time-read
6 dak  |
October 23, 2024
Nature's own cathedral
Country Life UK

Nature's own cathedral

Our tallest native tree 'most lovely of all', the stately beech creates a shaded environment that few plants can survive. John Lewis-Stempel ventures into the enchanted woods

time-read
5 dak  |
October 23, 2024
All that money could buy
Country Life UK

All that money could buy

A new book explores the lost riches of London's grand houses. Its author, Steven Brindle, looks at the residences of plutocrats built by the nouveaux riches of the late-Victorian and Edwardian ages

time-read
8 dak  |
October 23, 2024
In with the old
Country Life UK

In with the old

Diamonds are meant to sparkle in candlelight, but many now gather dust in jewellery boxes. To wear them today, we may need to reimagine them, as Hetty Lintell discovers with her grandmother's jewellery

time-read
5 dak  |
October 23, 2024