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Fitting tributes to comedy stars
Actor Sim recognised by buildings heritage group as Williams looks set to follow
THEY made millions laugh. And now the memories of two of Camden’s finest comic actors will live on, not just in black and white movies, but in blue plaques on the walls of their former homes.
Alastair Sim, the Ealing Studios star who appeared in such classics as Whiskey Galore and The Lady Killers, had an English Heritage blue plaque in his name unveiled yesterday (Wednesday) by actors Sir Ian McKellen and Carry On star Barbara Windsor.
The ceremony, at Alastair Sim’s old house in Frognal Gardens, Hampstead, was attended by his daughter, Merlith McKendrick.
But it is not just Sim who is in line for the heritage honour. It is understood that a campaign in King’s Cross to similarly honour Kenneth Williams – first revealed in the New Journal two months ago – appears to have been successful.
English Heritage have agreed with campaigners, including Labour councillor Jonathan Simpson and residents and businesses in Marchmont Street, that he should be shortlisted for a plaque.
While Kenneth Williams’s tribute might take a couple of years to be erected, Sim’s plaque was greeted with cheers yesterday.
Standing outside the home her father lived in for 30 years, Ms McKendrick said: “He came to London to perform in plays and loved visiting the Garrick, but he was a very private man and looked forward to returning to the peace and quiet of Hampstead.”
Sir Ian, who directed the actor in the West End in the 1960s, paid tribute to Sim’s craft.
He said: “He could have an audience twisted around his little finger. He was awe-inspiring to see at work.
“One of the crucial things that makes him stand out is his films. With others of his calibre – Ralph Richardson, Laurence Olivier, Sir John Geilgud – their best work was on stage. But Sim was just as good in front of a camera. He could that so well, and that is why he was so popular.”
Barbara Windsor starred with both Sim and Williams, and said she was delighted their memories were being honoured.
She said: “I was in the Belles of St Trinians with Alastair and was frankly quite in awe of him.
“They weren’t that in awe of me – most of my scenes were cut.”
Of her old Carry On team-mate Kenneth Williams, the EastEnders actor added: “I have been badgering people about this for some time.”
English Heritage are considering which of Williams’s home is most fitting.
His final home in Great Portland Street, which had a plaque put up by the Dead Comics Society, has been demolished.
He grew up in Marchmont Street but later lived in nearby Queen Alexandra Mansions.
Ms Windsor added: “I used to go past his Portland Street flat three or four times a week and it always brought a smile to my face. Now I would like to see it go up in his old home in King’s Cross.”
Marchmont Street Association chairman Ricci de Freitas told English Heritage: “There is a feeling of pride about Kenneth Williams’s association with the street, so it follows that a blue plaque in his honour would greatly appreciated.”
An English Heritage spokeswoman confirmed Mr Williams has been added to a shortlist but warned some cases take up to six years to process due to the number of nominations the body receives.
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