Radio
Cosmic Shindig
Classical Concert
2007
In this epic, one-off, special-edition, musical extravaganza, Bill joined forces with the BBC Concert Orchestra to present an evening of laughter and music - a sort of comedy concerto - for the benefit of Comic Relief.
Recorded at London’s South Bank Centre, and broadcast on BBC Radio 3, the event gave us a guided tour through the instruments of the orchestra, with music as diverse as the William Tell Overture, the Carnival of the Animals, and the theme from Shaft. The orchestra was conducted by Oscar-winning composer Anne Dudley, and she performed some of her own compositions, including a ‘Cavalcade of the Unloved’ – an alternative to the Carnival of the Animals featuring rather more unpleasant creatures.
Bill also demonstrated the theremin, played a telescopic alpine horn, and performed a selection of his own compositions, including Insect Nation and The Leg of Time, with full orchestral arrangement. All in all, a delightful event, enlightening and entertaining in equal measures. Produced by Neil Varley.
Photos by Marilyn Kingwill.
ThisIsLondon Review | Anne Dudley Website
Just a Minute
2003 & 2005
Radio 4
Panel game where contestants must talk on a given subject for one minute without hesitation, repetition or deviation. Hosted by Nicholas Parsons, with regular panellists Paul Merton, Tony Hawks and Clement Freud. Bill has now appeared three times, twice in 2003, and once in 2005. Although initially displaying some frustration over some of the more pedantic aspects of the game, he has since proved a competent player.
The 99p Challenge
2001-2003
Radio 4
Comedy quiz show where contestants must think up funny ideas for things such as relaxation tapes, and wrong number phone calls. Regulars include Armando Iannucci, Simon Pegg and Peter Baynham. Hosted by Sue Perkins, Bill features in 2 episodes.
I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
2002
Radio 4
Comedy quiz show featuring rounds such as "one song to the tune of another", "new definitions" and "Mornington Crescent". Humphrey Littleton hosts, with panellists Graham Garden, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Barry Cryer and able assistance from the lovely Samantha. Bill has appeared twice, and among his most memorable contributions is a version of “Run, Rabbit, Run“ sung to the tune of “Stormy Weather”.
I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue Website
Ba.com Adverts
2002
A series of 11 adverts narrated by Bill in which he talks about strange experiences in places such as Africa, Edinburgh, Madrid, Venice, and New York; using music to illustrate his point.
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