• Reference Number: DW-252/2/2
• Ref No: DW-252/2/2
• Date: 2 Aug 2019
• Level: Item
• Extent: 1 file (567367KB)
• Format: WAV Audio file
• Description: INTERVIEWEE: Kenneth Rock
  Born: 1951
  Interviewer: Amy
  Date of Interview: 2nd August 2019
  Kenneth was born and grew up in Wolverhampton. His father was an engineer and his mother was a factory worker before being a housewife. Kenneth initially trained as an engineer, before creating a writer?s society with friends. They wrote pantomimes for the local area, and eventually, he became a full-time comedy writer. During his time as a writer, he has worked on a local and an international level.
  [0.00.28] Born in Park Village, where most of his family lived on the same street. Grew up in Wednesfield area of Wolverhampton. Was in education until 1966.
  [0.01.23] First job was a 5-year engineering apprenticeship at Chubbs. Also, a tool setter and worked in production control. Full-time comedy writer in 1980.
  [0.02.13] Early memories of comedy from TV and radio. Had no interest in drama or comedy ? shy as a child.
  [0.02.45] For fun, he formed a drama group with friends after his apprenticeship. After casting for their first project he was the only person left without a role. Group assigned him as scriptwriter-was ?forced? into it. No previous experience. Self-taught using library books. Turned out well and spurred his desire to write.
  [0.05.05] Wrote local pantomimes for 3-4 years ? enjoyed writing comedy and wanted to do more. Sent material he had written to comedians, TV companies, newspapers and magazines. Mostly rejected but material sent back, he would send to somewhere else.
  [0.07.50] Big break came when he sent material to BBC for a Ken Dodd Christmas special show. Rejected, but 6 months later he received a hand-written letter from Ken Dodd. Met him at Birmingham Hippodrome-discussed material. Went home and wrote some material which was accepted by the BBC. Was included on the Radio 2 series ?The Ken Dodd Extravaganza?- how it all began
  [0.09.55] Early pantomimes he wrote were performed at Chubb social club- group was formed of workers. Occasionally performed in local hospitals.
  [0.10.45] Local comedians at the time included Don Maclean and Tommy Mundon. Recalls that Don was one of the first to use his material. Worked with him in pantomime at Wolverhampton Grand. Had weekly meetings together ? discussed material and tried it out in evening performances.
  [0.11.54] Worked with local comedian Billy Dainty-lovely, generous and approachable man.
  [0.12:25] Worked with Don Maclean and Billy Dainty while they did pantomime. Wrote jokes for Don and silly routines and walks for Billy.
  [0.14.31] Lots of comedians influenced his writing in different ways. Huge comedy celebrity stars - different styles. (e.g. Ken Dodd was fast paced, used one-liners. Roy Walker ? storyteller). Tailored his writing to suit them.
  [0.16.00] Transition to becoming a comedy writer was easy-had the experience and contacts by this time.
  [0.17.25] Formed the 'Comedy Writers Association', social event for local writers as can be a lonely job. Started with 20 people in Birmingham, met once a month in a pub. Expanded to national level over time including London and Manchester.
  [0.19.40] Discovered market abroad for British comedy, started writing internationally.
  [0.20.20] Organised conference events - started with week-long events in Blackpool. Producers and artists in summer season would attend. Later expanded and occurred throughout the UK and internationally.
  [0.22.16] Not all members of the 'Comedy writers association' were committed enough for professional environment. Decided to create 'British Society of Comedy Writers' in 1999-similar set up with high standard of writing. People came from worldwide within the industry.
  [0.24.40] Dave Allen, Dick Emery, Kenny Everitt, The Two Ronnies, Russ Abbott were comedians he worked with during his career.
  [0.26.03] Every region has comedy which is unique to the area. Feels proper Black Country comedy is not understood easily by those from outside the area. Lots of books about the dialect as it is like a foreign language to those who are unfamiliar with it. Down to earth humour.
  [0.27.10] Feels the Black Country has a certain stigma, which is good for comedy. Comedians/people from other areas try to use the dialect but can never do it properly-funny to hear them try.
  [0.27.43] Well received in other parts of the world- He knows places in Canada and Australia hold Black Country nights, which are very popular. Thinks this is because people have emigrated that have roots in the Black Country-'gives them a little piece of home'
  [0.30.20] Comedy has changed a lot. Used to be a lot of variety shows-comedians would start with this background. Today they don?t. Political correctness and types of jokes have changed-talk about themselves more now rather than telling jokes.
  [0.32.12] Worked with Lenny Henry early in his career. Saw him win New Faces when he was 16 doing impressions, much different to what he does now. 'Breath of fresh air' to comedy at the time. A black guy doing impressions of white people was unique. Did BBC show- 'The Cheapest show in the Telly'-"exactly what it was". Lack of funds meant writing for this show was restrictive-only had studio and props already there. No money for sets. Lenny was a very good person to work with-new, fresh and different. Learned together about the industry.
  [0.35.16] Family and friends initially didn't take his comedy writing seriously-thought it was a phase Mother would regularly ask when he was going to get a proper job. Makes it difficult, as life at home can be distracting when trying to write professionally. People don't always understand importance of concentration and train of thought-relate writing as a hobby and don't take it seriously as a profession.
  [0.39.37] Enjoys the varied styles and challenge of writing comedy for people-including deadlines. Gives anecdote about comedian who contacted him about preparing material for a pebble mill gig-had 1 hour deadline before performance.
  [0.41.11] Feels that golden age of comedy in Black Country is still happening but 70's and the 80's stand out. Black Country shows were very popular.
  [0.42.10] A Black Country show was held every year at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre-always sold out. Comedians like Tommy Mundon, Aynuk and Ayli and Don Maclean would perform. Fantastic atmosphere.
  [0.43.22] 1989 - first person from Western Europe to sell comedy to Czechoslovakia, while still under communism. When new regime started, he was part of the changes on tv-challenging, as they have a different sense of humour.
  [0.44.25] 1998 -first person to do a comedy writing course in Zimbabwe. British comedy and tv was changing- more opportunities elsewhere. Pursued international work for 2-3 years. Started in Germany, now his second biggest market. Ran comedy writing course for Cologne comedy school once a year-bizarre as was English and teaching German writers to write comedy for German TV. Lead to more international work.
  [0.47.25] Gives advice to comedy writers to be persistent, easier now as more channels available. Harder as less opportunities than before on mainstream TV. Don't take rejection to heart, believe in yourself and stick at it. Attend network events and make contacts face to face- necessary to know if you can work well together.
• Access Status: Open
• Contact: Wolverhampton Archives, Wolverhampton Archives & Local Studies

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