Bond girl Madeline Smith heads to Hemel Hempstead

Sussex-born actress Madeline Smith, best-known for playing Miss Caruso in Live and Let Die, stars in Kenneth Williams - A Centenary Celebration at The Old Town Hall this month.

Actor and writer Mark Farrelly, The Kenneth Williams Diaries editor Russell Davies and Bob Monkhouse impersonator Simon Cartwright join Madeline for the tribute to the cult figure.

The show premiered to huge acclaim at Jermyn Theatre in the West End on the much-loved actor and raconteur's 100th birthday on February 22.

Kenneth Williams' glittering career from Carry On to Hancock's Half Hour has left an indelible mark on British culture. His celebrity fans include Judy Garland, Orson Welles and Michael Sheen who portrayed the Round the Horne performer in BAFTA-nominated biopic Fantabulosa!

"Kenneth is funny and brilliant," says Madeline. "Far more clever than people have ever given him credit for. He reminded me a lot of Alec Guinness, with whom I worked with for a year. Both were complex. I think he always felt frustrated. That comes out in the diaries. A lot more going on beneath the surface. Very serious in real life, had strong opinions and was a total perfectionist. He was always looking to be loved and needed and was incredibly clever, almost too clever for his own good really and unbelievably funny. A genuine genius."

Madeline landed the role of Italian agent Miss Caruso in 1973 Bond film Live and Let Die without auditioning.

"I always wondered what happened to Miss Caruso," says Madeline. "I would have liked to have the continuing story of my silly little character. It was such fun. Roger Moore was completely adorable and so easy to work with. No airs and graces whatsoever and no star complex. Just a lovely guy." 

Madeline's CV also includes appearing in The Two Ronnies, Steptoe and Son, Doctor at Large, The Persuaders, Theatre of Blood, The Vampire Lovers, Frankenstein and the Monster from Hell, Taste the Blood of Dracula, Take Me High, The Amazing Mr Blunden, Up Pompeii and Carry On Matron.

She has also acted alongside the likes of Leslie Phillips, Eric Morecambe, Arthur Lowe, Ronnie Barker, Ronnie Corbett, Peter Sellers, Bernard Cribbins, Frankie Howerd, Vincent Price, Diana Dors, Hattie Jacques and Peter Cushing.

Kenneth Williams - A Centenary Celebration takes place at The Old Town Hall at 8.00pm on November 18. Tickets are available at oldtownhall.co.uk.