"A vocal chameleon"

Maurice Denham, one of the pioneering actors in British radio comedy, has died at the age of 92.

He starred in two of the most popular shows of the Forties, It's That Man Again and Much-Binding-In-The-Marsh.

At their peak, ITMA, as the former was affectionately known, attracted audiences of up to 20million - making it the most popular radio comedy ever.

The actor, who was in demand because of his talent for putting on voices, died at Denville Hall in Northwood, north-west London, a nursing home for elderly actors.

He also had a string of film credits to his name, including The Day of the Jackal and 84 Charing Cross Road, and had been awarded the OBE.

ITMA was one of the very first radio comedies, starting in 1939 and running for 310 episodes. Though very dated to modern ears its cast, especially star Tony Handley, were much loved by listeners.

Denham only appeared in the second series, and was best known for his Radio Luxembourg spoofs.

He was a more regular feature on Much-Binding-In-The-Marsh, set in an RAF station, playing more than 60 roles.

It ran from 1947 to 1953 and starred Kenneth Horne and Richard Murdoch, who described Denham as "a vocal chameleon" because he provided virtually every other character in the series.

Denham also featured in classic comedy series Porridge, and, most recently, Peak Practice.

Denham was widowed, and leaves two sons and a daughter.

* Background info from Radio Comedy 1938-1968 by Andy Foster and Steve Durst

Published: 25 Jul 2002