Comedian, actor, musician and Strictly winner Bill Bailey takes the lead in a brand new Radio 4 comedy special, Hennikay. Written by David Spicer the cast also features Sanjeev Bhaskar (Goodness Gracious Me) and Elizabeth Carling (Casualty).

Bill plays Guy Starling, a middle aged man who, after 45 years, suddenly meets up with his imaginary childhood friend, Hennikay. It's the biggest day in his career and he is on the brink of closing the biggest deal yet but, when Guy strides into his office at Solutify Technology, a software house that develops games for grown-ups to spend their time playing on their phones, he is confronted with an 11 year old boy playing keepy-uppies. And to make matters worse, no one else can see or hear him because he is Hennikay, Guy’s imaginary friend from his lonely childhood. A warm, funny look at childhood, adulthood and some of the follies of modern life.

Bill Bailey says: “I loved working on Hennikay - it was a brilliant, funny, and touching piece of writing by David Spicer. And I relished the chance to work with some top comedy and acting talent.”

Sioned Wiliam, Radio 4’s Commissioning Editor for Comedy, adds: “It’s wonderful having Bill back on Radio 4, acting in this touching and witty script. The role suits him down to the ground, making the most of his brilliant comic timing and charismatic presence.” 

It has also just been announced that Bill Bailey is to perform a limited run at the Royal Opera House in London entitled Summer Larks. Details and tickets here.

Hennikay, starring Bill Bailey, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Elizabeth Carling, is on Radio 4 and BBC Sounds 19:15, Sunday, 27 June. 

Cast:

Guy … Bill Bailey
Tony … Sanjeev Bhaskar
Marika … Elizabeth Carling
Kallie … Anna Leong Brophy
Don … John Schwab
Hennikay … Max Pattison

Written by David Spicer
Producer: Liz Anstee

A CPL production for BBC Radio 4