Geoffrey Perkins

February 22, 1953

Geoffrey Perkins (22 February 1953 – 29 August 2008) was a British comedy writer, producer and performer. He served as Head of Comedy at BBC Television from 1995 to 2001, overseeing major series including The Royle Family, The Fast Show and Jonathan Creek. Perkins first gained prominence as a radio producer, most notably on BBC Radio 4’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, where he helped shape the series’ sound and structure. He also helped revitalise I’m Sorry, I Haven’t A Clue, introducing the long-running “Mornington Crescent” round. He co-created and starred in Radio Active with Angus Deayton, later adapted for television as KYTV. After working at Hat Trick Productions, he returned to the BBC before moving into independent production with Tiger Aspect, producing acclaimed shows including The Catherine Tate Show, Harry & Paul, Father Ted and Benidorm. Perkins was widely respected for his editorial judgment and influence on modern British comedy.