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An adaptation for radio of the National Theatre's production of Alan Bennett's short autobiographical play "Cocktail Sticks", originally directed by Nicholas Hytner.

Alan looks back on his early life with affection and sadness, revisiting some of the themes and conversations of his memoir "A Life Like other People's". Both he and – to a certain extent - his mother (with her longing for "cocktail parties"), are seduced by the idea that other people's lives are much richer and more fulfilling than their own.

But, in adulthood, Alan came to realise the value of a happy family upbringing, and the particular strengths and virtues of his father and mother. When Alan and his mother do, finally, have cocktail parties, they are not at all what his mother would have envisaged.

Alan is played by Alex Jennings and Alan Bennett, supported by the original National Theatre cast of Gabrielle Lloyd, Jeff Rawle, Sue Wallace and Derek Hutchinson.

Cast
Alan Bennett ..... Alan Bennett and Alex Jennings
Mam ..... Gabrielle Lloyd
Dad/Nevill Coghill ..... Jeff Rawle
Other Parts ..... Sue Wallace and Derek Hutchinson
Music composed by ..... George Fenton
Music played by ..... Chris Fish and Rachel Elliot
National Theatre Director ..... Nicholas Hytner
Radio Abridgement and Production ..... Gordon House