Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

4 Extra Debut. Alan Bennett reads from his diaries: The History Boys has ended its theatre run and he laments abandoned pieces he has written.

More unique observations, recollections and reminiscences.

Writer Alan Bennett reads extracts from the third collection of his diaries.

Starting in 2005 - his play 'The History Boys' has its last production at the National Theatre and Alan laments the many abandoned pieces he has written.

Covering the years 2005 to 2014, the diaries cover a packed decade that included writing four highly-acclaimed plays – 'The Habit of Art', ‘People’, ‘Hymn’ and ‘Cocktail Sticks’, all of which premiered at the National Theatre – as well as the screenplays for the hit films of ‘The History Boys’ and ‘’The Lady in the Van’.

In addition, Alan reflects on 25 years of friendship and collaboration with director Nicholas Hytner, life with his partner Rupert Thomas and, radical views notwithstanding, his status as ‘kindly, cosy and essentially harmless’ – a view which these diaries do their best to disprove.

Alan’s previous diary collections are 'Writing Â鶹ԼÅÄ' and 'Untold Stories',

Abridged and produced by Gordon House.

First broadcast on Â鶹ԼÅÄ Radio 4 in October 2016.

1 minute

Last on

Tue 24 Aug 2021 02:00

More episodes

Previous

You are at the first episode

Next

See all episodes from Alan Bennett - Keeping On Keeping On

Credits

Role Contributor
Reader Alan Bennett
Author Alan Bennett
Abridger Gordon House
Producer Gordon House

Broadcasts

  • Mon 24 Oct 2016 09:45
  • Tue 25 Oct 2016 00:30
  • Mon 23 Aug 2021 14:00
  • Tue 24 Aug 2021 02:00