Alan Bennett: Plays

BBC Radio dramatisations

By: Alan Bennett

Narrated by: John Gielgud, Maggie Smith, Patricia Routledge

A unique collection of 12 full-cast BBC Radio productions of plays by Alan Bennett.

The titles are:

• 40 Years On
• A Visit from Miss Prothero
• Say Something Happened
• Kafka's Dick
• Two in Torquay
• The Madness of George III
• The History Boys
• An Englishman Abroad
• A Question of Attribution
• The Lady in the Van
• Cocktail Sticks and the Last of the Sun

The cast includes John Gielgud, Patricia Routledge, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Judi Dench, Thora Hird, Alex Jennings and many more.

©2016 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2016 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Great Yarns, well told/acted

I only ever knew Alan Bennett from his appearances in things on TV — Beyond the Fringe, chatting with Parkinson. I may vaguely have known he was a writer. But of what, I could not have told you. When I selected one of two other Audible titles, I was told I “might like” this set of BBC Radio Plays. And boy, were they right! A couple have been made into movies — which I’ve heard of but hadn’t yet seen. Now, I think I’ll search those out, especially The History Boys and The Lady in the Van. And now, I’ve downloaded another set of Alan Bennett writings. Short stories, I believe. Can’t wait!

Ladies of a certain age…

I liked how this series of plays/ dramatizations seemed to be so much about older women. It’s a space often ignored, and A. Bennett keeps it center stage with consummate finesse. There is humor with understanding, and I think the playwright’s affection shines through quite movingly.

Wonderful!

First-rate radio productions of Alan Bennett’s plays! His work is always intelligent, funny, and gives one pause to reflect one’s own life. Definitely worth the purchase!

Great value but poorly presented on Audible

Original BBC radio productions
Only wish Audible had individual titles instead of numbered halters which makes navigating very difficult and confusing since there’s no sleeve notes or tracklisting

Disappointed

I knew some of the narrators so I thought I'd like it but I was mistaken. The underlying tone of the first play was too much for me to even want to try finishing it.