To launch a retrospective season of his plays, Alan Bennett schedules his perfect evening of television.
Looks Like a Chair, Actually It's a Lavatory
Alan Bennett explores his memories of nearly 40 years of television. He chooses clips from vintage comedies such as Whack-O! and Fawlty Towers, documentaries such as Dennis Mitchell's Morning in the Streets, and the Coronation.
Director David Jeffcock
Producers Sally Angel , John Whiston
7.55pm Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?
Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais' classic 1973 comedy, starring Rodney Bewes and James Bolam, is Alan Bennett 's first selection.
Count Down.
Mrs Chambers has grandiose plans for Thelma's wedding to Bob.
With Brigit Forsyth, Bill Owen, Joan Hickson, Anita Carey.
Producer James Gilbert
8.25pm Abigail's Party
Alan Bennett introduces Mike Leigh's witty and highly acclaimed study of social pretension. While Abigail is throwing her first teenage party, the grown-ups assemble for their own quiet beano.
With Alison Steadman, Tim Stern, Janine Duvitski, John Salthouse, Harriet Reynolds.
Producer Margaret Matheson
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10.10pm JB - aPortrait of Sir John Barbirolli
Alan Bennett's next choice is a documentary from the acclaimed arts series Monitor.
Directed by Melvyn Bragg in 1965, this portrait of the man who built up Manchester's
Halle Orchestra into one of the finest in the world assesses his incredible musical achievement and reveals a person who is both witty and forthright.
11.00pm Days at the Beach
Alan Bennett concludes his evening of perfect viewing with Malcolm Mowbray's compelling play from 1981, and explains why he thinks it exemplifies what television does best.
Sergeant Major Globe is an accomplished dancer. Corporal Mumford learnt to live off the land in France. Private Tope joined the army to eat. They are the British army of 1920, guarding a mine on a deserted beach.
Producer David Rose