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A Night in with Alan Bennett

on BBC Two England

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
0 TELETEXT SUBTITLES: page 888

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

Contributors

Unknown:
Alan Bennett
Director:
David Jeffcock
Producers:
Sally Angel
Producers:
John Whiston
Unknown:
Dick Clement
Unknown:
Ian La Frenais
Unknown:
Rodney Bewes
Unknown:
James Bolam
Unknown:
Mrs Chambers
Unknown:
Brigit Forsyth
Unknown:
Bill Owen
Unknown:
Joan Hickson
Unknown:
Anita Carey.
Producer:
James Gilbert
Unknown:
Mike Leigh
Unknown:
Alison Steadman
Unknown:
Tim Stern
Unknown:
Janine Duvitski
Unknown:
John Salthouse
Unknown:
Harriet Reynolds.
Producer:
Margaret Matheson
Unknown:
Sir John Barbirolli
Directed By:
Melvyn Bragg
Unknown:
Malcolm Mowbray
Producer:
David Rose
Globe:
Sam Kelly
Mumford:
Stephen Bill
Tope:
Mark Aspinall
Mrs Morgan:
Julie Walters
Mr Morgan:
Charles McKeown
Daphne:
Tricia George
Grace:
Kathryn Pogson
Rose:
Jane Gurnett
Sergio:
Kevin Elyot
Tony:
Christopher Ryan
Mario:
Stephen Wale
Bridget:
Sharon Duce

BBC Two England

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