Season 1

1. A Strip of Blue

The first of ten new monologues, written and delivered by Alan Bennett, that tell of his boyhood and youth in Leeds during the Second World War. Here, a patch of upholstery triggers memories of childhood.

2000-11-04 • 14 min

2. Our War

In this monologue, the writer reflects on how the Second World War seemed to pass his family by.

2000-11-04 • 15 min

3. An Ideal Home

Alan Bennett explains how living over a butcher's shop has its drawbacks, not least the carcasses hanging in the cellar.

2000-11-12 • 14 min

4. A Shy Butcher

Alan Bennett continues his monologues about growing up in Leeds by recalling his father.

2000-11-15 • 13 min

5. Days Out

Alan Bennett continues his monologues about growing up in Leeds with recollections of the craze for hiking.

2000-11-18 • 14 min

6. Proper Names

In tonight's monologue, Alan Bennett reflects on what couples call one another. And what they don't.

2000-11-22 • 13 min

7. Eating Out

Continuing his series of monologues about growing up in Yorkshire, Alan Bennett recalls the perils of department-store cafes in Leeds.

2000-11-25 • 14 min

8. Aunt Eveline

In tonight's monologue, Alan Bennett remembers a cinema pianist with a confusing anatomy.

2000-11-29 • 16 min

9. Unsaid Prayers

Continuing his series of monologues about growing up in Leeds, Alan Bennett recalls boyhood piety, the miseries of fundamentalist religion, and his quarrel with God.

2000-12-02 • 14 min

10. No Mean City

In this final monologue, Alan Bennett reflects on his upbringing in Leeds.

2000-12-06 • 14 min