Season 1

1. A Strip of Blue

2000-11-04 · 14m

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.

2. Our War

2000-11-04 · 15m

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

3. An Ideal Home

2000-11-12 · 14m

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

4. A Shy Butcher

2000-11-15 · 13m

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

5. Days Out

2000-11-18 · 14m

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

6. Proper Names

2000-11-22 · 13m

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

7. Eating Out

2000-11-25 · 14m

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

8. Aunt Eveline

2000-11-29 · 16m

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

9. Unsaid Prayers

2000-12-02 · 14m

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.

10. No Mean City

2000-12-06 · 14m

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