Alan Bennett’s first play, Forty Years On, was produced in 1968; his most recent, Allelujah!, in 2018. His annual diary has appeared in the LRB since 1983. The Lady in the Van was first published in the paper, and the LRB has also carried some of his Talking Heads monologues, as well as short stories, pieces of memoir and reviews. House Arrest: Pandemic Diaries came out in 2022.
Alan Bennett reads from his 2018 diary, in which he puts on a new play and finds himself on someone’s arm.
Alan Bennett reads from his 2017 diary, in which he finds his métier at last.
Alan Bennett reads from his 2016 diary, in which he wonders what ’memes‘ are and goes to Venice.
Alan Bennett reads from his diary for 2015, in which he shouts at the top of his voice and works the red carpet with Alex Jennings.
Alan Bennett explains his objections to private education.
Alan Bennett reads from his 2014 diary, in which he looks after a dog and his memoir, The Lady in the Van, is made into a film.
Alan Bennett reads from his 2013 diary, in which he refuses to pay his bills and celebrates the National Theatre’s 50th birthday.
Alan Bennett reads from his 2012 diary, in which he appears on Family Guy and starts rehearsals for a new play.
Alan Bennett reads from his 2011 diary, in which he considers the banana skin and is mistaken for ‘another Alan’.
Alan Bennett introduces his latest play, The Habit of Art, and responds to questions from the audience about the play, and about his life and work to date.
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