Telling Tales - Season 1

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A Strip of Blue

1 - A Strip of Blue

Air Date: November 4, 2000

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.

Our War

2 - Our War

Air Date: November 4, 2000

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

An Ideal Home

3 - An Ideal Home

Air Date: November 12, 2000

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

A Shy Butcher

4 - A Shy Butcher

Air Date: November 15, 2000

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

Days Out

5 - Days Out

Air Date: November 18, 2000

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

Proper Names

6 - Proper Names

Air Date: November 22, 2000

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

Eating Out

7 - Eating Out

Air Date: November 25, 2000

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

Aunt Eveline

8 - Aunt Eveline

Air Date: November 29, 2000

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

Unsaid Prayers

9 - Unsaid Prayers

Air Date: December 2, 2000

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.

No Mean City

10 - No Mean City

Air Date: December 6, 2000

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