Personal Info
Birth date
1934-05-09 (91 Years)
Gender
Male
Known for
Writing
Place of birth
Leeds, Yorkshire, England, UK
Also known as
-Alan Bennett
Biography
Alan Bennett is an English playwright, screenwriter and author. Born in Leeds, he attended Oxford University where he studied history and performed with The Oxford Revue. He stayed to teach and research medieval history at the university for several years. His collaboration as writer and performer with Dudley Moore, Jonathan Miller and Peter Cook in the satirical revue Beyond the Fringe at the 1960 Edinburgh Festival brought him instant fame. He gave up academia, and turned to writing full time, his first stage play Forty Years On being produced in 1968. His output includes The Madness of George III and its film incarnation The Madness of King George, the series of monologues Talking Heads, the play The History Boys, and popular audio books, including his readings of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Winnie-the-Pooh. Description above from the Wikipedia article Alan Bennett, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.
Filmography
Family Guy
7.384
Overview:
Sick, twisted, politically incorrect and Freakin' Sweet animated series featuring the adventures of the dysfunctional Griffin family. Bumbling Peter and long-suffering Lois have three kids. Stewie (a brilliant but sadistic baby bent on killing his mother and taking over the world), Meg (the oldest, and is the most unpopular girl in town) and Chris (the middle kid, he's not very bright but has a passion for movies). The final member of the family is Brian - a talking dog and much more than a pet, he keeps Stewie in check whilst sipping Martinis and sorting through his own life issues.The South Bank Show
5.6
Overview:
The South Bank Show is a television arts magazine show that was produced by ITV between 1978 and 2010. A new series began on Sky Arts from 27 May 2012. Presented by Melvyn Bragg, the show aims to bring both high art and popular culture to a mass audience.Omnibus
7.2
Overview:
Omnibus was an arts-based BBC television documentary series, broadcast mainly on BBC1 in the United Kingdom. The programme was the successor to the long-running arts-based series 'Monitor'. It ran from 1967 until 2003, usually being transmitted on Sunday evenings. During its 35-year history, the programme won 12 Bafta awards. Among the series' best remembered documentaries are Cracked Actor, a profile of David Bowie, and Rene Magritte, a graduate film by David Wheatley, 'Madonna: Behind the American dream', a film produced by Nadia Hagger, and a profile of the British film director Ridley Scott. For a season in 1982, the series was in a magazine format presented by Barry Norman. The series was replaced by 'Imagine' hosted by Alan Yentob.Play for Today
6.333
Overview:
Play for Today is a British television anthology drama series, produced by the BBC and transmitted on BBC1 from 1970 to 1984. During the run, more than three hundred programmes, featuring original television plays, and adaptations of stage plays and novels, were transmitted. The individual episodes were between fifty and a hundred minutes in duration.The BBC Television Shakespeare
6
Overview:
The BBC Television Shakespeare is a series of British television adaptations of the plays of William Shakespeare, created by Cedric Messina and produced by BBC Television. It was transmitted in the UK from 3 December 1978 to 27 April 1985 and spanned seven series. Development of the series began in 1975 when Messina saw that Glamis Castle would make a perfect location for an adaptation of Shakespeare's play As You Like It. On returning to London, he envisioned an entire series devoted exclusively to the dramatic works of Shakespeare. After encountering numerous problems trying to produce the series, Messina eventually pitched the idea to the BBC’s departmental heads and the series was greenlighted. The series as a whole received generally negative reviews from critics.Hallmark Hall of Fame
8.571
Overview:
Hallmark Hall of Fame is an anthology program on American television, sponsored by Hallmark Cards, a Kansas City based greeting card company. The longest-running primetime series in the history of television, it has a historically long run, beginning during 1951 and continuing into 2013. From 1954 onward, all of its productions have been shown in color, although color television video productions were extremely rare in 1954. Many television movies have been shown on the program since its debut, though the program began with live telecasts of dramas and then changed to videotaped productions before finally changing to filmed ones. The series has received eighty Emmy Awards, twenty-four Christopher Awards, eleven Peabody Awards, nine Golden Globes, and four Humanitas Prizes. Once a common practice in American television, it is the last remaining television program such that the title includes the name of the sponsor. Unlike other long-running TV series still on the air, it differs in that it broadcasts only occasionally and not on a weekly broadcast programming schedule.Alan Bennett's Talking Heads
8.1
Overview:
Widely celebrated as Alan Bennett's masterpieces, his multi-award-winning Talking Heads return to BBC One. Filmed during lockdown under social distancing guidelines, a new generation of Britain's finest actors star in 10 of Bennett's classic scripts, alongside two brand new Talking Heads penned by the acclaimed writer last year.The Secret Policeman's Ball
5
Overview:
A series of benefit shows staged initially in the United Kingdom to raise funds for the human rights organisation Amnesty International. The shows started in 1976 featuring popular British comedians but later included leading musicians and actors. The Secret Policeman's Ball shows are credited by many prominent entertainers with having galvanised them to become involved with Amnesty and other social and political causes in succeeding years.Ashenden
6
Overview:
Four-part drama about a writer recruited into espionage work by British intelligence during the First World War. Based on the writings of Somerset MaughamMeg and Mog
NYR
Overview:
British children's series about a well-meaning witch, her anarchist cat, an owl and a bit of magic. Together, these odd characters create a colorful and eventful world - spiced with mystery.The Glass Box
NYR
Overview:
Shelly Rohde meets various celebrities to ask them which personal treasures they would seal away in a glass box for future generations. Guests include Hughie Green, Edward Heath and Victoria Wood.Fortunes of War
6.4
Overview:
Fortunes of War is a 1987 BBC television adaptation of Olivia Manning's cycle of novels Fortunes of War. It stars Kenneth Branagh as Guy Pringle, lecturer in English Literature in Bucharest during the early part of the Second World War, and Emma Thompson as his wife Harriet. Other cast members included Ronald Pickup, Robert Stephens, Alan Bennett, Philip Madoc and Rupert Graves. The series stays relatively faithful to the original novels, with no notable departures from their plot.Julie Walters and Friends
NYR
Overview:
Julie Walters and Friends was a one-off comedy sketch show showcasing the talents of actress Julie Walters. Sketches were written by Walters' frequent collaborators, including Victoria Wood, Alan Bennett, Willy Russell and Alan Bleasdale. Walters portrayed new characters alongside roles she had previously been known for, including a monologue in which she appeared as Mrs Murray, her character from G.B.H, written by Bleasdale. The show was nominated for the Best Light Entertainment award at the 1992 BAFTAs.Selling Hitler
7
Overview:
Based on the book by Robert Harris, this is a comic-dramatisation of the true story of the one of the most famous forgery cases in the world, the infamous 'Hitler Diaries' of the early 1980s. Jonathan Pryce stars as the German journalist Gerd Heidemann who convinces himself that he has discovered a set of secret diaries written by the leader of the Third Reich and tries to convince the world, making a fortune for himself in the process.Talking Heads
6.2
Overview:
A series of dramatic monologues written for BBC television by the acclaimed British playwright Alan Bennett.The Abbey with Alan Bennett
NYR
Overview:
In this captivating and insightful documentary, Alan Bennett takes on the role of a guide to Westminster Abbey. He unveils a side of history that is lesser-known yet intriguing, and is granted entry into the unseen corners and secret chambers that remain hidden from the eyes of tourists.Telling Tales
NYR
Overview:
Alan Bennett re-lives his upbringing in Leeds in a series of talks, both amusing and touching.A Dance to the Music of Time
5.3
Overview:
A Dance to the Music of Time is a four-part adaptation of Anthony Powell's 12-volume novel sequence that aired on Channel 4 in 1997. The series is a sharp, comic portrait of upper-class and bohemian England, spanning almost a century, from the early 1920s to modern times.On the Margin
NYR
Overview:
On the Margin was a British satirical comedy sketch show written and performed by Alan Bennett and a regular cast including John Sergeant, Virginia Stride, Madge Hindle and Yvonne Gilan. Guest performers included John Fortune and Jonathan Miller. The show also featured songs and poems by John Betjeman and Philip Larkin. Each episode featured a mixture of sketches, some prophesying his later television dramas such as the quasi-soap, Streets Ahead, Life and Times in NW1, and more unexpectedly, serious poetry and music slots incorporating readings by Michael Hordern and Prunella Scales with archive footage of music-hall stars. This personalised nostalgic element distinguished On the Margin from other contemporary sketch shows, with Bennett's satirical swipes at Britain, integrated with his genuine love of its cultural heritage. It was directed by Sydney Lotterby, produced by Patrick Garland and was broadcast between 9 November and 14 December 1966 on BBC 2. It was repeated twice in 1967, but the tapes were wiped in the 1970s so the main surviving evidence of the series are the scripts. However, a compilation CD of audio extracts was released in 2009.The Madness of King George
6.776
Overview:
Aging King George III of England is exhibiting signs of madness, a problem little understood in 1788. As the monarch alternates between bouts of confusion and near-violent outbursts of temper, his hapless doctors attempt the ineffectual cures of the day. Meanwhile, Queen Charlotte and Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger attempt to prevent the king's political enemies, led by the Prince of Wales, from usurping the throne.The Lady in the Van
6.4
Overview:
The true story of the relationship between Alan Bennett and the singular Miss Shepherd, a woman of uncertain origins who ‘temporarily’ parked her van in Bennett’s London driveway and proceeded to live there for 15 years.The History Boys
6.7
Overview:
The story of an unruly class of bright, funny history students at a Yorkshire grammar school in pursuit of an undergraduate place at Oxford or Cambridge. Bounced between their maverick English master, a young and shrewd teacher hired to up their test scores, a grossly out-numbered history teacher, and a headmaster obsessed with results, the boys attempt to pass.In Love and War
6
Overview:
After teenage ambulance driver Ernest Hemingway takes shrapnel in the leg during World War I, he falls in love with Agnes von Kurowsky, a beautiful older nurse at the hospital where he's sent to recover. Their affair slowly blossoms, until Hemingway boldly asks Agnes to be his wife and journey to America with him.Prick Up Your Ears
6.7
Overview:
When the young, attractive Joe Orton meets the older, more introverted Kenneth Halliwell at drama school, he befriends the kindred spirit and they start an affair. As Orton becomes more comfortable with his sexuality and starts to find success with his writing, Halliwell becomes increasingly alienated and jealous, ultimately tapping into a dangerous rage.A Private Function
6.292
Overview:
In the summer of 1947, Britain prepares to commemorate the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. To get around food-rationing laws, Dr. Charles Swaby, accountant Henry Allardyce and solicitor Frank Lockwood are fattening a black-market pig for the big day. Egged on by his wife, meek Gilbert Chilvers steals the swine, but the couple must conceal it from inspector Morris Wormold.Allelujah
5.2
Overview:
When news of the closure of a small hospital's geriatric ward begins to reach the community, the hospital invites a local news crew to document their planning of a concert in honor of the hospital's most celebrated nurse. But there might be something more threatening to the hospital itself, more deadly than the politicians ready to shut down the place at a moment's notice.Acting
2024Alan Bennett: 90 Years On as Unknown
2022Stewart Lee: Tornado as Self
2022Eric Ravilious: Drawn to War as Unknown
2017Stop All the Clocks: W.H. Auden in an Age of Anxiety as Himself
2016Alan Bennett's Diaries as Himself
2015The Lady in the Van as Alan Bennett (2014)
2013The Native Hue of Resolution as Unknown
2013Mouse and Mole at Christmas Time as Mole (voice)
2013National Theatre Live: 50 Years on Stage as Hector
2012My Friend Sam: Living for the Moment as Unknown
2011Books: The Last Chapter? as Self
2009Being Alan Bennett as Himself
2004Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball? as Self
2003The Young Visiters as Narrator (voice)
2003Meg and Mog (52 Episodes) as Owl
2003The Importance of Being Morrissey as Self
1999Family Guy (1 Episode) as Alan Bennett (voice)
1998Did I Say Hairdressing? I Meant Astrophysics as (voice)
1997A Dance to the Music of Time (4 Episodes) as Sillery
1996The Willows in Winter as Mole
1996In Love and War as Porter
1995The Abbey with Alan Bennett (3 Episodes) as Self
1995The Wind in the Willows as Mole
1995Some Interesting Facts About Peter Cook as Self
1994The Madness of King George as 2nd MP
1994Portrait or Bust as Himself
1993Selling Hitler as Hugh Trevor-Roper
1991Julie Walters and Friends as Unknown
1991Julie Walters and Friends (1 Episode) as Unknown
1991Ashenden (1 Episode) as Grantly Caypor
1991Selling Hitler (5 Episodes) as Hugh Trevor-Roper
1988Building Sights (1 Episode) as Self - Presenter
1988Dinner at Noon as Himself - Presenter
1988Talking Heads as Unknown
1988Talking Heads (1 Episode) as Graham Whittaker
1987Little Dorrit as The Bishop
1987Fortunes of War (7 Episodes) as Lord Pinkrose
1985Dreamchild as Mock Turtle (voice)
1985The Glass Box (1 Episode) as Self (archival footage)
1982The Merry Wives of Windsor as Justice Shallow
1982Intensive Care as Denis Midgley
1982The Secret Policeman's Other Ball as Self - Various Roles
1979Afternoon Off as Mr Petty
1978The BBC Television Shakespeare (1 Episode) as Justice Shallow
1978Me! I'm Afraid of Virginia Woolf as Narrator (voice)
1978Long Shot as Neville's Doctor
1978The South Bank Show (1 Episode) as Self
1978A Visit from Miss Prothero as Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
1976Pleasure at Her Majesty's as Self
1976The Secret Policeman's Ball (15 Episodes) as Self
1970Play for Today (1 Episode) as Denis Midgley
1970Every Home Should Have One as Defence Solicitor
1967Omnibus (1 Episode) as Self
1966Alice in Wonderland as Mouse
1966On the Margin (6 Episodes) as Unknown
1965The Drinking Party as Eryximachus
1964Beyond the Fringe as Various Characters
1951Hallmark Hall of Fame (1 Episode) as Osric
Writing
TBAThe Choral ... Writer
2023Allelujah ... Writer
2020Alan Bennett's Talking Heads (12 Episodes) ... Writer
2018National Theatre Live: The Madness of George III ... Writer
2018National Theatre Live: Allelujah! ... Writer
2015The Lady in the Van ... Writer
2013National Theatre Live: People ... Writer
2010National Theatre Live: The Habit of Art ... Writer
2006The History Boys ... Screenplay, Author
2000Telling Tales (10 Episodes) ... Writer
1998Talking Heads 2 ... Writer
1998Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet ... Writer
1994The Madness of King George ... Screenplay, Theatre Play
1994Portrait or Bust ... Writer
1991Julie Walters and Friends ... Writer
1991A Question of Attribution ... Writer
1991A Life in Death ... Writers' Assistant
1990102 Boulevard Haussmann ... Writer
1988Dinner at Noon ... Writer
1988Talking Heads ... Writer
1988Talking Heads (12 Episodes) ... Writer
1987Prick Up Your Ears ... Screenplay
1986The Insurance Man ... Writer
1985Screen Two (32 Episodes) ... Writer
1984A Private Function ... Screenplay, Story
1983An Englishman Abroad ... Writer
1982Say Something Happened ... Writer
1982Marks ... Writer
1982Rolling Home ... Writer
1982A Woman of No Importance. ... Writer
1982Our Winnie ... Writer
1982Objects of Affection (6 Episodes) ... Writer
1982Intensive Care ... Writer
1979All Day on the Sands ... Writer
1979One Fine Day ... Writer
1979Afternoon Off ... Writer
1979The Old Crowd ... Writer
1978Doris and Doreen ... Writer
1978Me! I'm Afraid of Virginia Woolf ... Writer
1978A Visit from Miss Prothero ... Writer
1977A Little Outing ... Writer
1975Sunset Across the Bay ... Writer
1972A Day Out ... Writer
1970Play for Today (2 Episodes) ... Writer
1964Beyond the Fringe ... Writer
Production
2023Allelujah ... Executive Producer
1998Miss Fozzard Finds Her Feet ... Executive Producer
Creator
2020Alan Bennett's Talking Heads ... Creator
2000Telling Tales ... Creator
1991Julie Walters and Friends ... Creator
1988Talking Heads ... Creator
Crew
1986Man and Music (4 Episodes) ... Presenter