Alan Bennett Night

The BBC give us a real treat tonight when they revisit some of the works of a national treasure, Alan Bennett

The BBC give us a real treat tonight when they revisit some of the works of a national treasure, Alan Bennett

There are not many playwrights who can be described as a national treasure, but Alan Bennett is one of them, and it’s always a treat to revisit some of his works.

BBC2 does just that tonight with films The Lady in the Van, the true story of an eccentric homeless woman who set up home on Alan’s drive, and The History Boys, the 2006 adaptation of Alan’s stage play, which saw early performances from the likes of James Corden, Russell Tovey and Dominic Cooper.

Sandwiched between is another chance to see Being Alan Bennett, the documentary giving a rare glimpse into the reluctant celebrity’s life, filmed during his 75th year.